Displacement pump with active checks

Abstract

A displacement pump includes a fluid displacer that moves to pump fluid. The displacement pump includes an inlet check valve and an transfer check valve that regulate flow of the fluid through the displacement pump. The inlet check valve and the transfer check valve are formed as actively controlled valves that can be independently controlled relative to each other.

Description

[0001]

[0002] 63 / 743,791 filed January 10, 2025 and entitled “DISPLACEMENT PUMP WITH ACTIVE CHECKS,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] The present disclosure concerns fluid displacement. More specifically, the present disclosure concerns displacement pumps.

[0005] Displacement pumps include a movable fluid displacer that moves to pump fluid through the pump. An inlet check valve and transfer check valve control fluid flow through the pump and prevent backflow. The check valves can be pressure controlled valves such that pressure differentials cause the valves to open and / or close. Some materials can include fillers, such as glass filler among other options. For example, the pumped material can include glass beads as a filler. The fillers can prevent the check valves from properly seating during operation, causing pressure decay and leading to pumping inefficiencies.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a displacement pump configured to pump a material includes a pump body having a transfer housing, an outlet housing, a cylinder extending between the transfer housing and the outlet housing, and a transfer tube extending between the transfer housing and the outlet housing; a pump piston at least partially disposed within the cylinder and configured to reciprocate on a pump axis to pump the material, the pump piston dividing the cylinder into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber; an inlet assembly connected to the transfer housing, the inlet assembly including an inlet valve and a first valve actuator, the first valve actuator connected to the inlet valve to actively displace the inlet valve between a first open state and a first closed state; and an transfer control assembly connected to the transfer housing, the transfer control assembly including an transfer valve and a second valve actuator, the second valve actuator connected to the transfer valve to actively displace the transfer valve between a second open state and a second closed state.According to an additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a displacement pump configured to pump a material includes a pump body having a transfer housing, an outlet housing, a cylinder extending between the transfer housing and the outlet housing, and a transfer tube extending between the transfer housing and the outlet housing; a pump piston at least partially disposed within the cylinder and configured to reciprocate on a pump axis to pump the material, the pump piston dividing the cylinder into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber; an inlet assembly connected to the transfer housing, the inlet assembly including an inlet valve and a first valve actuator, the first valve actuator connected to the inlet valve to actively displace the inlet valve along a first valve axis between a first open state and a first closed state; and an transfer control assembly connected to the transfer housing, the transfer control assembly including an transfer valve and a second valve actuator, the second valve actuator connected to the transfer valve to actively displace the outlet valve along a second valve axis between a second open state and a second closed state. The inlet valve and the transfer valve arc disposed on a same axial side of the pump piston.

[0008] According to another additional or alternative aspect of the disclosure, a pumping system includes a displacement pump configured to pump a material, at least one sensor configured to generate parameter information regarding the material, and a controller. The displacement pump includes a pump body having a transfer housing, an outlet housing, a cylinder extending between the transfer housing and the outlet housing, and a transfer tube extending between the transfer housing and the outlet housing; a pump piston at least partially disposed within the cylinder and configured to reciprocate on a pump axis to pump the material, the pump piston dividing the cylinder into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber; an inlet assembly connected to the transfer housing, the inlet assembly including an inlet valve and a first valve actuator, the first valve actuator connected to the inlet valve to actively displace the inlet valve along a first valve axis between a first open state and a first closed state; and an transfer control assembly connected to the transfer housing, the transfer control assembly including an transfer valve and a second valve actuator, the second valve actuator connected to the transfer valve to actively displace the transfer valve along a second valve axis between a second open state and a second closed state. The controller is operatively connected to the inlet assembly and the transfer control assembly. The controller is configured to cause the first valve actuator to actuate the inlet valve between the first open state and the first closed state; cause the second valve actuator to actuate the transfer valve between the second open state and thesecond closed state; and cause the inlet valve to be in the first closed state and the transfer valve to be in the second closed state during changeover of the pump piston between strokes in a pump cycle.

[0009] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the disclosure, a plural component dispensing system configured to emit a plural component material formed by a mixture of a first component material and a second component material includes a first feed pump configured to pump the first component material at a first feed pressure; a first displacement pump configured to receive the first component material from the first feed pump and configured to pump the first component material downstream at a first output pressure, the first displacement pump including a first inlet assembly having a first inlet valve and a first transfer control assembly having a first transfer valve, wherein the first inlet valve is actively controlled and the first transfer valve is actively controlled; a second feed pump configured to pump the second component material at a second feed pressure; a second displacement pump configured to receive the second component material from the second feed pump and configured to pump the second component material downstream at a second output pressure, the second displacement pump including a second inlet assembly having a second inlet valve and a second transfer control assembly having a second transfer valve, wherein the second inlet valve is actively controlled and the second transfer valve is actively controlled; an applicator fluidly connected to the first displacement pump and the second displacement pump to receive the first component material and the second component material, the applicator configured to output the plural component material; and a controller configured to control actuation of the first inlet valve between a first inlet open state and a first inlet closed state, and control actuation of the first transfer valve between a first outlet open state and a first outlet closed state.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 A is a block diagram of a pump system.

[0011] FIG. IB is an isometric view of the system.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a pump system.

[0013] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a pump with the valving of the pump in a first state.

[0014] FIG. 3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of the pump indicated in detail Z of FIG. 3 A showing the valving of the pump in a second state.

[0015] FIG. 3C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of the pump indicated in detail Z of FIG. 3 A showing the valving of the pump in a third state.FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating pressure output from a traditional pump. FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating pressure output from a pump with active checking.

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present disclosure relates generally to material displacers. The material displacer is a formed as a pump configured to pump the material. The pump includes a fluid displacer that is configured to move, such as reciprocate, to pump the material. The pump includes an inlet check valve and an transfer check valve. The inlet and / or transfer check valves can be actively controlled between open and closed states. The inlet check valve can be actively controlled to regulate material flow into the pump. The transfer check valve can be actively controlled to regulate material within the pump. According to some aspects of the disclosure, the inlet check valve and the transfer check valve can be individually controlled. The inlet check valve can be actively controlled between open and closed independent of the state (c.g., open or closed) of the transfer check valve. Additionally or alternatively, the transfer check valve can be actively controlled between open and closed independent of the state (e.g., open or closed) of the inlet check valve.

[0018] Components can be considered to radially overlap when those components are disposed at common axial locations along an axis. A radial line extending from the axis will extend through each of the radially overlapping components. Components can be considered to axially overlap when those components are disposed at common radial and circumferential locations relative to an axis such that an axial line parallel to the axis extends through the axially overlapping components. Components can be considered to circumferentially overlap when aligned about the axis, such that a circle centered on the axis passes through the circumferentially overlapping components.

[0019] FIG. 1 A is a block schematic diagram of system 10. FIG. IB is an isometric view of system 10. FIGS. 1A and IB will be discussed together. Proportioner 12; motor 14; controller 16; user interface 18; fluid tanks 20a, 20b; feed pumps 22a, 22b; feed lines 24a, 24b; displacement pumps 26a, 26b; supply lines 28a, 28b; transducers 30a-30c; and applicator 32 are shown. Controller 16 includes memory 34 and control circuitry 36. Applicator 32 includes mixer 38, handle 40, and trigger 42. Displacement pumps 26a, 26b are referred to collectively as “displacement pump 26” or “displacement pumps 26”. Each displacement pump 26 includes fluid displacer 44, inlet assembly 46, and transfer control assembly 48. Inlet assembly 46 includes inlet valve 50 and valve actuator 54a. Transfer control assembly 48 includes transfer valve 52 and valve actuator 54b.System 10 is a system configured to pump a first component material and second component material to applicator 32 to form a plural component material for application. The plural component material can be configured to be applied in any desired manner, such as by spraying, by bead application, etc. The component materials are pumped according to target parameters, such as ratio, temperature, flow rate and / or pressure. The first and second component materials are mixed at applicator 32 to form the spray material that is applied to a substrate by applicator 32. The resultant plural component material can form an adhesive, a sealant, a foam (e.g., to form gaskets or other components), among other options. System 10 is configured, but not limited, to pump material that includes fillers, such as glass (e.g., glass beads), among other options. One or both of the component materials can include fillers. It is understood that in some examples neither of the component materials may include fillers.

[0020] Fluid tanks 20a, 20b hold the individual component materials during operation. In some examples, fluid tanks 20a, 20b arc portable and can be moved between job sites. In some examples, fluid tanks 20a, 20b can be drums, such as 55-gallon drums, among other options.

[0021] Feed pumps 22a, 22b are respectively mounted to fluid tanks 20a, 20b. Feed lines 24a, 24b respectively extend from feed pumps 22a, 22b to displacement pumps 26a, 26b. Feed pumps 22a, 22b draw the first and second component materials from fluid tanks 20a, 20b and pump the component materials through feed lines 24a, 24b to displacement pumps 26a, 26b. Feed pumps 22a, 22b provide the component materials to displacement pumps 26a, 26b under pressure. Feed pumps 22a, 22b can be of any desired configuration suitable for pumping the component materials to displacement pumps 26a, 26b under pressure, such as pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric pumps.

[0022] Proportioner 12 (FIG. IB) can support various components of system 10. In some examples, controller 16 is supported by proportioner 12. Proportioner 12 can further support displacement pumps 26a, 26b and motor 14.

