US2691943A - Diaphragm pump - Google Patents

Description

L. F. WILSON DIAPHRAGM PUMP Get. 19, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 23, 1950 INVENTOR.

LAWRENGE E WILSON HIS ATTORNEY L. F. WILSON DIAPHRAGM PUMP Oct. 19, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 23, 1950 mil 1 M H n r .iu mag x Z2 #:IW- WJ- 7 0- FIG-3 INVENTOR. LAWRENCE E WILSON ms arro'awsr Oct. 19, 1954 w so 2,691,943

DIAPHRAGM PUMP Filed Aug. 23, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 I l M 5 74 174 \H 1mm @5 5, m E m 83 a3 82 82 6+! F765 F166 INVENTOR.

LAWRENCE E WILSON HIS A TT ORA/E Y L. F. WILSON DIAPHRAGM PUMP Oct. 19, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 25, 1950 IN VENTOR. LAWRENGE E WILSON HIS ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 19, 1954 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE DIAPHRAGM PUMP Application August 23, 1950, Serial N 0. 181,018

12 Claims. 1

This invention relates to pumps, and more particularly to pumps designed to measure a predetermined volume of liquid during each stroke or cycle of the pump.

This invention is particularly adapted for use with corrosive fluids or those containing gritty particles, tending to corrode or cut out the interior walls of the working parts of an ordinary pump, as well as with fluids which would become contaminated if allowed to contact the interior surfaces of an ordinary pump.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved pump having a more practical and eflicient type of construction, for accurately measuring and pumping a predetermined volume of fluid during each stroke or cycle of the pump.

Another object is to provide a pump of the above character which has means for precisely adjusting and regulating the volume of fluid measured and pumped.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pump having the above advantages and which is particularly adapted for use with corrosive fluids, fluids containing gritty particles or fluids which would be contaminated if allowed to contact the interior surfaces of an ordinary pump.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pump of the above character haying a minimum clearance volume, the proportions of which remain constant regardless of the length of the pumping stroke thereby insuring a uniform volume of fluid pumped per stroke and providing an improved pump construction adapted for pumping liquified gases which, at given operating temperatures, may be supplied at pressures closer to their vapor pressures than was heretofore possible.

A further object of the invention is to provide a pump having the above advantages and which is compact in size, flexible in operation and capable of producing a. high pressure in the fluid to be pumped.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a pump having the above advantages in a more practical and eflicient type of construction capable of being readily manufactured and of operating in an accurate and reliable manner.

To these and other ends the invention resides in certain improvements and combinations of parts, all as will be hereafter more fully described, the novel features being pointed out in the claims at the end of the specification.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is an elevation view of a pumping and measuring mechanism embodying the present invention showing the location of, and the connections between, the measuring pump, the adjustable regulating valve mechanism and the motor driven actuator;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary top plan view of the pumping and measuring mechanism, as shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an elevation view, partly in section, of the actuator showing the construction of the hollow piston and movable cylinder;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation view of the actuator as shown in Fig. 3 showing the means for connecting the cylinder to a motor driven eccentric;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged elevation View of the measuring pump and certain of its connecting means;

Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation substantially on line 6-6 in Fig. 5 showing the internal construction of the measuring head and the location of the flexible separating diaphragm;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional elevation taken through the center of the adjustable regulating means parallel with the longitudinal axis thereof and showing the free piston in position for uncovering the bypass port, and

Fig. 8 is a sectional view substantially on the line 8-8 of Fig. 7 showing the location of the bypass port.

The preferred form of the invention, herein disclosed by way of illustration, comprises a motor driven actuator or pump ll (Fig. I) for producing an actuating fluid flow alternately in opposite directions, a measuring pump [2 adapted to be actuated by said first fluid for pumping a second fluid in measured quantities and an adjustable regulating means [3 interposed between and connected to said actuator and said measuring pump by connecting pipes M and I 5, respectively (Fig. 1). c,

