Systems, apparatus and methods for motor speed control

Abstract

A motor speed control device for use with a piston pump may be provided. The piston may be adapted to cause multiple compressions, and the piston may have a compression path and a decompression path. Further, the piston cylinder may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a piston length. The piston cylinder may have a proximal threshold position and a distal threshold position. In one embodiment, the device includes a proximal Hall Effect sensor and a distal Hall Effect sensor. The device may include a computer, with instructions directing the piston to decelerate at the distal threshold position in the compression path and the proximal threshold position in the decompression path, and / or the computer-executable instructions directing the piston to accelerate at the distal threshold position in the decompression path and the proximal threshold position in the compression path.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to medical devices, and more particularly to systems, apparatus, and methods configured to control the velocity of a piston before and after compression. [Background technology]

[0002] Priority claim This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 111,136, filed November 9, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Introduction Pumps and pumping technology have been used for a variety of purposes almost since the beginning of civilization. In 2000 BC, the Egyptians used very primitive pumping systems that were no more sophisticated than the buckets used to raise water from wells. Today, modern industry has advanced and used pumping technology in a myriad of complex ways.

[0004] In particular, modern pumps are widely used in the fields of medical treatment and medical research. Medical professionals often need to quickly and effectively remove harmful substances from a patient's body. In such cases, a mechanical device, such as a pump, is needed. An advantage of many pumps used in hospitals and research facilities is that they remove materials quickly and accurately. Furthermore, the return pipes of these devices safely and quickly pump unwanted materials into a waste collection system where the unwanted materials can be properly disposed of.

[0005] In particular, many modern pumps are piston pumps. Piston pumps can be used to facilitate fluid movement by utilizing positive displacement technology and a pressure differential to reciprocate a piston. Piston pumps are typically used in devices that require constant high pressure, such as agricultural water delivery systems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] While piston pumps have found applications in many fields and industries, they suffer from several notable drawbacks. First, piston pumps contain numerous mechanical components that are prone to wear. Consequently, piston pumps may need to be frequently replaced or maintained, potentially increasing the machine's operating costs. Second, both the piston pump itself and the drive shaft are constructed from heavy-duty materials, making them typically quite heavy. Third, due to the increased weight and size of piston pumps, they often require more electrical power to operate, thereby increasing operating costs.

[0007] Another significant disadvantage of piston pumps is that they move fluid in pulses. As a result, they use energy in pulses. Introducing a flywheel or counterbalance into the system can reduce the peak energy required to operate the piston pump. However, adding a flywheel or counterbalance can increase manufacturing costs, operating costs, and the overall weight of the device.

[0008] Furthermore, because the piston in a piston pump moves in a pulsating manner, the entire pump is prone to severe vibration. While vibratory pumps may be acceptable in certain applications, in many applications, the vibrations cause noise pollution, excessive wear on other components of the device, and make accurate measurements more difficult. For example, operators of precision medical equipment may need to hold a scalpel, siphon, or other tool in a very specific location on a patient's body, putting the operator at a disadvantage when the pump vibrates.

[0009] It would therefore be desirable to provide a system and method that corrects the deficiencies of modern piston pumps by reducing the power supply rating so that the power supply does not have to supply peak currents. It would be desirable to provide a system and method that reduces the weight and cost of piston pumps by allowing them to operate without heavy flywheels or counterbalances.

[0010] It would be further desirable to counter many of the shortcomings of modern piston pumps, particularly those associated with their use in precision operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The disclosed invention may include a motor speed control device for use with a piston pump including a piston tethered within the piston pump, the piston configured to move linearly within a piston cylinder. The piston may be adapted to cause multiple compressions, and the piston may have a compression path and a decompression path. Further, the piston cylinder may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a piston length bounded by the proximal and distal ends. The piston cylinder may have a proximal threshold position and a distal threshold position. In one embodiment, the device further includes a proximal Hall Effect sensor disposed on an outer surface of the proximal end of the piston cylinder and a distal Hall Effect sensor disposed on an outer surface of the distal end of the piston cylinder. In a further embodiment, an apparatus comprises a computer including one or more processors, one or more computer-readable memories, one or more computer-readable storage devices, and program instructions stored in at least one of the one or more storage devices for execution by at least one of the one or more processors via at least one of the one or more memories, the computer being in electrical communication with at least a proximal Hall effect sensor and a distal Hall effect sensor, the memory including computer-executable instructions configured to slow down a piston before each of a plurality of compressions and to increase the piston's speed after each of a plurality of compressions, the computer-executable instructions instructing the piston to begin deceleration at a distal threshold position in a compression path and a proximal threshold position in a decompression path, and / or the computer-executable instructions instructing the piston to begin acceleration at a distal threshold position in a decompression path and a proximal threshold position in a compression path.

[0012] The incorporated drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of the disclosure and, together with the description, explain and illustrate the principles of the disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a block diagram of a distributed computer system in which one or more aspects of an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device in which one or more aspects of an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a pump motor. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a pump motor. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a piston cylinder having a reciprocating piston and an attached Hall Effect sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] For purposes of this disclosure, singular words should be construed as including their plural meanings unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, the term "including" is not limiting. Furthermore, "or" is equivalent to "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Ranges may be defined as preferred, but unless expressly stated otherwise, there may be embodiments that operate outside the preferred ranges.

