Fluid reservoir, and associated fluid circulation system and method

Abstract

To provide a fluid reservoir, and an associated fluid circulation system and method.SOLUTION: The fluid reservoir is rotatable in any one of various rotational orientations and includes a housing defining an interior chamber that is divided into a working fluid chamber and a gas chamber by a membrane. An inlet port is fluidically coupled with the working fluid chamber to provide working fluid into the working fluid chamber; and an outlet port is fluidically coupled with the working fluid chamber to remove the working fluid from the working fluid chamber. A bleed channel extends a length along an outer periphery of the working fluid chamber and is fluidically open to the working fluid chamber along the length of the bleed channel. A bleed port is fluidically coupled with only a portion of the bleed channel, and bleeds gas out of the working fluid chamber via the bleed channel. The length of the bleed channel is such that at least a portion of the bleed channel is open to an uppermost portion of the working fluid chamber when the housing is in any one of the various rotational orientations.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to fluid reservoirs, and more particularly to fluid reservoirs that enable removal of gas from the fluid of the fluid reservoir regardless of the orientation of the fluid reservoir.

Background Art

[0002] Fluid flow circuits such as those used in inkjet printing systems typically employ a reservoir or multiple reservoirs for storing the working fluid and supplying it to a fluid management device. Conventional reservoirs with a free surface can be used to control the pressure level of the working fluid. However, such conventional reservoirs cannot remove gas and are not orientation-independent because they cannot detect and manage the fill level in some orientations. Some sealed reservoirs may be able to make the orientation of the reservoir irrelevant. However, these conventional sealed reservoirs do not effectively exclude gas from the system and may interfere with its function. Additionally, existing solutions are insufficient to achieve unlimited volume compliance, and the system cannot accommodate changes in the volume of the working fluid without significant changes in the pressure of the working fluid.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the problems and needs existing in the current state of the art, particularly those created or not yet fully solved by fluid reservoirs. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application has been developed to provide a fluid reservoir that overcomes at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0004] This specification discloses a reservoir of a fluid circulation system. The reservoir includes a housing that defines an internal chamber that is selectively rotatable in any one of various rotational directions. The reservoir also includes a membrane disposed within the housing that separates the internal chamber into a working fluid chamber that houses a portion of the working fluid and a gas chamber that houses pressurized gas. The membrane is configured to maintain a portion of the working fluid in the working fluid chamber at a constant pressure. The reservoir further includes an inlet port that is fluidly coupled to the working fluid chamber and supplies the working fluid to the working fluid chamber. The reservoir additionally includes an outlet port that is fluidly coupled to the working fluid chamber and removes the working fluid from the working fluid chamber. The reservoir also includes a bleed channel that extends along a length along the outer periphery of the working fluid chamber and is fluidly open to the working fluid chamber along the length of the bleed channel. The reservoir further includes a bleed port that is fluidly coupled to only a portion of the bleed channel and evacuates gas from the working fluid chamber through the bleed channel. The length of the bleed channel is such that at least a portion of the bleed channel opens to the top of the working fluid chamber when the housing is in any one of various rotational directions. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 1 of the present disclosure.

[0005] The membrane is configured to be maintained under tension between the working fluid chamber and the gas chamber. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 2 of the present disclosure, and Example 2 also includes the subject matter according to Example 1 above.

[0006] The housing is rotatable within an angular range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees. The length of the bleed channel extends over 25% or more of the outer periphery of the working fluid chamber. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 3 of the present disclosure, and Example 3 also includes the subject matter according to any one of Examples 1-2 above.

[0007] The housing is rotatable within an angular range of 0 degrees to 180 degrees. The length of the bleed channel extends over 50% or more of the outer periphery of the working fluid chamber. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 4 of the present disclosure, and Example 4 also includes the subject matter according to any one of Examples 1-3 above.

[0008] The housing is rotatable within an angular range of 0 degrees to 270 degrees. The length of the extraction channel extends over 75% of the outer periphery of the working fluid chamber. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 5 of the present disclosure, and Example 5 includes the subject matter according to any one of Examples 1 to 4 above.

[0009] The housing is rotatable within an angular range of 0 degrees to 360 degrees. The length of the extraction channel extends along the entire outer periphery of the working fluid chamber. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 6 of the present disclosure, and Example 6 includes the subject matter according to any one of Examples 1 to 5 above.

[0010] The outer periphery of the working fluid chamber has a circular shape. The extraction channel curves in an arc shape along the outer periphery of the working fluid chamber. The radius of curvature of the arc shape is equal to the radius of curvature of the circular shape. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 7 of the present disclosure, and Example 7 includes the subject matter according to any one of Examples 1 to 6 above.

[0011] The extraction channel includes a plurality of orifices along the length of the extraction channel. Only the plurality of orifices are fluidly open to the working fluid chamber. The plurality of orifices are sized such that gas is easily extracted from the working fluid chamber and the working fluid is not easily extracted from the working fluid chamber. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 8 of the present disclosure, and Example 8 includes the subject matter according to any one of Examples 1 to 7 above.

[0012] The bulk port is fluidly coupled to the working fluid chamber and is configured to supply the working fluid from the bulk reservoir to the working fluid chamber. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 9 of the present disclosure, and Example 9 includes the subject matter according to any one of Examples 1 to 8 above.

[0013] The working fluid includes ink. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 10 of the present disclosure, and Example 10 includes the subject matter according to any one of Examples 1 to 9 above.

[0014] Also disclosed herein is a fluid circulation system for supplying a working fluid to a fluid management device and returning the working fluid from the fluid management device. The fluid circulation system includes a supply reservoir that includes a supply membrane separating a supply working fluid chamber that houses a portion of the working fluid from a supply gas chamber that houses pressurized gas at a first pressure. The supply reservoir further includes a supply evacuation port and a supply evacuation channel. The supply evacuation port is fluidly coupled to a supply evacuation channel that is in fluid communication with the supply working fluid chamber. The fluid circulation system also includes a return reservoir that includes a return membrane separating a return working fluid chamber that houses a portion of the working fluid from a return gas chamber that houses pressurized gas at a second pressure. The return reservoir further includes a return evacuation port and a return evacuation channel. The return evacuation port is fluidly coupled to a return evacuation channel that is in fluid communication with the return working fluid chamber. The fluid circulation system further includes a bulk reservoir that includes a bulk working fluid chamber with a free surface. The supply evacuation channel is configured to evacuate gas in the supply working fluid chamber to the bulk reservoir. The return evacuation channel is configured to indirectly evacuate gas in the return working fluid chamber to the bulk reservoir via the supply working fluid chamber. The supply reservoir and the return reservoir are selectively rotatable independently of each other in any one of various rotational directions with respect to the bulk reservoir. The supply reservoir is configured to receive a portion of the working fluid from the return working fluid chamber into the supply working fluid chamber and is further configured to supply a portion of the working fluid from the supply working fluid chamber to the fluid management device. The return reservoir is configured to receive a portion of the working fluid from the fluid management device into the return working fluid chamber and is further configured to supply a portion of the working fluid from the return working fluid chamber to the supply working fluid chamber. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 11 of the present disclosure.

