Importance

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Abstract

A pump system for coupling a positive displacement pump capable of supplying flow sequentially to a number of different volumes at different pressures. In some embodiments the pump output is coupled to multiple volumes that may be at the same or different pressures. The output of the pump is cycled between each such volume by on-off valves to maintain the required pressure in each volume, with the output of the pump being returned to its input when necessary to vent excess flow capacity. A controller may be used to control the on-off valves responsive to pressure sensors for each volume. In other embodiments the output of the pump is through on-off valves coupled to actuators as well as to a by-pass valve, and the valves are operated at high speed and with a duty cycle to provide controlled actuator velocities. Various embodiments are disclosed.

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First Claim