Patent Grant
9341309
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an oil additive injection device and method and more specifically to an oil additive injection device having a series of tubular dispensing members utilizing compression to force the additive through partially-permeable membrane sidewalls of the dispensing members.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Equipment having moving parts, such as pistons, gears, and the like, utilize lubricants to increase the longevity and reliability of the equipment. Examples of equipment utilizing lubricants include internal combustion engines, hydraulic equipment, transmissions, differential gears, and the like. The lubricant is degraded by oxidation and sulfur acidification, adversely affecting equipment operation over time. For that reason, it is known to introduce additives, such as anti-oxidants, in order to extend the time between oil filter changes and/or adequately protect the equipment.
One such method of introducing the additive is to contain pellets encapsulating the additive within a dispenser. As an outer shell of the pellets dissolve, the additive is released into the lubricant. The pellets are rice-shaped, having a thickness of about 0.0625-0.125 inches and a length of about 0.3-0.7 inches, and comprises about 83-90% ethylene propylene polypropylene with a specific gravity of about 0.9 and a Shore D hardness of about 70, and about 10-17% additives comprising a combination of dispersing agent, lubricant, and detergent neutralizer. The polypropylene dissolves in above-ambient temperature oil to release the additives therefrom.
A second such method entraps the additive within a fibrous material. The fibrous material is encapsulated within a container. The lubricant passes through the fibrous material within the container. The additive is introduced to the lubricant as the fibrous material dissolves. Alternately, the pellets above are entrapped within the fibrous material, releasing the additive as the outer shell of the pellets dissolve.
A reoccurring issue plaguing the industry is the build up of sludge. The sludge congregates in nooks and crannies of the lubrication system. The filter and additive devices are prone to sludge buildup by nature of the device. The device has a high occurrence of corners and other surfaces that attract sludge. Another issue is flow resistance resulting from impingement created by the features within the filter and additive devices.
It is the primary object of the present invention to provide for the effective construction of an oil reclamation device that neutralizes sulfur acidification and oxidation. This and other objects of the invention will become clear from an inspection of a detailed description of the invention, and from the appended claims.
The present invention is directed to a lubricant additive injection system comprising a plurality of tubular additive injectors.
In a first aspect of the present invention, a lubricant additive injection system comprising:
While another aspect of the present invention provides at least one flow discharge port located through the outer tubular structure proximate a distal end.
In another aspect, the series of lubricant additive injectors are spatially positioned forming a circular pattern about the base assembly.
In another aspect, the series of lubricant additive injectors are spatially positioned forming a spiral pattern about the base assembly.
Another aspect integrates a lubricant distribution manifold within the dispenser base assembly.
In another aspect of the present invention, a central plug is inserted through a central plug aperture within the base assembly.
In another aspect, the lubricant additive injection system further comprising a cylindrical dispensing chamber having a porous outer sidewall, the chamber being filled with additive and a delivery piston providing a seal between the lubricant and the additive.
In another aspect, the porous material is micro-porous polymer membrane.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a lubricant additive injection system comprising:
In another aspect, the additive compression piston is fabricated of a porous material.
In another aspect, the fluid reclamation processing assembly further comprises a filtration polymer pad located along a fluid flow path routed between the series of additive injecting chambers and the fluid processing housing return orifice.
In another aspect, the additive compression piston further comprises a molded polymer wrap extending about a peripheral edge thereof.
In another aspect, the fluid reclamation processing assembly further comprises:
In another embodiment of the present invention, a lubricant additive injection system comprising:
In another aspect, the additive dispenser supply end cap further comprising a discharge end cap return orifice passing therethrough, wherein the discharge end cap return orifice is in fluid communication with the volume of fluid additive.
In another aspect, the oscillating control fluid additive dispenser further comprises a diffuser providing fluid communication and diffusing between the volume of fluid additive and the discharge end cap return orifice.
In another aspect, the spring control end cap further comprising at least one orientation controlling feature; and
In another aspect, the oscillating control fluid additive dispenser further comprises a fluid pathway between the core tube passageway and the central passageway, the fluid pathway is created by a gap between an upper, discharge end of the core tubular structure and an interior surface of the additive dispenser discharge end cap.
In another aspect, the oscillating control fluid additive dispenser further comprises an additive pathway between the central passageway and the fluid additive retention compartment, the additive pathway being created by a gap between a lower, supply end of the central tubular structure and an interior surface of the additive dispenser supply end cap.