[0015] The bulk reservoir is configured to supply or remove a portion of the working fluid to or from at least one of the supply working fluid chamber or the return working fluid chamber. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 12 of the present disclosure, and Example 12 also includes the subject matter according to Example 11 above.

[0016] The fluid circulation system includes a pump between a return reservoir and a supply reservoir. The pump is configured to send a portion of the working fluid from the return working fluid chamber to the supply working fluid chamber. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 13 of the present disclosure, and Example 13 also includes the subject matter according to any one of Examples 11-12 above.

[0017] The first pressure of the pressurized gas in the supply gas chamber has a pressure different from the second pressure of the pressurized gas in the return gas chamber. The first pressure is higher than the second pressure. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 14 of the present disclosure, and Example 14 also includes the subject matter according to any one of Examples 11-13 above.

[0018] The fluid circulation system includes a first pressure valve and a first vacuum as well as a second pressure valve and a second vacuum. The first pressure of the pressurized gas in the supply gas chamber is maintained at a constant pressure by the first pressure valve and the first vacuum coupled to the supply reservoir. The second pressure of the pressurized gas in the return gas chamber is maintained at a constant pressure by the second pressure valve and the second vacuum coupled to the return reservoir. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 15 of the present disclosure, and Example 15 also includes the subject matter according to any one of Examples 11-14 above.

[0019] The supply reservoir and the return reservoir have unlimited volume compliance such that the pressure of a portion of the working fluid in the supply working fluid chamber and the pressure of the port of the working fluid in the return working fluid chamber remain constant regardless of changes in the volume of the portion of the working fluid. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 16 of the present disclosure, and Example 16 also includes the subject matter according to any one of Examples 11-15 above.

[0020] Each of the supply reservoir and the return reservoir is rotatably mounted independently on a six-axis mount. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 17 of the present disclosure, and Example 17 also includes the subject matter according to any one of Examples 11-16 above.

[0021] This specification further discloses a method for removing gas from the working fluid in a reservoir. The method includes pressurizing a portion of the working fluid in the working fluid chamber of the reservoir by pressurizing the pressurized gas in the gas chamber of the reservoir at a constant pressure. The working fluid chamber and the gas chamber are separated by a membrane. The method also includes receiving a portion of the working fluid into the working fluid chamber and removing a portion of the working fluid from the working fluid chamber. The method further includes selectively rotating the reservoir with respect to a bulk reservoir. The bulk reservoir is in fluid communication with the working fluid chamber of the reservoir. When the reservoir is selectively rotated, the evacuation gas in the working fluid chamber reaches the bulk reservoir through an evacuation port that is fluidly coupled to an evacuation channel in fluid communication with the working fluid chamber of the reservoir. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 18 of the present disclosure.

[0022] The method includes maintaining the pressurized gas in the gas chamber of the reservoir at a constant pressure using a pressure valve and a vacuum. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 19 of the present disclosure, and Example 19 also includes the subject matter according to Example 18 above.

[0023] The step of evacuating the gas in the working fluid chamber to the bulk reservoir through the evacuation port further includes indirectly evacuating the gas to the bulk reservoir through a second reservoir coupled to the working fluid chamber and the bulk reservoir. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 20 of the present disclosure, and Example 20 also includes the subject matter according to any one of Example 19 above.

[0024] The described features, structures, advantages, and / or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments and / or implementations, including embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific forms, details, components, materials, and / or methods of a particular example, embodiment, or implementation. In other instances, additional forms and advantages may be recognized in specific examples, embodiments, and / or implementations that may not be present in all examples, embodiments, or implementations. Further, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown in detail or described in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The forms and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter described below.

[0025] To make it easier to understand the advantages of the subject matter, a more specific description of the subject matter briefly described above is provided with reference to specific examples shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these drawings depict only typical examples of the subject matter and should not be considered as limiting its scope. The subject matter is described and explained more specifically and in detail by using the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] References throughout this specification to "one example", "an example", or similar terms mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Appearances of the phrases "in one example" and "in an example" throughout this specification, while they may not all refer to the same example, can, but not necessarily, refer to the same example. Similarly, the use of the term "implementation" means an implementation having a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one or more examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure, but in the absence of a clear correlation indicating otherwise, an implementation may be associated with one or more examples.

[0028] This specification discloses examples of a reservoir of a fluid circulation system. The following provides some forms of at least some examples of the reservoir. The reservoir may, in some examples, be a supply reservoir or a return reservoir for an inkjet printing system. References to an inkjet printing system throughout are only intended to exemplify one use of the reservoir of the fluid circulation system. The reservoirs and related systems and methods disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use in complex three-dimensional applications where the orientation of the reservoir can change during operation and which supply or receive working fluid from a fluid management device of the fluid circulation system. For example, the reservoir can be associated with an inkjet printing system that prints ink on a three-dimensional surface such as an aircraft surface. When the reservoir selectively moves and rotates around the printing surface, the pressure of a portion of the working fluid within the working fluid chamber is maintained at a constant pressure. Additionally, gas within a portion of the working fluid is evacuated from the working fluid chamber via an evacuation channel because at least a portion of the evacuation channel opens at the top of the working fluid chamber regardless of the orientation of the reservoir. Further, the reservoir can be used in combination with other components of the fluid circulation system to enable a pressure-driven, non-compressible fluid flow through the fluid circulation system with unlimited volume compliance.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, according to one example, system 100 includes a fluid circulation system 104 configured to circulate a working fluid with a fluid management device 102. Specifically, the fluid circulation system 104 supplies the working fluid to the fluid management device 102 and returns the working fluid from the fluid management device 102. Thus, the fluid circulation system 104 is configured to continuously supply the working fluid to the fluid management device 102 in a controlled flow. The system 100 includes an inlet line 106 that functions as an inlet point for the working fluid to the fluid management device 102 and fluidly couples the fluid circulation system 104 to the fluid management device 102 to supply the working fluid from the fluid circulation system 104. Similarly, the system 100 includes an outlet line 108 that functions as a return path for the working fluid independent of the inlet line 106 and fluidly couples the fluid circulation system 104 to the fluid management device 102 to return the working fluid from the fluid management device 102. The working fluid may be undistributed working fluid that is not distributed from the fluid management device 102 when the fluid management device 102 is a dispensing device.

