EP1730403B1 - A membrane pump - Google Patents
A membrane pump Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1730403B1 EP1730403B1 EP05722117.8A EP05722117A EP1730403B1 EP 1730403 B1 EP1730403 B1 EP 1730403B1 EP 05722117 A EP05722117 A EP 05722117A EP 1730403 B1 EP1730403 B1 EP 1730403B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- cavity
- membrane
- pump
- housing
- section
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B43/00—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
- F04B43/02—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms
- F04B43/06—Pumps having fluid drive
- F04B43/067—Pumps having fluid drive the fluid being actuated directly by a piston
Definitions
- This invention relates to a pump. More particularly the present invention relates to a membrane pump.
- the flexible element can be in the form of a deformable tube.
- a pump of this type is described in our international patent specifications WO 99/01687 and WO 02/18790 .
- EP0314379 discloses a diaphragm for a diaphragm-actuated fluid-transfer control device, which comprises a flexible, substantially non-stretchable diaphragm body of a substantially circular outline surrounded and delimited by a beaded rim, the body having a substantially dish-like, bi-stable shape invertible from the first stable state, in which a first body surface is convex and a second body surface, concave, to the second stable state, in which the first body surface is rendered concave and the second body surface convex.
- US5669764 discloses an integral valve diaphragm pump having a first rigid layer, a second rigid layer and a flexible membrane there between. Concave surfaces in the two rigid layers form a pump.
- the pump includes an actuating chamber which is alternately connected to a source of pressure and a source of vacuum.
- a pump chamber is connected to a fluid source and a fluid receiver through a filling check valve and a dispensing check valve, respectively.
- US4755111 discloses a hydraulic-exchange pumping device comprising two containers or tanks, inside each of which there are defined: a chamber for the product to be pumped, which is respectively connected, through a delivery valve and a suction valve, to the lines of delivery and of intake of the product to be pumped, as well as a chamber for the hydraulic drive fluid, which is connected to a pump through a four-way, three-position distribution box.
- This partitioning is accomplished by means of an internal elastic membrane having a decreasing thickness from the its peripheral edge towards its central zone, which can be also equipped with a strengthening cloth embedded inside it, as well as with a set of metal rings having a cross-section surface area decreasing towards the center of the same membrane.
- US3955901 discloses an air pressure-operated membrane pump for pumping a liquid comprising a housing including a chamber which is divided into liquid and air compartments by a floppy flexible membrane extending across it.
- the air compartment has an air inlet and outlet connected by a duct to the throat of a venturi to which an air supply under pressure is connected.
- the outlet from the venturi is controlled by a control valve which is itself opened and closed by the movement of the diaphragm to which a closure member of the valve is connected by a control member.
- the valve When the valve is open, air flows through the venturi and causes air to be drawn from the air compartment of the pump to move the diaphragm in a direction to draw liquid into the liquid compartment in an intake stroke.
- the part of the membrane to which the control member is fixed moves and closes the control valve.
- This causes air under pressure to flow from the throat of the venturi into the air compartment to move the diaphragm in a direction to expel liquid from the liquid compartment in a pumping stroke and again at the end of this stroke movement of the diaphragm moves the control member to shut the valve so that the cycle of operations is repeated, the control of operation of the pump thus being effected entirely by the movement of the membrane itself without any external agency.
- US2821930 (A ) relates to improvements in or relating to diaphragm operated delivery pumps.
- a diaphragm operated delivery pump for liquids is provided having a diaphragm portion which separates the liquid collecting chamber from the gas collecting chamber. This portion is actuated to discharge liquid from the liquid collecting chamber through an exit valve as gas is supplied to the gas collecting chamber.
- US3485258 discloses a bistable device for storing information in fluidic computing and control devices.
- An airtight chamber is subdivided into two subchambers by a flexible partition which can be inflated to contact a first part of the wall of either of the subchambers, but cannot be brought into contact with a second part of the wall of either of the subchambers.
- Each subchamber is provided with fluid access means in the first part of its wall and another fluid access means in the second part of its wall.
- the walls of the subchambers contacted by the partition may be flexible diaphragms containing apertures which fall within the parts of the subchamber walls contacted by the inflated partition.
- WO 02/18790 which is considered the closest prior art there is described a pneumatic pinch mechanism for a deformable tube and, in particular, the mechanism when applied to the pump.
- the mechanism includes a piston movably located within a chamber with vent means so that at some point during a movement of the piston between the first and second positions, a pressure equalisation occurs within the chamber. Consequently, as the piston moves toward the first position a pressure increase occurs which can be used to deform the deformable tube. When the piston moves toward the second position, a negative pressure is created which can be used to return the deformable tube from its deformed configuration.
- the pump has proved successful, but as with deformable tube pumps, the deformable tube can require regular replacement. This is generally due to the repeated closing and release of the tube leading to localised wear or fatigue in the tube, which can ultimately lead to the tube rupturing.
- a further disadvantage with such pumps is that it is often difficult or not possible to produce a deformable tube (having the necessary characteristics of being able to deform and rebound or be returned to its non-deformed state) from a material, which is particularly suited for handling the materials intended to flow through the pump.
- a membrane pump therefore provides an advantage that the membrane can be formed from a material, which has a wide range of applications, and indeed materials which are required in some applications, but which cannot be formed or economically formed into replaceable deformable tubes for use in pumps having cyclic deforming of the tube.
- membrane pumps to date are of constructions, which still give rise to mechanical stress in the diaphragm, thereby requiring regular replacement of the diaphragm.
- many known diaphragm pumps fall short in performance, especially in achievement of full removal of fluid from the pump chamber on the exhaust stroke and full uptake on the inlet stroke.
- a pump according to claim 1 including a cavity with an inlet port and an outlet port opening into and from the cavity, a flexible membrane located within the chamber and arranged to be bi-stable in two states corresponding to completion of inlet and exhaust of a pumping cycle.
- the flexible membrane is mounted in the cavity with a preset whereby the membrane adopts one of the stable states.
- the membrane is preferably formed from an elastomeric material which can be in sheet form.