In another aspect, the oscillating control fluid additive dispenser further comprises at least one outer structural support beam extending between the main body tubular housing interior surface and the central tubular structure exterior surface, wherein the at least one outer structural support beam provides structural support between the main body tubular housing and the central tubular structure.
In another method embodiment, the present invention includes a method of dispensing a fluid additive into a target fluid, the method comprising steps of:
In another aspect, the method further comprises a step of controlling a rotational orientation of the oscillating control spring assembly by engaging a rotational control feature integrated into the oscillating control spring assembly with a complimentary rotational control feature integrated into an element of the fluid additive dispenser main body.
In another aspect, the fluid additive dispenser main body further comprises:
In another aspect, the method further comprises steps of placing the fluid additive in fluid communication between the fluid additive storage cavity and the central passageway; and
In another aspect, the method further comprises steps of locating the oscillating control spring assembly within the central passageway;
In another aspect, the method further comprises a step of tuning a dispensing volumetric dispensing rate by changing a spring constant of the oscillating control spring assembly.
In another aspect, the method further comprises a step of diffusing the portion of the stored fluid additive during the dispensing process by passing the fluid through a diffuser prior to discharging the fluid additive into the fluid.
In another aspect, the method further comprises a step of tuning a dispensing volumetric dispensing rate by replacing the diffuser with another diffuser having different diffusing characteristics.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings, which follow.
For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
A multi-chambered additive dispenser 100 dispenses additive into a lubricant, the multi-chambered additive dispenser 100 being described in
A series of additive delivery dispensers 150, 170 are assembled to the base upper member 120, each additive delivery dispenser 150, 170 is positioned respective to a port 124, 126. The additive delivery dispensers 150, 170 can be of similar heights, such as the solid dispensing chamber 170 illustrated in
A central plug 130 is removably inserted into the central plug aperture 122 providing a seal. The central plug 130 can be removed to divert the lubricant from pressure against the series of additive delivery dispensers 150, 170. The central plug 130 can be of any reasonable design for sealing a port. It is understood that the central plug 130 can be a single unit or a provided as a plurality of plugs 130 and they can be positioned as desired.
The additive is stored within the series of additive delivery dispensers 150, 170, as illustrated in
The tubular dispensing chamber 150 apportions the lubricant between a dispensing portion and a pass through portion. The dispensing portion applies a dispensing force 180 to a delivery piston 156. Applied pressure forces the additive 158 through the porous sidewall 152 in a small, controlled volume. The portion of the lubricant contacting the delivery piston 156 applies a pressure to the additive 158. The delivery piston 156 adjusts upwardly as the additive 158 is dispensed into the lubricant until the delivery piston 156 is seated against a distal end of the reservoir. The dispensed additive 158 blends into the lubricant. Upon depletion of the additive 158, the spent tubular dispensing chamber 150 can be removed and replaced with a new tubular dispensing chamber 150. The balance of the lubricant passes through a lubricant passage 160 formed within an interior of the inner flow sidewall 164, exiting through a flow discharge port 162 referenced as a pass through flow 182 illustrated in
Alternately, a solid dispensing chamber 170 can be utilized. The solid dispensing chamber 170 is similar to the tubular dispensing chamber 150, void of a lubricant passage 160. The solid dispensing chamber 170 is formed having a porous sidewall 172 creating a reservoir for containment and dispensing of additive 178. A directive end cap 174 is disposed upon a distal end of the porous sidewall 172 provide a distal seal for the solid dispensing chamber 170. Similar to the tubular dispensing chamber 150, the lubricant applies a pressure to the delivery piston 176, forcing the additive 178 through the porous sidewall 172 in a controlled volume. The dispensed additive 178 blends into the lubricant.
