Kevin C Stuart

US Patent:

61901369, Feb 20, 2001

Filed:

Aug 30, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/385715

Inventors:

Joseph L. Meloche - Royal Oak MI
Kevin C. Stuart - Paulding OH

Assignee:

Ingersoll-Rand Company - Woodcliff Lake NJ

International Classification:

F04B 4900
F04B 4306
G01M 304
G01M 308

US Classification:

417 63

Abstract:

A diaphragm failure sensing apparatus for use in a diaphragm pump having at least two pumping cavities, each pumping cavity having a fluid chamber and a motive gas chamber separated by a pumping diaphragm. The diaphragm failure sensing apparatus includes a fluid conduit for connection with each of the motive gas chambers of the diaphragm pump, a sensor chamber connected to the fluid conduit, and a check valve located in the fluid conduit for alternately connecting the sensor chamber to the motive gas chambers. Also provided is a diaphragm pump having at least two pumping cavities, each pumping cavity having a fluid chamber and a motive gas chamber separated by a pumping diaphragm. A fluid conduit is disposed between and connected individually to each of the motive gas chambers and a sensor chamber is connected to the fluid conduit which is alternately connected to the motive gas chambers by a check valve located in the fluid conduit.