The actuator or pump H comprises, preferably, an elongated piston I6 (Figs. 3 and 4) mounted for rocking movement and received in a cylinder I? having a rocking and reciprocating movement for pumping cooperation with the piston. The piston is fixed to and extends upwardly from the upper end of a rocking yoke I8 having depending arms [9 provided with openings seated on the ends of a short shaft 20 mounted to rock in a self-aligning bearing 2|- (Fig. i). A set screw 22 serves to fix the yoke to the shaft. To provide the piston with efficient packing or sealing means, its upper end is reduced as at M (Fig. 3) to form a shoulder 25. The reduced portion 24- carries two packing rings in the form of cup-shaped gaskets, 26 and 21, preferably of leather or other suitable material, and cupped upwardly toward the free or pressure side of the cylinder, to provide an efficient sealing fit in the cylinder with low frictional resistance, as well understood in the art. Ring 2'! is spaced upwardly along piston Hi from ring 25 by a metallic cup follower 28. A second cup follower 29 is inserted between upper ring 21 and the end of the piston I5. Nut 3|, threadedly secured to the upper end of piston I6, engages the upper surface of cup follower 29 and holds the above sealing rings and cup followers firmly in place as shown in Fig. 3.

Piston l has a hollow passageway 32 (Fig. 3) extending longitudinally from the upper or free end thereof into the upper portion of piston yo-ke H; where said passageway is intersected by a transversely extending hollow passageway 33 (Figs. 3 and 4) which extends inwardly from outer face 34 of piston yoke l8. Passageways 32 and 33 thus form a continuous path through which fluid is forced when the cylinder is reciprocated by means hereafter described. The outer portion of passageway 33 is threaded for connection to said conduit l4.

When cylinder I1 is in its lowermost position as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the upper end 35 (Fig. 3) of bore 23 of the cylinder is slightly above the upper end 36 of piston l5 and thereby provides a small clearance volume which is intersected by two transversely extending bores 3i and 3B which are adapted to be connected to a vacuum relief inlet valve 39 and a pressure relief valve 4 respectively, the functions and operation of which will be hereafter more fully explained.

The upper end of cylinder I7 is fixed to the lower end of a connecting rod 42 by a bolt 43 (Figs. 3 and 4). Connecting rod 42 has its upper or opposite end formed with a bearing 44 receiving a short shaft Or trunnion 45 which is eccentrically mounted on an eccentric disk 46 (Fig. 4). Connecting rod 42 is held in place on trunnion 45 by a bolt 41 and washer 48. Disk 45 is fixed, as by a key 49 on the shaft 56 of an electric motor 5| (Fig. l) which supplies the power for rotating said eccentric disk and thereby operating the actuating pump.

The actuating pump H is adapted to be secured either to a support 53 (Fig. 1) located within a tank 54 containing the oil or other actuating fluid, or directly to the bottom 55 of the tank and is connected by conduit I4, to an adjustable regulating valve which will hereafter he described.

It is intended that the upper surface of the actuating or pumping fluid extend above inlet valve 39 and release valve 4|, as shown at 55 (Fig. l to minimize the possibility of air being drawn into the system and, to insure an ample supply of fluid under all adjustments, the actuator pumps a greater volume of fluid per stroke than is required for the operation of the regulating valve H) and measuring pump I2. The excess fluid is allowed to escape through pressure relief valve 4| into tank 54. A second pressure relief valve 6!! (Fig. 1) having a return conduit ill emptying into tank 54, is inserted between regulating valve I3 and measuring pump l2, as hereafter more fully described.

Thus, it will be seen that when electric power is supplied to motor 5|, eccentric disk 46 is rotated and cylinder I1 is caused to reciprocate along piston l6. As the cylinder moves upwardly from its lowermost position as shown in Fig. 3, reduced pressure is formed in the cylinder which draws fluid from the regulating valve i3 through conduit i4 and chambers 33 and 32. As the above volume of fluid is not sufficient to relieve the reduced pressure within said cylinder, atmospheric pressure on fluid in the tank operates the normally closed, spring actuated, vacuum relief inlet valve 39, which opens and allows the fluid to flow into the cylinder and keep it filled. As the cylinder reverses direction and moves downwardly to the position as shown in Fig. 3, valve 39 closes and the fluid is forced downwardly and outwardly through passageways 32 and 33 and through conduit l4 into regulating valve I3. Thus during each stroke or cycle of the actuating pump, the fluid in conduit I4 is moved alternately in opposite directions under suband super-atmospheric pressure, respectively.

The actuating fluid, under the pulsating pressure described above, passes through regulating valve l3, by means which will be hereafter described and is carried by conduit l5 to measuring pump I2 for actuating the same.