[0030] In some examples, the fluid management device 102 can be any device configured to dispense a working fluid. For example, the fluid management device 102 may be a print head configured to dispense ink onto a surface. Thus, the working fluid can be ink configured to be printed, such as by inkjet printing, onto a surface. In some examples, the surface is a complex three-dimensional surface, such as the surface of an aircraft. Further, the fluid management device 102 may include at least one nozzle through which the working fluid is dispensed. As used herein, the working fluid includes any non-compressible fluid (i.e., a fluid that is relatively resistant to changes in volume when pressure is applied) that can be dispensed from the fluid management device 102. For example, the working fluid may be water or an aqueous fluid, oil or an oily fluid, a hydraulic fluid, ink, or the like.

[0031] In other examples, the fluid management device 102 does not dispense the working fluid from the fluid management device 102 and thus does not have a nozzle, and accurately controls the pressure of the working fluid within the fluid management device 102. For example, the fluid management device 102 may be a pressure-based haptic device. That is, it is a pressure-based haptic device configured to control the force feedback experienced by the user using changes in fluid pressure. Such devices have practical applications in various fields such as robot-assisted manufacturing, virtual and augmented reality environments, and remote telepresence systems.

[0032] The fluid management device 102 is coupled to a structure (not shown) that enables the fluid management device 102 to translate in at least one direction (e.g., forward / backward, left / right, or up / down) and rotate with at least one degree of freedom (e.g., about the X, Y, or Z axes, or pitch, yaw, and roll). In some examples, the fluid management device 102 is supported by a structure for translating and rotating with six degrees of freedom. In some examples, the structure can be an industrial multi-axis robotic arm.

[0033] The fluid circulation system 104 of the system 100 includes two reservoirs 110, a first reservoir 110a and a second reservoir 110b, which will be described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 2-4. In some examples, the first reservoir 110a is a supply reservoir 148 configured to supply the working fluid to the fluid management device 102, and the second reservoir 110b is a return reservoir 150 configured to store the working fluid from the fluid management device 102. The first reservoir 110a and the second reservoir 110b are both configured to be rotatable in any one of various rotational directions. In some examples, the first reservoir 110a and the second reservoir 110b are rotatable with one degree of freedom. In other examples, the first reservoir 110a and the second reservoir 110b are rotatable with three degrees of freedom. In still other examples, the first reservoirs 110a and 110b are translatable in any of various directions and are rotatable as described above. Further, the first reservoir 110a and the second reservoir 110b may be attached to individual separately operable six-axis mounts (e.g., robotic arms) such that the first reservoir 110a and the second reservoir 110b are independently rotatable. The fluid circulation system 104 also includes a bulk reservoir 146 to which the first reservoir 110a and the second reservoir 110b are fluidly coupled. Thus, the first reservoir 110a and the second reservoir 110b are selectively rotatable independently of each other in any one of various rotational directions with respect to the bulk reservoir 146, which is rotationally fixed so that the bulk reservoir 146 does not rotate. For example, the bulk reservoir 146 can be fixed to the floor of the manufacturing site, and the first reservoir 110a and the second reservoir 110b can be fixed to one or more robotic arms movable with respect to the floor of the manufacturing site.

[0034] The supply reservoir 148 is configured to supply the working fluid to the fluid management device 102 from within the supply working fluid chamber 118a through the inlet line 106. Further, the supply reservoir 148 is configured to receive additional working fluid from the return reservoir 150 into the supply working fluid chamber 118a through the supply return line 174. The supply reservoir 148 includes a supply membrane 116a that acts as a partition, creating two separate chambers within the internal chamber 114a of the supply reservoir 148. The supply working fluid chamber 118a houses a portion of the working fluid, and the supply gas chamber 120a houses the pressurized gas at the first pressure P1. Referring to FIG. 3C, a cross-sectional view of the supply reservoir 148 shows the supply membrane 116a that divides the open void portion of the internal chamber 114a of the supply reservoir 148 into two separate chambers, the supply gas chamber 120a and the supply working fluid chamber 118a. The supply reservoir 148 also includes a supply evacuation channel 128a that is in fluid communication with the supply working fluid chamber 118a. The supply evacuation channel 128a is configured to evacuate gas (e.g., air bubbles) within the supply working fluid chamber 118a to the bulk reservoir 146.

[0035] The return reservoir 150 is configured to return the working fluid from the fluid management device 102 through the outlet line 108 to the return working fluid chamber 118b. Further, the return reservoir 150 is configured to supply the working fluid from the return working fluid chamber 118b to the supply working fluid chamber 118a through the supply return line 174. Thus, the working fluid continuously flows among the supply reservoir 148, the fluid management device 102, and the return reservoir 150 during the operation of the system 100. Similar to the supply reservoir 148, the return reservoir 150 includes a return membrane 116b that acts as a partition, creating two separate chambers with an internal chamber 114b of the return reservoir 150. The return working fluid chamber 118b houses a portion of the working fluid, and the return gas chamber 120b houses the pressurized gas at the second pressure P2. The return reservoir 150 also includes a return evacuation channel 128b that is in fluid communication with the return working fluid chamber 118b. The return evacuation channel 128b is configured to evacuate the gas in the return working fluid chamber 118b to the supply reservoir 148.

[0036] The pressurized gas in the supply gas chamber 120a is maintained at the first pressure P1. The gas in the supply gas chamber 120a is pressurized to pressurize a part of the working fluid in the supply working fluid chamber 118a. In other words, by adjusting the pressure of the supply gas chamber 120a, the pressure of the supply working fluid chamber 118a is also adjusted, and thus the pressure of a part of the working fluid can be known. Therefore, in some examples, the first pressure valve 158a and the first vacuum 160a are coupled to the supply reservoir 148 and configured to maintain the pressurized gas in the supply gas chamber 120a at the first pressure P1. Similarly, the pressurized gas in the return gas chamber 120b is maintained at the second pressure P2. Therefore, in some examples, the second pressure valve 158b and the second vacuum 160b are coupled to the return reservoir 150 and configured to maintain the pressurized gas in the return gas chamber 120b at the second pressure P2. In some examples, the first pressure P1 of the pressurized gas in the supply gas chamber 120a has a pressure different from the second pressure P2 of the pressurized gas in the return gas chamber 120b. For example, the first pressure P1 may be higher than the second pressure P2. Therefore, the working fluid flowing from the return reservoir 150 to the supply reservoir 148 moves from the low-pressure chamber to the high-pressure chamber.