[0015] It should be noted that the description herein is not intended to be an extensive overview, and thus concepts may be simplified for clarity and conciseness. All documents described in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Any process described in this application may be performed in any order, and any of the process steps may be omitted. A process may also be combined with other processes or steps of other processes.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates components of one embodiment of an environment in which the present invention may be implemented. Not all components are required to practice the present invention, and variations in the arrangement and type of components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. As illustrated, system 100 includes one or more local area networks (“LAN”) / wide area networks (“WAN”) 112, one or more wireless networks 110, one or more wired or wireless client devices 106, mobile or other wireless client devices 102-105, and servers 107-109, which may include or communicate with one or more data stores or databases. The various client devices 102-106 may include, for example, desktop computers, laptop computers, set-top boxes, tablets, mobile phones, smartphones, smart speakers, wearable devices (e.g., Apple Watch), etc. The servers 107-109 may include, for example, one or more application servers, content servers, search servers, etc. FIG. 1 also illustrates an application hosting server 113.

[0017] 2 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device 200 capable of implementing one or more aspects of an apparatus, system, and method for increasing user engagement (an "engine") for a mobile application, according to an embodiment of the present invention. An example of the electronic device 200 may include a server, e.g., servers 107-109, and client devices, e.g., client devices 102-106. Generally, the electronic device 200 may include a processor / CPU 202, memory 230, a power supply 206, and input / output (I / O) components / devices 240, such as a microphone, speaker, display, touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, keypad, microscope, GPS components, camera, heart rate sensor, light sensor, accelerometer, target biometric sensors, etc., which may be operable to provide, for example, a graphical user interface or a text user interface.

[0018] A user may provide input via a touchscreen of electronic device 200. The touchscreen may determine whether a user is providing input by determining whether the user is touching the touchscreen with a part of the user's body, such as the user's finger. Electronic device 200 may also include a communication bus 204 that connects the aforementioned elements of electronic device 200. Network interface 214 may include a receiver and a transmitter (or transceiver), as well as one or more antennas for wireless communication.

[0019] Processor 202 may include any type of processing device, such as one or more of a central processing unit (CPU) and a graphics processing unit (GPU). Also, for example, a processor may be central processing logic or other logic for performing one or more functions or operations or causing one or more functions or operations from one or more other components, and may include hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. Also, based on the desired application or needs, the central processing logic or other logic may include, for example, a software-controlled microprocessor, discrete logic such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable / programmed logic device, a memory device containing instructions, or the like, or combinational logic embodied in hardware. Furthermore, logic may also be embodied entirely as software.

[0020] Memory 230, which may include random access memory (RAM) 212 and read-only memory (ROM) 232, may be enabled by any type of memory device, such as one or more of a primary storage device (directly accessible by the CPU) or a secondary storage device (indirectly accessible by the CPU) (e.g., flash memory, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.). RAM may include operating system 221, data storage 224, which may include one or more databases, and programs and / or applications 222, which may include, for example, software aspects of program 223. ROM 232 may also include the electronic device's basic input / output system (BIOS) 220.

[0021] The software aspects of program 223 are intended to broadly include or represent all programming, applications, algorithms, models, software, and other tools necessary to implement or facilitate methods and systems according to embodiments of the present invention. Elements may reside on a single computer or may be distributed across multiple computers, servers, devices, or entities.

[0022] The power supply 206 includes one or more power components and facilitates the supply and management of power to the electronic device 200 . Input / output components, including input / output (I / O) interface 240, may include any interface for facilitating communication between, for example, any component of electronic device 200, components of external devices (e.g., components of a network or other devices in system 100), and an end user. For example, such components may include a network card, which may be an integration of a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, and one or more input / output interfaces. For example, a network card may facilitate wired or wireless communication with other devices in a network. In the case of wireless communication, an antenna may facilitate such communication. Additionally, I / O interface 240 and portions of bus 204 may facilitate communication between components of electronic device 200, and in one example, may facilitate processing performed by processor 202.

[0023] When electronic device 200 is a server, it may include a computing device that can transmit or receive signals, e.g., over a wired or wireless network, or that can process or store signals in memory, e.g., as physical memory states. The server may be an application server that includes configurations for providing one or more applications, e.g., aspects of the engine, to another device over a network. The application server may also host a website that can, e.g., provide a user interface for management of exemplary aspects of the engine.

[0024] Any computing device capable of transmitting, receiving, and processing data over a wired and / or wireless network may function as a server, such as in facilitating implementation aspects of the engine. Accordingly, devices functioning as servers may include devices such as dedicated rack-mounted servers, desktop computers, laptop computers, set-top boxes, integrated devices that combine one or more of the foregoing devices, etc.

[0025] Servers can vary widely in configuration and capabilities, but generally include one or more central processing units, memory, mass data storage, a power source, wired or wireless network interfaces, input / output interfaces, and an operating system such as Windows Server, Mac OS X, Unix, Linux, or FreeBSD.