Measuring pump |2 comprises a pair of cylindrical plates 51 and 58, of corrosion resisting material, as for example, stainless steel and having a substantial thickness as shown in Fig. 6 and thus are adapted to withstand high fluid pressures. Plates 5? and 58 are formed with transversely extending bores 59 and 5|, respectively. Bore 59 is closed at one end by a plug 52 and has attached to its opposite end a nipple 63 which is adapted to receive conduit |5 for transmitting the actuating fluid into said chamber. Plate 51 has formed therein a series of holes 54 (Figs. 5 and 6) which extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of bore 59 and connect it with the interface 55 of the plate. Plate 58 has a similarly formed series of holes 55 which connect its interface 51 with bore 6|. Plates 5i and 58 are adapted to be securely fastened together by studs 68 and nuts 69 with interfaces 65 and 6?, respectively, substantially in contact with one another, as shown in Fig. 6.

A thin flexible diaphragm ll preferably of stainless steel, rubber or an inert plastic, is securely fastened between interfaces 65 and 61 and thus forms a liquid-proof seal between bores 59 and 6| and their series of holes 54 and 55. Interfaces 65 and 51 are concavely recessed inwardly adjacent the center portions thereof as at T2 and 13, respectively, and thus provide a space divided into two separate chambers by the movable wall or flexible diaphragm TI. This partitioning diaphragm is adapted to be moved in response to the pulsation of the actuating fluid passing through bore 59 and holes 54, into the space between the diaphragm and the recessed interface of plate 5?, such movement of the diaphragm serving to alternately enlarge and contract the chamber between the opposite side of the diaphragm and the interface of plate 58 to effect pumping of a second fluid to be measured as hereafter more fully described.

Plate 58 has connected therewith adjacent each end of bore 5| a double ball check valve assembly, indicated generally by the numerals 74 and 15, respectively, for insuring unidirectional flow of fluid through said chamber in response to the movement of the diaphragm 1|. As these valve assemblies are of similar construction a description of one will be suflicient. Thus, the lower or inlet valve assembly 15 (Fig.

6) comprises a collar 16 attached to plate 58. A

pair of cup-shaped valve blocks 11 and 18 and ball valves 19 and 8| are inserted within collar 16. A flanged nipple 82 abutting the outermost valve block is securely held in place by a nut 83 screwed into the outer end of collar 16. Valve blocks 11 and 18 are formed with valve seats having sharp edges which insure proper closing of the ball valves. A drain cock 84 is attached to collar 76, as shown in Fig. 6, to allow removal of any fluid which may leak out around the valve assembly within collar 16.

The lower valve assembly is adapted to allow fluid to move into chamber 6| but to prevent the fluid from moving out of the chamber through the valve assembly. The upper or outlet valve assembly M is similar to the inlet valve assembly but is arranged to allow fluid to pass from chamber 6| out through valve assembly M and to prevent fluid from moving through the valve assembly into said chamber. Thus, it will be seen that when nipple 82 leading from the inlet valve assembly is attached to a fluid supply, the reciprocating movement of flexible diaphragm alternately creates a superand sub-atmospheric pressure region in bore 6| and alternately draws fluid into said bore through inlet valve assembly T5 and discharges the fluid through the outlet valve assembly 14.

The movement of diaphragm H to the right is restricted by recessed portion 73 of interface 61 and to the left by recessed portion 12 of interface 65. Each time the diaphragm moves from a position in contact with recessed portion 73 to a position in contact with recessed portion 12, and back again to its initial position, it has displaced a. constant volume. Thus, as the diaphragm is caused to reciprocate in response to the pulsations or pressure changes in the actuating fluid, pump l2 measures a constant volume of fluid for each cycle of movement of the flexible diaphragm.

My invention also comprises a novel regulating means l3, interposed between actuator II and measuring pump l2, for accurately regulating and controlling, per cycle, the volume of a second fluid measured by pump i2. This regulating means, as presently more fully described, restricts the movement of diaphragm H to the left,'as seen in Fig. 6, and thereby limits the volume per cycle of fluid drawn into bore 6| and its connected diaphragm chamber.