[0023] Displacement pumps 26a, 26b receive the first and second component materials from feed pumps 22a, 22b, respectively, and pump the individual component materials downstream to applicator 32. Fluid displacer 44 is at least partially disposed in a body of the displacement pump 26. The fluid displacer 44 is configured to move to pump the individual component materials. The fluid displacer 44 can be configured to reciprocate on a pump axis to pump the component material. For example, fluid displacer 44 can be configured as a piston, diaphragm, among other options.Each displacement pump 26 includes inlet assembly 46 that is configured to regulate material flow into the displacement pump 26. Inlet valve 50 is in the open state to allow material flow into displacement pump 26. Inlet valve 50 is in the closed state to block material flow into displacement pump 26. In the example shown, inlet valve 50 is an actively controlled valve. Inlet assembly 46 is operatively connected to controller 16. Controller 16 can control actuation of the inlet valve 50 between the open state and the closed state. Valve actuator 54a is connected to a movable valving portion of the inlet valve 50. Valve actuator 54a is configured to actively displace that movable valving portion of the inlet valve 50 to place the inlet valve 50 in the open state or closed state. In the example shown, valve actuator 54a is operatively connected to controller 16, either electrically or communicatively, to receive actuation commands from the controller 16.

[0024] Valve actuator 54a is connected to inlet valve 50 to control actuation of the inlet valve 50 between open and closed states. The valve actuator 54a can be one or more of pneumatically, electrically, and / or hydraulically operated. In some examples, valve actuator 54a is configured to displace pneumatically to control actuation of the inlet valve 50. For example, controller 16 can provide an actuation command to a control valve of the valve actuator 54a to cause the valve actuator 54a to actuate the inlet valve 50. In some examples, the controller 16 can provide the actuation command to a solenoid to cause the solenoid to actuate the valving of the control valve. The control valve can direct compressed gas to cause actuation of the inlet valve 50. It is understood that the controller 16 can be considered to provide the actuation command to the valve actuator 54a by actively providing a signal to the valve actuator 54a or by cessation of a signal provided to the valve actuator 54a. For example, the controller 16 can send an electrical signal to the valve actuator 54a to cause the valve actuator 54a to actuate the inlet valve 50 from a first state (one of the open and closed states) to a second state (the other one of the open and closed states). The controller 16 can stop sending the electrical signal to the valve actuator 54a to cause the valve actuator 54a to actuate the inlet valve 50 from the second state to the first state. Both sending and stopping communication of the electrical signal can be considered to be providing an actuation command to the inlet assembly 46.

[0025] Inlet valve 50 can normally be in a first state and can be actuated to a second state based on provision of an actuation signal to valve actuator 54a. Inlet valve 50 returns to the first state based on removal of the actuation signal. In some examples, inlet valve 50 is normally closed and is actuated to the open state based on provision of the actuation signal. In such an example, the inlet valve 50 remains in the closed state until activelydisplaced to the open state. In the event of power loss, the inlet valve 50 will return to the closed state, preventing depressurization of the supply line 28a, 28b upstream of inlet assembly 46. Such a configuration can isolate pressurized material upstream of displacement pump 26 from material downstream of displacement pump 26. The displacement pump 26 and supply lines 28a, 28b extending downstream of displacement pump 26 to applicator 32 can be depressurized without losing pressure upstream of displacement pump 26.

[0026] Each displacement pump 26 includes transfer control assembly 48 that is configured to regulate material flow out of the displacement pump 26. Transfer valve 52 is in the open state to allow material flow downstream from displacement pump 26. Transfer valve 52 is in the closed state to block material flow downstream from displacement pump 26. In the example shown, transfer valve 52 is an actively controlled valve. Transfer control assembly 48 is operatively connected to controller 16. Controller 16 can control actuation of the transfer valve 52 between the open state and the closed state. Valve actuator 54b is connected to a movable valving portion of the transfer valve 52. Valve actuator 54b is configured to actively displace that movable valving portion of the transfer valve 52 to place the transfer valve 52 in the open state or closed state. In the example shown, valve actuator 54b is operatively connected to controller 16, either electrically or communicatively, to receive actuation commands from the controller 16.

[0027] Valve actuator 54b is connected to transfer valve 52 to control actuation of the transfer valve 52 between open and closed states. The valve actuator 54b can be one or more of pneumatically, electrically, and / or hydraulically operated. In some examples, valve actuator 54b is configured to displace pneumatically to control actuation of the transfer valve 52. For example, controller 16 can provide an actuation command to a control valve of the valve actuator 54b to cause the valve actuator 54b to actuate the transfer valve 52. In some examples, the controller 16 can provide the actuation command to a solenoid to cause the solenoid to actuate the valving of the control valve. The control valve can direct compressed gas to cause actuation of the transfer valve 52. It is understood that the controller 16 can be considered to provide the actuation command to the valve actuator 54b by actively providing a signal to the valve actuator 54b or by cessation of a signal provided to the valve actuator 54b. For example, the controller 16 can send an electrical signal to the valve actuator 54b to cause the valve actuator 54b to actuate the transfer valve 52 from a first state (one of the open and closed states) to a second state (the other one of the open and closed states). The controller 16 can stop sending the electrical signal to thevalve actuator 54b to cause the valve actuator 54b to actuate the transfer valve 52 from the second state to the first state. Both sending and stopping communication of the electrical signal can be considered to be providing an actuation command to the transfer control assembly 48.

[0028] Transfer valve 52 can normally be in a first state and can be actuated to a second state based on provision of an actuation signal to valve actuator 54b. Transfer valve 52 returns to the first state based on removal of the actuation signal. In some examples, transfer valve 52 is normally open and is actuated to the closed state based on provision of the actuation signal. In such an example, the transfer valve 52 remains in the open state until actively displaced to the closed state. In the event of power loss, the transfer valve 52 will return to the open state, allowing the displacement pump 26 and supply lines 28a, 28b extending downstream of displacement pump 26 to applicator 32 to be depressurized.

[0029] Motor 14 can be mechanically connected to both displacement pump 26a and displacement pump 26b. It is understood that, in various other examples, displacement pump 26a is controlled by a first motor and displacement pump 26b is controlled by a second motor. As such, in various examples the displacement pumps 26a, 26b can be individually actuated for pumping. Motor 14 and displacement pumps 26a, 26b can be considered to forming a pumping assembly of proportioner 12. Motor 14 can be of any suitable form for causing pumping by displacement pumps 26. For example, motor 14 can be configured as an electric motor, pneumatic motor, hydraulic motor, among other options. Motor 14 is connected to the fluid displacers 44 of the displacement pumps 26 and is configured to drive the fluid displacers 44 to cause pumping by displacement pumps 26. In some examples, the fluid displacers 44 of both displacement pumps 26a, 26b are both connected to motor 14 such that motor 14 can simultaneously cause displacement of the fluid displacers 44 of each of displacement pumps 26a, 26b.

[0030] Applicator 32 receives the first and second component materials from supply lines 28a, 28b. The first and second component materials are mixed in mixer 38, which is connected to and, in some examples, disposed within applicator 32. The component materials mix within mixer 38 to form the plural component material. Mixer 38 is the first location within system 10 where the first and second component materials mix. The first and second component materials are isolated from each other at all locations upstream of mixer 38. The plural component material is ejected through an output orifice of applicator 32 and applied to the substrate. For example, the user can grasp handle 40 and actuate trigger 42 to cause output of the plural component material by applicator 32.While applicator 32 is shown as a handheld dispenser, it is understood that not all examples are so limited. For example, applicator 32 can be an automatic applicator that is positioned and caused to spray by controller 16. For example, applicator 32 can be mounted on a robot (e.g., a multi-axis robotic arm), among other options.

[0031] Each displacement pump 26 can be associated with one or more transducers 30a-30c. Transducers 30a-30c are parameter sensors configured to generate data regarding parameters of the component materials. For example, transducers 30a-30c can include any one or more of pressure sensors, flow rate sensors, and temperature sensors, among other options. Transducers 30a-30c are configured to provide the parameter data to controller 16. Transducer 30a is disposed upstream of inlet valve 50 and is configured to generate parameter information regarding the material upstream of displacement pump 26. Transducer 30b is disposed downstream of transfer valve 52 and is configured to generate parameter information regarding the material downstream of displacement pump 26. Transducer 30c is disposed between the inlet valve 50 and the transfer valve 52 and is configured to generate parameter information regarding the material within displacement pump 26 between inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52. While displacement pumps 26 are shown as associated with one or more transducers 30a-30c, it is understood that not all examples are so limited. Some examples may not include any of transducers 30a-30c. Some examples can include some, but not all, of transducers 30a-30c. Some examples can include only one of transducers 30a-30c. Some examples can include two of transducers 30a-30c but not the third transducer 30a-30c.

[0032] In additional or alternative examples, one or more, up to all, of transducers 30a-30c can be configured as position sensors. For example, transducer 30c can be configured to generate positional information regarding the fluid displacer 44 of the displacement pump 26, such as the location of the fluid displacer 44 within a stroke. Transducer 30a can be associated with inlet assembly 46 and can be configured to generate positional information regarding the opening of inlet valve 50. For example, transducer 30a can be configured to sense displacement of valve actuator 52a and / or displacement of the movable valving member of inlet valve 50 to generate such positional information. Transducer 30b can be associated with transfer control assembly 48 and can be configured to generate positional information regarding the opening of transfer valve 52. For example, transducer 30b can be configured to sense displacement of valve actuator 52b and / or displacement of the movable valving member of transfer valve 52 to generate such positional information. In some examples, controller 16 is configured to determine theposition of the fluid displacer 44 based on information from motor 14. For example, controller 16 can determine the location of the fluid displacer 44 within a stroke based on sensed rotations of the rotor of motor 14, among other options.

[0033] It is understood that various examples of displacement pump 26 can include any desired combination of parameter sensors and positional sensors. For example, displacement pump 26 can include a first transducer 30a configured as a displacement sensor configured to generate positional information regarding fluid displacer 44 and can include a second transducer 30a configured as a parameter sensor to generate parameter information regarding the material upstream of inlet valve 50.