The multi-chambered additive dispenser can arrange the dispensing chambers in a variety of configurations. The multi-chambered additive dispenser 100 of
It is understood that the additive delivery dispensers 150, 170 can be arranged in any relationship. A second exemplary embodiment is referred to as a spiraling multi-chambered additive dispenser 200 and illustrated in
The multi-chambered additive dispenser 100 can be encased within a housing, similar to an oil filter or inserted into a conduit used for the passage of lubricant. The multi-chambered additive dispenser 100 can be combined with a lubricant filter via any reasonable means such as either of the exemplary embodiments presented in
The multi-chambered additive dispenser 100 can be integrated within a linear, pass through additive dispenser 300 as illustrated in
The spiraling multi-chambered additive dispenser 200 (as shown), or similar, can be integrated within a bracket mounted additive dispenser 400 as illustrated in
A fluid reclamation processing assembly 500, as illustrated in
The fluid reclamation processing assembly 500 includes a fluid processing housing 502 for containing the fluid flow across the fluid processing elements. The fluid processing housing 502 defines a fluid impervious interior volume for passing a fluid therethrough. The interior volume of the fluid processing housing 502 is defined by a tubular fluid processing housing sidewall 504 contiguous about and extending axially from a peripheral edge of a fluid processing housing base member 506. A fluid processing housing cover 510 is removably attached from an exposed end of the fluid processing housing sidewall 504. A fluid processing housing supply orifice 508 is formed through the fluid processing housing base member 506 providing an inlet for spent fluid. A fluid processing housing return orifice 512 is formed through the fluid processing housing cover 510 providing an outlet for processed fluid. A fluid processing housing cover seal 514 provides a fluid seal about the fluid processing housing return orifice 512. The fluid is directed through the interior volume by a series of passageways. In addition to being processed, the fluid provides a pressure to release a fluid enhancing additive 550 from within an additive injecting chamber 540, enabling the released volume of fluid enhancing additive 550 to blend into the fluid.
The fluid reclamation processing assembly 500 includes a series of additive injecting chambers 540, each additive injecting chamber 540 having a longitudinal axis oriented parallel to the fluid flow. The series of additive injecting chambers 540 can be arranged in any suitable format. One exemplary format is an equally spaced, radial arrangement presented in the sectioned top view illustrated in
The series of additive injecting chambers 540 extends between an additive compression piston 520 located at a supply end and a return manifold 560 at a discharge end thereof. The return manifold 560 remains stationary, while the additive compression piston 520 slideably compresses the series of additive injecting chambers 540 towards the return manifold 560. In use, fluid, referenced as a pressurized fluid 612, applies a pressure to the additive compression piston 520. The pressure causes the additive compression piston 520 to compress against the supply end of each of the fluid passages 542. The compression aids in discharging particles of the fluid enhancing additive 550 from within the additive injecting chamber 540. A molded polymer wrap 524 is integrated about a peripheral edge of the additive compression piston 520 to reduce friction between the additive compression piston 520 an interior surface of the fluid processing housing sidewall 504. As a volume of the fluid enhancing additive 550 is reduced based upon use, the additive compression piston 520 continuously applies pressure to the fluid passage 542, compressing the fluid enhancing additive 550 towards the discharge end thereof. The molded polymer wrap 524 can be fabricated of a molded polymer wrap or ring. The material would generate triboelectric charging from micro vibrations induced by the varying pressure applied to the additive compression piston 520.
The fluid introduces a variety of forces into the additive injection process. The fluid, referred to as a distributed fluid pressure 602, applies a distributed force across the pressure retention and vibration control disc 530. Fluid enters the fluid reclamation processing assembly 500 through a fluid processing housing supply orifice 508; the entering fluid is referenced as a contaminated fluid supply 600. The fluid is disbursed into a reclamation direction and an activation direction. The pressure retention and vibration control disc 530 can be retained in position when the fluid pressure is low by incorporating a control disc retention biasing member 531 (shown in
The reclamation direction processes the spent fluid for reuse by the system. The activation direction utilizes the fluid to introduce pressure and vibrational energy into the system to aid in the additive injection process. A pressure retention and vibration control disc 530 is integrated into the fluid reclamation processing assembly 500 to divide the incoming fluid into the reclamation direction and the activation direction. The pressure retention and vibration control disc 530 includes a series of additive processing supply disc orifice 532 for transferring a portion of the fluid into each respective additive injecting chamber 540. The fluid can pass through a fluid passage 542 provided between the interior surface of the additive injecting chamber 540 and the volume of fluid enhancing additive 550. The volume of fluid enhancing additive 550 is contained within an additive container 552. The fluid enhancing additive 550 can be a liquid additive, a pellet additive, and the like. As the fluid passes the fluid enhancing additive 550, a portion of the fluid enhancing additive 550 dissolves into the passing fluid. The fluid can be discharged through a porous wall of the additive injecting chamber 540 or through one or more orifices provided through a discharge end wall of the additive injecting chamber 540.