Regulating means I3 comprises basically a cylinder, shown generally at 85 (Fig. 7), and a closely fitting free piston 86 which is adapted to move in opposite directions. in response to the pulsations of the actuating fluid. Cylinder 85 comprises a body section 81 (Fig. 7) which has grooves at opposite ends thereof containing split rings 88 and flanges 89 for connecting said body portion to end members 9| and 92, respectively. Said flanges are fastened to said end members by bolts 93. A gasket 94 located at each end of cylinder body section 8'! insures a tight seal between said body section and end members 9| and 32. End member 9| has a threaded opening 95 adapted to be connected to conduit HI for transmitting the: actuating fluid to and from said cylinder. End member 92 has a bore 96 extending from its. inner surface partially therethrough and forming at the outer end thereof a shoulder 97. A smaller counterbore 98 connects said bore 95 with a threaded opening 9-9 which is adapted to be connected to conduit I5. Bore 96 is slightly smaller in diameter than the bore of cylinder 8i and thus forms a stop for restricting the movement in one direction of piston 86. A bore 0| extends inwardly from the right hand end of piston 86, as seen in Fig. 7, partially through said piston. A coil compression spring I92 is inserted in bore [0| and has one end thereof in contact with the inner end of said bore and the opposite end thereof in contact with shoulder 91 for moving the piston to the left as viewed in Fi 7.

Body portion 87 is provided with a bypass port I93 (Figs. 7 and 8) adjacent the right hand end thereof as viewed in Fig. 7, which allows makeup actuating fluid to flow from cylinder 8'! around the piston and out through outlet 99 and conduit I5 to the measuring pump bore 59, to keep its passageways filled. However, bypass port I63 is of limited extent so that it is open only when piston is adjacent its right hand position as shown in Fig. 7.

Thus, as the actuating fluid enters cylinder 81 under super-atmospheric pressure it causes piston 85 to move to the right, as seen in Fig. 7, thereby forcing the actuating fluid to flow through outlet 99 and conduit id to the measuring pump where it moves diaphragm ii to the right as viewed in Fig. 6.

If at any point during this downward stroke of actuator cylinder H the pressure of the actuating fluid exceeds a predetermined amount, relief valve Gil opens to relieve said excessive pressure and allows the excess fluid to return to tank 54 by return conduit 10.

Valve 5t not only relieves the actuating system of the excess fluid per stroke, as pointed out above, but as it is located at the highest point in the actuating fluid system, as for example, between nipple '63 and conduit i 5, it also bleeds any air or gas bubbles entrapped in the actuating fluid. It has been found desirable when pumping a second fluid at a given pressure to set the actuating fluid pressure relief valves 68 and 4| to open at pressures slightly greater than the above given pressures. In normal operation, therefore, when pumping the second fluid at a given pressure, as for example, 1009 p. s. i., the actuating fluid moves diaphragm into contact with recessed portion it after which the pressure of the actuating fluid continues to build up until it reaches a predetermined amount, as for example, 1100 p. s. i., at which point valve 68 opens. Thus, once every cycle, valve 86 opens to allow a small amount of actuating fluid and entrapped gas bubbles to escape. If valve 99 fails to operate, or for any reason the pressure in the actuator exceeds a second predetermined amount, as for example, 1200 p. s. i., relief valve 4| opens allowing the excess fluid to escape into container 54 thereby protecting the actuating fluid system.

When actuator cylinder ll moves upwardly, creating a region of sub-atmospheric pressure in said actuator, the actuating fluid is drawn out of cylinder 81 thereby drawing piston 5'5 to the left, assisted initially by spring Hi2. More specifically, this movement of piston 86 quickly closes bypass port its and shuts off the flow of the actuating fluid therethrough. However, as piston 86 moves to the left, it creates in bores 9t and 98 a reduced pressure which withdraws the actuating fluid from measuring pump bore 59 and its connected diaphragm chambers. The farther piston 85 moves to the left, as viewed in Fig. 7, the greater the reduction in pressure and the greater the amount of fluid drawn out of bore 59. This increases the distance through which diaphragm H is moved away from recessed portion I3 towards the opposite recessed portion I2 and simultaneously increases the volume of fluid drawn in through bore 6| during the movement of said diaphragm. It is evident that if piston 86 is allowed to travel through a sufficient distance, diaphragm II will contact recessed portion I2 thereby drawing the maximum volume of fluid into bore 6| and its connected diaphragm chambers. Conversely, if the leftward movement of piston 86 is decreased, the amount of actuating fluid drawn out of bore 59 will be less and diaphragm II will move through a correspondingly smaller distance thereby drawing a smaller amount of fluid into measuring bore 6I.