- the membrane is clamped between first and second housing sections, each section having a cavity section such that when the housing sections are assembled to form a housing, said cavity is formed.
- the cavity is, in the preferred form, located in a housing, the cavity being connectable to a source or sources of negative and positive pressure and means to cyclically apply the positive and negative pressures to the cavity to cause the membrane to move between the stable states.
- first and section housing sections configured to form said cavity when the housing sections are joined together, clamp the membrane about a peripheral margin thereof.
- the first housing section can include a recess into which the membrane is located, the peripheral dimensions of the membrane being greater than those of the recess whereby compressive forces are set up in the membrane when it is installed in the recess.
- the second housing section can include a protruding portion which engages in the recess, when the first and second housing sections are combined together, to cause the membrane to be clamped in place.
- a third housing section coupled to the second housing section, said third housing section including means for facilitating connection of inlet and outlet conduits for pumpable material.
- the second and third housing sections include inlet and outlet openings and means for locating therein a valve element.
- the valve element can be a disk of flexible material.
- the cavity is elongated and preferably of curved cross-section, a port via which the source(s) of positive and negative pressure are connectable opens into the cavity.
- the ends of the elongate cavity are preferably complex curved.
- the pump 10 is, according to a preferred embodiment, formed of two housing sections 11 and 12. When these are assembled together they define an internal pump cavity 13. Clamped between the housing sections 11 and 12, as will hereinafter be described, is a membrane 14 which is made from a suitable flexible material.
- the cavity 13 is elongate and, as shown in Figure 4 , each end 15 is complex curved. In cross-section as shown in Figure 1 , each end is also curved as indicated at 15. Furthermore, in transverse cross-section as shown in Figure 3 , the cavity 13 is also of curved cross-section.
- Housing section 11 incorporates a rebate 16, which effectively results in an upstand or projecting portion 17.
- the cavity section 13a is effectively located, at least in part, in the resultant upstanding portion 17.
- the other housing section 12 has a recessed portion 18 with cavity section 13b extending away from the floor of the recess 1 8.
- the projecting portion 17 engages snugly within recess 18.
- the arrangement is such that surface 20 of projecting portion 17, terminates a distance from the floor 19 of recess 18.
- this distance D (see Figure 1 ) is less than the thickness of the membrane 14. The reason for this gap D will hereinafter become apparent.
- the membrane 14 is, in the preferred form of the invention , cut from sheet material.
- the material is elastomeric and of a type which is compatible with the material, that is intended to be pumped through the pump 10.
- the membrane material is selected such as to be able to withstand the corrosive nature of the fluid.
- the membrane is selected from a food grade material in the event that the pump is to handle a liquid foodstuff.
- the membrane 14 is cut in a shape and to a size, which enables it to be snugly fitted into the recess 18.
- the overall peripheral dimensions of the membrane 14 are greater than the peri pheral dimensions of the sidewall 21 of the recess 18.
- di stance D is less than the thickness of the membrane 14 causes the peripheral edge margin portion of the membrane 14 to be sandwiched and clamped between opposing surfaces 19 and 20.
- This clamping force provides yet further compressive forces in the membrane, which causes the membrane to even more closely adapt into the shape of the cavity section 1 3b.
- the membrane 14 is in contact with, or located closely adjacent to the overall surface of the cavity section 13b.
- a port 22 is formed in the housing section 12 and opens into the cavity section 13b. This port 22 can be offset toward one end of the cavity 13, as shown in the drawings, or else it can be located midway in the length of the cavity 13.
- a narrow groove 22a can be formed in the wall surface of the cavity section 13b and extend along the length of the cavity 13 either side of from the port 22. Also a similar narrow groove (not shown) can be formed in cavity 13b.
- the effect of the narrow groove(s) is to prevent the pump from "choking" when the membrane approaches contact with the surface of the cavity. Such contact could prevent fluid flow from occurring and thereby result in the cavity not fully filling or exhausting.
- the narrow groove ensures that flow occurs right d own to when the membrane comes into full overall contact with the cavity surface.
- a port which opens from the cavity 13 to the outer surface 23 of housing section 11.
- Port 24 functions as an inlet port while port 25 functions as an outlet or exhaust port.
- Each of inlet ports 24 and exhaust port 25 can, as shown, be made up by a plurality of separate passages 24a and 2 5a respectively.
- a recess 26 is formed in the surface 23 of housing section 11 and into this is engaged a disk of flexible material which forms valve element 27.
- a valve element 28 in the form of a disk of flexible material is provided in the exhaust valve 25 but it locates in a recess 29 in cover 30.
- Cover 30 has connecting pieces 31 and 32 (e.g. in the form of annular walls or turrets) which respectively provide connections for an inlet line (not shown) to inlet valve 24 and an outlet or exhaust line (also not shown) from exhaust valve 25.
- connecting pieces 31 and 32 e.g. in the form of annular walls or turrets
- the membrane 14 is bi-stable.
- One stable position of the membrane 14 is shown in full detail in Figure 1 while the other stable position is shown in dotted detail.
- the membrane 14 in the first stable position the membrane 14 is in the cavity section 13b and when in the second stable position the membrane 14 is located in the cavity section 13a.
- the membrane 14 adopts a stable position in either a position which conforms with completion of intake of fluid through inlet valve 24 (i.e. the position shown in the drawings) and a full or completed exhaust position.
- the membrane 14 is moved between its two stable positions by application of negative P1 and positive P2 pressures applied to the cavity 13b through port 22. Consequently with the pump in the configuration shown in Figure 1 and inlet and outlet conduits or lines attached to connectors 31 and 32 a positive pressure P2 (see Figure 5 ) applied through port 22 will force the membrane 14 into an opposite stable position.
- a positive pressure P2 applied through port 22 will force the membrane 14 into an opposite stable position.
- the inlet valve 24 is forced closed while the outlet valve 25 is forced open and any fluid within the cavity 13 i.e. to that side of the membrane opposite to that which faces port 22, is exhausted through the outlet valve 25.
- the means for applying negative and positive pressures can take on many forms as will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.
- the means could comprise, for example, sources of positive and negative pressure, which via suitable valves can be coupled to the port 22.