The fluid can be directed to flow in accordance with at least one of:
The application of a compressive force upon the fluid enhancing additive 550 aids in controlling the dispensing of the fluid enhancing additive 550 into the fluid. The compression applied to the fluid enhancing additive 550 forces particles through the porous wall of the additive container 552.
Following a second fluid flow path, the pressure retention and vibration control disc 530 provides a function of retaining fluid within a vibration inducing pressurized chamber 539 to retain pressure and control vibrational energy therein. Fluid, referenced as a pressurizing fluid flow 610, enters the vibration inducing pressurized chamber 539 through a pressure supply orifice 538. The pressure of the flowing fluid (pressurized fluid 612) is applied to a source surface of the additive compression piston 520. The variations of pressure from the pressurized fluid 612 causes the additive compression piston 520 to move in accordance with a vibratory motion 528. The additive compression piston 520 essentially acts as a diaphragm. Changes in the pressure generate a vibration, which is transferred to the fluid enhancing additive 550. The vibrational energy aids in controlling the disbursement and absorption of the fluid enhancing additive 550 into the fluid. The continuously applied pressure, vibration, and fluid flow help retain an even dissolution of the fluid enhancing additive 550 about each of the additive injecting chambers 540.
In an alternative configuration, the additive compression piston 520 is fabricated of a porous medium, wherein the fluid passes through the additive compression piston 520. A filtration material (not shown for clarity) can be included within the interior volume of the fluid processing housing 502 between the additive compression piston 520 and the return manifold 560. The porosity of the additive compression piston 520 can be designed to adjust the resulting pressure applied by the fluid.
One or more dispensing chamber supply diaphragms 544 are provided for each additive injecting chamber 540, wherein each dispensing chamber supply diaphragm 544 is assembled between the additive compression piston 520 and a pressure retention and vibration control disc 530. A supply diaphragm passage 546 of the dispensing chamber supply diaphragm 544 provides a fluid conduit for transferring fluid from the supply distribution chamber 518 into the additive injecting chamber 540. Fluid, referenced as a fluid reclamation and additive supply flow 620, enters the supply diaphragm passage 546 by passing through an additive processing supply disc orifice 532 of the pressure retention and vibration control disc 530. Fluid, referenced as a fluid reclamation and additive supply flow 622, transfers from the dispensing chamber supply diaphragm 544 into the additive injecting chamber 540 through an additive processing supply orifice 522 of the additive compression piston 520. Fluid, referenced as an additive processing flow 624, continues through the additive injecting chamber 540 absorbing particles of fluid enhancing additive 550 into solution. The fluid, referenced as a reclamation collection flow 630, passes through an end cap of the additive injecting chamber 540 and is collected within the return manifold 560. The reclamation collection flow 630 can be processed by the filtration polymer pad 562. The fluid returns to the system through the fluid processing housing return orifice 512 in accordance with a reclaimed fluid return flow 632.
In an alternative embodiment, the additive compression piston 520 can include fluid passages or be fabricated of a porous material. The fluid would pass through the additive compression piston 520, collecting within a fluid reclamation chamber 503. The fluid reclamation chamber 503 would be formed within the interior volume of the fluid processing housing 502 surrounding the series of additive injecting chambers 540. The additive injecting chambers 540 would be fabricated of a porous wall, wherein the compressed additive injecting chambers 540 force particles of the fluid enhancing additive 550 therethrough.
The dispensing chamber supply diaphragm 544 is preferably designed to include an expandable/collapsible sidewall, such as an accordion design presented in the illustration. The dispensing chamber supply diaphragm 544 can include spring like properties. Alternatively, a spring can be integrated into the dispensing chamber supply diaphragm 544. The spring or other biasing member retains a flexible distance between the additive compression piston 520 and the pressure retention and vibration control disc 530.
As the fluid exists each of the additive injecting chambers 540, the fluid is collected by a return manifold 560. The fluid can be processed by a filtration polymer pad 562 located within the filtration polymer pad 562. The reclaimed fluid is collected within the return manifold 560 and is returned to the system for use through the fluid processing housing return orifice 512. The returning fluid is referenced as a reclaimed fluid return flow 632.
