BOOSTER BOX STANDALONE FEED SYSTEM

Abstract

A booster box for a standalone feed system. The booster box includes a pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The pump inlet receives a source fluid from a source container when the pump is activated. The booster box includes a manifold block with a manifold inlet in fluid communication with the pump outlet. The booster box includes a digital controller configured to automatically activate the pump when a pressure within the manifold block sensed by a pressure sensor is below a minimum pressure, and automatically deactivate the pump when the pressure within the manifold block sensed reaches a target pressure. The digital controller is configured to deactivate the pump assembly when a predetermined maximum pumping time period elapses before the target pressure is reached.

Claims

1. A booster box for a standalone booster box feed system, the booster box comprising: a pump assembly having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, the pump inlet being configured to receive a source fluid from a source container when the pump assembly is activated; a manifold block including a manifold inlet and a manifold outlet, the manifold inlet being in fluid communication with the pump outlet; a digital controller configured to selectively activate or deactivate the pump assembly, the digital controller in communication with a pressure sensor within the manifold block; wherein the digital controller is configured to: automatically activate the pump assembly when a pressure within the manifold block sensed by the pressure sensor is below a minimum pressure, and automatically deactivate the pump assembly when the pressure within the manifold block sensed by the pressure sensor reaches a target pressure, and wherein the digital controller is configured to deactivate the pump assembly when a predetermined maximum pumping time period elapses before the target pressure is reached.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pump assembly is a diaphragm pump.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the source fluid includes glycol.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the pump assembly includes an internal check valve.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the pump assembly, the manifold block, and the digital controller are each mounted to a base platform.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the source container is not mounted to the base platform.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital controller includes a user interface with inputs for selecting at least one of the minimum pressure, the target pressure, or the predetermined maximum pumping time.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the manifold outlet is in fluid communication with a hydronic system and the pressure sensed within the manifold block is equal to a system pressure within the hydronic system.

9. A standalone feed system for a hydronic system, the feed system comprising: a source container including a volume of a source fluid; a booster box in fluid communication with the source container, the booster box including: a pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, the pump inlet being configured to receive the source fluid from the source container when the pump is activated, a manifold block including a manifold inlet and a manifold outlet, the manifold inlet being in fluid communication with the pump outlet, and a digital controller configured to selectively activate or deactivate the pump; and a booster box outlet line providing fluid communication between the manifold outlet and the hydronic system; wherein the digital controller is configured to: automatically activate the pump when a pressure within the hydronic system is below a minimum pressure, and automatically deactivate the pump when the pressure within the hydronic system is at least a target pressure, and wherein the digital controller is configured to deactivate the pump when a predetermined maximum pumping time period has elapsed before the target pressure is reached.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the pump is a diaphragm pump.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the source fluid includes glycol.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the pump includes an internal check valve.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the pump, the manifold block, and the digital controller are each mounted to a base platform.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the source container is not mounted to the base platform.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein the digital controller includes a user interface with inputs for selecting at least one of the minimum pressure, the target pressure, or the predetermined maximum pumping time.

16. The system of claim 9, wherein the manifold block includes a pressure sensor in communication with the digital controller, the pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure within the manifold block.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the pressure sensed within the manifold block is equal to the pressure within the hydronic system.

18. A method of regulating a closed-loop hydronic system, the method comprising: sensing, via pressure sensor, a system pressure within the closed-loop hydronic system; determining, by a digital controller in communication with the pressure sensor, that the system pressure is below a minimum pressure; in response to determining that the system pressure is below the minimum pressure, activating a pump assembly to draw a source fluid from a source container and pump the source fluid into the closed-loop hydronic system thereby increasing the system pressure; monitoring, by the digital controller, the system pressure while the pump assembly is activated; determining, by the digital controller, whether the system pressure has reached or exceeded a target pressure; determining, by the digital controller, whether a maximum pumping time period has elapsed since the pump assembly was activated; and deactivating, by the digital controller, the pump assembly when the digital controller determines that at least one of: the system pressure has reached or exceeded the target pressure, or the maximum pumping time period has elapsed.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising receiving, via a user interface of the digital controller, a user input of at least one of the minimum pressure, the target pressure, and the maximum pumping time period.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the source fluid includes glycol.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The appended claims set forth with particularity certain novel features that are considered characteristic of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the disclosure itself; however, both as to its structure and operation together with the additional objects and advantages thereof are best understood through the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1A is a schematic view of an embodiment of a closed-loop hydronic system with a booster box feed system in accordance with the disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 1B is a detailed view of the booster box feed system of FIG. 1A as indicated in FIG. 1A;

[0012] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a booster box of the booster box feed system of FIG. 1A;

[0013] FIG. 2B is a side view of the booster box of FIG. 2A;

[0014] FIG. 2C is a front view of the booster box of FIG. 2A;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the booster box of FIG. 2A with a cover removed;

[0016] FIG. 4A is a top schematic view of the booster box of FIG. 3;

[0017] FIG. 4B is a left side schematic view of the booster box of FIG. 3;

[0018] FIG. 4C is right side schematic view of the booster box of FIG. 3;

[0019] FIG. 5 is an embodiment of a user interface of the booster box of FIG. 3; and

[0020] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for using the booster box feed system of FIG. 2A.