- a pneumatic operator 33 that has a body 34 which defines a chamber 35 in which a piston 36 is reciprocally mounted.
- a piston rod 37 is pivotally connected via pivot 38 to the piston 36.
- This piston rod 37 is pivotally connected by pivot 39 at its other end to a rotating drive member 40.
- the drive member 40 is connected to a drive means (not shown) which can be in the form of an electric motor or some other form of motive power.
- a port 41 in the end wall 42 of the body 34 is in communication with port 22.
- the body 34 is in close proximity to the pump 10 but it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the pneumatic operator 33 could be located quite some distance away from the pump 10 and connected by a conduit extending between ports 22 and 41.
- a recess 43 is formed in the inside surface of the side wall 34a of body 34. The recess is located adjacent the end of wall 42.
- a port 43a which opens to atmosphere.
- the port 43a is shown in one preferred position where it is adjacent the inner end of the piston 36 when the piston is at its full stroke away from end wall 42 of body 34.
- the chamber 35 is fully vented to atmosphere.
- the position of port 43a can be varied dependent on use requirements that may require venting before the full stroke of piston 36 has been completed.
- a port 43' in the wall 34a is connected to a conduit 44 which is, in turn, connected to a vent housing 45.
- One wall of the vent housing 45 has a vent opening 49 which opens into a chamber 50 in which a pin 51 is moveably located. The pin 51 is therefore moveable between the position where conduit 44 is isolated from vent 49 to a position where the vent 49 is connected to conduit 44.
- a pair of curved or shaped (e.g. ramped) projections 52 and 53 Mounted with a periphery of the driving member 40 and projecting there from is a pair of curved or shaped (e.g. ramped) projections 52 and 53. Consequently, as the rotating member 40 rotates, a projection 52 or 53 comes into contact pin 51 which forces the pin 51 inwardly (relative to the housing) thereby connecting or disconnecting the vent 49 from the conduit 44.
- the pin 51 is biased by suitable biasing means (not shown) such as a spring or the like into a position where the vent 49 is closed i.e. isolated from conduit 44.
- vent port 49 will still be closed. This will continue to be the situation until the engagement projection 52 comes into contact with pin 51 to effectively open the vent port 49. As a result, the vent port 49 once again vents the chamber 35 to atmosphere. After the vent 49 is closed from conduit 44 by movement of the pin 51 and as a result of the pin clearing the projection 52, the continued movement of the piston 36 back to its first position will create a negative pressure.
- the point and the movement of the piston 36 where contact between the pin 51 and projections 53 respectively occurs is adjustable.
- projections 52 and 53 can be adjustable in position on the periphery of the driving member or rotor 40 so that, for example, the period during which the piston creates a positive pressure could be less. This would result in the time that the membrane is under negative pressure to be greater than the period that it is under positive pressure.
- the bi-stable flexible membrane 14 effectively has a small amount of travel between its two states. It is not mechanically connected to any drive thereby giving the membrane free movement in the cavity 13.
- the cavity shape is round rectangular and its contoured to fit the bi-stable shape of the membrane. Consequently, the cavity supports the diaphragm over its full surface when the diaphragm is in a so-called stable state.
- the membrane is therefore subject to uniform pressure not only when in the stable states but during the transition between the states as it is supported on both surfaces by the incoming or outgoing pumpable medium and the positive or negative pressure applied across the whole membrane surface via port 22.
- the pump therefore provides maximum efficiency and good linear flow characteristics, the latter being more critical as viscosity of the pumpable medium increases.
- the outlet pressure will be governed by the drive pressure therefore no need for pressure limiting.
- Suction (lift) is governed by the negative pressure. There is thus consistent through put over a wide range of drive pressures.
- valves 24 and 25 are located at the half round extremities of the cavity and in close proximity to the cavity. This proximity of the valves to the cavity thus minimises voids thereby giving optimum dry prime and compression ratio.
- the pump arrangement is such that only low inertia needs to be overcome in order to drive the membrane.
- the valves are progressively closed and finally close before full exhaust or intake. This means that the last thing to occur as the membrane 14 reaches its stable position is movement of the valves into a closed position or opening is the first thing to occur upon the membrane 14 moving from a stable position.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a pump. More particularly the present invention relates to a membrane pump.
- Pumps, which incorporate a flexible element to achieve the pumping action, are known. For example, the flexible element can be in the form of a deformable tube. A pump of this type is described in our international patent specifications
WO 99/01687 WO 02/18790 -
EP0314379 (A1) discloses a diaphragm for a diaphragm-actuated fluid-transfer control device, which comprises a flexible, substantially non-stretchable diaphragm body of a substantially circular outline surrounded and delimited by a beaded rim, the body having a substantially dish-like, bi-stable shape invertible from the first stable state, in which a first body surface is convex and a second body surface, concave, to the second stable state, in which the first body surface is rendered concave and the second body surface convex. -
US5669764 (A ) discloses an integral valve diaphragm pump having a first rigid layer, a second rigid layer and a flexible membrane there between. Concave surfaces in the two rigid layers form a pump. The pump includes an actuating chamber which is alternately connected to a source of pressure and a source of vacuum. A pump chamber is connected to a fluid source and a fluid receiver through a filling check valve and a dispensing check valve, respectively. -
US4755111 (A ) discloses a hydraulic-exchange pumping device comprising two containers or tanks, inside each of which there are defined: a chamber for the product to be pumped, which is respectively connected, through a delivery valve and a suction valve, to the lines of delivery and of intake of the product to be pumped, as well as a chamber for the hydraulic drive fluid, which is connected to a pump through a four-way, three-position distribution box. This partitioning is accomplished by means of an internal elastic membrane having a decreasing thickness from the its peripheral edge towards its central zone, which can be also equipped with a strengthening cloth embedded inside it, as well as with a set of metal rings having a cross-section surface area decreasing towards the center of the same membrane. -
US3955901 (A ) discloses an air pressure-operated membrane pump for pumping a liquid comprising a housing including a chamber which is divided into liquid and air compartments by a floppy flexible membrane extending across it. The air compartment has an air inlet and outlet connected by a duct to the throat of a venturi to which an air supply under pressure is connected. The outlet from the venturi is controlled by a control valve which is itself opened and closed by the movement of the diaphragm to which a closure member of the valve is connected by a control member. When the valve is open, air flows through the venturi and causes air to be drawn from the air compartment of the pump to move the diaphragm in a direction to draw liquid into the liquid compartment in an intake stroke. At the end of this stroke, the part of the membrane to which the control member is fixed moves and closes the control valve. This causes air under pressure to flow from the throat of the venturi into the air compartment to move the diaphragm in a direction to expel liquid from the liquid compartment in a pumping stroke and again at the end of this stroke movement of the diaphragm moves the control member to shut the valve so that the cycle of operations is repeated, the control of operation of the pump thus being effected entirely by the movement of the membrane itself without any external agency. -