A status monitoring system 570 can be integrated into the fluid reclamation processing assembly 500 to provide feedback to a service person to identify the status of at least one of the pressure retention and vibration control disc 530 and the additive compression piston 520. The status monitoring system 570 includes a system control disc position indicator 576 retained within an indicator chamber 572. The indicator chamber 572 would be fabricated of a clear or translucent material, enabling visual inspection of the system control disc position indicator 576. The system control disc position indicator 576 would be magnetically attracted to an element provided on the pressure retention and vibration control disc 530. In the exemplary embodiment, the disc edge material 534 can include a ferric material. The system control disc position indicator 576 would be a bearing fabricated of a magnetic material, wherein the system control disc position indicator 576 maintains a position respective to the disc edge material 534. The spherical shape minimizes friction, thus optimizing the accuracy of the indicator. The system control disc position indicator 576 would move in accordance with a system control disc position indicator motion 577 in conjunction with the pressure retention motion 536 of the pressure retention and vibration control disc 530. Similarly, a piston position indicator 574 is utilized to identify a position of the additive compression piston 520. The piston position indicator 574 would be magnetically attracted to a feature integrated into the additive compression piston 520, such as the molded polymer wrap 524. The piston position indicator 574 would move in accordance with a piston position indicator motion 575 in conjunction with the compressive motion 526 of the additive compression piston 520. The indicator chamber 572 can include a reference indicator for improving the conveyance of the positions of the additive compression piston 520 and pressure retention and vibration control disc 530.
It is understood that the reclamation elements including the pressure retention and vibration control disc 530, the return manifold 560 and all elements therebetween can be integrated into a replaceable cartridge. The replaceable cartridge would be replaced by removing the fluid processing housing cover 510 from the fluid processing housing sidewall 504, removing the spent cartridge, inserting a fresh, charged cartridge, and replacing the fluid processing housing cover 510 onto the fluid processing housing sidewall 504.
A fluid reclamation processing assembly 700 presents an alternative embodiment illustrated in
A series of additive injecting chambers 740 are arranged within a fluid processing housing 702. Sidewalls of the additive injecting chamber 740 are fabricated of a porous material. A volume of additive 750 is contained within each additive injecting chamber 740. An additive injecting piston 746 is integrated into each additive injecting chamber 740. The additive injecting piston 746 applies pressure to a supply end of the additive 750. The pressure causes particles of the additive 750 to release through the porous sidewall of the additive injecting chamber 740. The released particles enter into solution with the fluid.
Fluid enters the fluid reclamation processing assembly 700 through a fluid processing housing supply orifice 708 provided through a fluid processing housing base member 706 of a fluid processing housing 702. The fluid is initially apportions into several flow paths. A first flow path passes a source fluid flow 800 through an additive processing supply disc orifice 732 of a dispensing chamber supply diaphragm 744 for reclamation. A second flow path transfers a diverted source pressure generating fluid flow 802 for use as a vibration generator. The diverted source pressure generating fluid flow 802 flows through any of a series of pressure supply orifices 738 (each orifice 738 extending through a respective pressure nozzle 737) directing the fluid into a vibration inducing chamber 718. The entrapped fluid generates a vibration generating fluid pressure 812 against a supply side of a reclamation flow manifold 780. The slight variations in pressure of the fluid generate a vibration 728. The vibration 728 is transferred throughout the elements of the additive injection portion of the fluid reclamation processing assembly 700 increasing the efficiency of injection of the additive 750 into the fluid.
The source fluid flow 800 is apportioned into several flow paths. One flow path passes a reclamation transition fluid flow 810 through a reclamation supply orifice 782 and continues into a reclamation chamber 703 within the fluid processing housing 702. The additive compression piston manifold 720 can be fabricated of a porous material enabling passage of the reclamation transition fluid flow 810 therethrough. The porosity of the additive compression piston manifold 720 can be sized to provide filtration of the reclamation transition fluid flow 810 for removal of contaminants. Alternatively, the additive compression piston manifold 720 can include at least one orifice providing a passageway for transfer of the reclamation transition fluid flow 810 into the reclamation chamber 703. A filtration material (not shown) can be disposed within the reclamation chamber 703 for removal of contaminants from the fluid. A second flow path passes an additive pressure generating fluid flow 822 through a series of piston pressure supply conduits 784, supplying a volume of fluid (forming a fluid generated piston pressure 824) into a, additive processing supply orifice 722. The fluid generated piston pressure 824 applies a compression force upon an additive injecting piston 746 located at a supply end of the additive 750. The compression force drives particles of the additive 750 through the porous wall of the additive injecting chamber 740 for absorption into the reclamation fluid flow 840.
