Diaphragm for a diaphragm pump

Abstract

A diaphragm for diaphragm pump has a central region surrounded by an annular flexible region. The central region has a portion extending outward from a surface of the pump diaphragm. Sidewalls of the portion extending outward from the surface of the pump diaphragm are releasably mated to a diaphragm pump piston with no penetrations through the pump diaphragm.

Description

Atty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1DIAPHRAGM FOR A DIAPHRAGM PUMPCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Utility Application No. 19 / 056,098, filed on February 18, 2025. The disclosure of the prior application is considered part of and is incorporated by reference in the disclosure of this application.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to pumps, and more particularly to diaphragms for diaphragm pumps.BACKGROUND

[0003] Diaphragm pumps transfer fluids in various industrial applications. For instance, diaphragm pumps transfer fluids to maintain the purity of the transfer liquid, achieve high flow rates, and / or provide reliable and predictable flow volumes. Diaphragm pumps can safely transfer hazardous chemicals. Diaphragm pumps transfer process fluids in the food and beverage industry, chemical processing, oil and gas, and the semiconductor industry’.

[0004] Some diaphragm pumps are air-operated diaphragm pumps. Air-operated diaphragm pumps move the fluids by flowing air to a diaphragm which moves the diaphragm within the pump. When the diaphragm moves, it creates pressure on the fluid, moving the fluid through the air-operated diaphragm pump. Sometimes, a portion of the air-operated diaphragm pump, such as the diaphragm, can fail, allowing the fluid to enter the air operating the pump and even exhaust to the surrounding environment. Diaphragm ruptures or leaks diminish the performance of the pump, and may introduce impurities into the transfer liquid, or may expose personnel to a hazardous transfer liquid.SUMMARY

[0005] Implementations of the present disclosure are generally related to diaphragm pumps. Some implementations can include features and functions of diaphragms for diaphragm pumps.

[0006] In an example aspect, a pump diaphragm has a central region surrounded by an annular flexible region. The central region has a portion extending outward from a surfaceAtty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1of the pump diaphragm. The portion of the central region extending outward from the surface of the pump diaphragm has sidewalls. The sidewalls releasably mate to a diaphragm pump piston with no penetrations through the pump diaphragm.

[0007] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the portion of the central region extending outward from the surface of the pump diaphragm has an annular shape surrounding a central concave void. The diaphragm pump piston has a hub. The central concave void is shaped to mate with the hub of the diaphragm pump piston.

[0008] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the annular flexible region of the pump diaphragm has a bead along a peripheral edge of the annular flexible region.

[0009] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the pump diaphragm is a single material.

[0010] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the pump diaphragm has a first layer and a second layer. The second layer is laminated on the first layer.

[0011] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the sidewalls include threading to mate with opposite threading on the diaphragm pump piston.

[0012] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the pump diaphragm includes a ring attached to the portion of the central region. The ring is releasably mated to the diaphragm pump piston.

[0013] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the central region and the annular flexible region are a first material. The ring is a second material that is more rigid than the first material.

[0014] In another example aspect, a diaphragm assembly includes a pump diaphragm and a diaphragm pump piston. The pump diaphragm has a central region surrounded by an annular flexible region. The central region has a portion extending outward from a surface of the pump diaphragm. The portion of the central region extending outward from the surface of the pump diaphragm has sidewalls. The sidewalls releasably mate to a diaphragm pump piston with no penetrations through the pump diaphragm. The diaphragmAtty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1pump piston has a first coupling region and a second coupling region. The first coupling region is on a first side of the diaphragm pump piston to couple to a driving shaft of an air-operated diaphragm pump. The second coupling region is on a second side of the diaphragm pump piston to mate with the sidewalls of the central region of the pump diaphragm.

[0015] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the portion of the central region extending outward from the surface of the pump diaphragm has an annular shape surrounding a central concave void. The diaphragm pump piston has a hub. The central concave void is shaped to mate with the hub of the diaphragm pump piston.

[0016] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the portion of the central region of the diaphragm pump piston has a planar surface extending between the side walls of the diaphragm pump piston. The pump diaphragm fills a portion of a space between the sidewalls above the planar surface to mate the pump diaphragm to the piston.

[0017] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the pump diaphragm has a bead along a peripheral edge of the annular flexible region.

[0018] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the pump diaphragm is a single material.

[0019] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the sidewalls include threading to mate with opposite threading on the diaphragm pump piston.

[0020] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the diaphragm assembly includes a ring attached to the portion of the central region. The ring releasably mates to the diaphragm pump piston.

[0021] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the central region and the annular flexible region are a first material. The ring is a second material that is more rigid than the first material.

[0022] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the diaphragm assembly includes a second pump diaphragm. The second pump diaphragm has a ring shape having an inner circumference and an outer circumference. The inner circumferenceAtty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1is coupled to a radial edge of the piston and the outer circumference is substantially coextensive with an outer circumference of the pump diaphragm.

[0023] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the piston has a rear surface. The rear surface has a threaded void, an outer recessed portion, a first groove, and multiple voids. The threaded void is coupled to a threaded end of the driving shaft. The first groove extends from the outer recessed portion into the piston. The first groove shaped to couple to a first portion of the second pump diaphragm. The multiple voids extend from the rear surface of the outer recessed portion. The multiple voids receive multiple fasteners.

[0024] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the diaphragm assembly includes a backup diaphragm ring to mate with the outer recessed portion of the rear surface of the pump diaphragm. The backup diaphragm ring multiple voids and a second groove. The multiple voids extend from a first surface of the backup diaphragm ring to a second surface of the backup diaphragm ring. Each of the voids are sized and arranged to pass a single fastener of the multiple fasteners from the first surface to the second surface through the respective void of the backup diaphragm ring to couple each fastener to a respective void of the multiple voids in the rear surface of the piston. The second groove extends from the second surface of the backup diaphragm ring into the backup diaphragm ring. The second groove is shaped to couple to a second portion of the second pump diaphragm.

[0025] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the second pump diaphragm includes and inner bead and an outer bead. The inner bead extends along the inner circumference. The outer bead extends along the outer circumference.

[0026] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the first groove on the rear surface of the piston couples to a first portion of the inner bead and the second groove on the second surface of the backup diaphragm ring couples to a second portion of the inner bead.