[0037] The supply reservoir 148 and the return reservoir 150 have unlimited volume compliance. As used herein, unlimited volume compliance means that the pressure of a part of the working fluid in the reservoir 110 remains constant regardless of the change in the volume of the part of the working fluid. This is in contrast to conventional fluid circulation systems in which a change in the volume of the working fluid results in a corresponding change in the pressure of the working fluid. Therefore, regardless of the amount of gas in the gas chamber 120, the pressure of the gas can be maintained using the corresponding pressure valve 158 and vacuum 160. In other words, the volume of a part of the working fluid in the working fluid chamber 118 is independent of (i.e., not connected to) the pressure of a part of the working fluid.

[0038] The bulk reservoir 146 includes a bulk working fluid chamber 152 with a free surface 154. As used herein, a free surface is a boundary or interface between a fluid (i.e., a liquid or a gas) and the surrounding environment. That is, a free surface 154 exists when a portion of the working fluid within the bulk working fluid chamber 152 is not restricted or constrained by a physical boundary. In other words, a portion of the working fluid within the bulk working fluid chamber 152 can freely change in shape and flow and is subject to external forces such as gravity. When the bulk reservoir 146 is rotationally fixed, a portion of the working fluid within the bulk working fluid chamber 152 maintains the free surface 154 during operation of the system 100. The supply bulk line 166 is fluidly coupled to the supply working fluid chamber 118a of the supply reservoir 148 and the bulk working fluid chamber 152. Accordingly, the bulk reservoir 146 enables the system 100 to accommodate changes in volume within the fluid circulation system 104. The supply bulk line 166 is configured to remove working fluid from the supply working fluid chamber 118a to the bulk working fluid chamber 152. Similarly, the return bulk line 168 is fluidly coupled to the return working fluid chamber 118b of the return reservoir 150 and the bulk working fluid chamber 152. The return bulk line 168 is configured to supply working fluid from the bulk working fluid chamber 152 to the return working fluid chamber 118b.

[0039] The bulk reservoir 146 is also configured to allow the system 100 to remove gas from the working fluid chamber 118 of the reservoir 110 into the bulk working fluid chamber 152. That is, any gas in the supply working fluid chamber 118a can be removed into the bulk working fluid chamber 152 via the supply bulk line 166. The gas removed into the bulk working fluid chamber 152 migrates to the free surface 154 of the bulk working fluid chamber 152 and is discharged from the working fluid circulating through the fluid circulation system 104. Also, any gas in the return working fluid chamber 118b is configured to be indirectly removed into the bulk working fluid chamber 152. That is, any gas in the return working fluid chamber 118b can be removed into the supply working fluid chamber 118a via the supply return line 174 and then removed into the bulk working fluid chamber 152 via the supply bulk line 166. The gas flow is unidirectional, moving the gas directly from the supply reservoir 148 to the bulk reservoir 146 or indirectly from the return reservoir 150 to the supply reservoir 148 and further to the bulk reservoir 146.

[0040] In some examples, a bulk pressure P3 of a portion of the working fluid within the bulk working fluid chamber 152 is adjusted by a bulk pressure valve 158c and a bulk vacuum 160c coupled to a bulk reservoir 146. A bulk pressure sensor 162c may be provided to determine an actual pressure generated by the bulk pressure valve 158c and the bulk vacuum 160c by generating a pressure signal indicative of the actual pressure of a portion of the working fluid in the bulk working fluid chamber 152. In some examples, the bulk pressure P3 of the bulk reservoir 146 has a pressure different from a first pressure P1 of the pressurized gas in the supply gas chamber 120a. In other examples, the bulk pressure P3 of the bulk reservoir 146 has a pressure different from a second pressure P2 of the pressurized gas in the return gas chamber 120b. In still other examples, the bulk pressure P3 of the bulk reservoir is pressurized between the first pressure P1 and the second pressure P2. For example, the working fluid flowing from the supply reservoir 148 to the bulk reservoir 146 and further to the return reservoir 150 moves from a high-pressure chamber to a medium-pressure chamber and then to a low-pressure chamber. Thus, in some examples, the flow of the working fluid from the supply reservoir 148 to the bulk reservoir 146 and the return reservoir 150 is a pressure-driven flow because the working fluid is moving from a high-pressure chamber to a low-pressure chamber.

[0041] The fluid circulation system 104 may also include a pump 156 between the return reservoir 150 and the supply reservoir 148. The pump 156 is selectively operable to move a portion of the working fluid from the return working fluid chamber 118b to the supply working fluid chamber 118a. Thus, a portion of the working fluid in the return working fluid chamber 118b, which may include the working fluid not dispensed from the fluid management device 102, is recirculated through the fluid circulation system 104. In other words, the pump 156 is configured to continuously circulate the working fluid through the fluid circulation system 104. Further, in some examples, the pump 156 may be used to move the working fluid from the low-pressure return working fluid chamber 118b to the high-pressure supply working fluid chamber 118a. That is, the pump 156 is used to transfer the working fluid from the low-pressure chamber to the high-pressure chamber by actively canceling the pressure gradient.

[0042] The fluid circulation system 104 may include a controller or a plurality of controllers (not shown) operably coupled to the fluid circulation system 104 to at least regulate the pressures of the supply reservoir 148, the return reservoir 150, and the bulk reservoir 146. The controller may be any type of computer device or representative of a controller, or alternatively may be part of another device such as a device entirely included in a server, and part of the controller may be elsewhere or disposed within another computer device. More specifically, the controller includes a processor that may execute logic stored in a data storage device to control the operation of the controller. Additionally, proportional valves such as proportional valve 125 and proportional valve 143 may be used throughout the fluid circulation system 104 to regulate the pressure of the gas or working fluid entering the fluid circulation system 104. The proportional valves may be used to also regulate the flow of the working fluid entering the fluid circulation system 104.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, some examples of the reservoir 110 are shown. The reservoir may be either the supply reservoir 148 shown in FIG. 2A or the return reservoir 150 shown in FIG. 2B of the fluid circulation system 104. The reservoir 110 and additional forms are shown for illustrative purposes and may not be drawn to an appropriate scale or ratio. The reservoir 110 includes a housing 112 that defines an internal chamber 114. The housing 112 is selectively rotatable in any one of various rotational directions. That is, the housing 112 may be attached to a mount that allows the housing 112 to rotate with at least one degree of freedom. A membrane 116 (i.e., a diaphragm) is disposed within the housing 112 and separates the internal chamber 114 into a working fluid chamber 118 and a gas chamber 120. The membrane 116 is made of a flexible and elastic material so that the membrane 116 can be maintained in a tensioned state in response to a change in pressure. In other words, the membrane 116 ensures an effective separation between the working fluid chamber 118 and the gas chamber 120 while adapting to fluctuations in gas pressure or fluid volume. When the reservoir 110 is pressurized by pressurizing the gas chamber 120, in some examples, the membrane 116 retains a curved shape, specifically a shape that is convex outward from the working fluid chamber 118 toward the gas chamber 120. The working fluid chamber 118 accommodates a portion of the working fluid that can flow through the fluid circulation system 104. The gas chamber 120 accommodates pressurized gas that remains confined within the gas chamber 120 for pressure adjustment purposes.