As actuator cylinder II moves downwardly the actuating fluid is again under super-atmospheric pressure and piston 86 moves to the right to the position as shown in Fig. '7, thereby forcing fluid into chamber 59 and moving diaphragm II in the opposite direction until it strikes against recessed portion I3. Thus, limiting the leftward movement of piston 86, as viewed in Fig. 7, restricts the movement of flexible diaphragm II towards recessed portion I2 and volume of fluid per cycle drawn into and pumped out of bore 6 I.

The means for restricting the movement of piston 86 comprises a variably adjustable stop rod I04 (Fig. 7) which passes longitudinally through an extension I05 of end member 9!. A manually rotatable cap I06, bored at the outer end thereof to allow the outer end of rod I04 to extend therethrough, is threadedly engaged with extension I05. A pin or set screw II secures said rod to said cap, so that as cap I06 is rotated to screw it on extension I05, rod I04 is moved longitudinally through said extension and into cylinder 81. A collar I08 is secured by set screw I09 to rod I04 inside the cylinder and provides a means for limiting the outward movement of rod I04 as shown in Fig. 7. By rotating cap I06 as described, rod I04 is moved inwardly as far as desired towards the right end Of cylinder 8! to arrest and limit the leftward movement of piston 86, for the purposes pointed out above. Extension I-has adjacent the outer end thereof two packing rings I I I to prevent leakage of actuatingfluid along rod I04. A nut H2 is securely fastened to the outermost end of rod I04 as shown in Fig. 7 and provides a means for the attachment of a wrench or other suitable tool.

It will be seen that when the actuating fluid is under super-atmospheric pressure, piston 86 is moved into contact with end portion 92 and the actuating fluid passes into the measuring pump, thereby moving diaphragm II to the right until stopped by recessed portion I3. As the actuating fluid is thereafter subjected to sub-atmospheric pressure, piston 80 is drawn to the left until it engages stop rod I04. As pointed out above, the greater the leftward movement of piston 86, the greater is the leftward movement of diaphragm II and the greater is the volume of fluid drawn into the measuring pump. When the actuating fluid is again under superatmospheric pressure, the above cycle is repeated causing diaphragm II to move again to the right to expel through outlet valve M the fluid which was previously drawn into measuring bore 6I through inlet valve 15.

It is apparent from the above description that the invention supplies a positive displacement diaphragm pump for accurately metering and pumping liquids under pressure. The spring tenthus reduces the v sion at which the automatic relief intake and discharge valves 39 and .60 operate is so determined as to insure the full desired operating stroke of the regulating piston 86 before the valves operate to relieve the actuating pump I I. That is, on the upward or suction stroke of cylinder H, the reduced pressure moves piston 86 to the left in Fig. '7 until arrested by stop means, such as the end of the rod I04, after which the relief inlet valve 39 opens to supply additional oil from the reservoir to the pump I I, depending in quantity on the length of stroke of piston 86 as controlled by stop rod I04. This suction stroke first withdraws the oil or other actuating fluid from the left hand side of the diaphragm (Fig. 6) to move the 'diaphragm toward the left to a distance controlled by the setting of the stop rod I04 and thus, movement of the diaphragm draws fluid to be pumped past the lower check valves, I9 and 8|, to flll the chamber and connections at the other side of the diaphragm.

During the downward or pressure stroke of cylinder H, the oil pressure forces piston 86 toward the right (Fig. 7) thereby forcing the liquid at the other end of the piston back into the diaphragm chamber, to force the diaphragm against the concave face I3 of plate 58. This forces the fluid to be pumped under positive pressure from this daphragm chamber through bore BI and the upper or outlet check valves. During this stroke of piston 86, it compresses spring I02 and uncovers port I03 to insure a full supply of the actuating fluid to the diaphragm chamber and full pressure on the diaphragm to complete its pumping pressure stroke, after which relief discharge valve 60 opens to permit excess oil to flow from the actuating fluid system into the reservoir. If for any reason valve 60 fails to operate or fails to reduce the pressure of the actuating fluid, a second pressure relief valve 4I opens, thereby permitting the actuating fluid to escape from cylinder Il into container 54.