[0027] In an example aspect combinable with any other example aspect, the pump diaphragm includes a third groove coupled to the outer bead. The third groove and the outer bead mate with a body of the air-operated diaphragm pump.Atty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1

[0028] The diaphragm assemblies described herein may provide several advantages, including increasing the reliability of pump diaphragms. For example, the diaphragms described below provide a unitary body across the entire diameter of the diaphragm. This eliminates potential wear and failure points between different materials and components, increasing diaphragm reliability. This can also improve diaphragm lifetime. For example, the piston of conventional diaphragms extends through the diaphragm to the process fluidfacing side of the diaphragm. By threading the diaphragm of the present disclosure onto the process fluid-facing side of the piston, the piston no longer extends through the diaphragm, eliminating potential wear and failure points which can increase diaphragm lifetime.

[0029] These diaphragm assemblies can reduce diaphragm complexity7. For example, some diaphragms described here provide a unitary body having a single primary material within an outer bead which can seal between the process fluid chamber and the motive air chamber of the air-operated diaphragm pump, reducing or even eliminating the need for using a backup diaphragm, reducing diaphragm complexity.

[0030] These diaphragm assemblies can increase the number of fluid transfer applications for diaphragms. For example, a single material diaphragm can be used in contact with the process fluid because the piston extending through the diaphragm has been eliminated. The single material of the diaphragm in contact with the process fluid can be selected based on the specific characteristics best suited to the desired industrial application.

[0031] These diaphragm assemblies can improve cleanliness within the air-operated diaphragm pump. For example, by having a unitary body with an uninterrupted fluid facing surface with no breaks or seams, areas where the process fluid can be captured on the fluidfacing surface are reduced or even eliminated, improving flow dynamics and cleanliness within the air-operated diaphragm pump. By creating a diaphragm assembly wherein the outer surface of the assembly is constructed only of the material desired for the diaphragm, having no potential leak paths or areas where pumping fluid can pass through it, and by eliminating the area where the outer piston meets the diaphragm to eliminate any area where pumping fluid can be captured.

[0032] These diaphragm assemblies can reduce repair and maintenance complexity. For example, when a diaphragm approaches or reaches the end of its useful lifetime, theAtty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1diaphragm can be replaced on the same piston, reducing repair and maintenance complexity.

[0033] These diaphragm assemblies can simplify diaphragm replacement. For example, proper tightening of the diaphragm's piston to the shaft may be performed without use of any special tools to grasp the diaphragm.

[0034] The details of one or more implementations of the invention are in the drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description, the draw ings, and the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an air-operated diaphragm pump.

[0036] FIG. 2 show s a cross-section view of the air-operated diaphragm pump of FIG.1.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section view of a diaphragm assembly of the air-operated diaphragm pump of FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the diaphragm assembly of FIG.3.

[0039] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section view- of another diaphragm assembly of the air-operated diaphragm pump of FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of the diaphragm assembly of FIG.6.

[0041] FIG. 7 shows an annular insert of the diaphragm assembly of FIG. 5.

[0042] FIG. 8 shows a cross-section view- of another diaphragm assembly of the air-operated diaphragm pump of FIG. 1.

[0043] Like reference symbols in the various drawings signify like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Diaphragm pumps move the process fluids from one location to another location by moving the diaphragm. The diaphragm separates the process fluid from the pressurized air within the pump. Air-operated diaphragm pumps are a type of diaphragm pump where pressurized air flows to the diaphragm, which moves the diaphragm within the pumpAtty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1against the process fluid. When the diaphragm moves, it creates pressure on the process fluid, moving the process fluid through the air-operated diaphragm pump. Occasionally, the diaphragm can leak, allowing the fluid to enter the pressurized air operating and even exhausted to the surrounding environment. Diaphragm ruptures or leaks diminish the pump’s performance, and may introduce impurities into the transfer liquid, or may expose personnel to a hazardous transfer liquid.

[0045] The diaphragm described in this disclosure has no penetrations which extend through the diaphragm. The diaphragm is unitary, that is, is a single body without holes passing through the single body. The single body of the diaphragm extends across the chamber within the pump. A diaphragm without penetrations improves reliability relative to a diaphragm with penetrations. Penetrations through the diaphragm can create weak points and interrupted fluid facing surfaces with breaks or seams. The diaphragm has sidewalls opposite process fluid-facing surface. The sidewalls are threaded. The threaded sidewalls are releasably mated to corresponding threads on the piston so that the user can easily replace the diaphragm.

[0046] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a general representation of an air-operated diaphragm pump. FIGS. 3-7 depict the details of the new diaphragms that are the subject of this disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, an air-operated diaphragm pump 100 uses pressurized air to move process fluid. The air-operated diaphragm pump 100 has a process fluid inlet 102, a process fluid outlet 104, a motive air inlet, and a motive air outlet 106. Referring to FIG.2, the air-operated diaphragm pump 100 has a diaphragm 202 separating the process fluid flow path 204 from the motive air flow path 206. The process fluid flow path 204 extends through the air-operated diaphragm pump 100 from the process fluid inlet 102 to the process fluid outlet 104. The motive air flow path 206 extends through the air-operated diaphragm pump 100 from the motive air inlet to the motive air outlet 106.

[0047] The air-operated diaphragm pump 100 receives pressurized air from a pressurized air source at the motive air inlet. The air-operated diaphragm pump 100 can include a muffler 108 coupled to the process fluid outlet 104. The muffler 108 exhausts the pressurized air to the atmosphere 110.

[0048] The air-operated diaphragm pump 100 operates by alternately applying high pressure air to one of two diaphragms 202a and 202b during a liquid discharge stroke and exhausting the air to atmosphere during a liquid suction stroke. Air valves in the air source control the pressurized air by directing the pressurized air to the back side 208a ofAtty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1diaphragm 202a. The back side 208a is the motive air facing side. The process fluid facing side 210a of the diaphragm 202a is in contact with the process fluid in the process fluid flow path 204. The diaphragms 202a and 202b separate the pressurized air and the process liquid within the air-operated diaphragm pump 100.

[0049] The pressurized air moves the diaphragm 202a away from the center 212 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100 in the direction of arrow 216. A driving shaft 226 pulls the diaphragm 202b toward the center 212 by of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100. As diaphragm 202b is on its suction stroke; the diaphragm 202a forces the pressurized air behind the diaphragm 202a out to the atmosphere through the motive air outlet 106. The movement of diaphragm 202b toward the center 212 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100 creates a vacuum within chamber 214b. Atmospheric pressure forces liquid through the inlet manifold and into chamber 214b past suction valve ball 218b off the suction valve seat 220b. The liquid forces the suction valve ball 218a to the valve seat 220a. Diaphragm 202a provides hydraulic forces against the process liquid in the chamber 214a forcing a discharge valve ball 222a off its discharge valve seat 224a and the process liquid flows past the discharge valve ball 222a to the process fluid outlet 104 and out the process fluid outlet 104.