[0044] The pressurized gas is configured to maintain a portion of the working fluid in the working fluid chamber 118 at a constant pressure. Thus, in some examples, the pressure of the gas is controlled by a pressure valve 158 and a vacuum 160 coupled to the housing 112. A pressure port 164 extending through the housing 112 fluidly couples the gas chamber 120 to the pressure valve 158 and the vacuum 160. Additionally, a pressure sensor 162 is used to sense the pressure of the pressurized gas. The pressurized gas keeps the membrane 116 under tension, thus enabling the pressurized gas to pressurize a portion of the working fluid within the working fluid chamber 118. That is, by adjusting the pressure of the gas within the gas chamber 120, the pressure of a portion of the working fluid within the working fluid chamber 118 is also adjusted, and thus, the pressure of a portion of the working fluid is known.

[0045] The working fluid is configured to enter and exit the working fluid chamber 118. Thus, the working fluid chamber 118 extends through the housing 112 and includes an inlet port 122 fluidly coupled to the working fluid chamber 118. The inlet port 122 is configured to supply working fluid from the fluid circulation system 104 to the working fluid chamber 118. Additionally, the working fluid chamber 118 extends through the housing 112 and includes an outlet port 124 fluidly coupled to the working fluid chamber 118. The outlet port 124 is configured to remove working fluid from the working fluid chamber 118. Specifically, when the reservoir 110 is the supply reservoir 148, as shown in FIG. 2A, the inlet port 122 fluidly couples the supply working fluid chamber 118a to the return working fluid chamber 118b via the supply return line 174. The outlet port 124 fluidly couples the supply working fluid chamber 118a to the fluid management device 102 via the inlet line 106. Similarly, when the reservoir 110 is the return reservoir 150, as shown in FIG. 2B, the inlet port 122 fluidly couples the return working fluid chamber 118b to the fluid management device 102 via the outlet line 108. The outlet port 124 fluidly couples the return working fluid chamber 118b to the supply working fluid chamber 118a via the supply return line 174.

[0046] The reservoir 110 also includes a bleed channel 128 that extends along a length L along the outer periphery 119 of the working fluid chamber 118. The bleed channel 128 is fluidly open to the working fluid chamber 118 along the length L of the bleed channel 128. The bleed port 126 is fluidly coupled to only a portion of the bleed channel 128. The bleed port 126 is configured to bleed gas from the working fluid chamber 118 through the bleed channel 128. The bleed gas from the working fluid chamber 118 helps to maintain the pressure of a portion of the working fluid within the working fluid chamber 118. In other words, the gas within the working fluid chamber 118 can negatively affect the flow of the working fluid through the pressure regulation and fluid circulation system and should therefore be removed from the working fluid chamber 118. The gas can enter the working fluid chamber 118 unintentionally in various ways, such as through a leak connection of the reservoir 110 or air drawn into the nozzle of the fluid management device during use. The gas naturally migrates to the uppermost portion 181 of the working fluid chamber 118. However, since the reservoir 110 is rotatable, the uppermost portion 181 of the working fluid chamber 118 changes as the reservoir 110 rotates or changes direction. Therefore, the bleed channel 128 is configured to allow at least a portion of the length L of the bleed channel 128 to be open to the uppermost portion 181 of the working fluid chamber 118, regardless of the direction of the reservoir 110 or within at least some angular range of the reservoir 110.

[0047] In the supply reservoir 148 shown in FIG. 2A, the evacuation port 126 is a port separate from the inlet port 122 and the outlet port 124. The evacuation port 126 is fluidly coupled to the bulk reservoir 146 such that gas as well as the working fluid can be evacuated through the evacuation port 126 into the bulk reservoir 146. In the return reservoir 150 shown in FIG. 2B, the evacuation port 126 and the outlet port 124 are the same port (evacuation outlet port). That is, the port for removing a portion of the working fluid from the working fluid chamber 118 to the supply reservoir 148 via the supply return line 174 is also used to evacuate gas from the working fluid chamber 118. Thus, the evacuation port 126 and the outlet port 124 are a single port configured to remove both gas and a portion of the working fluid from the working fluid chamber 118. Further, the return reservoir 150 also includes a bulk port 144 that extends through the housing 112 and is fluidly coupled to the working fluid chamber 118. The bulk port 144 is configured to supply the working fluid from the bulk reservoir 146 to the return reservoir 150 via the return bulk line 168.