[0026] A server may include a device configured to provide, or including a configuration for providing, data or content to another device over one or more networks, such as, for example, to facilitate aspects of the exemplary apparatus, system, and method of the engine. One or more servers may be used, for example, in hosting a website, such as the website www.microsoft.com. One or more servers may host a variety of sites, such as, for example, business sites, information sites, social networking sites, educational sites, wikis, financial sites, government sites, personal sites, etc.

[0027] The server may also provide a variety of services, such as, for example, web services, third-party services, audio services, video services, email services, HTTP or HTTPS services, instant messaging (IM) services, short message service (SMS) services, multimedia messaging service (MMS) services, file transfer protocol (FTP) services, voice over IP (VOIP) services, calendar services, telephone services, etc., all of which may operate in conjunction with exemplary aspects of exemplary systems and methods for devices, systems, and methods embodying the engine. The content may include, for example, text, images, audio, video, etc.

[0028] In exemplary aspects of apparatus, systems, and methods embodying the engine, client devices may include, for example, any computing device capable of transmitting and receiving data over a wired and / or wireless network. Such client devices may include desktop computers and portable devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, display pagers, radio frequency (RF) devices, infrared (IR) devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, GPS-enabled devices, tablet computers, sensor-equipped devices, laptop computers, set-top boxes, wearable computers such as the Apple Watch and Fitbit, integrated devices that combine one or more of the foregoing devices, etc.

[0029] Client devices, such as client devices 102-106, that may be used in exemplary apparatus, systems, and methods embodying the engine may range widely in terms of capabilities and features. For example, a cell phone, smartphone, or tablet may have a numeric keypad and a few lines of monochrome liquid crystal display (LCD) display on which only text may be displayed. In another example, a web-enabled client device may have a physical or virtual keyboard, data storage (such as flash memory or an SD card), an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a respiration sensor, a body motion sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion sensor, an ambient light sensor, a moisture sensor, a temperature sensor, a compass, a barometer, a fingerprint sensor, a face recognition sensor using a camera, a pulse sensor, a heart rate variability (HRV) sensor, a beats per minute (BPM) heart rate sensor, a microphone (sound sensor), a speaker, GPS or other location-awareness capabilities, and a two-dimensional or three-dimensional touch-sensitive color screen on which both text and graphics may be displayed. In some embodiments, multiple client devices may be used to collect a combination of data. For example, a smartphone may be used to collect movement data via an accelerometer and / or gyroscope, and a smartwatch (such as an Apple Watch) may be used to collect heart rate data. Multiple client devices (such as a smartphone and a smartwatch) may be communicatively coupled.

[0030] For example, client devices such as client devices 102-106 that may be used in exemplary apparatus, systems, and methods implementing the engine may run a variety of operating systems, including personal computer operating systems such as Windows, iOS, or Linux, and mobile operating systems such as iOS, Android, or Windows Mobile. The client devices may be used to run one or more applications configured to send or receive data from another computing device. Client applications may provide and receive text content, multimedia information, and the like. Client applications may perform operations such as browsing web pages, using web search engines, interacting with various apps stored on the smartphone, sending and receiving messages via email, SMS, or MMS, playing games (such as fantasy sports leagues), receiving advertisements, watching locally stored or streamed videos, or participating in social networks.

[0031] In exemplary aspects of apparatus, systems, and methods implementing the engine, one or more networks, such as network 110 or 112, may couple servers and client devices with other computing devices, including coupling to client devices through a wireless network. The network may use any form of computer-readable media for communicating information from one electronic device to another. The computer-readable media may be non-transitory. The network may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a direct connection such as through a universal serial bus (USB) port, other forms of computer-readable media (computer-readable memory), or any combination thereof, as well as the Internet. In a set of interconnected LANs, including those based on different architectures and protocols, a router serves as a link between the LANs, allowing them to transmit data to one another.

[0032] Communications links within a LAN may include twisted pair wires or coaxial cables, while communications links between networks may utilize analog telephone lines, cable lines, optical lines, fully or partially dedicated digital lines including T1, T2, T3, and T4, Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), wireless links including satellite links, fiber optic links, or other communications links known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, remote computers and other associated electronic devices may be remotely connected to either a LAN or a WAN via modems and telephone links.

[0033] A wireless network, such as wireless network 110, may couple devices to the network, such as exemplary apparatus, systems, and methods implementing the engine. The wireless network may use a standalone ad-hoc network, a mesh network, a wireless LAN (WLAN) network, a cellular network, etc.

[0034] A wireless network may further include autonomous systems of terminals, gateways, routers, etc., connected by wireless radio links, etc. These connectors may be configured to move freely and randomly and organize themselves arbitrarily, so that the topology of the wireless network can change rapidly. A wireless network may further employ multiple access technologies, including second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), Long Term Evolution (LTE) radio access for cellular systems, WLAN, wireless router (WR) mesh, etc. Access technologies such as 2G, 2.5G, 3G, 4G, and future access networks may enable wide-area coverage for client devices, such as client devices with various degrees of mobility. For example, a wireless network may enable wireless connectivity through wireless network access technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), 3GPP® Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Bluetooth®, 802.11b / g / n, etc. A wireless network may include virtually any wireless communication mechanism by which information may travel between a client device and another computing device, network, etc.