On the subsequent suction stroke, spring I02 quickly initiates and assists the return movement of piston 86. Such movements of regulating piston 86 in opposite directions cause the pumping diaphragm II to move in direct volumetric relation and since the diaphragm, at the end of the pressure stroke, is hydraulically forced to conform to the machined concavity of plate 58, the liquid volume held between the inlet and outlet check valves of the metering pump, hereafter referred to as the clearance volume, is a minimum volume and remains constant regardless of the length of stroke of the pump. Stop ro'd I04 may be precisely adjusted for controlling said stroke length by screwing the'cap I06 on the extension I05, thus providing an adjustment of substantially micrometrie fineness and precision.

The above construction in which the clearance volume is always the same and is determined solely by the engagement of diaphragm II with recessed concavity I3, insures greater accuracy and uniformity of fluid pumped per cycle because the compressibility of the actuating fluid does not affect the position of the diaphragm at the end of the discharge stroke. Thus, the accuracy of the above pump does not depend on the often inexact balancing of hydraulic pressures on opposite sides of the pumping diaphragm as was commonly the case in the prior constructions.

Maintaining the clearance volume at minimum constant proportions means that regardless of the length of the pumping stroke, my improved pump has a higher compression ratio (1. e., a

higher ratio between the total volume and the clearance volume) than most pumps of similar construction. A further advantage of this construction is that my pump will operate satisfactorily with liquefied gases which may be supplied at pressures closer to their vapor pressures, for their corresponding operating temperatures, than was heretofore possible with pumps of this type.

It will thus be seen that the invention accomplishes its objects and while it has been herein disclosed by referenc to the details of a preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that such disclosure is intended in an illustrative, rather than a limiting sense, as it is contemplated that various modifications in the construction and arrangement or the parts will readily occur to those skilled in the art, within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. Conducting means for containing a fluid, an actuating fluid therein, an actuator for pumping said fluid alternately in opposite directions, a fluid measuring pump operated by said actuating fluid for pumping a predetermined volume of a second fluid, said measuring pump having a wall portion movable alternately in opposite directions by said actuating fluid for pumping said second fluid, and a variably adjustable regulating means connected between said actuator and said measuring pump in series hydraulically therewith for regulating the flow of said actuating fluid from said measuring pump for restricting the movement of said wall portion in one direction for controlling the amount of said second fluid pumped by said measuring pump.

2. Conducting means for containing a fluid, an actuating fluid therein, an actuator for pumping said fluid alternately in opposite directions, a fluid measuring pump operated by said actuating fluid for pumping a predetermined volume of a second fluid, said measuring pump having a wall portion movable alternately in opposite directions by said actuating fluid for pumping said second fluid, and a variably adjustable regulat ing means connected between said actuator and said measuring pump in series hydraulically therewith, said regulating means comprising a cylinder and piston. therein movable in opposite directions by said actuating fluid during each cycle of said measuring pump for regulating the application of said actuating fluid to said measuring pump for insuring actuation of said wall to the limit of movement thereof in the direction for pumping second fluid and maintaining a uniform clearance volume in the side of the measuring pump through which said second fluid is being pumped regardless of the volume of said second fluid being pumped.

3. Conducting means for containing a fluid, an actuating fluid therein, an actuator for pumping said fluid alternately in opposite directions, a fluid measuring pump operated by said actuating fluid for pumping a predetermined volume of a second fluid, saic measuring pump having a wall portion movable alternately in opposite directions by said actuating fluid for pumping said second fluid, and a variably adjustable regulating means connected between said actuator and said measuring pump in series hydraulically therewith, said regulating means comprising a cylinder containing a piston movable in opposite directions by said actuating fluid during each cycle of said measuring pump for controlling the application of said actuating fluid to said measuring pump, and adjustable stop means on said cylinder for limiting the movement of the piston in one direction for controlling the flow of said actuating fluid from said measuring pump for regulating the volume of said second fluid pumped by said measuring pump.