[0048] In some examples, the housing 112 is rotatable within an angular range between 0 degrees and 90 degrees, and the length L of the evacuation channel 128 extends over 25% or more of the outer periphery 119 of the working fluid chamber 118. Thus, when the housing 112 rotates between 0 degrees and 90 degrees, at least a portion of the evacuation channel 128 opens to the uppermost portion 181 of the working fluid chamber 118. Thus, the gas accumulating in the uppermost portion 181 of the working fluid chamber 118 can be evacuated through the evacuation port 126 from the evacuation channel 128. The evacuation port 126 removes the gas to the bulk reservoir 110 that is fluidly coupled to the evacuation port 126 via the supply evacuation line 170 or the return evacuation line 172, depending on the type of the reservoir 146. In other examples, the housing 112 is rotatable within an angular range between 0 degrees and 180 degrees, and the length L of the evacuation channel 128 extends over 50% or more of the outer periphery 119 of the working fluid chamber 118. In yet other examples, the housing 112 is rotatable within an angular range between 0 degrees and 270 degrees, and the length L of the evacuation channel 128 extends over 75% or more of the outer periphery 119 of the working fluid chamber 118. Additionally, in other examples, the housing 112 is rotatable within an angular range between 0 degrees and 360 degrees, and the length L of the evacuation channel 128 extends along the entire outer periphery 119 of the working fluid chamber 118.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3A - 3C, an example of the supply reservoir 148 is shown. In some examples, the outer periphery 119 of the supply working fluid chamber 118a has a circular shape. The circular shape of the outer periphery 119 is merely an illustrative example of the shape of the outer periphery 119. In other examples, the shape of the outer periphery 119 can be elliptical, rectangular, polygonal, etc. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3B, the extraction channel 128 is curved in an arc shape along the circular shape of the outer periphery 119 of the supply working fluid chamber 118a. That is, the extraction channel 128 is adjacent to the peripheral portion of the supply working fluid chamber 118a such that the extraction channel 128 contacts the uppermost portion 181 of the supply working fluid chamber 118a when the housing 112 is in any one of various rotational directions. Also, the radius of curvature of the arc shape is equal to the radius of curvature of the circular shape. Therefore, when the housing 112 rotates, the extraction channel 128 remains in contact with the uppermost portion 181 of the working fluid chamber 118. In some examples, as described above, the rotation of the housing 112 may be restricted such that the housing 112 can only rotate from a neutral position (i.e., 0 degrees) to a specified rotational position (i.e., + / - a specified degree). Therefore, the extraction channel 128 can extend only in an arc shape along a part of the supply working fluid chamber 118a such that the extraction channel 128 reliably contacts the uppermost portion 181 of the working fluid chamber while the housing 112 rotates between the neutral position and the specified rotational position. In an example where the supply working fluid chamber 118a has a different shape, the extraction channel 128 is configured to align with the outer shape of the outer periphery 119 of the working fluid chamber 118. This alignment ensures that the extraction channel 128 remains in contact with the uppermost portion 181 of the working fluid chamber 118 regardless of the specific rotational direction of the housing 112.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3A, supply reservoir 148 is connected to supply return line 174 and includes an inlet port 122 configured to supply hydraulic fluid from the return reservoir to supply hydraulic fluid chamber 118a. Supply reservoir 148 is connected to corresponding inlet line 106 and includes at least one outlet port 124 configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the fluid management device. When supply reservoir 148 supplies hydraulic fluid to multiple fluid management devices, supply reservoir 148 has multiple outlet ports 124, such as the two outlet ports 124 shown. Additionally, supply reservoir 148 includes a bleed port 126 configured to evacuate gas and hydraulic fluid from the supply reservoir to the bulk reservoir via supply bulk line 166. In some examples, a proportional valve 125 may be coupled to bleed port 126 to enable precise regulation of the flow of hydraulic fluid and gas from the supply hydraulic fluid chamber. Proportional valve 125 may also be used to precisely regulate the hydraulic fluid pressure at bleed port 126.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3B, the upper cover of housing 112 has been removed to expose the interior of supply hydraulic fluid chamber 118a. Accordingly, bleed channel 128, which is coupled to bleed port 126, is shown. Thus, hydraulic fluid enters supply hydraulic fluid chamber 118a via inlet port 122 and is removed from the supply hydraulic fluid chamber via outlet port 124. Additionally, gas, as well as some hydraulic fluid, is removed from supply hydraulic fluid chamber 118a via bleed channel 128 and bleed port 126.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 4, an example of return reservoir 150 is shown. As described above with reference to FIG. 3A, the housing 112 of return reservoir 150 may have the same size and shape as supply reservoir 148. Alternatively, return reservoir 150 may have a different size and / or shape than supply reservoir 148, such as a larger or smaller housing perimeter.

[0053] The return reservoir 150 is connected to the outlet line 108 and includes at least one inlet port 122 configured to return the working fluid from the fluid management device. When the return reservoir 150 is returning the working fluid from multiple fluid management devices, the return reservoir 150 has a corresponding number of inlet ports 122, such as the three inlet ports 122 shown. The return reservoir 150 also includes a bulk port 144 configured to supply the working fluid from the bulk reservoir to the return working fluid chamber 118b via the bulk return line 168. In some examples, the proportional valve 143 can be coupled to the bulk port 144, enabling precise adjustment and regulation of the working fluid entering the return working fluid chamber 118b. Additionally, the return reservoir 150 includes a port that functions as both a vent port 126 and an outlet port 124 (vent outlet port). The vent outlet port is configured to vent gas and the working fluid from the return reservoir 150 to the supply reservoir 148 via the supply return line 174. Although not shown, the return reservoir 150 includes a vent channel 128 coupled to the vent port 126, similar to the vent channel 128 shown in FIG. 3B.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5A, the vent channel 128 of either the supply reservoir 148 or the return reservoir 150 includes a plurality of orifices 142 along the length of the vent channel 128. The plurality of orifices 142 fluidly open into the working fluid chamber 118. The plurality of orifices 142 are sized such that some of the gas 184 of the working fluid 183 is easily vented from the working fluid chamber 118 to the vent channel 128 and then to the vent port 126 as vent gas 185, and the working fluid 183 is not easily vented from the working fluid chamber 118 to the vent channel 128 and then to the vent port 126 as the vented fluid 187. Thus, more gas 184 than working fluid 183 is drawn out of the working fluid chamber 118 through the vent channel 128.

[0055] FIG. 5B shows the reservoir 110 rotated 90 degrees to the right. In this new orientation, the evacuation channel 128 remains open to the newly defined top 181 of the working fluid chamber 118, and is in a position to draw gas 184 into the evacuation channel 128 through the orifice 142.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 6, according to some examples, a method 300 for removing gas from the working fluid in the reservoir is shown. The method 300 includes pressurizing a portion of the working fluid in the working fluid chamber 118 of the reservoir 110 by pressurizing the pressurized gas in the gas chamber 120 of the reservoir 110 at a constant pressure (block 302). The working fluid chamber 118 and the gas chamber 120 are separated by a membrane 116. The method 300 also includes receiving a portion of the working fluid into the working fluid chamber 118 and removing a portion of the working fluid from the working fluid chamber 118 (block 304). The method 300 further includes selectively rotating the reservoir 110 relative to the bulk reservoir 146 (block 306). The bulk reservoir 146 is in fluid communication with the working fluid chamber 118 of the reservoir 110. When the reservoir 110 is selectively rotated, the method 300 additionally includes evacuating gas in the working fluid chamber 118 to the bulk reservoir 146 through an evacuation port 126 fluidly coupled to the evacuation channel 128 that is in fluid communication with the working fluid chamber 118 of the reservoir 110 (block 308). The method 300 can further include maintaining the pressurized gas in the gas chamber 120 of the reservoir 110 at a constant pressure using a pressure valve 158 and a vacuum 160.