[0034] Controller 16 is configured to store software, implement functionality, and / or process instructions. Controller 16 is configured to perform any of the functions discussed herein, including receiving an output from any sensor referenced herein, detecting any condition or event referenced herein, and controlling operation of any components referenced herein. Controller 16 can be of any suitable configuration for controlling operation of the pumps within system 10, gathering data, processing data, etc. Controller 16 can include hardware, firmware, and / or stored software, and controller 16 can be entirely or partially mounted on one or more boards. Controller 16 can be of any type suitable for operating in accordance with the techniques described herein. While controller 16 is illustrated as a single unit, it is understood that controller 16 can be disposed across one or more circuit boards. In some examples, controller 16 can be implemented as a plurality of discrete circuitry subassemblies.

[0035] Controller 16 is operatively connected to motor 14, either electrically or communicatively, to control pumping by displacement pumps 26a, 26b. In some examples, controller 16 is operatively connected to feed pumps 22a, 22b, either electrically or communicatively, to control pumping by feed pumps 22a, 22b. Controller 16 can be connected to motor 14 and feed pumps 22a, 22b via either wired or wireless connections to provide commands to and cause operation of feed pumps 22a, 22b and motor 14. Controller 16 is operatively connected to inlet assembly 46 and transfer control assembly 48, either electrically or communicatively, to control actuation of inlet assembly 46 and transfer control assembly 48. Controller 16 can be connected to inlet assembly 46 and transfer control assembly 48 via wired or wireless connections to control opening and closing of inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52. Controller 16 is operatively connected to transducers 30a-30c, either electrically or communicatively. Controller 16 can be connected to transducers 3()a-30c by either wired or wireless connections. Controller 16 receives dataregarding the sensed parameters for the first component material and second component material from transducers 30a-30c. Controller 16 can control operation of one or more, up to all, of motor 14, feed pumps 22a, 22b, inlet assemblies 46, and outlet assemblies 48 based on the data received from any one or more of transducers 30a-30c.

[0036] Memory 34 is configured to store software that, when executed by control circuitry 36, controls operation of motor 14 and opening and closing of inlet valves 50 and transfer valves 52. For example, control circuitry 36 can include one or more of a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. Memory 34, in some examples, is described as computer-readable storage media. In some examples, a computer-readable storage medium can include a non-transitory medium. The term “non-transitory” can indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium can store data that can, over time, change (c.g., in RAM or cache). In some examples, memory 34 is a temporary memory, meaning that a primary purpose of memory 34 is not long-term storage. Memory 34, in some examples, is described as volatile memory, meaning that memory 34 does not maintain stored contents when power to controller 16 is turned off. Examples of volatile memories can include random access memories (RAM), dynamic random access memories (DRAM), static random access memories (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memories. Memory 34, in one example, is used by software or applications running on control circuitry 36 to temporarily store information during program execution. Memory 34, in some examples, also includes one or more computer-readable storage media. Memory 34 can further be configured for long-term storage of information. Memory 34 can be configured to store larger amounts of information than volatile memory. In some examples, memory 34 includes non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements can include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories.

[0037] User interface 18 can be any graphical and / or mechanical interface that enables user interaction with controller 16. For example, user interface 18 can implement a graphical user interface displayed at a display device of user interface 18 for presenting information to and / or receiving input from a user. User interface 18 can include graphical navigation and control elements, such as graphical buttons or other graphical controlelements presented at the display device. User interface 18, in some examples, includes physical navigation and control elements, such as physically actuated buttons or other physical navigation and control elements. In general, user interface 18 can include any input and / or output devices and control elements that can enable user interaction with controller 16.

[0038] During operation, the first and second component materials are pumped to applicator 32 from fluid tanks 20a, 20b by feed pumps 22a, 22b and displacement pumps 26a, 26b and are mixed at applicator 32 to form the plural component material. Flows of the first component material and the second component material to the applicator 32 can be controlled based on one or more target operating parameters, such as fluid ratio, pressure, and temperature. Controller 16 controls operation of motor 14 based on at least one of the target operating parameters. The electric current to motor 14 provides the pressure output by displacement pumps 26a, 26b. Controlling the flow based on the target operating parameters generates a spray material having desired material properties. Emitting the material according to the target operating parameters further provides an even pattern, adequate flow, and good mixing. Emitting the material according to the target operating parameters farther prevents excessive material output, undesirably high flow rates, difficult control, and excessive wear.

[0039] Controller 16 controls electric signals which can be referred to as current, voltage, or power, to motor 14 to cause displacement pumps 26a, 26b to pump the component materials at the target output parameter (e.g., pressure and / or flow rate). It is understood that a reference to the term “current” can be replaced with a different measure of power such as voltage or the term “power” itself. Controller 16 can be configured to operate displacement pumps 26a, 26b at or below a maximum operating pressure, flow rate, and / or current.

[0040] Controller 16 is configured to control the inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 of the displacement pump 26 open and closed. Fluid displacer 44 can be configured to move though pump cycles to pump the material. Each pump cycle includes a first stroke in a first direction along the pump axis and a second stroke in a second direction along the pump axis. It is understood that in various examples the displacement pump 26 can be configured as a double displacement pump in which material is output from the displacement pump 26 during both the first and second strokes. The fluid displacer 44 goes through a changeover between the first and second strokes. Changeover occurs when thefluid displacer 44 stops moving in a first direction along the pump axis and reverses to move in a opposite second direction along the pump axis.

[0041] In some examples, controller 16 can control actuation of the inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 based on the stroke of the fluid displacer 44. For example, the first stroke can be a fill stroke in which material is drawn into displacement pump 26 through an open inlet valve 50 and the second stroke can be a downstroke in which material is output through an open transfer valve 52.

[0042] Controller 16 can control actuation of the inlet valve 50 and the transfer valve 52 based on changeover of the fluid displacer 44. During the fill stroke, inlet valve 50 is open and transfer valve 52 is closed. The fill stroke can also be referred to as an upstroke. Material can flow into displacement pump 26 through the open inlet valve 50. At the end of the fill stroke the fluid displacer 44 changes over and begins to move through a downstroke. In some examples, controller 16 can cause both inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 to be in respective closed states during that changeover. Having both the inlet valve 50 and the transfer valve 52 closed during the changeover prevents the material that has already flowed through inlet valve 50 from backflowing through inlet valve 50. Retrograde flow is also prevented from flowpaths downstream of transfer valve 52 back through transfer valve 52.

[0043] The fluid displacer 44 begins to move through the downstroke. With both the inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 closed during the changeover, the fluid displacer 44 can pressurize the material in displacement pump 26 prior to opening of the transfer valve 52. Such a configuration can prevent or reduce pressure fluctuations and provide for a smoother, consistent output of material from displacement pump 26.

[0044] In some examples, controller 16 can control actuation of the transfer valve 52 to the open state based on parameter information from one or more of transducers 30a-30c. For example, controller 16 can cause the transfer valve 52 to open based on the sensed internal pressure (pressure sensed by transducer 30c) reaching a threshold pressure. It is understood that the threshold pressure can be based on the desired output pressure from displacement pump 26. For example, the threshold pressure can be set at the target output pressure or near the target output pressure (e.g., within a percentage, such as + / - 1%). In some examples, the threshold pressure can be a sensed pressure increase, which pressure increase indicates that fluid displacer 44 has begun moving through a downstroke. In some examples, the threshold pressure can be based on a comparison of the sensed internal pressure from transducer 30c and the sensed output pressure from transducer 30b. Forexample, the transfer valve 52 can be caused to open based on the sensed internal pressure reaching or exceeding the sensed output pressure.

[0045] During the downstroke, inlet valve 50 is closed and transfer valve 52 is open. Material can flow downstream from displacement pump 26 through the open transfer valve 52. At the end of the downstroke the fluid displacer 44 changes over and begins to move through a fill stroke. In some examples, controller 16 can cause both inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 to be in respective closed states during that changeover. The fluid displacer 44 beginning to move through the fill stroke can cause a pressure drop in the displacement pump 26. If transfer valve 52 is open, then material can backflow through transfer valve 52. Having the transfer valve 52 closed during changeover from the downstroke to the fill stroke prevents such retrograde flow. Such a configuration can prevent or reduce pressure fluctuations and provide for a smoother, consistent output of material from displacement pump 26.

[0046] The fluid displacer 44 begins to move through the fill stroke. During the changeover from the fill stroke to the downstroke, there is a period in which both transfer valve 52 and inlet valve 50 are closed. Transfer valve 52 is closed prior to opening of inlet valve 50 to ensure that both valves 50, 52 are not in the open state at the same moment. The inlet valve 50 is then opened and material can flow into displacement pump 26 through inlet valve 50.

[0047] In some examples, controller 16 can control actuation of the inlet valve 50 to the open state based on parameter information from one or more of transducers 30a-30c. For example, controller 16 can cause the inlet valve 50 to open based on the sensed internal pressure (pressure sensed by transducer 30c) reaching a threshold pressure. In some examples, the threshold pressure can be a sensed pressure decrease, which pressure decrease indicates that fluid displacer 44 has begun moving through a fill stroke. In some examples, the threshold pressure can be based on a comparison of the sensed internal pressure from transducer 30c and the sensed output pressure from transducer 30b. For example, the inlet valve 50 can be caused to open based on the sensed internal pressure falling below the sensed output pressure.

[0048] To apply the plural component material, the applicator 32 is actuated to open internal valving and allow release of the plural component material. In examples including a handheld applicator 32, the user can grasp handle 40 and depresses trigger 42 to cause flow through applicator 32 and mixing within mixer 38. The upstream pressures generated by displacement pumps 26a, 26b drive the component materials through mixer 38, causingmixing of the component materials within mixer 38 to form the plural component material. The pressures upstream of applicator 32 drive the material out through the orifice of applicator 32 to cause output of the mixed plural component material by applicator 32. As such, displacement pumps 26a, 26b drive the component materials through mixer 38 and cause the plural component material to be emitted from applicator 32.