[0050] When the pressurized diaphragm, e.g., diaphragm 202a, reaches the limit of its discharge stroke, the air valves controlling pressurized air from the air source redirects pressurized air to the back side 208b of diaphragm 202b. The pressurized air forces diaphragm 202b away from the center 212 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100 while pulling diaphragm 202a towards the center 212 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100. Diaphragm 202b is now on its discharge stroke. Diaphragm 202b provides hydraulic forces against the process liquid in the chamber 214b forcing a discharge valve ball 222b off its discharge valve seat 224b and the process liquid through the process fluid outlet 104.

[0051] Because diaphragms 202a and 202b form a separation barrier between the pressurized air and the process liquid, a leak or rupture in the diaphragm can introduce air and impurities into the process liquid and discharges the process liquid out of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100 air exhaust through the motive air outlet 106. This can contaminate the process liquid and be hazardous to the environment and personnel.

[0052] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a first exemplary implementation of the diaphragms 202a, 202b. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the diaphragm assembly 300 coupled to the driving shaft 226. The diaphragm assembly 300 includes two diaphragms 302, 346 coupled to a piston 304.Atty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1Diaphragm 302 completely overlays the piston 304 with no penetrations through which clamps or other typical coupling mechanisms pass. Instead, as explained below, diaphragm 302 has an integral coupling region on its backside that mates with a corresponding coupling region of the piston 304. Diaphragm 346 is a backup diaphragm. Diaphragm 346 is ring shaped and coupled at the circumferential edge of the piston.

[0053] In more detail, the diaphragm 302 has no penetrations that extend through the diaphragm 302. The diaphragm 302 is a unitary' piece. The diaphragm 302 has a process fluid facing surface 306 (e.g., a front surface) and a motive air facing surface 314 (e.g., a rear surface). When the diaphragm assembly 300 is installed in a pump, the process fluid facing surface 306 is exposed to the process fluid in the chambers of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100. The process fluid facing surface 306 has no breaks or seams that will be placed in contact with a process fluid. The motive air facing surface 314 is opposite the process fluid facing surface 306. The motive air facing surface 314 includes couplings for attaching to the piston 304. When the diaphragm assembly 300 is installed in a pump, the motive air facing surface 314 faces toward the portion of the respective chamber 214a, 214b that receives the pressurized air from the air source.

[0054] The diaphragm 302 has a diameter 312. When the diaphragm 302 is installed in the air-operated diaphragm pump 100, the outer circumference 322 defined by the diameter 312 is within the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100 at locations 230.

[0055] The process fluid facing surface 306 has a multi-level profile to accommodate structural and connecting features, along with the movement of the diaphragm assembly 300 responsive to changes in the pressurized air. The process fluid facing surface 306 and the motive air facing surface 314 define a thickness 316 of the diaphragm assembly 300. The thickness 316 of the diaphragm assembly 300 between the process fluid facing surface 306 and the motive air facing surface 314 varies across the diameter 312 to accommodate connecting features and flexing of the diaphragm assembly 300.

[0056] The diaphragm assembly 300 has a central region 318 and an annular flexible region 320. The annular flexible region 320 surrounds the central region 318. The central region 318 inside the annular flexible region 320 around the diameter 312 of the diaphragm 302. The piston 304 supports the central region 318. The central region 318 couples the diaphragm assembly 300 to the piston 304. The central region 318 is generally fixed relative to the piston 304. The central region 318 may flex or compress some based on theAtty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1movement of the diaphragm 302 relative to the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100. The annular flexible region 320 has an outer circumference 322 defined by the diameter 312. The outer circumference 322 is fixed within the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100. The annular flexible region 320 is pliable. The annular flexible region 320 flexes to allow for movement of the diaphragm assembly 300 between a first and second position within the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100 between the suction and discharge strokes of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100. As the driving shaft 226 moves the diaphragm assembly 300, the diaphragm 302 maintains a single unitary body in contact with the process fluid in the chambers 214a, 214b.

[0057] The central region 318 of the diaphragm 302 has a portion 324 which couples to the piston 304. The portion 324 has a central concave void 326 and sidewalls 328 to couple to the piston 304. The portion 324 extends outward from a center 330 of the diaphragm 302 toward the outer circumference 322 and from the process fluid facing surface 306 to the motive air facing surface 314. The portion 324 is an annular shape defined in the diaphragm 302 and surrounds the central concave void 326.

[0058] The central concave void 326 is shaped to mate with a hub 332 of the piston 304. The outer circumference 322 is a central raised region elongated to receive and couple to the driving shaft 226. In this implementation, the central concave void 326 is a generally trapezoidal cross-section. But in other implementations, any other suitable cross-section may be used. For example, the cross-section may be spherical. In this implementation, the surfaces of the central concave void 326 are generally smooth.

[0059] In some implementations, the piston 304 does not include the hub 332. The piston 304 can have a planar surface extending between bottom ends of the sidewalls 328. The threaded center void 366 may not extend upwards to or past the planar surface. The diaphragm 302 can fill some or all of the space between the sidewalls 328 and above the planar surface. The portion of the diaphragm 302 filling some or all of this space can further mate the diaphragm 302 to the piston 304.

[0060] The sidewalls 328 are releasably couple to the piston 304. The sidewalls 328 mate the diaphragm 302 to the piston 304. For example, the sidewalls 328 have threads 334 which couple to corresponding threads 336 on the piston 304. The user rotates the diaphragm 302 relative to and in contact with the piston 304 to engage the threads 334 to the corresponding threads 336 on the piston 304. Rotating the diaphragm 302 with the threads 334, 336 in contact in one direction couples the diaphragm 302 to the piston 304.Atty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1The user can remove the diaphragm 302 from the piston 304 by rotating the diaphragm 302 in the opposite direction.

[0061] Although in this implementation threads couple the diaphragm 302 to the piston 304, in other implementations, any suitable manner of releasably coupling the diaphragm 302 to the piston 304. For example, the diaphragm 302 may be releasably coupled to the piston 304 by a snap coupling, a quarter-turn bayonet style coupling, or by reverse threading one side.