[0057] In the above description, several terms such as "up", "down", "upper", "lower", "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "over", "under", etc. may be used. Such terms are used at the corresponding locations to clarify the description when dealing with relative relationships. However, such terms are not intended to mean absolute relationships, arrangements, and / or orientations. For example, the "upper" surface of an object can become the "lower" surface by simply inverting the object. Nevertheless, it is still the same object. Also, "including", "comprising", "having", and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to" unless specifically specified. The listing of items does not mean that any item, or all items, are mutually exclusive and / or inclusive of each other unless specifically specified. The terms "a", "an", and "the" also refer to "one or more" unless specifically specified. Also, the term "plurality" can be defined as "at least two".

[0058] Also, cases in this specification where one component is "coupled" to another component can include direct and indirect couplings. Direct coupling can be defined as one component being coupled to another component or having some contact. Indirect coupling can be defined as two components not being in direct contact with each other but having one or more additional components between the coupled components. Also, as used in this specification, fixing one component to another component may include direct fixing and indirect fixing. Also, as used in this specification, "adjacent" does not necessarily indicate contact. For example, one component may be adjacent to another component without contact.

[0059] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" when used in conjunction with a list of items means that various combinations of one or more of the items listed in the list can be used, and only one of the items in the list may be required. An item may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, "at least one of" means that any combination of items or some of the items can be used from the list, but not necessarily all of the items in the list are required. For example, "at least one of item A, item B, and item C" can mean item A, item A and item B, item B, item A and item B and item C, or item B and item C. In some cases, "at least one of item A, item B, and item C" can mean, for example, but not limited to, 2 item As and 1 item B and 10 item Cs, 4 item Bs and 7 item Cs, or some other suitable combination.

[0060] Unless otherwise indicated, terms such as "first", "second", etc. used in this specification are used merely as labels and are not intended to give any sequential, positional, or hierarchical requirements to the items to which they refer. Further, a reference to, for example, a "second" item does not necessarily require or preclude the existence of, for example, a "first", or a smaller numbered item, or for example, a "third", or a larger numbered item.

[0061] As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is “configured to” perform a particular function is not merely one that has the potential to perform the particular function after further modification, but rather one that can perform the particular function without further modification. In other words, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is “configured to” perform a particular function has been specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed to perform that particular function. As used herein, “configured to” means that the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware exhibits existing characteristics that enable it to perform the particular function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as “configured to” perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as “adapted to” and / or “operable to” perform that function.

[0062] The schematic flowchart diagrams included in this specification are generally shown as logical flowchart diagrams. Thus, the illustrated order and labeled steps represent an example of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be considered equivalent to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method in terms of function, logic, or effect. Also, the formats and symbols used are provided to explain the logical steps of this method and are not intended to limit the scope of this method. It will be understood that various types of arrows and lines may be used in the flowchart diagrams, but these do not limit the scope of the corresponding method. In fact, some arrows or other connectors may be used solely to indicate the logical flow of the method. For example, an arrow can indicate a waiting period or a monitoring period of an unspecified duration between the listed steps of the described method. Further, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly follow the order of the corresponding steps shown.

[0063] The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The examples described are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the examples of this specification are to be embraced within their scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0064] 100 System 102 Fluid Management Device 104 Fluid Circulation System 106 Inlet Line 108 Outlet Line 110 Reservoir 110a First Reservoir 110b Second Reservoir 112 Housing 114, 114a, 114b Internal Chambers 116 Membrane 116a Supply Membrane 116b Return Membrane 118 Actuating fluid chamber 118a Supply actuating fluid chamber 118b Return actuating fluid chamber 119 Outer periphery 120 Gas chamber 120a Supply gas chamber 120b Return gas chamber 122 Inlet port 124 Outlet port 125 Proportional valve 126 Exhaust port 128 Exhaust channel 128a Supply exhaust channel 128b Return exhaust channel 142 Orifice 143 Proportional valve 144 Bulk port 146 Bulk reservoir 148 Supply reservoir 150 Return reservoir 152 Bulk actuating fluid chamber 154 Free surface 156 Pump 158 Pressure valve 158a First pressure valve 158b Second pressure valve 158c Bulk pressure valve 160 Vacuum 160a First vacuum 160b Second vacuum 160c Bulk vacuum 162 Pressure sensor 162c Bulk pressure sensor 164 Pressure port 166 Supply bulk line 168 Return bulk line 170 Supply exhaust line 172 Return exhaust line 174 Supply return line 181 Topmost 183 Actuating fluid 184 Gas 185 Exhaust gas 187 fluid

Claims

1. A reservoir (110) for a fluid circulation system (104), said reservoir (110) comprising: a housing (112) defining an internal chamber (114) and selectively rotatable in any one of a variety of rotational directions; a membrane (116) disposed within the housing (112) and separating the interior chamber (114) into a working fluid chamber (118) that contains a portion of a working fluid and a gas chamber (120) that contains a pressurized gas and maintains a constant pressure in the portion of the working fluid in the working fluid chamber (118); an inlet port (122) fluidly coupled to the actuating fluid chamber (118) for supplying actuating fluid to the actuating fluid chamber (118); an outlet port (124) fluidly coupled to the working fluid chamber (118) for removing working fluid from the working fluid chamber (118); a bleed channel (128) extending a length (L) along a periphery (119) of said working fluid chamber (118) and fluidly opening into said working fluid chamber (118) along said length (L) of the bleed channel (128); a bleed port (126) fluidly coupled to only a portion of the bleed channel (128) for bleed-off gas from the working fluid chamber (118) through the bleed channel (128); Equipped with The length (L) of the bleed channel (128) is such that at least a portion of the bleed channel (128) opens to a top of the working fluid chamber (118) when the housing is in any one of the various rotational orientations.

2. The reservoir (110) of claim 1, wherein the membrane (116) is configured to be maintained under tension between the actuation fluid chamber (118) and the gas chamber (120).

3. The housing (112) is rotatable within an angular range between 0 degrees and 90 degrees; the length (L) of the bleed channel (128) spans 25% or more of the circumference (119) of the working fluid chamber (118); The reservoir (110) of claim 1.

4. The housing (112) is rotatable within an angular range between 0 degrees and 180 degrees; the length (L) of the bleed channel (128) spans 50% or more of the circumference (119) of the working fluid chamber (118); The reservoir (110) of claim 1.