[0049] Feed pump 22a draws the first component material from fluid tank 20a and pumps the first component material through feed line 24a to displacement pump 26a. Feed pump 22b draws the second component material from fluid tank 20b and pumps the second component material through feed line 24b to displacement pump 26b. Motor 14 drives displacement of fluid displacers 44 to cause pumping by displacement pumps 26a, 26b.

[0050] System 10 provides significant advantages. Inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 are actively controlled between respective open and closed states. Actively controlling the inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 can provide for a more even pressure output and prevent pressure fluctuations. The inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 can be controlled to both be in their respective closed states during changeover, when fluid displacer 44 reverses its direction of displacement. Actively controlling the inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 to be closed during changeover prevents retrograde flow that can occur in pumps utilizing traditional pressure actuated valves, such as ball check valves. In traditional pressure actuated valves, the check valve does not reseat until the pressure differential causes such seating. In such a configuration, the material can backflow and some pressure loss occurs in the time period required for the check valve to reseat. Actively controlling the inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 to be closed during changeover prevents such pressure loss and retrograde flow.

[0051] In traditional pressure actuated valves, the area of the ball and teh pressure create a relatively small force acting on the seat that the ball seals against. The actively controlled inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 generate higher forces that engage the movable valve seal with the valve seat. That force can be maintained during operation (e.g., by pneumatic pressure, hydraulic pressure, etc.) to maintain the valve 50, 52 in the closed state with the valve seal engaging the valve seat.

[0052] The actively controlled inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 facilitate pumping of material that includes fillers, such as glass beads. In traditional pressure actuated valves, the filler can get stuck between the valve seal (e.g., ball) and the seat. Such filler can prevent the material pressure from causing the valve to fully close, leading to leakage and causing pumping inefficiencies and pressure decay. The inlet valve 50 andtransfer valve 52 are actively displaced between open and closed states, preventing the inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 from becoming stuck partially open. The force actuating and maintaining the actively controlled inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 in their respective closed states prevents the valve from sticking open and provides for full, sealing closure of the valve. Such a configuration prevents pressure decay and provides for efficient pump operation.

[0053] The actively controlled inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 facilitate operating system 10 in a configuration in which the supply pressure (e.g., pressure from feed pumps 22a, 22b) is greater than the target output pressure (e.g., pressure output by displacement pumps 26a, 26b). With traditional pressure actuated valves, the displacement pumps 26a, 26b can be inoperable when the supply pressure exceeds the target output pressure. This is because the greater supply pressure can cause the transfer valves to open when the fluid displacer 44 is moving through a fill stroke or cause the inlet valves to open when the fluid displacer 44 is moving through a downstrokc. The pressure differential can thus cause the material to blow through the displacement pump 26. The actively controlled inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 facilitate displacement pump 26 operating in environments in which the supply pressure is greater than the target output pressure as the inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 are actively controlled to and held in their respective open and closed states.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a diagram of system 10'. System 10' is substantively similar to system 10 and same components are indicated with same reference numbers but are not discussed in detail for the sake of brevity.

[0055] System 10' includes applicator 32' that is configured as an automatic applicator. For example, applicator 32' can be caused to emit material by pneumatic actuation, hydraulic actuation, mechanical actuation (e.g., solenoid pull), among other options. Applicator 32' is mounted to support 55. In the example shown, the support 55 is configured as a robotic support that is configured to move and position applicator 32' for emitting the material. For example, support 55 can be configured as a multi-axis robotic arm, among other options.

[0056] Feed pumps 22a, 22b provide material to displacement pumps 26a, 26b, respectively. Feed pumps 22a, 22b can be of any configuration suitable for displacing the material to displacement pumps 26a, 26b. In some examples, feed pumps 22a, 22b can include and / or be mounted to a platen or other structure that is configured to move within the fluid tank 20a, 20b to pressurize the material in the fluid tank 20a, 20b.System 10' includes motor 14a that is operatively connected to displacement pump 26a to power pumping by displacement pump 26a. System 10' includes motor 14b that is operatively connected to displacement pump 26b to power pumping by displacement pump 26b. Motors 14a, 14b are independent such that displacement pumps 26a, 26b can be independently operated and caused to pump. In such an example, each displacement pump 26a, 26b can be individually driven to control flow and pressure of the material output by that displacement pump 26a, 26b. The ratio of the component materials provided to applicator 32' can be controlled by controlling operation of motors 14a, 14b, thereby controlling pumping by displacement pumps 26a, 26b.

[0057] While system 10 and system 10' are shown as plural component systems, it is understood that not all examples are so limited. For example, displacement pumps 26a, 26b can be utilized in single component systems in which a single displacement pump 26a, 26b pumps the material to an applicator 32, 32' for application.

[0058] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of pump 26 with the valving of pump 26 in a first state. FIG. 3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of pump 26 indicated in detail Z of FIG. 3A showing the valving of pump 26 in a second state. FIG.

[0059] 3C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of pump 26 indicated in detail Z of FIG. 3A showing the valving of pump 26 in a third state. FIGS. 3A-3C are discussed together.

[0060] Pump body 56, pump piston 58, inlet assembly 46, transfer control assembly 48, pump inlet 60, and pump outlet 62 of pump 26 are shown. Pump body 56 includes cylinder 64, transfer tube 66, transfer housing 68, outlet housing 70, and pump cap 72. Inlet assembly 46 includes inlet valve 50, valve actuator 54a, valve housing 74a, valve shaft 76a, seal head 78a, seat 80a, and shaft seal assembly 82a. Drive housing 84a, actuator head 86a, stroke adjustor 88a, and control valve 90a of valve actuator 54a are shown. Transfer control assembly 48 includes transfer valve 52, valve actuator 54b, valve housing 74b, valve shaft 76b, seal head 78b, seat 80b, and shaft seal assembly 82b. Drive housing 84b, actuator head 86b, stroke adjustor 88b, and control valve 90b of valve actuator 54b are shown.

[0061] Pump 26 is configured to pump various materials. Pump 26 can be configured to pump a component material in a plural component system (e.g., system 10 (FIGS. 1A-1B). For example, pump 26 can be configured to pump one of a resin component and an activating material, which are individually inert. The component materials are configured to chemically react and generate a plural component material that cures on a substrate, such as a sealant, adhesive, or the like. The component materials caninclude fillers, such as glass (e.g., glass spheres among other options). Such fillers can inhibit operation of pumps including traditional pressure actuated valves. One or both of displacement pumps 26a, 26b can be configured as pump 26.

[0062] Pump body 56 is configured to support other components of pump 26. Pump body 56 defines various flowpaths between pump inlet 60 and pump outlet 62. Cylinder 64 is disposed between transfer housing 68 and outlet housing 70. Cylinder 64 at least partially defines a pump chamber within which the pump piston 58 can move to pump the material. Cylinder 64 can be captured between the transfer housing 68 and the outlet housing 70. In some examples, cylinder 64 can be considered to be clamped between the transfer housing 68 and the outlet housing 70.

[0063] Transfer tube 66 is disposed between transfer housing 68 and outlet housing 70. Transfer tube 66 at least partially defines transfer passage 94 that provides a flowpath for material between the passages in transfer housing 68 and the passages in outlet housing 70. The transfer tube 66 can be captured between the transfer housing 68 and the outlet housing 70. In some examples, transfer tube 66 can be considered to be clamped between the transfer housing 68 and the outlet housing 70.

[0064] Transfer housing 68 and outlet housing 70 can be connected together to hold cylinder 64 and transfer tube 66 between transfer housing 68 and outlet housing 70. For example, supports 106 can extend between and connect transfer housing 68 and outlet housing 70. Supports 106 can be configured as rods, among other options.

[0065] Intake passage 92 is formed at least partially within transfer housing 68. Intake passage 92 is disposed between inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52. Intake passage 92 is disposed downstream of inlet valve 50 and upstream of transfer valve 52 in the example shown. The intake passage 92 is fluidly connected to pump chamber 98 within cylinder 64 such that fluid can flow between intake passage 92 and pump chamber 98. The intake passage 92 can be fluidly connected to pump chamber 98 throughout operation of pump 26.

[0066] Output passage 96 is formed at least partially within outlet housing 70. Output passage 96 can be at least partially formed in transfer housing 68 in various examples. For example, a portion of output passage 96 can be formed in transfer housing 68 at a location downstream of transfer valve 52. A portion of the output passage 96 can be formed by transfer passage 94 within transfer tube 66. Output passage 96 is fluidly connected to pump chamber 100 such that fluid can flow between output passage 96 andpump chamber 100. The output passage 96 can be fluidly connected to the pump chamber 100 throughout operation of pump 26.

[0067] Pump piston 58, which forms the fluid displacer (e.g., fluid displacer 44 (FIG. 1A)) of pump 26, is configured to move to pump fluid through pump 26. Pump piston 58 is configured to reciprocate on pump axis PA to pump the fluid. Pump piston 58 forms a fluid displacer of the pump 26. While pump 26 is shown as including a fluid displacer formed as a piston, it is understood that not all examples are so limited. Pump 26 can be configured with any fluid displacer suitable for moving to pump the fluid, such as a diaphragm among other options.

[0068] Pump piston 58 is at least partially disposed within pump body 56. In the example shown, pump piston 58 extends out of pump body 56 in axial direction AD2, which axial direction is taken relative to the pump axis PA. In the example shown, pump piston 58 includes connector 102 that is disposed outside of pump body 56. Connector 102 is configured to interface with a drive (e.g., motor 14, such as an electric motor, pneumatic motor, hydraulic motor, etc.) to receive a driving input from the drive. The drive can provide a linear input to pump piston 58 to displace pump piston 58 along the pump axis PA to cause pumping by pump 26.