US2821930 (A ) relates to improvements in or relating to diaphragm operated delivery pumps. According to the present invention a diaphragm operated delivery pump for liquids is provided having a diaphragm portion which separates the liquid collecting chamber from the gas collecting chamber. This portion is actuated to discharge liquid from the liquid collecting chamber through an exit valve as gas is supplied to the gas collecting chamber. -
US3485258 (A ) discloses a bistable device for storing information in fluidic computing and control devices. An airtight chamber is subdivided into two subchambers by a flexible partition which can be inflated to contact a first part of the wall of either of the subchambers, but cannot be brought into contact with a second part of the wall of either of the subchambers. Each subchamber is provided with fluid access means in the first part of its wall and another fluid access means in the second part of its wall. The walls of the subchambers contacted by the partition may be flexible diaphragms containing apertures which fall within the parts of the subchamber walls contacted by the inflated partition. - In
WO 02/18790 - The pump has proved successful, but as with deformable tube pumps, the deformable tube can require regular replacement. This is generally due to the repeated closing and release of the tube leading to localised wear or fatigue in the tube, which can ultimately lead to the tube rupturing.
- A further disadvantage with such pumps is that it is often difficult or not possible to produce a deformable tube (having the necessary characteristics of being able to deform and rebound or be returned to its non-deformed state) from a material, which is particularly suited for handling the materials intended to flow through the pump.
- A membrane pump therefore provides an advantage that the membrane can be formed from a material, which has a wide range of applications, and indeed materials which are required in some applications, but which cannot be formed or economically formed into replaceable deformable tubes for use in pumps having cyclic deforming of the tube. However, membrane pumps to date are of constructions, which still give rise to mechanical stress in the diaphragm, thereby requiring regular replacement of the diaphragm. Also, many known diaphragm pumps fall short in performance, especially in achievement of full removal of fluid from the pump chamber on the exhaust stroke and full uptake on the inlet stroke.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a membrane pump, which is of a construction resulting in reduction in mechanical stress in the membrane, thereby leading to longer membrane life.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a membrane pump of a construction, which enables full removal of fluid on the exhaust stroke and fuller uptake on the inlet stroke during operation of the pump.
- Broadly according to the invention there is provided a pump according to claim 1 including a cavity with an inlet port and an outlet port opening into and from the cavity, a flexible membrane located within the chamber and arranged to be bi-stable in two states corresponding to completion of inlet and exhaust of a pumping cycle.
- Preferably the flexible membrane is mounted in the cavity with a preset whereby the membrane adopts one of the stable states.
- The membrane is preferably formed from an elastomeric material which can be in sheet form.
- In a preferred form the membrane is clamped between first and second housing sections, each section having a cavity section such that when the housing sections are assembled to form a housing, said cavity is formed.
- The cavity is, in the preferred form, located in a housing, the cavity being connectable to a source or sources of negative and positive pressure and means to cyclically apply the positive and negative pressures to the cavity to cause the membrane to move between the stable states.
- In a preferred form the first and section housing sections configured to form said cavity when the housing sections are joined together, clamp the membrane about a peripheral margin thereof.
- The first housing section can include a recess into which the membrane is located, the peripheral dimensions of the membrane being greater than those of the recess whereby compressive forces are set up in the membrane when it is installed in the recess.
- The second housing section can include a protruding portion which engages in the recess, when the first and second housing sections are combined together, to cause the membrane to be clamped in place.
- Preferably there is a third housing section coupled to the second housing section, said third housing section including means for facilitating connection of inlet and outlet conduits for pumpable material.
- In a preferred form the second and third housing sections include inlet and outlet openings and means for locating therein a valve element. The valve element can be a disk of flexible material.
- The cavity is elongated and preferably of curved cross-section, a port via which the source(s) of positive and negative pressure are connectable opens into the cavity.
- The ends of the elongate cavity are preferably complex curved.
- In the following more detailed description of the invention according to one preferred embodiment, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings in which:-
-
Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-section through the pump, -
Figure 2 is an exploded view in cross-section of the pump as shown inFigure 1 , -
Figure 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken between the inlet and outlet ports but showing only two sections of the pump body, -
Figure 4 is a perspective view of one housing section of the pump, -
Figure 5 is a schematic view of the pump on an exhaust cycle, -
Figure 6 is a view similar toFigure 5 but of the inlet cycle, and -
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment which incorporates a different form of control mechanism. - Referring firstly to
Figures 1-3 , thepump 10 is, according to a preferred embodiment, formed of twohousing sections internal pump cavity 13. Clamped between thehousing sections membrane 14 which is made from a suitable flexible material. - In the preferred form of the invention, the
cavity 13 is elongate and, as shown inFigure 4 , eachend 15 is complex curved. In cross-section as shown inFigure 1 , each end is also curved as indicated at 15. Furthermore, in transverse cross-section as shown inFigure 3 , thecavity 13 is also of curved cross-section. -
Housing section 11 incorporates arebate 16, which effectively results in an upstand or projectingportion 17. Thus, thecavity section 13a is effectively located, at least in part, in the resultantupstanding portion 17. - The
other housing section 12 has a recessedportion 18 withcavity section 13b extending away from the floor of the recess 1 8. Thus, when the twohousing sections portion 17 engages snugly withinrecess 18. However, the arrangement is such thatsurface 20 of projectingportion 17, terminates a distance from thefloor 19 ofrecess 18. In the preferred form of the invention, this distance D (seeFigure 1 ) is less than the thickness of themembrane 14. The reason for this gap D will hereinafter become apparent. - The
membrane 14 is, in the preferred form of the invention , cut from sheet material. The material is elastomeric and of a type which is compatible with the material, that is intended to be pumped through thepump 10. For example, if the material to be pumped through thepump 10 is corrosive, then the membrane material is selected such as to be able to withstand the corrosive nature of the fluid. By way of further example, the membrane is selected from a food grade material in the event that the pump is to handle a liquid foodstuff. - The various types of materials and applications to which a pump of this type can be put are well know to those skilled in the art. Therefore further description herein is not necessary for the purposes of describing the construction and operation of the pump according to the invention.