[0062] The annular flexible region 320 extends outward from the central region 318 to the outer circumference 322. The thickness 316 generally decreases from the central region 318 to the outer circumference 322. The annular flexible region 320 forms a generally undulated shape which is bendable allowing the diaphragm 302 to flex responsive to movement of the piston 304. The annular flexible region 320 is constrained between the central region 318 and the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100. In some conditions, a portion 338 of the annular flexible region 320 may rest on an outer angled portion 340 of the piston 304, further allowing the annular flexible region 320 to move relative to the piston 304.

[0063] When the diaphragm assembly 300 is assembled, the backup diaphragm 346 is positioned proximal the annular flexible region 320 and is partially in contact with the annular flexible region 320. The backup diaphragm 346 provides a secondary sealing body between the pressurized air and the process fluid within the chambers 214a, 214b.

[0064] The backup diaphragm 346 is generally annular in shape (ring-shaped) and is undulated to partially conform and engage to the annular flexible region 320. The backup diaphragm 346 extends from interior to the piston 304 to within the body 228. A ring 348 and fasteners 350 couple the backup diaphragm 346 to the piston 304. The fasteners 350 attach the ring 348 to the piston 304, holding the backup diaphragm 346 attached to the piston 304. The ring 348 is releasably mated to the piston 304 by the fasteners 350. The ring 348 and the piston 304 are squeezed together by the fasteners 350 to sandwich the backup diaphragm 346 between the ring 348 and the piston 304. The ring 348 can be called a backup diaphragm ring or a backup diaphragm retainer.

[0065] In this implementation, the diaphragm assembly 300 includes four fasteners 350. In other implementations, any suitable number or size of fasteners 350 may be used.Atty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1For example, the diaphragm assembly 300 can include three, five, six, or even more fasteners 350.

[0066] The backup diaphragm 346 has an inner circumference 352 and an outer circumference 354. The ring 348 couples the inner circumference 352 to the piston 304. The inner circumference 352 of the backup diaphragm 346 is coupled to a radial edge 356 of the piston 304. The outer circumference 354 of the backup diaphragm 346 is generally coextensive with the outer circumference 322 of the diaphragm 302. The outer circumference 354 and the outer circumference 322 are positioned with in the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100.

[0067] The backup diaphragm 346 has the corresponding outer bead 344 positioned on the outer circumference 354. The outer bead 344 is an outer peripheral edge of the backup diaphragm 346. The backup diaphragm 346 has an inner bead 358 positioned on the inner circumference 352. The ring 348 engages the inner bead 358 to couple the backup diaphragm 346 to the piston 304.

[0068] In some implementations, no ring 348 is used. In some implementations, no backup diaphragm 346 is used.

[0069] In some examples, the annular flexible region 320 of diaphragm 302 includes a groove 342 pre-formed to mate with the outer bead 344 of the backup diaphragm 346. For example, the groove 342 can be sized and shaped to receive a corresponding outer bead 344 of the backup diaphragm 346. When the diaphragm assembly 300 is positioned in the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100, the groove 342 and the corresponding outer bead 344 are coupled with the corresponding outer bead 344 engaged to the groove 342 within the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100, coupling the diaphragm assembly 300 to the body 228.

[0070] The diaphragms 302 and 346 can each be formed from a single material. For example, the single material forms a unitary7body with no penetrations, reducing failure points which can improve diaphragm 302 lifetime and reducing breaks and seams exposed to process fluids, which can improve cleanliness of process fluid operations. For example, the diaphragm 302 can be formed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), thermoplastic elastomers, or any other suitable elastomer. For example, the diaphragm 346 can be formed of PTFE, thermoplastic elastomers, or any other suitable elastomer. In someAtty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1implementations, the backup diaphragm 346 can be the same material as the diaphragm 302, or the backup diaphragm 346 can be a different material than the diaphragm 302.

[0071] In some implementations, the inner bead 358 and the outer bead 344 of diaphragm 346 are the same material as the backup diaphragm 346. In some implementations, the outer bead 344 and the inner bead 358 are a different material. In some implementations, the inner bead 358, the outer bead 344, and the backup diaphragm 346 form a unitary body. In some implementations, the outer bead 344 and the inner bead 358 can include an inner reinforcement structure, such as a wire extending through the outer bead 344 and the inner bead 358.

[0072] The piston 304 transfers the force of the driving shaft 226 to the diaphragm 302. The piston 304 is releasably coupled to the diaphragm 302. The piston 304 has a diaphragm facing surface 360 and a motive air facing surface 362. The diaphragm facing surface 360 is partially in contact with the motive air facing surface 314 of the diaphragm 302. The motive air facing surface 362 is partially exposed to the pressurized air and faces driving shaft 226 and the center 212 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100 when the diaphragm assembly 300 is installed in the air-operated diaphragm pump 100. The diaphragm facing surface 360 can be called a forward or front facing surface and the motive air facing surface 362 can be referred to as back or rear facing surface.

[0073] The diaphragm facing surface 360 receives and releasably couples to the diaphragm 302. The diaphragm facing surface 360 defines the hub 332 to receive the central concave void 326 of the diaphragm 302. The diaphragm facing surface 360 defines the threads 336 to releasably couple the piston 304 to the diaphragm 302. The diaphragm facing surface 360 defines a cavity 364 sized and shaped to receive the portion 324 of the diaphragm 302 between the sidewalls 328 and the central concave void 326.

[0074] The motive air facing surface 362 couples the piston 304 to the driving shaft 226. The motive air facing surface 362 also couples the piston 304 to the backup diaphragm 346. The pressurized air impacts the motive air facing surface 362 to move the piston 304.

[0075] The motive air facing surface 362 includes a. The threaded center void 366 rotatably mates to threads 368 on the driving shaft 226.

[0076] The motive air facing surface 362 includes a groove 370, an outer recessed portion 372, and a set of threaded voids 374. The groove 370, the outer recessed portionAtty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1372, and the set of threaded voids 374 releasably couple the backup diaphragm 346 to the piston 304.

[0077] The groove 370 is sized and shaped to receive a portion 376 of the inner bead 358. The groove 370 engages the portion 376 of the inner bead 358. The groove 370 has a generally semi-circular cross section. The groove 370 extends from the outer recessed portion 372 into the piston 304.

[0078] The set of threaded voids 374 are positioned on the outer recessed portion 372 and extend from the motive air facing surface 362 into the piston 304. The outer recessed portion 372 receive and threadedly couple to the fasteners 350 to compress the inner bead 358 of the backup diaphragm 346 and hold the inner bead 358 of the backup diaphragm 346 fixed relative to the piston 304.