[0069] In the example shown, the pump piston 58 extends through pump cap 72 and outlet housing 70 and into cylinder 64. The pump piston 58 sealingly engages with the interior walls of cylinder 64 and divides cylinder 64 into pump chamber 98 and pump chamber 100. Pump chamber 98 can be considered to form an upstream chamber and pump chamber 100 can be considered to form a downstream chamber. Pump piston 58 is configured to reciprocate on pump axis PA to pump the material from pump inlet 60 through pump outlet 62. In the example shown, the pump piston 58 is configured to pump material from both pump chamber 98 and pump chamber 100.

[0070] In the example shown, pump 26 is configured as a double displacement pump such that pump 26 can output material from pump outlet 62 during both a first stroke of the pump piston 58 in axial direction ADI and a second stroke of the pump piston 58 in axial direction AD2. The first stroke can also be referred to as a downstroke and the second stroke can also be referred to as a return stroke.

[0071] Inlet assembly 46 is configured to regulate fluid flow between pump inlet 60 and intake passage 92. Valve housing 74a is mounted to pump body 56. Valve housing 74a is mounted to transfer housing 68 in the example shown. Pump inlet 60 is formed in valve housing 74a in the example shown.Inlet valve 50 is formed between seat 80a and seal head 78a. Seal head 78a forms a movable valving portion of inlet valve 50. Seat 80a is supported by valve housing 74a. Seal head 78a is movable relative to seat 80a to place inlet valve 50 in either an open state, in which fluid can flow through and past inlet valve 50, or a closed state, in which fluid is prevented from flowing through inlet valve 50. Seal head 78a engages with seat 80a to place inlet valve 50 in the closed state. Seal head 78a is disengaged from seat 80a to place inlet valve 50 in the open state. In some examples, seal head 78a and seat 80a are formed from hardened materials, such as carbide among other options. It is understood, however, that not all examples are so limited.

[0072] In the example shown, inlet valve 50 is actuatable along valve axis VAI between the open and closed states. The valve axis VAI can be aligned with the pump piston 58 such that a projection along the valve axis VAI passes through the pump piston 58. The valve axis VAI can be axially aligned with the pump piston 58 to extend lengthwise along the pump piston 58. In some examples, the valve axis VAI can be disposed such that the valve axis VAI passes through both the pump chamber 98 and the pump chamber 100. In some examples, the valve axis VAI can be disposed coaxially with the pump axis PA along which the pump piston 58 reciprocates.

[0073] In the example shown, seal head 78a is disposed downstream of seat 80a. Seal head 78a is spaced in axial direction AD2 from seat 80a to place inlet valve 50 in the open state. Seal head 78a can be displaced in axial direction ADI from a position associated with the open state to engage with seat 80a and place inlet valve 50 in the closed state. Such a configuration can assist in maintaining inlet valve 50 in the closed state during a downstroke in which the pump piston 58 pressurizes the pump chamber 98. Such a configuration can assist in opening of inlet valve 50 as the supply pressure upstream of pump inlet 60 can assist in pushing the seal head 78a away from seat 80a, providing for quicker and more responsive actuation. While inlet valve 50 is described as including a seal head 78a downstream of seat 80a, it is understood that not all examples are so limited. For example, inlet valve 50 can be configured such that seal head 78a is disposed on an upstream side of seat 80a. In such a configuration, seal head 78a can be displaced in axial direction ADI to open and in axial direction AD2 to close.

[0074] In the example shown, seal head 78a includes angled surface 104a on an exterior of seal head 78a. Angled surface 104a can form a portion of the seal head 78a that contacts seat 80a to place inlet valve 50 in the closed state. In some examples, seat 80a can include a mating angled surface that engages with the angled surface 104a to place inletvalve 50 in the closed state. The angled surface 104a can assist in sealing between the seal head 78a and seat 80a. In various additional or alternative examples, seal head 78a can be configured as a ball or other structure suitable for sealingly engaging with seat 80a. Further, while inlet valve 50 is shown as a linearly actuated valve, it is understood that not all examples are so limited. For example, inlet valve 50 can be a rotary valve among other options.

[0075] Valve shaft 76a is connected to seal head 78a. Seal head 78a can be mounted to valve shaft 76a. Valve shaft 76a is configured to displace along valve axis VAI to actuate inlet valve 50 between the open state and the closed state. Valve shaft 76a extends between inlet valve 50 and valve actuator 54a. In the example shown, valve shaft 76a extends through seat 80a between inlet valve 50 and valve actuator 54a. In the example shown, valve shaft 76a extends through shaft seal assembly 82a between seal head 78a and valve actuator 54a. In this example, the valve shaft 76a is disposed coaxially with the inlet valve 50 and is configured to reciprocate along valve axis VAI to displace seal head 78a.

[0076] Shaft seal assembly 82a seals with valve shaft 76a and valve housing 74a to prevent fluid migration. Shaft seal assembly 82a prevents migration of driving fluid from drive housing 84a into the material passages of pump 26. Shaft seal assembly 82a prevents migration of material from within pump 26 into drive housing 84a. Shaft seal assembly 82a forms one or more dynamic seals with valve shaft 76a. Valve shaft 76a is configured to slide relative to shaft seal assembly 82a during actuation of inlet valve 50a between states.

[0077] Valve actuator 54a is configured to actuate inlet valve 50 between various states. Drive housing 84a is connected to valve housing 74a. Actuator head 86a is mounted on valve shaft 76a and disposed within drive housing 84a. Actuator head 86a can be considered to form a piston head. Actuator head 86a is configured as a driving piston in the example shown. Actuator head 86a is configured to shift axially in axial directions ADI, AD2 to actuate the inlet valve 50 open and closed. Actuator head 86a can displace coaxially with seal head 78a.

[0078] In the example shown, actuator head 86a divides the drive housing 84a into actuation chamber 108a and actuation chamber 108b. Actuator head 86a fluidly separates actuation chambers 108a, 108b. Driving fluid (e.g., compressed gas, hydraulic fluid, etc.) can be altematingly provided to actuation chambers 108a, 108b to displace actuator head 86a and cause actuation of inlet valve 50 between the open and closed states.Valve actuator 54a can be pneumatically operated, among other options. Control valve 90a can route the driving fluid to and from drive housing 84a to control displacement of actuator head 86a and thus control actuation of inlet valve 50. For example, control valve 90a can route compressed gas to actuation chamber 108a to cause actuator head 86a to displace in axial direction ADI, to actuate inlet valve 50 to or hold inlet valve 50 in the closed state. Control valve 90a can route compressed gas to actuation chamber 108b to cause actuator head 86a to displace in axial direction AD2, to actuate inlet valve 50 to or hold inlet valve 50 in the open state.

[0079] Stroke adjustor 88a is connected to valve shaft 76a. Stroke adjustor 88a extends from within drive housing 84a to outside of drive housing 84a. Stroke adjustor 88a is accessible from outside of drive housing 84a. Stroke adjustor 88a is actuatable to set a distance that inlet valve 50 can open. The stroke adjustor 88a can set a displacement distance that the seal head 78a is able to displace away from the seat 80a, thereby setting the opening distance of inlet valve 50.

[0080] In the example shown, the stroke adjustor 88a includes a shaft 89a connected to valve shaft 76a. A collar 91a is connected to the shaft 89a, such as by interfaced threading. The shaft 89a can be rotated to change a position of the collar 91a along the shaft 89a. Displacement of the collar 91a, and thus of shaft 89a, is limited in axial direction AD2, the opening direction of inlet valve 50, by the drive housing 84a. Adjusting the position of the collar 91 a along the shaft 89a sets the displacement distance. Stroke adjustor 88a provides significant advantages. For example, the displacement distance can be set to a relatively greater value for a higher viscosity material to allow easier flow and passage, while the displacement distance can be set to a relatively lesser value for a lower viscosity material which can provide for a quicker acting valve.

[0081] Valve actuator 54a can be operated in any desired manner suitable for causing displacement of the valve shaft 76a, and thus of the seal head 78a. For example, control valve 90a can be configured to route driving fluid (e.g., compressed gas, hydraulic oil, etc.) to actuation chambers 108a, 108b to cause displacement of actuator head 86a and thus displacement of valve shaft 76a and seal head 78a. The control valve 90a can be configured as a shuttle valve among other options. The control valve 90a can be electrically actuated to direct the driving fluid to either actuation chamber 108a or actuation chamber 108b. For example, the control valve 90a can be solenoid operated, among other options.

[0082] Transfer control assembly 48 is configured to regulate fluid flow between intake passage 92 and output passage 96. Transfer valve 52 is configured to regulate fluidflow to pump outlet 62. Valve housing 74b is mounted to pump body 56. Valve housing 74b is mounted to transfer housing 68 in the example shown.

[0083] Transfer valve 52 is formed between seat 80b and seal head 78b. Seal head 78b forms a movable valving portion of transfer valve 52. Seat 80b is supported by valve housing 74b. Seal head 78b is movable relative to seat 80b to place transfer valve 52 in either an open state, in which fluid can flow through and past transfer valve 52, or a closed state, in which fluid is prevented from flowing through transfer valve 52. Seal head 78b engages with seat 80b to place transfer valve 52 in the closed state. Seal head 78b is disengaged from seat 80b to place transfer valve 52 in the open state. In some examples, seal head 78b and seat 80b are formed from hardened materials, such as carbide.

[0084] In the example shown, transfer valve 52 is actuatable along valve axis VA2 between the open and closed states. The valve axis VA2 is radially offset from the pump piston 58. The valve axis VA2 can be disposed parallel to the pump axis PA along which the pump piston 58 reciprocates. Additionally or alternatively, the valve axis VA2 can be disposed parallel to valve axis VAI of inlet valve 50.

