Crossover switching and pump system

Abstract

The present invention involves several different embodiments related to a crossover switching valve. The crossover switching valve is preferably designed to receive fluid from a reservoir, or other fluid source, and direct the inflow and outflow of the fluid between the valve and one or more pumps. In one embodiment, the valve is configured to provide a substantially continuous flow rate when used in connection with a double acting pump. In another embodiment, the valve preferably includes an inflow port, an outflow port, and first and second ports configured to be fluidly connected to at least one pump. Another embodiment of the present invention is at least one conduit that preferably provides fluid communication between the first and second ports. Yet another embodiment is a fluid director that is preferably configured to alter flow of fluid through the conduit. Also disclosed is a pumping system that incorporates the crossover switching valve and a pump.

1 . A pumping system comprising: 
 a pump; and    a crossover switching valve integral with, positioned within, or directly coupled to said pump.    
   
   
       2 . A pumping system configured to provide continuous flow of a fluid therefrom, the system comprising: 
 a double acting pump; and    a crossover switching valve comprising: 
 a first passageway and a second passageway configured to receive fluid from a fluid reservoir and a third passageway and a fourth passageway in direct fluid communication with an outlet;  
 a plurality of pistons operably coupled to a plurality of occluders, the occluders being movable between at least a first position in which the occluders limit fluid flow through the first passageway and third passageway and a second position in which the occluders limit fluid flow through the second passageway and fourth passageway.  
   
   
   
       3 . The pumping system of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of pistons are positioned within a single cylinder chamber.  
   
   
       4 . The pumping system of  claim 3 , wherein the crossover switching valve is integral with the double acting pump.  
   
   
       5 . A valve configured to provide continuous flow of a fluid comprising: 
 a cylinder chamber configured for operation of a plurality of pistons therein; and    a plurality of passageways within the valve that permit fluid to be provided to a pump and that permit fluid to be received from the pump so as to provide a steady flow of fluid from an outflow port.    
   
   
       6 . A pumping system configured to provide continuous flow of a pumping fluid therefrom, the system comprising: 
 a double acting pump having first and second pumping chambers and first and second pistons one operable in each chamber;    a crossover switching valve in fluid communication with each of said chambers to supply pumping fluid to said first chamber and eject pumping fluid simultaneously from said second pumping chamber in a first mode and then in the second mode to reverse these operations; and    wherein movement of the valve from one mode to another is accomplished by alternately providing positive pressure and negative pressure to a single chamber, which operates two separate matable valve seats.    
   
   
       7 . The pumping system of  claim 6  wherein the pumping fluid is paint.  
   
   
       8 . The pumping system of  claim 6  wherein the pumping fluid is a material that includes particles of a size such that they can provide texture to a painted surface.