[0079] The piston 304 can be a polymer or a metal. For example, the piston 304 can be a plastic, aluminum, steel, any other alloy, or a composite.

[0080] The ring 348 engages and holds the backup diaphragm 346 to the piston 304. The ring 348 rests in the outer recessed portion 372 on the motive air facing surface 362 of the piston 304.

[0081] The ring 348 has a groove 378. The groove 378 is opposite from and corresponds to the groove 370 on the piston 304. The groove 378 on the ring 348 is sized and shaped to receive another portion 380 of the inner bead 358. In this implementation, the groove 378 has a generally semi-circular cross-section to generally conform to the cross-section of the inner bead 358. In other implementations, the groove 378 can have any suitable shape or cross-section.

[0082] The ring 348 has multiple voids 382. The voids 382 extend through the ring 348 and are sized to engage to a head of the fasteners 350 while allowing the threaded shaft of the fasteners 350 to pass through and engage the threaded voids 374 of the piston 304.

[0083] The ring 348 is structurally rigid relative to the backup diaphragm 346 to fix the ring 348 to the piston 304. The ring 348 can be a polymer or a metal. For example, the ring 348 can be a plastic, aluminum, steel, any other alloy, or a composite.

[0084] FIGS. 5 - 7 show a second exemplary implementation of the diaphragms 202a, 202b. FIGS. 5-6 show the diaphragm assembly 500 coupled to the driving shaft 226. The diaphragm assembly 500 The diaphragm assembly 500 includes a single diaphragm 502Atty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1coupled to a piston 504 by an annular insert 542. The diaphragm 502 completely overlays the piston 504 with no penetrations through which clamps or other typical coupling mechanisms pass. Instead, as explained below, diaphragm 502 is releasably coupled to the piston 504 on its backside by the annular insert 542 that mates with a corresponding coupling region of the piston 504.

[0085] In more detail, the diaphragm 502 has no penetrations that extend through the diaphragm 502. The diaphragm 502 is a unitary piece. The diaphragm 502 has a process fluid facing surface 506 (e.g., a front surface) and a motive air facing surface 514 (e.g., a rear surface). When the diaphragm assembly 500 is installed in a pump, the process fluid facing surface 506 is exposed to the process fluid in the chambers of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100. The process fluid facing surface 506 has no breaks or seams that will be placed in contact with the process fluid. The motive air facing surface 514 is opposite the process fluid facing surface 506. The motive air facing surface 514 includes couplings for attaching to the piston 504. When the diaphragm assembly 500 is installed in a pump, the motive air facing surface 514 faces toward the portion of the respective chamber 214a, 214b that receives the pressurized air from the air source.

[0086] The diaphragm 502 has a diameter 512. When the diaphragm 502 is installed in the air-operated diaphragm pump 100, the outer circumference 522 defined by the diameter 512 is within the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100 at locations 230.

[0087] The process fluid facing surface 506 has a multi-level profile to accommodate structural and connecting features, along with the movement of the diaphragm assembly 300 responsive to changes in the pressurized air. The process fluid facing surface 506 and the motive air facing surface 514 define a thickness 516 of the diaphragm assembly 500. The thickness 516 of the diaphragm assembly 500 between the process fluid facing surface 506 and the motive air facing surface 514 varies across the diameter 512 to accommodate connecting features and flexing of the diaphragm assembly 500.

[0088] The diaphragm assembly 500 has a central region 518 and an annular flexible region 520. The annular flexible region 520 surrounds the central region 518. The central region 518 inside the annular flexible region 520 around the diameter 512 of the diaphragm 502. The piston 504 supports the central region 518. The diaphragm assembly 500 is coupled to the piston 504 by the central region 518. The central region 518 is generally fixed relative to the piston 504. The central region 518 may flex or compress some basedAtty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1on the movement of the diaphragm 502 relative to the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100. The annular flexible region 520 has an outer circumference 522 defined by the diameter 512. The outer circumference 522 is fixed within the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100. The annular flexible region 520 is pliable. The annular flexible region 520 flexes to allow for movement of the diaphragm assembly 500 between a first and second position within the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100 between the suction and discharge strokes of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100. As the diaphragm assembly 500 is moved by the driving shaft 226, the diaphragm 502 maintains a single unitary body in contact with the process fluid in the chambers 214a, 214b.

[0089] The central region 518 of the diaphragm 502 has a portion 524 which couples to the piston 504. The portion 524 has a central concave void 526 and sidewalls 528 to couple to the piston 504. The portion 524 extends outward from a center 530 of the diaphragm 502 toward the outer circumference 522 and from the process fluid facing surface 506 to the motive air facing surface 514. The portion 524 is generally annular shaped. The portion 524 is defined in the diaphragm 502 and surrounds the central concave void 526.

[0090] The central concave void 526 is shaped to mate with a hub 532 of the piston 504. The outer circumference 522 is a central raised region elongated to receive and couple to the driving shaft 226. In this implementation, the central concave void 526 is a generally trapezoidal cross-section. However in other implementations, any other suitable crosssection may be used. In this implementation, the surfaces of the central concave void 526 are generally smooth.

[0091] The sidewalls 328 are fixed to the annular insert 542. The diaphragm 502 is releasably coupled to the piston 504 by the annular insert 542. The diaphragm 502 is fixed to the annular insert 542. The annular insert 542 is ring-shaped with structures to engage the diaphragm 502 and the piston 504.

[0092] The annular insert 542 has an inner surface 546, an outer surface 548, a bottom surface 550, and a top surface 552. The bottom surface 550 and the top surface 552 extend between the inner surface 546 and the outer surface 548. The inner surface 546 has multiple square shaped grooves 554 which engage to the diaphragm 502. The top surface 452 has a top groove 556 extending toward the bottom surface 550. A portion 558 of the diaphragm 502 fills the square shaped grooves 554 on the inner surface 546 and another portion 570Atty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1of the diaphragm 502 fills the top groove 556. The square shaped grooves 554 and the top groove 556 locks the diaphragm 502 to the annular insert 542 in three axes. The diaphragm 502 is molded to the annular insert 542 during the manufacturing process. The outer surface 548 defines threads 572. The threads 572 couple the annular insert 542 to the corresponding threads 536 of the piston 504. The sidewalls 528 mate to the square shaped grooves 554 and the top groove 556. Although the inner surface 546 is described as having square shaped grooves 554. in other implementations, the inner surface 546 can have sawtooth shaped grooves, triangular grooves, or any other suitable shape to couple to the diaphragm 502.