- According to the invention, the
membrane 14 is cut in a shape and to a size, which enables it to be snugly fitted into therecess 18. However, the overall peripheral dimensions of themembrane 14 are greater than the peri pheral dimensions of thesidewall 21 of therecess 18. Thus, when themembrane 14 is placed into therecess 18 compressive forces are set up in the membrane due to what is effectively an interference fit of themembrane 14 into therecess 18. This therefore causesmembrane 14 to deform from its flat state into a state, which essentially conforms with the complex curved shape of thecavity section 13b. Effectively, themembrane 14 is mounted with a preset. - However, when the
housing section 11 is combined with housing section 12 (themembrane 14 being in place in recess 18) the fact that di stance D is less than the thickness of themembrane 14 causes the peripheral edge margin portion of themembrane 14 to be sandwiched and clamped between opposingsurfaces membrane 14 is in contact with, or located closely adjacent to the overall surface of thecavity section 13b. - A
port 22 is formed in thehousing section 12 and opens into thecavity section 13b. Thisport 22 can be offset toward one end of thecavity 13, as shown in the drawings, or else it can be located midway in the length of thecavity 13. - In one form of the invention, a
narrow groove 22a can be formed in the wall surface of thecavity section 13b and extend along the length of thecavity 13 either side of from theport 22. Also a similar narrow groove (not shown) can be formed incavity 13b. The effect of the narrow groove(s) is to prevent the pump from "choking" when the membrane approaches contact with the surface of the cavity. Such contact could prevent fluid flow from occurring and thereby result in the cavity not fully filling or exhausting. The narrow groove ensures that flow occurs right d own to when the membrane comes into full overall contact with the cavity surface. - At each end of the
cavity section 13a is a port, which opens from thecavity 13 to theouter surface 23 ofhousing section 11.Port 24 functions as an inlet port whileport 25 functions as an outlet or exhaust port. Each ofinlet ports 24 andexhaust port 25 can, as shown, be made up by a plurality ofseparate passages 24a and 2 5a respectively. Arecess 26 is formed in thesurface 23 ofhousing section 11 and into this is engaged a disk of flexible material which formsvalve element 27. Likewise, avalve element 28 in the form of a disk of flexible material is provided in theexhaust valve 25 but it locates in arecess 29 incover 30. -
Cover 30 has connectingpieces 31 and 32 (e.g. in the form of annular walls or turrets) which respectively provide connections for an inlet line (not shown) toinlet valve 24 and an outlet or exhaust line (also not shown) fromexhaust valve 25. - The arrangement of the
membrane 14 in thecavity 13 as described above, results in themembrane 14 being bi-stable. One stable position of themembrane 14 is shown in full detail inFigure 1 while the other stable position is shown in dotted detail. Thus, in the first stable position themembrane 14 is in thecavity section 13b and when in the second stable position themembrane 14 is located in thecavity section 13a. In effect therefore, themembrane 14 adopts a stable position in either a position which conforms with completion of intake of fluid through inlet valve 24 (i.e. the position shown in the drawings) and a full or completed exhaust position. - The
membrane 14 is moved between its two stable positions by application of negative P1 and positive P2 pressures applied to thecavity 13b throughport 22. Consequently with the pump in the configuration shown inFigure 1 and inlet and outlet conduits or lines attached toconnectors 31 and 32 a positive pressure P2 (seeFigure 5 ) applied throughport 22 will force themembrane 14 into an opposite stable position. In this "stroke" of themembrane 14, theinlet valve 24 is forced closed while theoutlet valve 25 is forced open and any fluid within thecavity 13 i.e. to that side of the membrane opposite to that which facesport 22, is exhausted through theoutlet valve 25. - Upon this "stroke" having been completed a negative pressure P1 applied via port 22 (see
Figure 6 ) causes themembrane 14 to return to the position shown inFigure 1 which also causes theexhaust valve 25 to close but theinlet valve 24 to open and enable fluid in the inlet line to be drawn intocavity 13. Thecavity 13 thus fills with the fluid ready to be exhausted through theoutlet valve 25 upon the next cycle occurring whenmembrane 14 moves back into cavity section 1 3a under positive pressure P2. - The means for applying negative and positive pressures can take on many forms as will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. The means could comprise, for example, sources of positive and negative pressure, which via suitable valves can be coupled to the
port 22. - Examples of mechanisms we have developed for applying the positive and negative pressures via
port 22 are shown inFigures 1 and7 . - As shown in
Figure 1 , there is a pneumatic operator 33 that has abody 34 which defines achamber 35 in which apiston 36 is reciprocally mounted. Apiston rod 37 is pivotally connected viapivot 38 to thepiston 36. Thispiston rod 37 is pivotally connected bypivot 39 at its other end to arotating drive member 40. Thedrive member 40 is connected to a drive means (not shown) which can be in the form of an electric motor or some other form of motive power. - A
port 41 in theend wall 42 of thebody 34 is in communication withport 22. As shown inFigure 1 thebody 34 is in close proximity to thepump 10 but it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the pneumatic operator 33 could be located quite some distance away from thepump 10 and connected by a conduit extending betweenports - A
recess 43 is formed in the inside surface of the side wall 34a ofbody 34. The recess is located adjacent the end ofwall 42. - At a position in the length of the side wall 34a of the
body 34 there is a port 43a which opens to atmosphere. As illustrated, the port 43a is shown in one preferred position where it is adjacent the inner end of thepiston 36 when the piston is at its full stroke away fromend wall 42 ofbody 34. Thus, once the piston has moved past the port 43a (i.e. into the position ofFigure 1 ) thechamber 35 is fully vented to atmosphere. The position of port 43a can be varied dependent on use requirements that may require venting before the full stroke ofpiston 36 has been completed. - Consequently, when the