[0085] In the example shown, seal head 78b is disposed downstream of seat 80b. Seal head 78b is spaced in axial direction AD2 from seat 80b to place transfer valve 52 in the open state. Seal head 78b can be displaced in axial direction ADI from a position associated with the open state to engage with seat 80b and place transfer valve 52 in the closed state. Such a configuration can assist in maintaining transfer valve 52 in the closed state during a fill stroke in which the pump piston 58 moves in axial direction AD2 and the volume of pump chamber 98 increases and the volume of the pump chamber 100 decreases.

[0086] Such a configuration can assist in opening of transfer valve 52 as the pressure generated by pump piston 58 upstream of transfer valve 52 can assist in pushing the seal head 78b away from seat 80b, providing for quicker and more responsive actuation. While transfer valve 52 is described as including a seal head 78b downstream of seat 80b, it is understood that not all examples are so limited. For example, transfer valve 52 can be configured such that seal head 78b is disposed on an upstream side of seat 80b. In such a configuration, seal head 78b can be displaced in axial direction ADI to open and in axial direction AD2 to close.

[0087] In the example shown, seal head 78b includes angled surface 104b on an exterior of seal head 78b. Angled surface 104b can form a portion of the seal head 78b that contacts seat 80b to place transfer valve 52 in the closed state. In some examples, seat 80bcan include a mating angled surface that engages with the angled surface 104b to place transfer valve 52 in the closed state. The angled surface 104b can assist in sealing between the seal head 78b and seat 80b. In various additional or alternative examples, seal head 78b can be configured as a ball or other structure suitable for sealingly engaging with seat 80b. Further, while transfer valve 52 is shown as a linearly actuated valve, it is understood that not all examples are so limited. For example, transfer valve 52 can be a rotary valve among other options.

[0088] Valve shaft 76b is connected to seal head 78b. Seal head 78b can be mounted on valve shaft 76b. Valve shaft 76b is configured to displace along valve axis VA2 to actuate transfer valve 52 between the open state and the closed state. Valve shaft 76b extends between transfer valve 52 and valve actuator 54b. In the example shown, valve shaft 76b extends through seat 80b between transfer valve 52 and valve actuator 54b. In the example shown, valve shaft 76b extends through shaft seal assembly 82b between seal head 78b and valve actuator 54b. In this example, the valve shaft 76b is disposed coaxially with the transfer valve 52 and is configured to reciprocate along valve axis VA2 to displace seal head 78b.

[0089] Shaft seal assembly 82b seals with valve shaft 76b and valve housing 74b to prevent fluid migration. Shaft seal assembly 82b prevents migration of driving fluid from drive housing 84b into the material passages of pump 26. Shaft seal assembly 82b prevents migration of material from within pump 26 into drive housing 84b. Shaft seal assembly 82b forms one or more dynamic seals with valve shaft 76b. Valve shaft 76b is configured to slide relative to shaft seal assembly 82b during actuation of transfer valve 52b between states.

[0090] Valve actuator 54b is configured to actuate transfer valve 52 between various states. Drive housing 84b is connected to valve housing 74b. Actuator head 86b is mounted on valve shaft 76b and disposed within drive housing 84b. Actuator head 86b can be considered to form a piston head. Actuator head 86b is configured as a driving piston in the example shown. Actuator head 86b is configured to shift axial in axial directions ADI, AD2 to actuate the transfer valve 52 open and closed.

[0091] In the example shown, actuator head 86b divides drive housing 84b into actuation chamber 108c and actuation chamber 108d. Actuator head 86b can fluidly separate actuation chambers 108c, 108d. Actuator head 86b can displace coaxially with seal head 78b. Driving fluid (e.g., compressed gas, hydraulic fluid, etc.) can bealtematingly provided to actuation chambers 108c, 108d to displace actuator head 86a and cause actuation of transfer valve 52 between the open and closed states.

[0092] Valve actuator 54b can be pneumatically operated, among other options. Control valve 90b can route driving fluid to and from drive housing 84 to control displacement of actuator head 86b and thus control actuation of transfer valve 52. For example, control valve 90b can route compressed gas to actuation chamber 108c to cause actuator head 86b to displace in axial direction ADI, to actuate transfer valve 52 to or hold transfer valve 52 in the closed state. Control valve 90b can route compressed gas to actuation chamber 108d to cause actuator head 86b to displace in axial direction AD2, to actuate transfer valve 52 to or hold transfer valve 52 in the open state.

[0093] Stroke adjustor 88b is connected to valve shaft 76b. Stroke adjustor 88b extends from within drive housing 84b to outside of drive housing 84b. Stroke adjustor 88b is accessible from outside of drive housing 84b. Stroke adjustor 88b is actuatable relative to valve shaft 76b to set a distance that transfer valve 52 can open. The stroke adjustor 88b can set a displacement distance that the seal head 78b is able to displace away from the seat 80b, thereby setting an opening distance of transfer valve 52.

[0094] In the example shown, the stroke adjustor 88b includes a shaft 89b connected to valve shaft 76b. A collar 91b is connected to the shaft 89b, such as by interfaced threading. The shaft 89b can be rotated to change a position of the collar 91b along the shaft 89b. Displacement of the collar 91b, and thus of shaft 89b, is limited in axial direction AD2, the opening direction of transfer valve 52, by the drive housing 84b. Adjusting the position of the collar 91b along the shaft 89b sets the displacement distance. Stroke adjustor 88b provides significant advantages. For example, the displacement distance can be set to a relatively greater value for a higher viscosity material to allow easier flow and passage, while the displacement distance can be set to a relatively lesser value for a lower viscosity material which can provide for a quicker acting valve.

[0095] Valve actuator 54b can be operated in any desired manner suitable for causing displacement of the valve shaft 76b, and thus of the seal head 78b. For example, control valve 90b can be configured to route driving fluid (e.g., compressed gas, hydraulic oil, etc.) to the actuation chamber 108c, 108d to cause displacement of actuator head 86b and thus displacement of valve shaft 76b and seal head 78b. The control valve 90b can be configured as a shuttle valve among other options. The control valve 90b can be electrically actuated to direct the driving fluid to either actuation chamber 108c or actuation chamber 108d. For example, the control valve 90b can be solenoid operated, among other options.Inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 are actively controlled valves that are controlled between respective open and closed states. Inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 are individually controllable such that inlet valve 50 can be controlled independently of transfer valve 52. In the example shown, both inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 are spaced in axial direction ADI from the pump piston 58. The pump piston 58 does not radially overlap with inlet valve 50 at any position of the pump piston 58 within a pump cycle. The pump piston 58 does not axially overlap with transfer valve 52 at any position of the pump piston 58 within a pump cycle. The pump piston 58 does not radially overlap with transfer valve 52 at any position of the pump piston 58 within a pump cycle. In the example shown, the inlet valve 50 and the transfer valve 52 are disposed on the same axial side of the pump piston 58.

[0096] In the example shown, the inlet valve 50 and the transfer valve 52 are radially offset from each other and axially offset from each other. The transfer valve 52 is spaced in axial direction AD2 from inlet valve 50. In the example shown, the transfer valve 52 is closer to the pump chamber 98 than the inlet valve 50 is along the pump axis PA. The transfer valve 52 is radially offset from both the pump chamber 98 in which the pump piston 58 contacts the material and is radially offset from the pump chamber 100 in which the pump piston 58 contacts the material.

[0097] In some examples, inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 have normal states in which normal state the valve is typically in until actuated to the opposite state. For example, the control valve 90a, 90b can include a shuttle that normally routes driving fluid to a first side of an actuator head 86a, 86b and that shifts to route compressed gas to an opposite side of the actuator head 86a, 86b when actuated. The shuttle can be displaced by a solenoid, among other options. The shuttle can be returned to the normal state by a spring, among other options. In such an example, the controller 16 can provide an electrical signal to activate the solenoid to displace the shuttle and can stop provision of the electric signal to allow the spring to return the shuttle.

[0098] In some examples, inlet valve 50 is a normally closed valve. Inlet valve 50 is then actuated to the open state to allow passage of material into pump 26. In the event of power loss to the valve actuator 54a, the inlet valve 50 is returned to the normally closed state, preventing inflow of any additional material.

[0099] In some examples, transfer valve 52 is a normally open valve. Transfer valve 52 is then actuated to the closed state to prevent passage of material to the pumpoutlet 62. In the event of power loss to the valve actuator 54b, the transfer valve 52 is returned to the normally open state, allowing for pressure relief and outflow from pump 26.

[0100] Having the inlet valve 50 be normally open and the transfer valve 52 be normally closed prevents full depressurization of material upstream of pump 26 while the pump 26 and downstream lines can be depressurized. Such a configuration prevents pressure loss in the supply system and can allow for pressure relief in pump 26 to allow for maintenance or other servicing.

[0101] Pump 26 can be configured such that the supply system (e.g., feed pumps 22a, 22b) pressurizes the material and provides pressurized material to pump 26. The material provided to pump 26 at pump inlet 60 can be pressurized. During the fill stroke in axial direction AD2, the pressure in pump chamber 98 and intake passage 92 is at or below the feed pressure provided by the supply system.

[0102] During operation, the pump piston 58 is reciprocated on pump axis PA to pump the material from pump inlet 60 to pump outlet 62. The pump piston 58 is driven in axial direction AD2 to increase a size of pump chamber 98 and draw material into intake passage 92 through inlet valve 50. Pump piston 58 outputs material from pump chamber 100 through pump outlet 62 while displacing in axial direction AD2. The pump piston 58 is driven in the opposite axial direction ADI to decrease the size of pump chamber 98 and drive material downstream through transfer valve 52 and to pump outlet 62. A portion of the material driven through transfer valve 52 flows downstream through pump outlet 62 and another portion of the material driven through transfer valve 52 flows to pump chamber 100.