[0093] The user rotates the diaphragm 502 relative to and in contact with the piston 504 to engage the threads 568 of the annular insert 542 to the corresponding threads 536 on the piston 504. Rotating the diaphragm 502 with the threads 568, 536 in contact in one direction couples the diaphragm 502 to the piston 504. The user can remove the diaphragm 502 from the piston 504 by rotating the diaphragm 502 in the opposite direction.

[0094] Although in this implementation the diaphragm 502 is coupled to the piston 504 by threads, in other implementations, any suitable manner of releasably coupling the diaphragm 502 to the piston 504. For example, the diaphragm 502 may be releasably coupled to the piston 504 by a snap coupling, a quarter-turn bayonet style coupling, or by reverse threading one side.

[0095] In this implementation, the diaphragm 502 is coupled to the annular insert 542 by the square shaped grooves 554 and the top groove 556. In other implementations, any suitable arrangement of mechanical features can lock the diaphragm 502 and the annular insert 542 together. For example, the diaphragm 502 may be releasably coupled to the annular insert 542 by a snap coupling, a quarter-turn bayonet style coupling, or by reverse threading one side.

[0096] The annular flexible region 520 extends outward from the central region 518 to the outer circumference 522. The thickness 516 generally decreases from the central region 518 to the outer circumference 522. The annular flexible region 520 forms a generally undulated shape which is bendable allowing the diaphragm 502 to flex responsive to movement of the piston 504. The annular flexible region 520 is constrained between the central region 518 and the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100. In some conditions, a portion 538 of the annular flexible region 520 may rest on an outer angledAtty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1portion 540 of the piston 504. of the annular flexible region 520, further allowing the annular flexible region 520 to move relative to the piston 504.

[0097] The annular flexible region 520 includes a bead 544. The bead 544 is positioned on the outer perimeter of the annular flexible region 320. The bead 544 is an outer peripheral edge of the annular flexible region 520. When the diaphragm assembly 500 is positioned in the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100, the bead 544 is held within the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100, coupling the diaphragm assembly 500 to the body 228. The bead 544 is generally circular. The body 228 has a pair of corresponding semi-circular grooves to receive the bead 544. In other implementations, any suitable combination of shapes and cross-sections may be used. Although the diaphragm 502 is described here as being coupled to the body 228 with a bead and groove arrangement, in other implementations, any suitable features or mechanisms may couple the diaphragm 502 to the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100. In other implementations, the annular flexible region 520 be flat like a gasket.

[0098] The diaphragm 502 can be formed from a single material. For example, the single material forms a unitary body with no penetrations, reducing failure points which can improve diaphragm 502 lifetime, and reducing breaks and seams exposed to process fluids, which can improve the cleanliness of process fluid operations. For example, the diaphragm 502 can be formed from any suitable elastomer or combination of elastomers including one or more polymers. In some implementations, the diaphragm 502 may be formed from a multi-material annular insert 542. The piston 504 transfers the force of the driving shaft 226 to the diaphragm 502. The piston 504 is releasably coupled to the diaphragm 502. The piston 504 has a diaphragm facing surface 560 and a motive air facing surface 562. The diaphragm facing surface 560 is partially in contact with the motive air facing surface 514 of the diaphragm 502. The motive air facing surface 562 is partially exposed to the pressurized air and faces driving shaft 226 and the center 212 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100 when the diaphragm assembly 500 is installed in the air-operated diaphragm pump 100. The diaphragm facing surface 560 can be called a forward or front facing surface and the motive air facing surface 562 can be referred to as back or rear facing surface.

[0099] The diaphragm facing surface 560 receives and releasably couples to the diaphragm 502. The diaphragm facing surface 560 defines the hub 532 to receive the central concave void 526 of the diaphragm 502. The diaphragm facing surface 560 definesAtty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1the threads 536 to releasably couple the piston 504 to the diaphragm 502. The diaphragm facing surface 560 defines a cavity 564 sized and shaped to receive the portion 524 of the diaphragm 502 between the sidewalls 528 and the central concave void 526.

[0100] The motive air facing surface 562 couples the piston 504 to the driving shaft 226. The pressurized air impacts the motive air facing surface 562 to move the piston 504.

[0101] The motive air facing surface 562 includes a threaded center void 566. The threaded center void 566 rotatably mates to threads 568 on the driving shaft 226.

[0102] The piston 504 can be a polymer or a metal. For example, the piston 504 can be a plastic, aluminum, steel, any other alloy, or a composite.

[0103] The diaphragm assembly 500 may include one or more of the features described in reference to the diaphragm assembly 300. For example, the diaphragm assembly 500 can include the backup diaphragm 346 coupled to the piston 504 by the ring 348.

[0104] The diaphragm assembly 300 may include one or more of the features described in reference to diaphragm assembly 500. For example, the diaphragm assembly 300 can include the annular insert 542 to couple the diaphragm 302 to the piston 304.

[0105] FIG. 8 shows another exemplary diaphragm assembly 800. The diaphragm assembly 800 includes the diaphragm 302, a piston 804, a backup diaphragm 806, and a ring 808. The driving shaft 226 passes through the ring 808 and the backup diaphragm 806 and couples the ring 808 and the backup diaphragm 806 to the piston 804 when the driving shaft 226 is fully seated in a threaded center void 810 of the piston 804.

[0106] The backup diaphragm 806 generally similar to the backup diaphragm 346. The backup diaphragm 806 is ring shaped and coupled at the circumferential edge of the piston 804. The backup diaphragm 806 has a center void 812. The center void 812 is sized to allow the driving shaft 226 to pass freely through and into the threaded center void 810. When the diaphragm assembly 800 is assembled, the backup diaphragm 806 is positioned proximal the annular flexible region 320 and is partially in contact with the annular flexible region 320. The backup diaphragm 806 provides a secondary sealing body between the pressurized air and the process fluid within the chambers 214a, 214b.

[0107] The backup diaphragm 806 extends from interior of the piston 804 to within the body 228. The backup diaphragm 806 has an inner circumference 814 and an outer circumference 816. The inner circumference 814 defines the size of the center void 812.Atty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1

[0108] The backup diaphragm 806 has an outer bead 818, an inner bead 820, an undulating region 822, and an inner ring 824. The undulating region 822 extends between the outer bead 818 and the inner bead 820. The inner ring 824 extends from the inner bead 820 to the inner circumference 814.

