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  Crossover switching and pump systemRelated Patent Categories: Pumps, Expansible Chamber Type, Plural Pumping Chambers, Unitary Or Interconnected Elements Form Inlet Or Discharge Distributors For Plural ChambersThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060171827. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/103,272, filed Apr. 11, 2005, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/562,040, filed Apr. 14, 2004, both of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates generally to fluid valves and particularly to those capable of providing fluid direction control and switching functions at a substantially continuous rate. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] In order to enhance performance of their pumping systems, many manufacturers have replaced single acting pumps with double acting pumps. These reciprocating pumps typically utilize one or more cylinders together with appropriate valves for controlling fluid flow to and from the cylinders. The pumps are configured to simultaneously pump fluid from one cylinder while drawing fluid into another cylinder. When the fluid of the pumping cylinder is expended, the pump switches the pumping action to the other cylinder, while supplying the expended cylinder with fluid. This reciprocating action permits the pump to have a relatively continuous flow. [0006] The double acting pumps may be connected to a rotating crossover valve that switches the fluid flow by rotating a cylindrical fluid director to communicate with various ports on the pump. These crossover valves, however, are required to operate under low to medium pressure in most applications but also very high pressures in many applications. For example, some applications may require pressures in excess of 3,000 psi. Additionally, many of the fluids that are being pumped in such applications contain coarse particles, which can cause significant wear and tear on the valve leading to valve leakage and failure. [0007] The rotating crossover valves have several problems when operating under such conditions. For example, one problem is that the coarse particles are often drawn into an area between the rotating fluid director and stationary valve housing and wear the fluid director and housing. As a result, the rotatable crossover valves are unable to operate for long periods of time and frequently require replacement, typically of the entire crossover valve. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] There is need for a valve that can operate without the disadvantages of the rotatable crossover valves. Specifically, there is a need for a valve that can operate with various fluids under high or low pressure with increased longevity. Additionally, there is a need for a valve that can operate with fluids containing particles of the size that would provide texture in paint without producing significant wear on the valve. [0009] The present invention involves several different embodiments related to a crossover switching valve. The crossover switching valve is preferably designed to receive fluid from a reservoir and moderate the inflow and outflow of the fluid between the valve and the pump. The valve is preferably configured to provide a substantially continuous flow rate when used in connection with a double acting pump. Such a valve is disclosed herein and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/103,272, filed Apr. 11, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and made a part of this specification. The valve is configured to permit pumping of fluids that contain particles of the size that provide texture in paint without creating significant wear on the valve. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the valves disclosed herein can operate with fluids containing particles that are smaller and larger than those that provide texture in paint. [0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, a valve is provided that is configured to provide substantially continuous flow, fluid direction control, and switching functions. The valve preferably includes an inflow port that is configured to permit fluid to flow into the valve from a fluid reservoir and an outflow port that is configured to discharge fluid from the valve. The valve may also preferably include a first port that is configured to be in fluid communication with a first portion of a dual acting pump and a second port that is configured to be in fluid communication with a second portion of the dual acting pump. The valve preferably includes an internal conduit that is configured to provide fluid communication between the inflow port, the outflow port, the first port, and the second port. Also preferably included are first and second occluders, the first and second occluders are preferably configured to have first and second positions. The valve also preferably includes first and second actuators, the first actuator is preferably configured to linearly translate the first occluder between the first and second positions, and the second actuator is preferably configured to linearly translate the second occluder between the first and second positions. In operation, the valve is preferably configured such that when the first and second occluders are in the first position, the inflow port is preferably in fluid communication with the first portion of the dual acting pump, and the outflow port is preferably in fluid communication with the second portion of the dual acting pump. The valve is also preferably configured such that when the first and second occluders are in the second position, the inflow port is preferably in fluid communication with the second portion of the dual acting pump, and the outflow port is in fluid communication with the first portion of the dual acting pump. [0011] In another embodiment, a continuous flow valve is provided that preferably includes an inflow port that is preferably configured to connect to a reservoir and an outflow port that is preferably configured to discharge fluid from the valve. The valve may preferably include first and second ports that are preferably configured to be in fluid communication with at least one pump. The valve also preferably includes a conduit that interconnects the inflow port, the outflow port, the first port, and the second port. The valve may also preferably include an occluder configured to have a first and second position. When the occluder is in the first position, the occluder is preferably configured to separate the conduit into a first configuration consisting of two portions. The first portion preferably permits fluid communication between the inflow port and the first port, and the second portion preferably permits fluid communication between the outflow port and the second port. In the second position, the occluder is preferably configured to separate the conduit into a second configuration of two portions. The first portion of the second configuration preferably permits fluid communication between the inflow port and the second port, and the second portion of the second set preferably permits fluid communication between the outflow port and the first port. [0012] In yet another embodiment, the valve may include a flow director that is configured to direct fluid flow between the inflow and first port and between the outflow and second port in one position. In another position, the flow director may be configured to direct fluid flow between the inflow and second port and between the outflow and first port. In other embodiments, a system is provided in which the valve is connected to a pump. [0013] Also disclosed herein is a pumping system that comprises a pump and a crossover switching valve integral with or directly coupled to said pump. Also disclosed is a system that can include a pump housing; and a crossover switching valve integral with or directly coupled to said pump housing. In another embodiment, the system can include a pump housing and a crossover switching valve positioned within or adjacent to said pump housing. [0014] In another embodiment, a system configured to provide continuous flow of a fluid therefrom is provided. The can include a double acting pump and a crossover switching valve. The crossover switching valve can include a cylinder chamber configured for operation of a plurality of pistons therein and a plurality of passageways within the valve that permit fluid to be provided to the double acting pump and that permit fluid to be received from the double acting pump so as to provide a steady flow of fluid from an outflow port of the system. The crossover switching valve can be integral with the double acting pump. [0015] A valve is provided that is configured to provide continuous flow of a fluid. The valve can include a cylinder chamber that is configured for operation of a plurality of pistons therein and a plurality of passageways within the valve that permit fluid to be provided to a pump and that permit fluid to be received from the pump so as to provide a steady flow of fluid from an outflow port. [0016] For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain embodiments, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such embodiments, advantages, or features are required in any particular embodiment of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by making reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the figures of which like referenced numerals identify the like elements, and wherein: [0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a crossover switching valve connected to a pumping system including a fluid reservoir, a pump, and an outflow line, the flow of the fluid and direction of the pump are shown by arrows. [0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a crossover switching valve connected to a pumping system, the flow of fluid and direction of the pump are shown by arrows. [0020] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the crossover switching valve. Continue reading... Full patent description for Crossover switching and pump system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Crossover switching and pump system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Crossover switching and pump system or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Electric fan with oil-retaining structure Next Patent Application: Fluid transfer pump Industry Class: Pumps ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Crossover switching and pump system patent info. 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