piston 36 advances towardend wall 42 the air inchamber 35 becomes compressed and the resultant positive pressure P2 works on themembrane 14 to force it intocavity section 13a. However, when thepiston 36 has completed its stroke towardwall 42 thepiston sealing ring 36a is positioned within the area of therecess 43 whereby air can flow past the sealingring 36a and exhaust through the clearance between thepiston 36 and surface ofwall 36a. - Upon its reverse stroke commencing the
piston 36 moves so that sealingring 36a moves away fromrecess 43 and once again seals against the entire peripheral surface ofwall 36a. Consequently, the movement of the piston creates negative pressure P1 until the port 43a opens to vent thechamber 35 to atmosphere and hence complete the pumping cycle. - An alternative arrangement is shown in
Figure 7 . - A port 43' in the wall 34a is connected to a
conduit 44 which is, in turn, connected to avent housing 45. One wall of thevent housing 45 has avent opening 49 which opens into a chamber 50 in which apin 51 is moveably located. Thepin 51 is therefore moveable between the position whereconduit 44 is isolated fromvent 49 to a position where thevent 49 is connected toconduit 44. - Mounted with a periphery of the driving
member 40 and projecting there from is a pair of curved or shaped (e.g. ramped)projections member 40 rotates, aprojection contact pin 51 which forces thepin 51 inwardly (relative to the housing) thereby connecting or disconnecting thevent 49 from theconduit 44. - This action causes the
chamber 35 to vent to atmosphere (via vent 49) for the period of time that thepin 51 fails to seal closed theconduit 44. In the preferred form of the invention thepin 51 is biased by suitable biasing means (not shown) such as a spring or the like into a position where thevent 49 is closed i.e. isolated fromconduit 44. - As a consequence, continued movement of the
piston 36 creates a positive pressure build up which viaport 22 forces themembrane 14 from the position shown inFigure 7 to its other stable position incavity section 13a. Material resident in thecavity 13 3 is thus forced out through theexhaust port 25. - As the
piston 36 moves back along thechamber 35 from the second position thevent port 49 will still be closed. This will continue to be the situation until theengagement projection 52 comes into contact withpin 51 to effectively open thevent port 49. As a result, thevent port 49 once again vents thechamber 35 to atmosphere. After thevent 49 is closed fromconduit 44 by movement of thepin 51 and as a result of the pin clearing theprojection 52, the continued movement of thepiston 36 back to its first position will create a negative pressure. - This negative pressure build up will cause the
membrane 14 to move back to the position shown inFigure 7 thereby creating a negative pressure within thechamber 13 which draws pumpable medium on theinlet 24 to be drawn through theinlet valve 24 and into thecavity 13. This inflow will continue until themembrane 14 is fully back into its position shown inFigure 7 . - Preferably the point and the movement of the
piston 36 where contact between thepin 51 andprojections 53 respectively occurs is adjustable. According to the preferred form of the invention,projections rotor 40 so that, for example, the period during which the piston creates a positive pressure could be less. This would result in the time that the membrane is under negative pressure to be greater than the period that it is under positive pressure. - The bi-stable
flexible membrane 14 effectively has a small amount of travel between its two states. It is not mechanically connected to any drive thereby giving the membrane free movement in thecavity 13. The cavity shape is round rectangular and its contoured to fit the bi-stable shape of the membrane. Consequently, the cavity supports the diaphragm over its full surface when the diaphragm is in a so-called stable state. The membrane is therefore subject to uniform pressure not only when in the stable states but during the transition between the states as it is supported on both surfaces by the incoming or outgoing pumpable medium and the positive or negative pressure applied across the whole membrane surface viaport 22. - It is believed that the bi-stable nature of the membrane, the cavity shape and contour, as well as the uniform pressure to which the membrane is subjected will lead to a significant reduction in mechanical stress on the membrane. This will therefore equate to longer membrane life. Furthermore, during operation of the pump there will be full removal of fluid on the exhaust stroke and full uptake on the inlet stroke as the
membrane 14 moves fully from contact and support within the two sections of the chamber. - The pump therefore provides maximum efficiency and good linear flow characteristics, the latter being more critical as viscosity of the pumpable medium increases. The outlet pressure will be governed by the drive pressure therefore no need for pressure limiting. Suction (lift) is governed by the negative pressure. There is thus consistent through put over a wide range of drive pressures.
- The
valves - The pump arrangement is such that only low inertia needs to be overcome in order to drive the membrane. The valves are progressively closed and finally close before full exhaust or intake. This means that the last thing to occur as the
membrane 14 reaches its stable position is movement of the valves into a closed position or opening is the first thing to occur upon themembrane 14 moving from a stable position.
Claims (13)
- A pump (10) including:i. a cavity (13); andii. inlet and outlet ports (24, 25) communicating with the cavity (13);characterised in that the cavity (13) is an elongated cavity with first and second cavity surfaces, and in that the pump further includes:iii. a further port (22) opening into the cavity (13) and offset towards one end of the cavity (1 3); andiv. a bistable flexible membrane (14) located within the cavity (13) and having:wherein the bistable flexible membrane (14) is adapted to move from one stable state to the other stable state by application of positive or negative pressure to the cavity (13) via the further port (22).a) a first stable state in contact with the first cavity surface, the first stable state corresponding to completion of an inlet stage of a pumping cycle; andb) a second stable state in contact with the second cavity surface, the second stable state corresponding to completion of an exhaust stage of the pumping cycle;
- A pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein the membrane (14) is formed from elastomeric sheet material.