[0109] The inner circumference 814 of the backup diaphragm 806 is spaced apart from the driving shaft 226. In some implementations, the inner circumference 814 of the backup diaphragm 806 may contact the driving shaft 226. The inner circumference 814 may be closer to the inner bead 820 or closer to the driving shaft 226. The inner ring 824 provides additional surface area for the ring 808 to couple the backup diaphragm 806 to the piston 804.

[0110] The outer circumference 816 is substantially coextensive with the outer circumference 322 of the diaphragm 302. The outer circumference 816 and the outer circumference 322 are positioned with in the body 228 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100.

[0111] The ring 808 couples the backup diaphragm 806 to the piston 304. The ring 808 is held in place by a shoulder 826 of the driving shaft 226 when the driving shaft 226 is fully threaded into the threaded center void 810 of the piston 804. The piston 804 transfers the force of the driving shaft 226 to the diaphragm 802.

[0112] The piston 804 has a diaphragm facing surface 828 and a motive air facing surface 830. The diaphragm facing surface 828 is partially in contact with the motive air facing surface 314 of the diaphragm 302. The motive air facing surface 830 is partially exposed to the pressurized air and faces driving shaft 226 and the center 212 of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100 when the diaphragm assembly 300 is installed in the air-operated diaphragm pump 100. The diaphragm facing surface 828 can be called a forward or front facing surface and the motive air facing surface 830 can be referred to as back or rear facing surface.

[0113] The diaphragm facing surface 828 is substantially similar to the diaphragm facing surface 360 of the piston 304. The diaphragm facing surface 828 receives and releasably couples to the diaphragm 302. The diaphragm facing surface 828 defines the hub 332 to receive the central concave void 326 of the diaphragm 302. The diaphragm facing surface 360 defines the threads 336 to releasably couple the piston 304 to the diaphragm 302. The diaphragm facing surface 360 defines a cavity 364 sized and shapedAtty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1to receive the portion 324 of the diaphragm 302 between the sidewalls 328 and the central concave void 326.

[0114] The motive air facing surface 830 couples the piston 804 to the driving shaft 226. The motive air facing surface 830 also couples the piston 804 to the backup diaphragm 806. The pressurized air impacts the motive air facing surface 830 to move the piston 804.

[0115] The motive air facing surface 830 includes the threaded center void 810. The threaded center void 810 rotatably mates to the threads 368 on the driving shaft 226.

[0116] The motive air facing surface 830 includes a groove 832 and a generally planer surface 834 extending from the inner groove to the threaded center void 810. The generally planer surface 834 couples to the inner ring 824 of the backup diaphragm 806. The groove 832 and the generally planer surface 834 releasably engage the backup diaphragm 806 to the piston 804.

[0117] The groove 832 is sized and shaped to receive a portion 836 of the inner bead 820. The groove 832 engages the portion 836 of the inner bead 820. The groove 832 has a generally semi-circular cross section. The groove 832 extends from the motive air facing surface 830 into the piston 804.

[0118] The ring 808 engages and holds the backup diaphragm 806 to the piston 804. The ring 808 rests on the inner ring 824 and the inner bead 820 of the backup diaphragm 806.

[0119] The ring 808 has a groove 838. The groove 838 is opposite from and corresponds to the groove 832 on the piston 804. The groove 838 on the ring 808 is sized and shaped to receive another portion 840 of the inner bead 820. In this implementation, the groove 838 has a generally semi-circular cross-section to generally conform to the cross-section of the inner bead 820. In other implementations, the groove 838 can have any suitable shape or cross-section.

[0120] The ring 808 has a single void 842. The single void 842 extends through the ring 808. The single void 842 is sized to receive and pass the driving shaft 226. The shoulder 826 engages the ring 808 as driving shaft 226 is fully threaded into the threaded center void 810 of the piston 804.

[0121] The ring 808 is structurally rigid relative to the backup diaphragm 806 to sandwich and fix the backup diaphragm 806 to the piston 304. The ring 808 can be aAtty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1polymer or a metal. For example, the ring 348 can be a plastic, aluminum, steel, any other alloy, or a composite.

[0122] In another implementation, a kit includes a piston, a backup ring, multiple fasteners, at least one backup diaphragm, and at least one primary diaphragm. This type of kit can be used for a retrofit, a replacement, or corrective maintenance of an existing diaphragm in an air-operated diaphragm pump. For example, the kit can include the piston 304, the ring 348, the fasteners 350, the backup diaphragm 346, and the diaphragm 302. The kit can further include one or more additional backup diaphragms 346 and one or more additional diaphragms 302. For example, the kit can include the piston 504 and the diaphragm 502. The kit can further include one or more additional diaphragms 502.

[0123] Another implementation can include manufacturing a diaphragm assembly. A diaphragm assembly can be manufactured by injection molding a primary diaphragm, inj ection molding a backup diaphragm, milling a piston, milling or stamping a ring, and obtaining a set of fasteners. The piston can be formed by milling. The ring couples the backup diaphragm to the piston. The ring can be formed by milling or stamping and threading. For example, the diaphragm 302, the diaphragm 502, and / or the backup diaphragm 346 can be injection molded. In other implementations, diaphragms may be formed by any suitable methods. For example, the piston 304 or 504 can be milled, cast then milled, or any other suitable manufacturing method. For example, the ring 348 can be stamped or machined.

[0124] Another implementation can include assembling a diaphragm assembly. For example, a diaphragm without penetrations can have external threads on a surface opposite a surface that contacts the process fluid. The external threads of the diaphragm can be threaded onto a piston. For example, the diaphragm 302 can be threaded onto the piston 304.

[0125] Another implementation can include repairing an air-operated diaphragm pump. Repairing the air-operated diaphragm pump can include separating a body of the air-operated diaphragm pump to access a failed diaphragm, removing the failed diaphragm, installing a diaphragm assembly where the diaphragm lacks voids extending through the diaphragm, and coupling the body of the air-operated diaphragm pump 100 back together.

[0126] In yet another implementation, the diaphragm, for example diaphragm 302, diaphragm 502, or diaphragm 802 has a first layer and a second layer. The first layer andAtty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1the second layer can be laminated together to from a single unitary' body with no penetrations. One or both of first layer and the second layer extend the entire circumference of the diaphragm providing a sealing surface with no penetrations extending through the diaphragm. The first layer and the second layer can have the same or different material.