4. Conducting means for containing a fluid, an actuating fluid therein, an actuator for pumping said fluid alternately in opposite directions, a fluid measuring pump operated by said actuating fluid for pumping a predetermined volume of a second fluid, said measuring pump having spaced immovable wall portions and a wall portion therebetween movable alternately in opposite directions by said actuating fluid for pumping said second fluid, and a variably adjustable regulating means connected between said actuator and said measuring pump in series hydraulically therewith, said regulating means comprising a cylinder containing a piston movable in one direction. for allowing application of the full pres sure of said actuating fluid to one side of said movable wall portion fo insuring actuation of said movable wall portion against one of said fixed wall portions in the direction for pumping said second fluid vfor maintaining a uniform clearance volume in the sid of the m asuring pump through which said second fluid is pumped at the end of the pumping stroke of said measuring pump, regardless of the volume of said second fluid being pumped, adjustable stop means on said cylinder engaging said piston for limiting the movement thereof in the opposite direction for controlling the flow of said actuating fluid from said measuring pump for regulating the volume of said second fluid pumped by said movaole wall portion.

5. Conducting means for containing a fluid, an actuating fluid therein, an actuator for pumping said fluid alternately in opposite directions, a fluid measuring pump operated by said actuating fluid for pumping a predetermined volume of a second fluid, said measuring pump having spaced immovable wall portions and a wall portion therebetween movable alternately in opposite directions into contact with said immovable wall portions by said actuating fluid for pumping said second fluid, a variably adjustable regulating means connected between said actuator and said measurirn pump in series hydraulically therewith, said regulating means comprising a cylinder containing a piston movable in opposite directions for regulating the application of said actuating fluid to said measuring pump, a bypass port, means for opening said port at the end of the movement of said piston in one direction for allowing application of the full pressure of said actuating fluid to one side of said movable wall portion for insuring actuation of said movable wall portion against one of said fixed wall. portions in the direction for pumping said second fluid for maintaining a uniform clearance volume on the opposite side of said movable wall portion at the end of the pumping stroke of said measuring pump regardless of the volume of said second fluid being pumped, and adjustable stop means on said cylinder engaging said piston for limiting the movement thereof in the OPD Site direction for restricting the flow of said actuating fluid from said measuring pump for controlling the actuation of said wall portion in a direction opposite to said pumping direction for limiting the volume of said second fluid pumped by said movable wall portion.

6. Conducting means for containing a fluid, an

actuating fluid therein, an actuator for pumping said fluid alternately in opposite directions, a fluid measuring pump operated by said actuating fluid for pumping a predetermined volume of a second fluid, said measuring pump having spaced immovable wall portions and a wall portion therebetween movable alternately in opposite directions into contact with said immovable wall portions by said actuating fluid for pumping said second fluid, a variably adjustable regulating means connected between said actuator and said measuring pump in series hydraulically therewith, said regulating means comprising a cylinder containing a piston movable in opposite directions for regulating the application of said actuating fluid to said measuring pump, a by-pass port in said cylinder adjacent one end thereof and arranged to be opened by said piston at the end of its movement in one direction for allowing application of the full pressure of said actuating fluid to one side of said movable wall portion for insuring actuation of said movable wall portion against one of said fixed wall portions in the direction for pumping said second fluid and maintaining a uniform clearance volume on the opposite side of said movable wall portion at the end of the pumping stroke of said measuring pump regardless of the volume of said second fluid being pumped, adjustable stop means on said cylinder engaging said piston for limiting the movement thereof in the opposite direction for restricting the flow of said actuating fluid from said measuring pump for controlling the actuation of said wall portion in a direction opposite to said pumping direction for limiting the volume of said second fluid drawn into and subsequently pumped by said movable wall portion, and spring means in said cylinder urging said piston against said stop means.

'7. Conducting means for containing a fluid, an actuating fluid therein, an actuator for pumping said fluid alternately in opposite directions, a fluid measuring pump operated by said actuating fluid for pumping a predetermined volume of a second fluid, said measuring pump having spaced immovable wall portions and a wall portion therebetween movable alternately in opposite directions into contact with said immovable wall portions by said actuating fluid for pumping said second fluid, a variably adjustable regulating means connected between said actuator and said measuring pump in series hydraulically therewith, said regulating means comprising a cylinder containing a piston movable in opposite directions for regulating the application of said actuating fluid to said measuring pump, a by-pass port in said cylinder comprising a longitudinally-extending groove therein adjacent one end thereof, said groove being longer than said piston and positioned to be uncovered by said piston at the end of its movement in one direction for allowing application of the full pressure of the actuating fluid to flow through said port and around said piston against one side of said movable wall portion for insuring actuation of said movable wall portion against one of said fixed wall portions in the direction for pumping said second fluid and maintaining a uniform clearance volume on the opposite side of said movable wall portion at the end of the pumping stroke of said measuring pump regardless of the volume of said second fluid being pumped, adjustable stop means on said cylinder engaging said piston for limiting the movement thereof in the opposite direction for restricting the flow of said actuating fluid from 12 said measuring pump for controlling the actuation of said wall portion in a direction opposite to said pumping direction for limiting the volume of said second fluid drawn into and subsequently pumped by said movable wall portion, and spring means in said cylinder urging said piston against said stop means.

