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Pump and valve actuator system and methodRelated Patent Categories: Pumps, Motor Driven, Fluid Motor, Common Pumping And Motor Working Member, Collapsible Common Member, DiaphragmPump and valve actuator system and method description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070092385, Pump and valve actuator system and method. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention generally relates to reciprocating pumps, such as compressed air-operated, double-diaphragm pumps, having a main spool valve and a pilot spool valve. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Air-driven diaphragm pumps generally include two opposed pumping cavities. The pumping cavities each include a pump chamber, an air chamber, and a diaphragm extending fully across the pumping cavity defined by these two housings. Each pump chamber includes an inlet check valve and an outlet check valve. A common shaft typically extends into each air chamber to attach to the diaphragms. [0003] An actuator valve receives a supply of pressurized air and operates through a feedback control system to alternately pressurize and vent the air chamber side of each pumping cavity through a spool valve piston. Feedback to the pilot spool valve has been provided by the position of the shaft attached to the diaphragms, which includes one or more passages to alternately vent the ends of the valve cylinder within which the control valve piston reciprocates. By selectively venting one end or the other of the cylinder, the energy stored in the form of compressed air at the unvented end of the cylinder acts to drive the piston to the alternate end of its stroke. The pressure builds up at both ends of the control valve piston between strokes. Pressurized air is allowed to pass longitudinally along the piston within the cylinder to the ends of the piston. Consequently, a clearance has typically been provided between the control valve piston and the cylinder. [0004] The precision required of components of the double-diaphragm pumps has made it necessary to manufacture the pumps and related assemblies out of metal and precision machine the components to specific tolerances. This has resulted in high manufacturing costs and limited the markets available to this style of pump. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] Embodiments of the invention provide an actuator assembly with a housing which can include a first chamber and a second chamber. A pilot spool valve can be positioned in the first chamber and a main spool valve can be positioned in the second chamber. Between the first and second chambers can be a first lens-shaped port and a second lens-shaped port. The pilot spool valve can direct air flow through the first port or the second port. Air flow through the first port can move the main spool valve toward a top portion of the second chamber and air flow through the second port can move the main spool valve toward a bottom portion of the second chamber. [0006] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a spool valve. The method can include providing for small and large ring seals, and spool valve subsections. The small ring seals can be mounted on the spool valve subsections such that the small ring seals do not pass over a portion of the spool valve that has a relatively large diameter. The large ring seals can also be mounted on the spool valve subsections. The spool valve subsections can then be press fit together to form the spool valve. [0007] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a double diaphragm pump according to one embodiment of the invention. [0009] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are perspective views of the pump of FIG. 1. [0010] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are perspective views of a front cover and actuator assembly of the pump of FIG. 1. [0011] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a coupling between piston/diaphragm assemblies of the pump of FIG. 1. [0012] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an actuator and the front cover of the pump of FIG. 1. [0013] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a poppet valve assembly and a main housing of the pump of FIG. 1. [0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the pump of FIG. 1. [0015] FIG. 8 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of dual o-ring seals of the pump of FIG. 1. [0016] FIG. 9 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the piston/diaphragm assembly of the pump of FIG. 1. [0017] FIG. 10 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the piston/diaphragm assembly of the pump of FIG. 1. [0018] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an actuator of the pump of FIG. 1. [0019] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a pilot spool valve housing of the pump of FIG. 1. [0020] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a main spool valve housing of the pump of FIG. 1. Continue reading about Pump and valve actuator system and method... Full patent description for Pump and valve actuator system and method Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Pump and valve actuator system and method 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 Pump and valve actuator system and method or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Method and control system for a pump Next Patent Application: Oil discharge assembly for a turbocharger Industry Class: Pumps ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Pump and valve actuator system and method patent info. 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