The fluid can return to the system passing through an optional filtration polymer pad 762 contained within a return manifold 760. The filtration polymer pad 762 provides a final filtration processing to the fluid. The processed fluid is returned to the system for use by a reclaimed fluid return flow 832 passing through a fluid processing housing return orifice 712 of a fluid processing housing cover 710.
The dispensing chamber supply diaphragm 744 can include an accordion sidewall. The dispensing chamber supply diaphragm 744 provides a spring function between the pressure retention and vibration control disc 730 and the reclamation flow manifold 780. The fluid within the vibration inducing chamber 718 provides a dampening function between the pressure retention and vibration control disc 730 and the reclamation flow manifold 780. The spring rate of the dispensing chamber supply diaphragm 744 and dampening co-efficient of the vibration inducing chamber 718 can be tailored to optimize the vibrational energy generated by the fluid flow.
A status monitoring system 770 can be integrated into the fluid reclamation processing assembly 700 to identify the status of the pressure retention and vibration control disc 730. The status monitoring system 770 includes like elements of the status monitoring system 570, which function and are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘7’. The system control disc position indicator 776 and a position indicator edge 734 of the pressure retention and vibration control disc 730 would be magnetically attracted to one another.
It is understood that features of the fluid reclamation processing assembly 700 and fluid reclamation processing assembly 500 can be incorporated within either embodiment to modify or enhance the reclamation process.
An exemplary oscillating control fluid additive dispenser 900 is presented in various views illustrated in
Details of the fluid additive dispenser main body 930 are presented in various views, including an elevation isometric views of
The exemplary three tubular elements 930, 940, 950 are illustrated as having a round cross sectional shape providing the optimal structural shape. Although the exemplary three tubular elements 930, 940, 950 are illustrated as having a round cross sectional shape, it is understood that the three tubular elements 930, 940, 950 can have any suitable cross sectional shape. A central tube base support ring 946 is formed about an exterior circumference of a base region of the central tubular structure 940. A lower or base surface of the central tube base support ring 946 is located at a distance from a similar, lower or base edge of each of the outer structural support beams 960 and a similar, lower or base edge of the main body tubular housing 932. The distance between the lower or base surface of the central tube base support ring 946 and the similar, lower or base edge of each of the outer structural support beams 960 provides a passageway for transfer of the fluid additive 1000 between the fluid additive retention compartment 969 and the central passageway 949.
Similarly, an upper or discharge end of the core tubular structure 950 is lower than the similar, upper discharge end of the central tubular structure 940 enabling passage of the fluid between the core tube passageway 959 and the central passageway 949. A cap interior cavity 918 of the additive dispenser discharge end cap 910 increases the area of the passageway between the core tube passageway 959 and the central passageway 949.
Details of the additive dispenser discharge end cap 910 are presented in an isometric bottom side view shown in the illustration of
The oscillating control spring assembly 970 is detailed in an isometric view presented in
The additive dispenser supply end cap 980 is detailed in isometric views presented in
The additive dispensing diffuser 990 is detailed in isometric views presented in
Operation of the oscillating control fluid additive dispenser 900 is presented in the sectioned assembly views presented in
The pressure applied by the oscillation driving fluid flow 1018 onto the fluid engaging spring cap surface 976 compresses the oscillating control spring 972. As the oscillating control spring 972 compresses, the compression of the oscillating control spring 972 generates an expansion force therein, which eventually becomes greater than the compression force generated by the pressure applied to the fluid engaging spring cap surface 976 by oscillation driving fluid flow 1018. When the expansion force of the oscillating control spring 972 is greater than the pressure applied to the fluid engaging spring cap surface 976 by oscillation driving fluid flow 1018, the expansion force reverses the motion of the spring control end cap 974, causing the spring control end cap 974 to more towards the discharge end of the oscillating control fluid additive dispenser 900. As the oscillating control spring 972 expands, the expansion force is reduced, while the pressure applied to the fluid engaging spring cap surface 976 by oscillation driving fluid flow 1018 continues at a generally constant rate. When the pressure applied to the fluid engaging spring cap surface 976 by the oscillation driving fluid flow 1018 overtakes the expansion force of the oscillating control spring 972, the motion of the oscillating control spring 972 reverses, causing the oscillating control spring 972 to contract. Should the oscillating control spring 972 expand beyond the natural length thereof, the oscillating control spring 972 begins to generate a contraction force, drawing the oscillating control spring 972 back towards the natural length. The contraction force assists the pressure applied to the fluid engaging spring cap surface 976 by oscillation driving fluid flow 1018 to cause the oscillating control spring 972 to contract. This oscillation causes a oscillation driving additive flow 1069, which drives small amounts of the fluid additive 1000 through the additive dispensing diffuser 990 and eventually through the discharge end cap diffuser orifice 929, as referenced by a diffused additive injection flow 1029. Additionally, the oscillation of the spring control end cap 974 generates minute waves or pulses within the fluid additive 1000. The waves or pulses within the fluid additive 1000 can aid in the diffused dispensing of the fluid additive 1000 through the discharge end cap diffuser orifice 929.