[0103] In FIG. 3A, pump 26 is in a first valving state in which both inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 are in respective closed states. For purposes of example, the pump piston 58 is assumed to initially displace through a fill stroke in axial direction AD2. The pump 26 is placed in the second valving state shown in FIG. 3B in which the inlet valve 50 is open and the transfer valve 52 is closed during the fill stroke. Seal head 78a is spaced from seat 80a such that inlet valve 50a is in an open state. Material can flow through pump inlet 60 and past inlet valve 50 into intake passage 92. The pump piston 58 continues to displace in axial direction AD2, increasing the volume of the pump chamber 98. The closed transfer valve 52 prevents material from flowing between output passage 96 intake passage 92.The pump piston 58 continues to displace until reaching the end of the stroke in axial direction AD2. The pump piston 58 then changes over to reverse direction and displaces through a downstroke in axial direction ADI.

[0104] In some examples, the pump 26 can be actuated to the first valving state shown in FIG. 3A, such that both inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 are closed, during changeover of the pump piston 58 and prior to the pump 26 being actuated to the third valving state shown in FIG. 3C. Having both the inlet valve 50 and the transfer valve 52 closed during the changeover prevents the material that has already flowed through inlet valve 50 from backflowing through inlet valve 50. Retrograde flow is also prevented from output passage 96 and from flowpaths downstream of pump outlet 62 back into pump 26.

[0105] The pump piston 58 switches movement direction as the pump piston 58 changes over from the stroke in direction AD2 to the stroke in direction ADI. With both the inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 closed during the changeover, the pump piston 58 can pressurize the material in pump chamber 98 and intake passage 92 prior to opening the transfer valve 52. Such a configuration can prevent or reduce pressure fluctuations and provide for a smoother, more consistent output of material from pump 26.

[0106] Pump piston 58 begins to move through the downstroke in axial direction ADI . The pump 26 is actuated to the third valving state shown in FIG. 3C in which transfer valve 52 is open and inlet valve 50 is closed.

[0107] The transfer valve 52 can be actuated to the open state based on one or more operating parameters of pump 26.

[0108] In some examples, the transfer valve 52 can be actuated to the open state based on a position of the pump piston 58, such as based on controller 16 determining that pump piston 58 is moving in axial direction AD2, based on controller 16 determining that pump piston 58 has moved a certain distance in axial direction AD2, among other options.

[0109] In some examples, the transfer valve 52 can be actuated to the open state based on a sensed pressure. For example, pump 26 can include a sensor (e.g., transducer 30c) configured to generate pressure information regarding the material in the passages between inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52. The transfer valve 52 can be actuated to the open state based on the sensed internal pressure (pressure sensed by transducer 30c) reaching a threshold pressure. It is understood that the threshold pressure can be based on the desired output pressure from pump 26. For example, the threshold pressure can be set at the target output pressure or near the target output pressure (e.g., within a percentage, such as + / - 1%). In some examples, the threshold pressure can be a sensed pressureincrease, which pressure increase indicates that pump piston 58 has begun moving through a downstroke. In some examples, the threshold pressure can be based on a comparison of the sensed internal pressure from transducer 30c and the sensed output pressure from a downstream sensor (e.g., transducer 30b). For example, the transfer valve 52 can be caused to open based on the sensed internal pressure reaching, exceeding, or coming withing a threshold value (e.g., within 5%) of the sensed output pressure.

[0110] Pump piston 58 moves through the downstroke in axial direction ADI, decreasing the volume of pump chamber 98 and driving material from intake passage 92 through transfer valve 52. The material is driven through transfer valve 52 and through transfer passage 94. A portion of the material fills into the pump chamber 100 and a portion of the material is output through pump outlet 62 and flows downstream from pump 26. The pump piston 58 continues to displace through the stroke in axial direction ADI until reaching the end of the downstroke. At the end of the downstroke, the pump piston 58 changes over and reverses displacement direction to begin moving through another fill stroke in axial direction AD2.

[0111] During the stroke in axial direction ADI, the pressure in pump chamber 98 and intake passage 92 is at the output pressure provided by the pump 26. In some examples, the pump 26 can be actuated to the first valving state shown in FIG. 3 A, such that both inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 are closed, during changeover of the pump piston 58 and prior to the pump 26 being actuated to the second valving state shown in FIG. 3B. Having both the inlet valve 50 and the transfer valve 52 closed during the changeover prevents the material that has already flowed through transfer valve 52 from backflowing through transfer valve 52.

[0112] The pump piston 58 switches movement direction as the pump piston 58 changes over from the stroke in direction ADI to the stroke in direction AD2. Both the inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 can be closed during the changeover. The pump piston 58 beginning to move in axial direction AD2 can cause a pressure drop in the intake passage 92 as the volume of pump chamber 98 increases. If transfer valve 52 is open, then material can backflow from output passage 96 and from downstream of pump outlet 62 through transfer valve 52. Having the transfer valve 52 closed during changeover from the downstroke to the fill stroke prevents such retrograde flow. Such a configuration can prevent or reduce pressure fluctuations and provide for a smoother, more consistent output of material from pump 26.Pump piston 58 begins to move through the fill stroke in axial direction AD2. The pump 26 is actuated to the second valving state shown in FIG. 3B in which inlet valve 50 is open and transfer valve 52 is closed.

[0113] The inlet valve 50 can be actuated to the open state based on one or more operating parameters of pump 26.

[0114] In some examples, the inlet valve 50 can be actuated to the open state based on a position of the pump piston 58, such as based on controller 16 determining that pump piston 58 is moving in axial direction ADI, based on controller 16 determining that pump piston 58 has moved a certain distance in axial direction ADI, among other options.

[0115] In some examples, the inlet valve 50 can be actuated to the open state based on a sensed pressure. For example, inlet valve 50 can be actuated to the open state based on the sensed internal pressure (e.g., pressure sensed by transducer 30c) reaching a threshold pressure. In some examples, the threshold pressure can be a sensed pressure decrease, which pressure decrease indicates that pump piston 58 has begun moving through a fill stroke. In some examples, the threshold pressure can be based on a comparison of the sensed internal pressure from an internal sensor (e.g., transducer 30c) and the sensed output pressure from a downstream sensor (e.g., transducer 30b). For example, the inlet valve 50 can be caused to open based on the sensed internal pressure falling below the sensed output pressure.

[0116] Pump 26 provides significant advantages. Inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 are actively controlled between respective open and closed states. Actively controlling the inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 can provide for a more even pressure output and prevent pressure fluctuations.

[0117] The inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 can be controlled to both be in their respective closed states during changeover, when pump piston 58 reverses its direction of displacement. Actively controlling the inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 to be closed during changeover prevents retrograde flow that can occur in pumps utilizing traditional pressure actuated valves, such as ball check valves. In traditional pressure actuated valves, the check valve does not reseat until the pressure differential causes such seating. In such a configuration, the material can backflow and some pressure loss occurs in the time period required for the check valve to reseat. Controlling the inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 to be closed during changeover prevents such pressure loss and retrograde flow.

[0118] The actively controlled inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 facilitate pumping of material that includes fillers, such as glass beads. In traditional pressureactuated valves, the filler can get stuck between the valve seal (e.g., ball) and the seat. Such filler can prevent the material pressure from causing the valve to fully close, leading to leakage and causing pumping inefficiencies and pressure decay. The inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 are actively displaced between open and closed states, preventing the inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 from becoming stuck partially open. Such a configuration prevents pressure decay and provides for efficient pump operation.

[0119] The actively controlled inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 facilitate operation of pump 26 in a system in which the supply pressure at pump inlet 60 is greater than the target output pressure. With traditional pressure actuated valves, the pump can be inoperable when the supply pressure exceeds the target output pressure. This is because the greater supply pressure can cause the material to blow through the pump. The actively controlled inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 facilitate pump 26 operating in environments in which the supply pressure is greater than the target output pressure. As such, pump 26 can be configured to output flow at a reduced pressure relative to the material pressure at pump inlet 60.

[0120] While pump 26 is described as receiving flow through pump inlet 60 and outputting flow through pump outlet 62, it is understood that not all examples are so limited. For example, pump 26 can be configured such that transfer control assembly 48 operates to regulate flow into pump 26 and inlet assembly 46 operates to regulate flow out of pump 26.

[0121] FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating pressure output from a traditional pump utilizing pressure actuated valves. Line G1 illustrates the pressure output during pumping. As shown, the pump pumps normally for range Rl. At point Pl a valve of the pump becomes stuck open due to filler (e.g., glass spheres among others) preventing full closure of the stuck check valve. The pressure decays at point Pl and does not recover.

[0122] FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating pressure output from pump 26 with actively controlled inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52. Line G2 illustrates the pressure output during pumping. As shown, the pressure output from the pump 26 remains consistent during pumping. The actively controlled inlet valve 50 and transfer valve 52 do not become stuck open due to filler in the pumped material.

[0123] While the invention(s) has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the invention(s) without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention(s) not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention(s) may include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Any single feature, or any combination of features from one embodiment show herein, may be utilized in a different embodiment independent from the other features shown in the embodiment herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention(s) and any claims thereto are not limited to the particular to the embodiments and / or combinations of the features shown herein, but rather can include any combination of one, two, or more features shown herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A displacement pump configured to pump a material, the displacement pump comprising:a pump body having a transfer housing, an outlet housing, a cylinder extending between the transfer housing and the outlet housing, and a transfer tube extending between the transfer housing and the outlet housing;a pump piston at least partially disposed within the cylinder and configured to reciprocate on a pump axis to pump the material, the pump piston dividing the cylinder into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber;an inlet assembly connected to the transfer housing, the inlet assembly including an inlet valve and a first valve actuator, the first valve actuator connected to the inlet valve to actively displace the inlet valve between a first open state and a first closed state: and an transfer control assembly connected to the transfer housing, the transfer control assembly including an transfer valve and a second valve actuator, the second valve actuator connected to the transfer valve to actively displace the transfer valve between a second open state and a second closed state.