[0035] The Internet Protocol (IP) may be used to transmit data communication packets over a network of participating digital communication networks and may include protocols such as TCP / IP, UDP, DECnet, NetBEUI, IPX, and AppleTalk. Versions of the Internet Protocol include IPv4 and IPv6. The Internet includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks, and long-haul public networks that may allow packets to be communicated between local area networks. Packets may be transmitted between nodes within a network to sites, each with a unique local network address. Data communication packets may be transmitted from a user site through the Internet via access nodes connected to the Internet. Packets may be forwarded through network nodes to any target site connected to the network, provided the packet header contains the site address of the target site. Each packet communicated over the Internet may be routed through a path determined by gateways and servers, which switch the packet depending on the target address and the availability of a network path to connect to the target site.

[0036] A packet's header may include, for example, source port (16 bits), destination port (16 bits), sequence number (32 bits), acknowledgment number (32 bits), data offset (4 bits), spare (6 bits), checksum (16 bits), urgent pointer (16 bits), options (variable number of bits in multiples of 8 bits in length), padding (including a number of bits that may consist of all zeros and cause the header to end on a 32-bit boundary), etc. The number of bits for each of the above may also be higher or lower.

[0037] A "content delivery network" or "content distribution network" (CDN), as may be used in exemplary devices, systems, and methods implementing the engine, generally refers to a distributed computer system including a collection of autonomous computers linked by a network along with software, systems, protocols, and technologies designed to facilitate various services, such as the storage, caching, or transmission of content, streaming media, and applications on behalf of content providers. Such services may utilize supporting technologies, including, but not limited to, "cloud computing," distributed storage, DNS request processing, provisioning, data monitoring and reporting, content targeting, personalization, and business intelligence. A CDN may also enable an entity to operate and / or manage all or part of a third party's website infrastructure on behalf of a third party.

[0038] Peer-to-peer (i.e., P2P) computer networks rely primarily on the computing power and bandwidth of the participants in the network, rather than concentrating it on a given set of dedicated servers. P2P networks are typically used to connect nodes, primarily through ad-hoc connections. A pure peer-to-peer network does not have a concept of client or server, but rather has only equal peer nodes that simultaneously function as both "clients" and "servers" with other nodes on the network.

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention include apparatus, systems, and methods for implementing the engine. Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in one or more of client devices 102-106 communicatively coupled to a server, including servers 107-109. Additionally, client devices 102-106 may be communicatively coupled (wirelessly or via wire) to one another. In particular, software aspects of the engine may be implemented in program 223. Program 223 may be implemented in one or more client devices 102-106, one or more servers 107-109 and 113, or a combination of one or more client devices 102-106 and one or more servers 107-109 and 113.

[0040] The invention described in this disclosure may utilize any of the piston pumps described above, including, but not limited to, lift piston pumps, force piston pumps, axial piston pumps, and radial piston pumps.

[0041] In some embodiments, the pump cartridge may include a linear piston pump. The piston may be driven by linear motion generated by a transmission using a crank. The piston may include an inlet valve that allows fluid to enter the cylinder when the piston is withdrawn. During compression, the inlet valve may close, and a check valve in the cylinder head may open when pressure in the cylinder exceeds pressure in the outlet tube.

[0042] In one embodiment, the piston pump is made from a material that is resistant to rust. However, in many embodiments, the piston pump may be made from cast iron, plastic, steel, stainless steel, stainless steel alloys, aluminum, ceramics, or other materials. In one embodiment, the pistons, piston pumps, and / or other components of the present invention may be 3D printed.

[0043] The piston pump may be a single-acting pump. In another embodiment, the piston pump is a duplex pump. In a duplex pump embodiment, the piston pump may include two inlets and two outlets. The pump may generate a pressure of up to 12,000 psi at a flow rate of 200 ml / min. However, the pump may generate any suitable pressure and / or flow rate. Additionally, pump embodiments exist in which the piston pump includes more than two inlets and / or more than two outlets.

[0044] In one embodiment, the piston pump includes a single piston in a piston cylinder. However, alternative embodiments exist in which the pump is a duplex pump, a triplex pump, or a pump with four or more pistons. In some multi-piston embodiments, each piston may have a dedicated control device. However, in other multi-piston embodiments, the same control device controls all of the pistons. For purposes of this disclosure, a control device may be or include a computer, a sensor, a detector, or other component.

[0045] In one embodiment, the motor speed control comprises a piston pump, the piston pump including a piston. In an alternative embodiment, the piston pump contains two or more pistons. The piston pump may include several components, including, but not limited to, an intake, a port plate, an outlet, a rotating barrel, a piston, and a non-rotating swash plate.

[0046] Referring to Figure 3, in one embodiment, the piston pump is connected to the pump motor with a drive shaft disposed between the pump motor and the piston pump. The drive shaft can transmit the force of the transmission shaft to the piston. Because the piston shaft and the transmission drive shaft are in direct contact, compressive forces can be transmitted to the piston shaft by the transmission drive shaft. Tensile forces can be transmitted to the piston shaft via coupling a comb pin to the transmission drive shaft.