[0127] In another implementation, the diaphragm can be a laminated diaphragm. The laminated diaphragm can have a generally rigid ring, a more flexible base diaphragm material, and a laminated top material on top of the flexible base diaphragm where the laminated top material faces the process fluid.

[0128] Although the diaphragms described here are discussed in reference to air-operated diaphragm pumps, these diaphragms may be incorporated into any suitable type of diaphragm pump. For example, these diaphragms may be used with double diaphragm pumps, solenoid, hydraulic diaphragm pumps.

[0129] As used, the terms “orthogonal,” “substantially orthogonal,” “perpendicular,” or “substantially perpendicular” refer to a relation between two elements such as lines, axes, planes, surfaces, or components that form a perpendicular angle within acceptable engineering, machining, or measurement tolerances. For example, two surfaces can be considered orthogonal to each other if the angle between the surfaces is within an acceptable tolerance of ninety degrees of ± 1-2 degrees.

[0130] As used here, the terms “aligned,” “substantially aligned,” “parallel,” “substantially parallel,” “flush,” or “substantially flush” refer to a relation between two elements such as lines, axes, planes, surfaces, or components as being oriented generally along the same direction within acceptable engineering, machining, drawing measurement, or part size tolerances such that the elements do not intersect or intersect at a minimal angle. For example, tw o surfaces can be considered aligned with each other if surfaces extend along the same general direction of a device. Similarly, two surfaces can be considered to be flush or substantially flush if both surfaces generally lie within the same plane but may have a slight offset that is within acceptable tolerances may still exist betw een the surfaces.

[0131] While examples have been described for illustration purposes, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. There are and will be other examples and modifications within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Atty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A pump diaphragm comprising:a central region surrounded by an annular flexible region, the central region having a portion extending outward from a surface of the pump diaphragm, wherein sidewalls of the portion are configured to releasably mate to a diaphragm pump piston with no penetrations through the pump diaphragm.

2. The pump diaphragm of claim 1, wherein the portion of the central region comprises an annular shape surrounding a central concave void, the central concave void shaped to mate with a hub of the diaphragm pump piston.

3. The pump diaphragm of claim 1, further comprising a bead along a peripheral edge of the annular flexible region.

4. The pump diaphragm of claim 1, wherein the pump diaphragm is comprised of a single material.

5. The pump diaphragm of claim 1, wherein the pump diaphragm comprises:a first layer; anda second layer laminated on the first layer.

6. The pump diaphragm of claim 1. wherein the sidewalls comprise threading configured to mate with opposite threading on the diaphragm pump piston.

7. The pump diaphragm of claim 1, further comprising a ring attached to the portion of the central region, the ring being configured to releasably mate to the diaphragm pump piston.

8. The pump diaphragm of claim 7, wherein the central region and the annular flexible region comprise a first material, and the ring comprises a second material that is more rigid than the first material.

9. A diaphragm assembly comprising:a pump diaphragm comprising a central region surrounded by an annular flexible region, the central region having portion extending outward from a surface of the pump diaphragm, wherein sidewalls of the portion are configured to releasably mate to a diaphragm pump piston with no penetrations through the pump diaphragm; andAtty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO1a piston comprising:a first coupling region on a first side that is configured to couple to a driving shaft of an air-operated diaphragm pump, anda second coupling region on a second side that is configured to mate with the sidewalls of the central region of the pump diaphragm.

10. The diaphragm assembly of claim 9, wherein the portion of the central region comprises an annular shape surrounding a central concave void, the central concave void shaped to mate with a hub of the diaphragm pump piston.

11. The diaphragm assembly of claim 9, wherein the portion of the central region of the piston comprises a planar surface extending between the sidewalls, and the pump diaphragm fills a portion of a space between the sidewalls above the planar surface to mate the pump diaphragm to the piston.

12. The diaphragm assembly of claim 9, further comprising a bead along a peripheral edge of the annular flexible region.

13. The diaphragm assembly of claim 9. wherein the pump diaphragm is comprised of a single material.

14. The diaphragm assembly of claim 9, wherein the sidewalls comprise threading configured to mate with opposite threading on the diaphragm pump piston.

15. The diaphragm assembly of claim 9, further comprising a ring attached to the portion of the central region, the ring being configured to releasably mate to the diaphragm pump piston.

16. The diaphragm assembly of claim 1 , wherein the central region and the annular flexible region comprise a first material, and the ring comprises a second material that is more rigid than the first material.

17. The diaphragm assembly of claim 9, further comprising a second pump diaphragm comprising a ring shape having an inner circumference and an outer circumference, wherein the inner circumference is coupled to a radial edge of the piston and the outer circumference is substantially coextensive with an outer circumference of the pump diaphragm.Atty Docket No.: 45770-0292WO118. The diaphragm assembly of claim 17, wherein the piston comprises a rear surface comprising:a threaded void configured to couple to a threaded end of the driving shaft; an outer recessed portion;a first groove extending from the outer recessed portion into the piston, the first groove shaped to couple to a first portion of the second pump diaphragm; anda plurality of voids extending from the rear surface of the outer recessed portion, the plurality of voids configured to receive a plurality of fasteners.

19. The diaphragm assembly of claim 18, further comprising a backup diaphragm ring configured to mate with the outer recessed portion of the rear surface of the pump diaphragm, the backup diaphragm ring comprising:a plurality of voids extending from a first surface of the backup diaphragm ring to a second surface of the backup diaphragm ring, each of the plurality of voids sized and arranged to pass a single fastener of the plurality of fasteners from the first surface to the second surface through the respective void of the backup diaphragm ring to couple each fastener to a respective void of the plurality of voids in the rear surface of the piston; and a second groove extending from the second surface of the backup diaphragm ring into the backup diaphragm ring, the second groove shaped to couple to a second portion of the second pump diaphragm.

20. The diaphragm assembly of claim 19, wherein the second pump diaphragm comprises:an inner bead extending along the inner circumference; andan outer bead extending along the outer circumference.

21. The diaphragm assembly of claim 20, wherein:the first groove on the rear surface of the piston couples to a first portion of the inner bead; andthe second groove on the second surface of the backup diaphragm ring couples to a second portion of the inner bead.

22. The diaphragm assembly of claim 21, wherein the pump diaphragm comprises a third groove coupled to the outer bead, the third groove and the outer bead configured to mate with a body of the air-operated diaphragm pump.

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