- A pump as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the membrane (14) is clamped between first and second housing sections (11, 12), each housing section having a cavity section such that when the housing sections are assembled to form a housing, said cavity (13) is formed.
- A pump as claimed in any preceding claim further including a device to cyclically apply positive and negative pressures to the cavity (13) via the further port (22) to cause the membrane (14) to move between the stable states.
- A pump as claimed in claim 3 wherein the housing sections are joined together and to clamp the membrane (14) about a peripheral margin thereof.
- A pump as claimed in claim 3 or 5 wherein the first housing section (12) includes a recess (18) into which the membrane (14) is located, the peripheral dimensions of the membrane being greater than those of the recess (18) whereby compressive forces are set up in the membrane (14) when it is installed in the recess (18).
- A pump as claimed in claim 5 wherein the second housing section (11) includes a protruding portion (17) which engages in the recess (18) when the first and second housing sections (11, 12) are combined together, to cause the membrane (14) to be clamped in place.
- A pump as claimed in claim 3, 5, 6 or 7 further including a third housing section (30) coupled to the second housing section (11), said third housing section (30) including means (31, 32) for facilitating connection of inlet and outlet conduits for pumpable material.
- A pump as claimed in claim 8 wherein the second and third housing (11, 30) sections include inlet and outlet openings and means for locating therein a valve element (27, 28).
- A pump as claimed in claim 9 wherein the valve element (27, 28) is a disk of flexible material.
- A pump as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the cavity (13) is elongated and of curved cross-section.
- A pump as claimed in claim 11 wherein ends (15) of the elongated cavity (13) are complex curved.
- A pump as claimed in claim 1 wherein grooves (22a) are formed in the first and second cavity surfaces such that fluid can flow along each surface even when the flexible membrane (14) is in contact with that surface.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ531822A NZ531822A (en) | 2004-03-18 | 2004-03-18 | A membrane pump |
PCT/NZ2005/000046 WO2005088128A1 (en) | 2004-03-18 | 2005-03-18 | A membrane pump |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1730403A1 EP1730403A1 (en) | 2006-12-13 |
EP1730403A4 EP1730403A4 (en) | 2012-05-16 |
EP1730403B1 true EP1730403B1 (en) | 2013-12-18 |
Family
ID=34975651
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP05722117.8A Not-in-force EP1730403B1 (en) | 2004-03-18 | 2005-03-18 | A membrane pump |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070140873A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1730403B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005220568B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2557253A1 (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ531822A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005088128A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8197231B2 (en) | 2005-07-13 | 2012-06-12 | Purity Solutions Llc | Diaphragm pump and related methods |
CA3123166A1 (en) * | 2006-04-14 | 2007-10-25 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Systems, devices and methods for fluid pumping, heat exchange, thermal sensing, and conductivity sensing |
US8833605B2 (en) | 2010-07-20 | 2014-09-16 | Ecolab Usa Inc. | Product delivery and monitoring system |
US9610392B2 (en) | 2012-06-08 | 2017-04-04 | Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. | Medical fluid cassettes and related systems and methods |
EP3068461B1 (en) * | 2013-11-15 | 2021-04-14 | Ivenix, Inc. | Pump chamber including internal surface modifications |
DK201570293A1 (en) * | 2015-05-19 | 2016-12-12 | Nel Hydrogen As | Diaphragm compressor with an oblong shaped chamber |
JP7119328B2 (en) * | 2017-10-05 | 2022-08-17 | ニプロ株式会社 | Chamber for pressure measurement |
TWI666384B (en) | 2018-06-08 | 2019-07-21 | 科際精密股份有限公司 | Diaphragm pump and value plate thereof |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2002018790A1 (en) * | 2000-08-28 | 2002-03-07 | Precision Dispensing Systems Limited | Pneumatic pinch mechanism for a deformable tube |
Family Cites Families (34)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2821930A (en) | 1953-06-12 | 1958-02-04 | Ici Ltd | Diaphragm operated delivery pumps |
US3093086A (en) * | 1960-04-12 | 1963-06-11 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Diaphragm assemblage |
US3101058A (en) * | 1961-06-16 | 1963-08-20 | Jr William H Carr | Diaphragm pumping system |
US3294031A (en) * | 1965-07-28 | 1966-12-27 | Stephen H Latawic | Fluid motor system |
US3338171A (en) * | 1965-09-15 | 1967-08-29 | Du Pont | Pneumatically operable diaphragm pumps |
US3357360A (en) * | 1965-11-22 | 1967-12-12 | Purex Corp Ltd | Hydraulic pumping system |
DE1528500B1 (en) * | 1965-12-16 | 1970-02-12 | Orlita Kg | Diaphragm pump |
US3485258A (en) | 1966-04-14 | 1969-12-23 | Greene Eng Co | Bistable fluid device |
GB1210065A (en) * | 1967-03-31 | 1970-10-28 | I V Pressure Controllers Ltd | Improvements in or relating to diaphragms |
US3460482A (en) * | 1968-01-29 | 1969-08-12 | Purex Corp Ltd | Pumping mechanisms |
US3947156A (en) * | 1972-03-08 | 1976-03-30 | Erich Becker | Diaphragm pump, particularly for the generation of vacuum |
US3900276A (en) * | 1973-05-16 | 1975-08-19 | Mcculloch Corp | Diaphragm pump method and apparatus |
GB1433758A (en) | 1973-10-23 | 1976-04-28 | Hamilton T W | Membrane pump |
SE7413016L (en) * | 1974-10-16 | 1976-04-20 | Piab Ab | PUMP WITH FORWARD AND REVERSE PUMP ORGAN |
US4124008A (en) * | 1975-12-05 | 1978-11-07 | Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Integrated fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine including filter, valve, and pump |
US4437823A (en) * | 1979-03-13 | 1984-03-20 | Upravlenie Sanitarno-Tekhnicheskikh Rabot | Rotary machine with an axially moving partition |
US4627256A (en) * | 1979-12-26 | 1986-12-09 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Method of forming precisely curved surfaces |
ATE10670T1 (en) * | 1980-12-29 | 1984-12-15 | Lewa Herbert Ott Gmbh + Co. | DIAPHRAGM PUMP WITH RELIEVED CLAMPED DIAPHRAGM. |
DE3408331C2 (en) * | 1984-03-07 | 1986-06-12 | Fresenius AG, 6380 Bad Homburg | Pumping arrangement for medical purposes |
DE3414006C2 (en) * | 1984-04-13 | 1986-03-06 | Bran & Lübbe GmbH, 2000 Norderstedt | Piston diaphragm pump |