[0047] The cylinder may have a diameter of approximately 9 millimeters. In one embodiment, the compression stroke length is approximately 4 millimeters. The volume is approximately 0.25 cm 3 However, the cylinder diameter, compression stroke length, and volume may be any suitable measurements. According to various embodiments, the pump may be specifically configured to provide the flow rate and pressure required to achieve a clinical result. However, in alternative embodiments, the pump motor includes a pump motor gear connected to a piston pump gear via a belt. Alternatively, the piston pump gear and pump motor gear may be connected by a chain, one or more gears, a pulley system, or other suitable components. However, further embodiments exist having multiple gears disposed between the pump motor and the piston pump.

[0048] Referring to Figure 4, in one embodiment, there is a gear ratio between the gear associated with the pump motor and the gear associated with the piston pump. Further, in one embodiment, the gear ratio is 72:17. However, there are embodiments in which the gear ratio is greater than or less than 72:17. An alternative embodiment exists in which the pump motor is directly connected to the piston pump. In this alternative embodiment, there is no gear ratio as the pump motor can function as a direct drive motor.

[0049] The gear ratio can be determined and configured to match the pump associated with the medical device (or other device) so that the gear ratio can induce a desired piston / pump speed. Thus, the gear ratio can induce a desired piston speed, which can be measured in revolutions per minute ("TPM"). However, in one embodiment, the gear ratio is configured so that the pump can effectively operate at any of the predetermined speed settings (e.g., 1-10).

[0050] The device may include multiple shafts or gears disposed between the pump motor and the piston pump. In these embodiments, the multiple shafts or gears are arranged to control the speed of the piston pump. In one embodiment, the internals of the pump motor are easily accessible to the user, allowing the user to easily change gears. In a further embodiment, the disclosed invention includes a gearbox, which may be a manual gearbox or an automatic gearbox. In one embodiment, the manual gearbox is easily operated by the user with the aid of a lever or other control method.

[0051] In one embodiment, the piston pump is connected to a priming piston pump such that the priming piston pump primes the piston pump. Priming of the handpiece, including the pump cartridge, tubing, and other components, can be automated. The pump motor current can be monitored while the motor is running. When fluid reaches the handpiece orifice, the pump motor current can be configured to rise, thereby indicating that the system is primed.

[0052] However, in alternative embodiments, the piston pump is manually primed. Further embodiments exist in which the device includes a priming sensor configured to detect whether the pump is primed. Also, embodiments exist in which the priming sensor can generate a signal that can stop the pump motor or the pump based on whether the pump is primed.

[0053] In one embodiment, the motor speed controller includes a computer. The computer may be associated with a pump motor that is a brushless DC motor, with the speed controlled by the computer. The computer may measure the motor's speed, compare it to a desired speed, and output one or more control signals, such as two control signals (e.g., a pulse-width modulated signal and a logic brake signal). The pulse-width modulated signal may be proportional to the voltage applied to the motor. The brake signal may actively stop the motor and hold it in a stopped position. The one or more signals may be fed to a commutation controller integrated circuit, or any other suitable controller, that may determine which polarity and voltage is applied to each of the three phases of the brushless DC motor. This may be determined by monitoring Hall-effect sensors inside the motor, which may indicate the relative position between the magnets on the motor shaft and the windings. However, the Hall-effect sensors may function according to any known Hall-effect sensor technology.

[0054] For purposes of this disclosure, a computer may be a microcomputer, a standard desktop computer, or any other computer. In many embodiments, the computer may be small enough to be housed within the equipment chassis. In another embodiment, the computer may reside within the power supply chassis or the pump chassis. In other embodiments, the computer is in electronic communication with the pump motor. However, the computer may also be in communication with the piston pump or any electrical component of the device. Further embodiments exist in which the computer first communicates electronically with a controller or driver (e.g., before communicating with the piston pump or pump motor).

[0055] In one embodiment, the computer comprises at least a memory and a processor. Also, in embodiments, the memory may include computer-executable instructions (e.g., stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices). In many embodiments, these instructions are executable by the computer (e.g., the processor). In one embodiment, the computer is connected to a monitor so that a user can view the monitor when making adjustments or selecting various settings.

[0056] In yet a further embodiment, the motor speed controller includes one or more peripheral devices, such as a computer mouse, trackpad, keyboard, or other controller, that allow a user to make selections related to the speed of the motor. In an alternative embodiment, a means for making adjustments, such as a button, switch, knob, or other similar selection tool, is located on the exterior of the motor controller. In a further alternative embodiment, a touchscreen that functions as both a monitor and a selection point is located on the exterior of the motor controller.

[0057] In one embodiment, the user can control the motor speed through software. For example, the user can adjust a speed control setting (e.g., 1-10) by interacting with a graphical user interface displayed on a computer monitor or a digital or analog user interface located on the device itself. Each speed setting can direct the motor to increase or decrease the speed of the piston, with setting 1 being the slowest speed and 10 being the fastest speed.

[0058] The computer or monitor displays sprites and / or graphics for the user, allowing the user to change the motor's speed without directly interacting with the source code or firmware. In certain embodiments, sprites (e.g., animated graphics) may include a series of images illustrating motion or action. Sprites may be utilized to prompt or instruct the user to perform a particular operation without the need for text. For example, if a pump cartridge requires insertion into the console, a first image may depict a hand holding the pump cartridge near the front of the console. A second image may depict the pump cartridge partially held in the console, and a third image may show a hand holding the cartridge fully inserted into the console. The above images may then cycle through 1-3, pausing at each image for a period of time, such as 1 second, until the console senses that the pump cartridge has been inserted, at which point it proceeds to the next state.