5. the housing (112) is rotatable within an angular range between 0 degrees and 270 degrees; the length (L) of the bleed channel (128) spans 75% or more of the circumference (119) of the working fluid chamber (118); The reservoir (110) of claim 1.

6. The housing (112) is rotatable within an angular range between 0 degrees and 360 degrees; the length (L) of the bleed channel (128) extends along the entire periphery (119) of the working fluid chamber (118); The reservoir (110) of claim 1.

7. the periphery (119) of the working fluid chamber (118) has a circular shape; the bleed channel (128) curves in an arc shape along the periphery (119) of the working fluid chamber (118); The radius of curvature of the arc shape is equal to the radius of curvature of the circular shape. The reservoir (110) of claim 1.

8. 2. The reservoir (110) of claim 1, wherein the bleed channel (128) comprises a plurality of orifices (142) along the length (L) of the bleed channel (128), wherein only the plurality of orifices (142) are fluidly open to the working fluid chamber (118), and wherein the plurality of orifices (142) are sized such that gas is easily bled from the working fluid chamber (118) and working fluid is not easily bled from the working fluid chamber (118).

9. The reservoir (110) of claim 1, further comprising a bulk port (144) fluidly coupled to the working fluid chamber (118) to supply working fluid from a bulk reservoir (146) to the working fluid chamber (118).

10. The reservoir of claim 1 , wherein the working fluid comprises ink.

11. A fluid circulation system (104) for supplying working fluid to and returning working fluid from the fluid management device (102), said fluid circulation system (104) comprising: a supply reservoir (148) comprising a supply membrane (116a) separating a supply working fluid chamber (118a) containing a portion of a working fluid and a supply gas chamber (120a) containing pressurized gas at a first pressure (P1), said supply reservoir (148) further comprising a supply bleed port (126a) and a supply bleed channel (128a), said supply bleed port (126a) being fluidly coupled to said supply bleed channel (128a) in fluid communication with said supply working fluid chamber (118a); a return reservoir (150) comprising a return membrane (116b) separating a return working fluid chamber (118b) containing a portion of the working fluid from a return gas chamber (120b) containing pressurized gas at a second pressure (P2), said return reservoir (150) further comprising a return bleed port (126b) and a return bleed channel (128b), said return bleed port (126b) being fluidly coupled to said return bleed channel (128b) in fluid communication with said return working fluid chamber (118b); a bulk reservoir (146) comprising a bulk working fluid chamber (152) with a free surface (154); Equipped with the supply bleed channel (128a) is configured to bleed gas in the supply working fluid chamber (118a) to the bulk reservoir (146); the return bleed channel (128b) is configured to bleed gas in the return working fluid chamber (118b) indirectly to the bulk reservoir (146) via the supply working fluid chamber (118a); the supply reservoir (148) and the return reservoir (150) are independently and selectively rotatable in any one of a variety of rotational orientations relative to the bulk reservoir (146); the supply reservoir (148) is configured to receive a portion of the working fluid from the return working fluid chamber (118b) to the supply working fluid chamber (118a) and is further configured to supply a portion of the working fluid from the supply working fluid chamber (118a) to the fluid management device (102); The return reservoir (150) is configured to receive a portion of the working fluid from the fluid management device (102) to the return working fluid chamber (118b) and is further configured to supply a portion of the working fluid from the return working fluid chamber (118b) to the supply working fluid chamber (118a).

12. The fluid circulation system (104) of claim 11, wherein the bulk reservoir (146) is further configured to supply or remove a portion of the working fluid to at least one of the supply working fluid chamber (118a) or the return working fluid chamber (118b).

13. 12. The fluid circulation system (104) of claim 11, further comprising a pump (156) between the return reservoir (150) and the supply reservoir (148) configured to pump a portion of the working fluid from the return working fluid chamber (118b) to the supply working fluid chamber (118a).

14. the first pressure (P1) of the pressurized gas in the supply gas chamber (120a) has a different pressure than the second pressure (P2) of the pressurized gas in the return gas chamber (120b); The first pressure (P1) is higher than the second pressure (P2); The fluid circulation system (104) of claim 11.

15. a first pressure valve (158a) and a first vacuum (160a); a second pressure valve (158b) and a second vacuum (160b); Further equipped with the first pressure (P1) of the pressurized gas in the supply gas chamber (120a) is maintained at a constant pressure by the first pressure valve (158a) and the first vacuum (160a), which are coupled to the supply reservoir (148); 12. The fluid circulation system (104) of claim 11, wherein the second pressure (P2) of the pressurized gas in the return gas chamber (120b) is maintained at a constant pressure by the second pressure valve (158b) and the second vacuum (160b) coupled to the return reservoir (150).

16. 12. The fluid circulation system (104) of claim 11, wherein the supply reservoir (148) and the return reservoir (150) have unlimited volume compliance such that a pressure of the portion of the working fluid in the supply working fluid chamber (118a) and a pressure of a working fluid port in the return working fluid chamber (118b), respectively, remain constant regardless of changes in a volume of the portion of the working fluid.

17. The fluid circulation system (104) of claim 11, wherein each of the supply reservoir (148) and the return reservoir (150) is independently rotatably mounted on a six-axis mount.

18. A method (300) for removing gas from a working fluid in a reservoir (110), the method (300) comprising: pressurizing (302) a portion of a working fluid in a working fluid chamber (118) of the reservoir (110) by pressurizing a pressurized gas in a gas chamber (120) of the reservoir (110) at a constant pressure, the working fluid chamber (118) and the gas chamber (120) being separated by a membrane (116); receiving (304) a portion of the working fluid into the working fluid chamber (118) and removing (304) a portion of the working fluid from the working fluid chamber (118); selectively rotating (306) the reservoir (110) relative to a bulk reservoir (146), the bulk reservoir (146) being in fluid communication with the actuation fluid chamber (118) of the reservoir (110); bleed (308) gas within the working fluid chamber (118) into the bulk reservoir (146) through a bleed port (126) fluidly coupled to a bleed channel (128) in fluid communication with the working fluid chamber (118) of the reservoir (110) while the reservoir (110) is selectively rotating; The method (300) comprising:

19. maintaining the pressurized gas in the gas chamber (120) of the reservoir (110) at a constant pressure using a pressure valve (158) and a vacuum (160); 20. The method (300) of claim 18, further comprising:

20. 20. The method (300) of claim 18, wherein the step of bleeding gas in the working fluid chamber (118) through the bleed port (126) to the bulk reservoir (146) further comprises the step of indirectly bleeding gas into the bulk reservoir (146) via a second reservoir (110) coupled to the working fluid chamber (118) and the bulk reservoir (146).

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