2. The displacement pump of claim 1, wherein the inlet valve is normally closed.

3. The displacement pump of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the transfer valve is normally open.

4. The displacement pump of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first valve actuator includes an actuator head mounted on a valve shaft of the inlet valve.

5. The displacement pump of claim 4, wherein the inlet valve is disposed in a first valve housing mounted to the transfer housing, the actuator head is disposed in a first drive housing mounted to the first valve housing, and the valve shaft extends from within the first valve housing into the first drive housing.

6. The displacement pump of claim 5, wherein the actuator head divides the first drive housing into a first actuation chamber and a second actuation chamber.

7. The displacement pump of claim 6, further comprising a first control valve configured to route a driving fluid to the first actuation chamber and the second actuation chamber.

8. The displacement pump of claim 7, wherein the driving fluid is compressed gas.

9. The displacement pump of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the inlet valve includes a first seat and a first valve seal movable relative to the first seat, the first valve seal connected to the first valve actuator to be moved by the first valve actuator relative to the first seat.

10. The displacement pump of claim 9, wherein the first valve seal is disposed on an opposite side of the first seat from the first valve actuator.

11. The displacement pump of any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein the first valve shaft extends between the first valve seal and the first valve actuator to connect the first valve seal to the first valve actuator.

12. The displacement pump of claim 11, wherein the first valve shaft extends through the first seat.

13. The displacement pump of any one of claims 9-12, wherein the first valve actuator is configured to displace the first valve seal towards the pump piston to place the inlet valve in the first open state and the first valve actuator is configured to displace the first valve seal away from the pump piston to place the inlet valve in the first closed state.

14. The displacement pump of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the inlet valve is actuatable along a first valve axis between the first open state and the second open state.

15. The displacement pump of claim 14, wherein the first valve axis extends through the upstream chamber and the downstream chamber.

16. The displacement pump of any one of claims 14 and 15, wherein the first valve axis is coaxial with the pump axis.

17. The displacement pump of any one of claims 14-16, wherein the transfer valve is actuatable along a second valve axis between the second open state and the second closed state.

18. The displacement pump of claim 17, wherein the second valve axis is radially offset from the pump axis.

19. The displacement pump of claim 18, wherein the second valve axis is radially offset from the first valve axis.

20. The displacement pump of any one of claims 17-19, wherein the second valve axis is disposed parallel to the pump axis.

21. The displacement pump of any one of claims 17-20, wherein the second valve axis is disposed parallel to the first valve axis.

22. The displacement pump of any one of claims 1-21, wherein:the pump piston is configured to reciprocate through a pump cycle to pump the material, the pump cycle including a first stroke in a first axial direction along the pump axis and a second stroke in a second axial direction along the pump axis; andthe inlet valve and the transfer valve are spaced in the first axial direction from the pump piston.

23. The displacement pump of claim 22, wherein the pump piston does not radially overlap with the inlet valve.

24. The displacement pump of any one of claims 22 and 23, wherein the pump piston does not radially overlap with the transfer valve.

25. 1'he displacement pump of any one of claims 22-24, wherein the transfer valve is disposed axially closer to the upstream chamber than the inlet valve.

26. A pumping system comprising:the displacement pump of any one of claims 1-25; anda controller operatively connected to the inlet assembly and the transfer control assembly, the controller configured to:cause the first valve actuator to actuate the inlet valve between the first open state and the first closed state; andcause the second valve actuator to actuate the transfer valve between the second open state and the second closed state.

27. The pumping system of claim 26, wherein the controller is configured to cause the inlet valve to be in the first closed state and the transfer valve to be in the second closed state during a changeover of the pump piston.

28. The pumping system of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the material has a filler.

29. The pumping system of claim 28, wherein the filler is formed from glass.

30. A displacement pump configured to pump a material, the displacement pump comprising:a pump body having a transfer housing, an outlet housing, a cylinder extending between the transfer housing and the outlet housing, and a transfer tube extending between the transfer housing and the outlet housing;a pump piston at least partially disposed within the cylinder and configured to reciprocate on a pump axis to pump the material, the pump piston dividing the cylinder into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber;an inlet assembly connected to the transfer housing, the inlet assembly including an inlet valve and a first valve actuator, the first valve actuator connected to the inlet valve to actively displace the inlet valve along a first valve axis between a first open state and a first closed state; andan transfer control assembly connected to the transfer housing, the transfer control assembly including an transfer valve and a second valve actuator, the second valve actuator connected to the transfer valve to actively displace the transfer valve along a second valve axis between a second open state and a second closed state; wherein the inlet valve and the transfer valve are disposed on a same axial side of the pump piston.

31. The displacement pump of claim 30, wherein the first valve axis is disposed parallel to the pump axis.

32. The displacement pump of any one of claims 30 and 31 , wherein the second valve axis is disposed parallel to the pump axis.

33. The displacement pump of any one of claims 30-32, wherein the transfer valve is disposed between the inlet valve and the pump piston.

34. The displacement pump of any one of claims 30-33, wherein the transfer tube and the downstream chamber are disposed downstream of the transfer valve.

35. The displacement pump of any one of claims 30-34, wherein the inlet valve includes a first seat and a first valve seal movable relative to the first seat, the first valve seal connected to the first valve actuator to be moved by the first valve actuator relative to the first seat.

36. A pumping system comprising:a displacement pump configured to pump a material, the displacement pump comprising:a pump body having a transfer housing, an outlet housing, a cylinder extending between the transfer housing and the outlet housing, and a transfer tube extending between the transfer housing and the outlet housing;a pump piston at least partially disposed within the cylinder and configured to reciprocate on a pump axis to pump the material, the pump piston dividing the cylinder into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber; an inlet assembly connected to the transfer housing, the inlet assembly including an inlet valve and a first valve actuator, the first valve actuator connected to the inlet valve to actively displace the inlet valve along a first valve axis between a first open state and a first closed state; andan transfer control assembly connected to the transfer housing, the transfer control assembly including an transfer valve and a second valve actuator, the second valve actuator connected to the transfer valve to actively displace the transfer valve along a second valve axis between a second open state and a second closed state;at least one sensor configured to generate parameter information regarding the material; anda controller operatively connected to the inlet assembly and the transfer control assembly, the controller configured to:cause the first valve actuator to actuate the inlet valve between the first open state and the first closed state;cause the second valve actuator to actuate the transfer valve between the second open state and the second closed state; and cause the inlet valve to be in the first closed state and the transfer valve to be in the second closed state during changeover of the pump piston between strokes in a pump cycle.

37. The pumping system of claim 36, wherein the controller is configured to cause the inlet valve to actuate to the first open state after a first changeover from a first stroke in a first axial direction along the pump axis to a second stroke in a second axial direction along the pump axis based on the parameter information.

38. The pumping system of claim 37, wherein the controller is configured to cause the inlet valve to actuate to the first open state after the first changeover based on the parameter information indicating a pressure drop between the inlet valve and the transfer valve.

39. The pumping system of claim 36, wherein the controller is configured to cause the transfer valve to actuate to the second open state after a first changeover from a second stroke in a second axial direction along the pump axis to a first stroke in a first axial direction along the pump axis based on the parameter information.

40. The pumping system of claim 39, wherein the controller is configured to cause the transfer valve to actuate to the second open state after the first changeover based on the parameter information indicating a pressure rise between the inlet valve and the transfer valve.

41. The pumping system of claim 39, wherein the parameter information is a sensed pressure, and wherein the controller is configured to cause the transfer valve to actuate to the second open state after the first changeover based on a comparison of the sensed pressure and a target output pressure.

42. A plural component dispensing system configured to emit a plural component material formed by a mixture of a first component material and a second component material, the plural component dispensing system comprising:a first feed pump configured to pump the first component material at a first feed pressure;a first displacement pump configured to receive the first component material from the first feed pump and configured to pump the first component material downstream at a first output pressure, the first displacement pump including a first inlet assembly having a first inlet valve and a first transfer control assembly having a first transfer valve, wherein the first inlet valve is actively controlled and the first transfer valve is actively controlled;a second feed pump configured to pump the second component material at a second feed pressure;a second displacement pump configured to receive the second component material from the second feed pump and configured to pump the second component material downstream at a second output pressure, the second displacement pump including a second inlet assembly having a second inlet valve and a second transfer control assembly having a second transfer valve, wherein the second inlet valve is actively controlled and the second transfer valve is actively controlled;an applicator fluidly connected to the first displacement pump and the second displacement pump to receive the first component material and the second component material, the applicator configured to output the plural component material; anda controller configured to control actuation of the first inlet valve between a first inlet open state and a first inlet closed state, control actuation of the first transfer valve between a first outlet open state and a first outlet closed state.

43. The plural component dispensing system of claim 42, wherein a first fluid displacer of the first displacement pump is connected to a motor to be moved by the motor.

44. The plural component dispensing system of claim 43, wherein a second fluid displacer of the second displacement pump is connected to the motor to be moved by the motor.

45. The plural component dispensing system of any one of claims 42-44, wherein the controller configured to control actuation of the second inlet valve between a second inlet open state and a second inlet closed state, control actuation of the second transfer valve between a second outlet open state and a second outlet closed state.

46. The plural component dispensing system of any one of claims 42-45, wherein the first feed pressure is greater than the first output pressure.

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