[0059] However, alternative embodiments exist in which the computer allows the user to control more than just the motor speed. For example, in alternative embodiments, the computer is configured to allow the user to set timers for when to turn the pump motor on and / or off, change the intensity of the pump motor, and / or adjust other characteristics of the pump motor. In certain embodiments, the user can set the pump speed (e.g., speeds 1-10) and determine whether the pump is operated by a foot pedal. The speed can be selected by up / down buttons on the display screen in conjunction with the foot pedal, or any other suitable button. An alert, such as a bell, can sound at any suitable interval, such as every minute, so the user can know how long the pump has been running without looking at the screen.

[0060] In one embodiment, each of the pistons is mounted within a piston cylinder, each of the piston cylinders having a proximal end and a distal end. In this embodiment, one or more of the piston cylinders are disposed near one or more Hall effect sensors. The one or more Hall effect sensors may be used to determine the speed, position, and / or duration of movement of the pistons moving within the piston cylinders. The one or more Hall effect sensors may be in electronic communication with a computer.

[0061] In some embodiments, the computer decodes the raw data provided by the Hall effect sensors to determine the speed and position of the piston. In alternative embodiments, a separate module or microcomputer resides between one or more Hall effect sensors and the computer. In such embodiments, the separate module or microcomputer can decode the raw data provided by the Hall effect sensors and convert it into a form that is easily readable by the computer and / or the computer's processor.

[0062] In one embodiment, the one or more Hall effect sensors are configured such that the computer receives a signal from the one or more Hall effect sensors when the piston approaches a proximity of top dead center ("TDC") and / or bottom dead center. However, in alternative embodiments, the Hall effect sensors may be configured to generate a signal when the piston approaches any position.

[0063] An indexing sensor can be used to determine when the piston is at maximum compression. The sensor utilized can be an optical sensor, such as an intrusion sensor. The intrusion sensor can detect a small hole (e.g., 4 mm) in the large pulley of the transmission. The hole can be specifically sized so that the position of the piston can be located with a comb connecting the piston's axis to the transmission. The sensor can be mounted to the transmission so that light passes through the hole in the pulley and is transmitted to a photodetector when aligned with the hole. The pulley can be aligned on its axis using a key so that the small hole aligns with the sensor when the piston is at maximum compression (e.g., top dead center) or any desired position.

[0064] The indexing sensor may be configured to indicate the location of the piston to lock or unlock the unit to the piston (e.g., to lock the piston in place). The guillotine and / or comb may be components of an assembly configured to lock and unlock the piston. For example, the locking and unlocking of the piston may be configured to prevent an incident. Thus, if the system determines, for example, via the indexing sensor, that the piston is not aligned and locked, operation of the unit is prevented.

[0065] To determine the location of top dead center, the computer may power the pump motor at 60 TPM or slow the pump motor down to 60 TPM and monitor the index position. However, the computer may command the pump motor to operate at any suitable speed. Once detected, the computer may apply the brakes. The detection time may be determined by the speed of the photodetector. In some embodiments, the pump speed used for indexing may be configured to recover the detection delay, limit the kinetic energy that may be absorbed when braking the motor, and be fast enough so that the user does not perceive an undesirable delay.

[0066] In some embodiments, the processor determines the speed of the piston by evaluating the times at which the piston triggers the Hall sensors and comparing those times to a predetermined distance between the distal and proximal ends of the piston cylinder. The computer may determine the speed of the pump by measuring the time between index signals. The computer may determine the approximate angular position (which may be converted to linear position, for example) by determining the number of pulses from one of the motor's internal Hall effect sensors after the index sensor is triggered. As a non-limiting example, there may be 20 pulses of the motor's Hall effect sensor per complete piston cycle. In one embodiment, each of these data points, including but not limited to the distance between the proximal and distal ends of the piston cylinder, the time at which the Hall effect sensor at the distal end of the piston cylinder is triggered, the time at which the Hall effect sensor at the proximal end of the piston cylinder is triggered, and the calculated speed of the piston, are added to and stored in a spreadsheet, database, or other data structure on memory or a computer-readable storage device.

[0067] In some embodiments, both the proximal and distal ends of the piston cylinder have separate Hall effect sensors, but it is possible to include only one Hall effect sensor. In such an embodiment, if the piston cylinder has only one Hall effect sensor, the processor calculates velocity as in the previous embodiment. However, the processor may be programmed to calculate the velocity of the piston by comparing the time that one Hall effect sensor is activated with the distance the piston has traveled; for purposes of this embodiment, the piston travels one stroke through the piston cylinder before again activating one Hall effect sensor.

[0068] Hall effect sensors may be used for the aforementioned applications, however, one or more of a variety of sensors may be used, including but not limited to proximity sensors, pressure sensors, and optical sensors. In one embodiment, the memory includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, decelerate the pump motor before peak compression and accelerate the pump motor after peak compression. In some embodiments, the processor's deceleration and acceleration of the pump motor is performed by a pulse-width modulation controller. Pulse-width modulation can be used to communicate information to the motor driver, thereby slowing and increasing the piston's speed. The computer can calculate the pulse-width modulation duty cycle in terms of the set speed, actual speed, and angular position, or any other suitable variable. The computer can determine the approximate angular position by counting the number of pulses from one of the motor's internal Hall-effect sensors after the index sensor is detected. For example, there can be up to 20 Hall-effect pulses and one index pulse per complete cycle (revolution).