IT1189160B (en) * | 1986-06-11 | 1988-01-28 | Nuovopignone Ind Meccaniche & | IMPROVING PUMPING DEVICE, PARTICULARLY SUITABLE FOR COMPRESSING FLUIDS IN HIGH BOTTOMS |
US4904167A (en) * | 1987-02-26 | 1990-02-27 | Karl Eickmann | Membranes and neighboring members in pumps, compressors and devices |
IL83259A (en) * | 1987-07-20 | 1992-05-25 | D F Lab Ltd | Disposable cell and diaphragm pump for use of same |
IL84286A (en) * | 1987-10-26 | 1992-07-15 | D F Lab Ltd | Diaphragm and diaphragm-actuated fluid-transfer control device |
ATE126071T1 (en) * | 1988-12-29 | 1995-08-15 | Chang Ann Lois | DIAPHRAGM PUMP. |
US5167837A (en) * | 1989-03-28 | 1992-12-01 | Fas-Technologies, Inc. | Filtering and dispensing system with independently activated pumps in series |
US5423738A (en) * | 1992-03-13 | 1995-06-13 | Robinson; Thomas C. | Blood pumping and processing system |
IL115327A (en) * | 1994-10-07 | 2000-08-13 | Bayer Ag | Diaphragm pump |
US5836750A (en) * | 1997-10-09 | 1998-11-17 | Honeywell Inc. | Electrostatically actuated mesopump having a plurality of elementary cells |
US6132187A (en) * | 1999-02-18 | 2000-10-17 | Ericson; Paul Leonard | Flex-actuated bistable dome pump |
DE10012904B4 (en) * | 2000-03-16 | 2004-08-12 | Lewa Herbert Ott Gmbh + Co | Membrane clamping with elasticity compensation |
US6669455B2 (en) * | 2002-01-31 | 2003-12-30 | Elmer Scott Welch | Fluid-pumping system employing air-driven pump and employing at least one pulsation dampener |
DE10216146A1 (en) * | 2002-04-12 | 2003-10-30 | Bayer Ag | diaphragm pump |
JP2005163564A (en) * | 2003-11-28 | 2005-06-23 | Toyota Industries Corp | Diaphragm device |
-
2004
- 2004-03-18 NZ NZ531822A patent/NZ531822A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2005
- 2005-03-18 AU AU2005220568A patent/AU2005220568B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2005-03-18 CA CA002557253A patent/CA2557253A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-03-18 WO PCT/NZ2005/000046 patent/WO2005088128A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-03-18 US US10/593,174 patent/US20070140873A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-03-18 EP EP05722117.8A patent/EP1730403B1/en not_active Not-in-force
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2002018790A1 (en) * | 2000-08-28 | 2002-03-07 | Precision Dispensing Systems Limited | Pneumatic pinch mechanism for a deformable tube |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1730403A4 (en) | 2012-05-16 |
EP1730403A1 (en) | 2006-12-13 |
AU2005220568B2 (en) | 2011-01-06 |
NZ531822A (en) | 2007-08-31 |
WO2005088128A1 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
US20070140873A1 (en) | 2007-06-21 |
AU2005220568A1 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
CA2557253A1 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP1730403B1 (en) | A membrane pump | |
US5441231A (en) | Valve closing actuator | |
EP4302818A3 (en) | Pumping cassette | |
EP0307069A2 (en) | Disposable cell-diaphragm pump | |
EP0304210A2 (en) | Double diaphragm pumps | |
US5362212A (en) | Air driven diaphragm pump | |
US20130243622A1 (en) | Pump | |
CA2440520C (en) | Reduced icing valves and gas-driven motor and diaphragm pump incorporating same | |
EP2889165A2 (en) | Compressor for a pneumatic tire and a pneumatic tire comprising a compressor mounted within the tire cavity | |
EP1396637A3 (en) | Double diaphragm pump including spool valve air motor | |
CN108343607B (en) | Compression mechanism and compressor with same | |
JP4943433B2 (en) | Reciprocating piston pump with air valve, detent and poppet valve | |
EP0562694A1 (en) | Fluid circulating and intercepting devices | |
US6887047B2 (en) | Pneumatic pinch mechanism for a deformable tube | |
US7367785B2 (en) | Reduced icing valves and gas-driven motor and reciprocating pump incorporating same | |
US4480969A (en) | Fluid operated double acting diaphragm pump housing and method | |
US8287249B2 (en) | Two-stage membrane pump with economical inlet port design | |
CN215058025U (en) | Pump middle valve plate capable of improving air tightness | |
CN2874061Y (en) | Vacuum pump piston for water pump | |
JPH10509496A (en) | Pump and method for manufacturing the pump | |
CN219672817U (en) | Diaphragm water pump | |
KR0138128Y1 (en) | Sealing of pump for a water purifier | |
SU793917A1 (en) | Suction load-engaging device | |
JPS62142875A (en) | Pump | |
WO2003048577A1 (en) | Double action pump |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20060918 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
A4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched |
Effective date: 20120418 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: F04B 43/067 20060101ALI20120412BHEP Ipc: F04B 43/06 20060101AFI20120412BHEP |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20120917 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20130829 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 645770 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20140115 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602005042193 Country of ref document: DE Effective date: 20140213 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: VDEP Effective date: 20131218 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20140328 Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 645770 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20131218 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20140319 Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20140319 Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140418 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140418 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602005042193 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140318 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20140919 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602005042193 Country of ref document: DE Effective date: 20140919 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20140331 Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20140318 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20140331 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R119 Ref document number: 602005042193 Country of ref document: DE |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20150318 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST Effective date: 20151130 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20150318 Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20151001 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20150331 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140319 Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131218 Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20050318 |