The delivery of the fluid additive 1000 into the subject fluid can be volumetrically controlled over a period of time by selecting specific characteristics of the oscillating control spring 972, the cross sectional dimensions of the central passageway 949, the dimensions of the base passageway 947, the dimensions of the similar upper passageway, the volume of the fluid additive retention compartment 969, the density of the fluid additive 1000, the viscosity of the fluid additive 1000, the flow rate of the subject fluid passing through the core tube passageway 959, and the like. Additional features can be modified to adjust the volumetric dispensing of the fluid additive 1000, such as the material and/or the respective characteristics of the additive dispensing diffuser 990, the diameter of the discharge end cap diffuser orifice 929, and the like.
In one implementation, the oscillating control fluid additive dispenser 900 can include features to be integrated directly in line with a fluid transfer system. In another implementation, the oscillating control fluid additive dispenser 900 can be placed inside a container or housing that is integrated in line with a fluid transfer system. The container would preferably include a removable access feature enabling a user to remove and replace the oscillating control fluid additive dispenser 900 from the housing.
The oscillating control fluid additive dispenser 900 is a generic solution that is designed for integration into a fluid reclamation system. It is understood that features of the oscillating control fluid additive dispenser 900 can be integrated into any of the embodiments previously disclosed herein. Alternatively, the oscillating control fluid additive dispenser 900 can be placed in series with the other additive dispensers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700.
The subject application incorporates the following United States Patent Applications by reference:
Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/216,198, filed on Aug. 23, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,894,851;
Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/108,930, filed on May 16, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,894,847;
Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/796,652, filed on Jun. 8, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,941;
Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/732,126, filed on Mar. 23, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,298,419;
Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/184,621, filed on Aug. 1, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,407; and
Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/111,357, filed on Apr. 29, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,002,973.
Each of the above-incorporated applications is related to fluid reclamation processes. It is understood that the oscillating control fluid additive dispenser 900 can be integrated into or used in conjunction with any of the embodiments of the above-identified applications.
Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.
This Non-Provisional Utility Patent Application is a Continuation-In-Part Application claiming the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/676,046, filed on Nov. 13, 2012 (issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,755 on Sep. 10, 2013), which is a Continuation-In-Part Application claiming the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/796,652, filed on Jun. 8, 2010 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,941), and a Continuation-In-Part Application claiming the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/216,198, filed on Aug. 23, 2011 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,894,851); which is a Continuation-In-Part Application claiming the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/108,930, filed on May 16, 2011 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,894,847);which is a Continuation-In-Part Application claiming the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/796,652, filed on Jun. 8, 2010 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,941 issued on);which is a Continuation-In-Part Application claiming the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/732,126, filed on Mar. 23, 2010 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,298,419 issued on Oct. 30, 2012);which is a Continuation-In-Part Application claiming the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/184,621, filed on Aug. 1, 2008 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,407);which is a Continuation-In-Part Application claiming the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/111,357, filed on Apr. 29, 2008 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,002,973 issued on Aug. 23, 2011); which are all incorporated herein in their entireties.
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| Number | Date | Country |
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| 2008501525 | Jan 2008 | JP |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13676046 | Nov 2012 | US |
| Child | 14023353 | US | |
| Parent | 12796652 | Jun 2010 | US |
| Child | 13676046 | US | |
| Parent | 14023353 | US | |
| Child | 13676046 | US | |
| Parent | 13216198 | Aug 2011 | US |
| Child | 14023353 | US | |
| Parent | 13108930 | May 2011 | US |
| Child | 13216198 | US | |
| Parent | 12732126 | Mar 2010 | US |
| Child | 13108930 | US | |
| Parent | 12184621 | Aug 2008 | US |
| Child | 12732126 | US | |
| Parent | 12111357 | Apr 2008 | US |
| Child | 12184621 | US |