[0069] In another embodiment, the pump motor is accelerated and decelerated by another type of motor speed controller, however, in alternative embodiments, the processor varies the pump motor speed in a different manner, for example, by changing gear ratios, by inducing magnets to slow the movement of the pump motor or piston, or by other methods commonly known in the art.

[0070] Additionally, in some embodiments, the peak power required is reduced, thereby reducing the heat dissipated by the motor and the size of the motor. Furthermore, in one embodiment, a longer compression cycle increases the pump efficiency by allowing the check valve to remain open for a longer period of time.

[0071] In one embodiment, a user can control the rate at which one or more pistons decelerate and / or accelerate. For example, in some embodiments, the processor may instruct the pump motor to decelerate when the piston is nearing one end of the piston cylinder and has already traveled 90% of the piston cylinder's length. The motor may begin accelerating upon detection of the first motor hole pulse after the indicator is detected, for example, at a maximum of 18 degrees after TDC. Motor deceleration may begin on the 15th pulse after the indicator is detected, at a maximum of 270 degrees after TDC. However, embodiments exist in which the piston begins accelerating and decelerating at different distances along the piston. The processor may also use the weight of the piston to determine the piston's acceleration and deceleration.

[0072] In one embodiment, the location at which the piston begins to accelerate or decelerate is a function of the velocity of the piston. For example, in such an embodiment, if the piston was moving at 9 meters per second, the piston may decelerate when it had traveled 85% of the length of the piston cylinder. However, in such an embodiment, if the piston was moving at 10 meters per second, the piston may decelerate when it had traveled 80% of the length of the piston cylinder. In one embodiment, the memory includes computer-executable instructions that include functionality to determine at what location the piston should accelerate or decelerate based in part on the velocity of the piston. For purposes of the foregoing embodiment, the velocity of the piston may be the average velocity of the piston, the velocity of the piston measured at the center of the piston, or the velocity of the piston measured at different locations or in different ways.

[0073] In one embodiment, an operator selects the positions at which the piston accelerates or decelerates. In these embodiments, the operator can make these selections using a peripheral selection device connected to the computer or by using buttons or switches that may be located on the motor speed controller. Alternatively, embodiments exist in which the positions at which the piston accelerates and decelerates are fixed and cannot be adjusted.

[0074] In one embodiment, the computer or memory may include preset modes that determine when the piston accelerates or decelerates. In these embodiments, the acceleration and deceleration start points, as well as the magnitude of the acceleration and deceleration, are tailored to the particular application. The duty cycle output to the motor is varied between 75 and 120% of the required duty cycle to maintain the desired speed. This allows the current drawn from the power supply to be more continuous rather than peaking during compression. As a non-limiting example, in one embodiment, the computer may have two modes. A first mode may be tuned for motors less than 3 horsepower, and a second mode may be tuned for motors greater than 3 horsepower. In some embodiments, the second mode may accelerate and decelerate the piston more significantly before and after peak compression. However, there are a variety of possible programmable modes.

[0075] In alternative embodiments, the piston and / or piston cylinder may be attached to or in communication with a spring, or may be located on another component designed to act as a buffer. In one embodiment, a physical component is located within the piston cylinder and replaces, communicates with, or is captured within the piston to cushion the recoil of the piston as it travels through the piston cylinder.

[0076] In one embodiment of the motor speed controller, a flywheel or counterbalance is not required, although there are embodiments where the addition of a flywheel or counterbalance may be beneficial in certain applications. Additionally, less power may be required for pump motor operation, but no embodiment should be construed as limiting the power supply or horsepower rating of the motor.

[0077] In one embodiment, the motor speed controller may include rubber or adjustable feet or legs. In this embodiment, the device sealing the pump motor may be leveled to prevent the motor from operating off its axis. Additionally, in one embodiment, rubber feet may be placed on the underside of the device housing the pump motor to dampen vibrations and reduce noise pollution. In one embodiment, the housing of the motor speed controller, or the housing of the host device, is insulated.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 5 , the disclosed invention may include a piston cylinder 502 having a proximal end 504 and a distal end 506. A piston length 508 may extend from the proximal end 504 to the distal end 506. A piston 510 may be disposed within the piston cylinder and may follow a linear path. A proximal Hall Effect sensor 512 may be disposed on the exterior surface of the piston cylinder 502 or near the proximal end 504. A distal Hall Effect sensor 514 may be disposed on the exterior surface of the piston cylinder 502 or near the distal end 506. The Hall Effect sensors 512 / 514 may be positioned to detect the proximity 504 of the piston. The piston 510 may be controlled by a computer to accelerate or decelerate at various points along its travel. For example, the piston 510 may change speed at a proximal threshold 516 and / or a distal threshold 518.