8. Conducting means for containing a fluid, an actuating fluid therein, an actuator for pumping said fluid alternately in opposite directions, a fluid measuring pump operated by said actuating fluid for pumping a predetermined volume of a second fluid, said measuring pump comprising spaced immovable wall portions having therebetween a movable wall portion forming two chambers in said pump, said movable wall portion being movable alternately in opposite directions by the pressure of said actuating fluid in one of said chambers for pumping said second fluid through the other of said chambers, and a variably adjustable regulating means connected between said actuator and with one of said chambers in series hydraulically therewith for regulating the application of said actuating fluid from said chamber for controlling the volume of said second fluid drawn into and, subsequently pumped by the other of said chambers.

9. Conducting means for containing a fluid, an actuating fluid therein, an actuator for pumping said fluid alternately in opposite directions, a fluid measuring pump operated by said actuating fluid for pumping a predetermined volume of a second fluid, said measuring pump comprising spaced immovable wall portions having therebetween a movable wall portion forming two chambers in said pump, said movable wall portion being movable alternately in opposite directions by the pressure of said actuating fluid in one of said chambers for pumping said second fluid, and a variably adjustable regulating means connected between said actuator and said one of said chambers in series hydraulically therewith for regulating the flow of said actuating fluid from said chamber for restricting the movement of said flexible diaphragm in one direction for controlling the volume of said second fluid drawn into and subsequently pumped by the other of said chambers.

10. Conducting means for containing a fluid, an actuating fluid therein, an actuator for pumping said fluid alternately in opposite directions, a fluid measuring pump operated by said actuating fluid for pumping a predetermined volume of a second fluid, said measuring pump comprising spaced immovable wall portions having therebetween a movable wall portion forming two chambers in said pump, said movable wall portion being movable alternately in opposite directions by said actuating fluid for pumping said second fluid, conducting means connected with one of said chambers and provided with automatic valve means for maintaining unidirectional flow of said second fluid through said chamber, and a variably adjustable regulating means connected between said actuator and the other of said chambers in series hydraulically therewith for regulating the flow of said actuating fluid from said chamber for restricting the movement of said flexible diaphragm in one direction for controlling the volume of said second fluid drawn into and pumped by the first mentioned chamber.

11. Conducting means for containing a fluid, an actuating fluid therein, an actuator for pumping said fluid alternately in opposite directions, a fluid measuring pump operated by said actuating fluid for pumping a second fluid, a variably adjustable regulating means connected between said measuring pump and said actuator in series hydraulically therewith for regulating the application of said actuating fluid to said measuring pump alternately in opposite directions for actuating said pump to supply said second fluid at a predetermined rate, and pressure relief means operated by said actuating fluid for limiting the maximum pressure exerted by said fluid and for bleeding entrapped gas bubbles from said fluid.

12. Conducting means for containing a fluid, an actuating fluid therein, an actuator for pumping said fluid alternately in opposite directions, a fluid measuring pump operated by said actuating fluid for pumping a predetermined volume of a second fluid, said measuring pump having a wall portion movable alternately in opposite directions by said actuating fluid for pumping said second fluid, a variably adjustable regulating means connected between said actuator and said measuring pump in series hydraulically therewith for regulating the flow of said actuating fluid from said measuring pump for restricting the movement of said wall portion in one direction for controlling the volume of said second fluid pumped by said measuring pump, and pressure relief means operated by said actuating fluid for limiting the maximum pressure exerted by said fluid and for bleeding entrapped gas bubbles from said fluid.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,046,491 Scott July 7, 1936 2,260,306 Ferguson Oct. 28, 1941 2,303,597 Adelson Dec. 1, 1942 2,345,693 Wilson Apr. 4, 1944 2,361,460 Daugherty Oct. 31, 1944 2,413,851 Taylor Jan. 7, 1947 2,608,933 Ferris Sept. 2, 1952

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