[0079] The disclosed invention may include a motor speed control device for use with a piston pump including a piston tethered within the piston pump, the piston configured to move linearly within a piston cylinder. The piston may be adapted to cause multiple compressions, and the piston may have a compression path and a decompression path. Further, the piston cylinder may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a piston length bounded by the proximal and distal ends. The piston cylinder may have a proximal threshold position and a distal threshold position. In one embodiment, the device further includes a proximal Hall Effect sensor disposed on an outer surface of the proximal end of the piston cylinder and a distal Hall Effect sensor disposed on an outer surface of the distal end of the piston cylinder. In a further embodiment, an apparatus comprises a computer including one or more processors, one or more computer-readable memories, one or more computer-readable storage devices, and program instructions stored in at least one of the one or more storage devices for execution by at least one of the one or more processors via at least one of the one or more memories, the computer being in electrical communication with at least a proximal Hall effect sensor and a distal Hall effect sensor, the memory including computer-executable instructions configured to slow down a piston before each of a plurality of compressions and to increase the piston's speed after each of a plurality of compressions, the computer-executable instructions instructing the piston to begin deceleration at a distal threshold position in a compression path and a proximal threshold position in a decompression path, and / or the computer-executable instructions instructing the piston to begin acceleration at a distal threshold position in a decompression path and a proximal threshold position in a compression path.

[0080] The motor speed control device may also include an indexing sensor configured to index the piston. In one embodiment, the processor determines a proximal Hall sensor actuation time and a distal Hall sensor actuation time, and determines the speed of the piston by comparing the proximal Hall sensor actuation time, the distal Hall sensor actuation time, and the piston length. The piston may be at a top dead center position at the distal end and a bottom dead center position at the proximal end. Acceleration and deceleration of the piston may be controlled by the processor via a pulse-width modulation controller configured to communicate information to the pump motor. In one embodiment, the location of the proximal threshold position and the location of the distal threshold position are a function of piston speed and piston weight. In a further embodiment, the device includes a first mode and a second mode, the first mode including an acceleration and deceleration schedule for pump motors less than 3 horsepower, and the second mode including an acceleration and deceleration schedule for pump motors greater than 3 horsepower.

[0081] In one embodiment of the disclosed invention, there is provided a motor speed controller for use with a piston pump, wherein a piston is captured within the piston pump, the piston is configured to move linearly, the piston is adapted to cause one or more compressions, the motor speed controller comprising a computer having a memory and a processor, the memory including computer-executable instructions configured to slow down the piston before the one or more compressions, and the memory including computer-executable instructions configured to increase the piston speed after the one or more compressions.

[0082] While the present invention has been described in conjunction with the above embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. A motor speed control device for use with a piston pump, comprising: a piston tethered within the piston pump, the piston configured to move linearly within a piston cylinder; the piston is configured to cause repeated compression; the piston has a compression path and a decompression path; the piston cylinder includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a piston length bounded by the proximal end and the distal end; the piston cylinder including a piston having a proximal threshold position and a distal threshold position; a proximal Hall effect sensor disposed on an exterior surface of the proximal end of the piston cylinder; a distal Hall effect sensor disposed on an exterior surface of the distal end of the piston cylinder; a computer including one or more processors, one or more computer-readable memories, one or more computer-readable storage devices, and program instructions stored in at least one of the one or more storage devices for execution by at least one of the one or more processors via at least one of the one or more memories; the computer is in electrical communication with at least the proximal Hall effect sensor and the distal Hall effect sensor; The memory includes first computer-executable instructions configured to instruct the piston to begin deceleration at the distal threshold position in the compression path and at the proximal threshold position in the decompression path, and to instruct the piston to begin acceleration at the distal threshold position in the decompression path and at the proximal threshold position in the compression path; the memory includes second computer-executable instructions configured to determine the location of each of the proximal and distal threshold positions as a function of the velocity of the piston to determine a magnitude of acceleration and deceleration of the piston; The computer is configured to vary the magnitude of acceleration and deceleration of the piston.

2. The motor speed controller of claim 1 further comprising an indexing sensor configured to index the piston.

3. 2. The motor speed control device of claim 1, wherein the processor determines a proximal Hall sensor actuation time and a distal Hall sensor actuation time, and determines a speed of the piston by comparing the proximal Hall sensor actuation time, the distal Hall sensor actuation time, and the piston length.

4. 2. The motor speed control device of claim 1, wherein the piston is at a top dead center position at the distal end and a bottom dead center position at the proximal end.

5. 2. The motor speed control device of claim 1, wherein the acceleration and deceleration of the piston is controlled by the processor via a pulse width modulation controller, the pulse width modulation controller configured to communicate information to a pump motor.

6. The motor speed control device of claim 1 , wherein the location of the proximal threshold position and the location of the distal threshold position are functions of the piston speed and piston weight.

7. 2. The motor speed control device of claim 1, further comprising a first mode and a second mode, the first mode comprising an acceleration and deceleration scheme for pump motors less than 3 horsepower, and the second mode comprising an acceleration and deceleration scheme for pump motors greater than 3 horsepower.

8. 8. The motor speed control device of claim 7, wherein the pump motor has a duty cycle that varies between 75 and 120% of the duty cycle required to maintain a desired speed.

9. The motor speed control device of claim 1 further comprising a flywheel.

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