[0021] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity so not all connections and options have been shown to avoid obscuring various aspects of the disclosure. For example, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not often depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be further appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein are to be defined with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meaning have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments by which the disclosure may be practiced. These illustrations and exemplary embodiments are presented with the understanding that the description and figures are an exemplification of the principles of one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Among other things, the present disclosure may be embodied as methods or devices. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0023] Throughout the disclosure and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase in one embodiment as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Furthermore, the phrase in another embodiment as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

[0024] In addition, as used herein, the term or is an inclusive or operator, and is equivalent to the term and/or, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term based on is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of a, an, and the include plural references. The meaning of in includes in and on.

[0025] The figures depict embodiments for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein.

[0026] In some embodiments, the disclosure describes standalone feed systems that may be used to deliver and maintain pressure of a heat-transfer fluid in closed-loop hydronic applications. In various buildings, hydronic loops may circulate water or water mixed with additives (e.g., glycols, brines, inhibitors) through heating/cooling elements to transfer thermal energy for applications such as floor heating, snow melting, etc. Such systems may be used in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. Some traditional feeders may include tank-mounted arrangements with float or level switches, which may tie feed capacity to a specific container, constrain placement, complicate retrofits, and may lead to nuisance operation when a source is depleted or a leak is present. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides a tank-agnostic booster arrangement that may maintain hydronic system pressure using pressure-based control with a digital controller, may stop pump operation when pressure does not rise to a high-limit value within a maximum time window, and may draw from a source container of virtually any volume via a suction line. In some embodiments, the arrangement may be integrated into existing hydronic loops at or near a point of no pressure change (e.g., proximate an expansion tank), thereby simplifying field installation and retrofits. In some embodiments, the arrangement may also be used for filling and purging procedures.

[0027] In some embodiments, a standalone booster box feed system that may be fluidly coupled to a source container and a closed-loop hydronic system. The booster box may include a pump, a manifold, and a digital controller configured to monitor system pressure and control pump operation accordingly. The system may automatically activate the pump when pressure falls below a minimum threshold and deactivate the pump when a maximum pressure is reached or when a maximum pumping time has elapsed. This configuration enables flexible installation, supports retrofitting into existing systems, and accommodates a range of fluid types and container volumes.

[0028] In some embodiments, the disclosure describes a booster box standalone feed system configured to operatively associate with a source unit or container of a pre-existing feed system, such as a glycol feed system or other similar system. In some embodiments, the booster box may be enabled to be utilized by a variety of source container sizes and volumes. In some embodiments, the booster box standalone feed system described herein may be configured to pressurize a source unit of the underlying hydronic system and determine when the source container may be empty in order to deactivate a pump, providing efficiency and reducing pump damage. In some embodiments, the booster box standalone feed system may not be affixed to a tank and therefore may not require a float switch to operatively associate with the source unit.

[0029] FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of a closed-loop hydronic system 50 that may include a first water heater 54 and a second water heater 56, each coupled to heating/cooling elements 58 via a main supply line 60. The heating/cooling elements 58 may be for one of a variety of applications, such as heated driveways or walkways, heated flooring, heating/cooling systems, or other suitable applications for hydronic systems. One or more air release valves 61 may be disposed at high points of the loop, and one or more relief return lines 62 may rout system fluid back toward the first water heater 54. A first water heater coil 72 may be located within the first water heater 54, and a second water heater coil 73 may be located within the second water heater 56. Each of the first and second water heater coils 72, 73 may provide for heat to be transferred from the respective water heater 54, 56 to the fluid within the respective coils. In some embodiments, the system 50 may include a single water heater (e.g., first water heater 54).

[0030] A cold water inlet 74 may supply makeup or service water to heater plumbing, and a hot water outlet 76 may deliver heated water to downstream fixtures or loads as appropriate for given application. For example, the first water heater 54 may provide potable water to sinks and other fixtures via a separate supply loop than the closed-loop hydronic system 50. A first water heater inlet valve 70 and a first water heater outlet valve 68 may facilitate isolation of the first water heater 54. Similarly, a second water heater inlet valve 82 and a second water heater outlet valve 78 may facilitate isolation of the second water heater 56. Relief valves, such as a relieve vale 84, may be positioned in accordance to known practices to protect components from over-pressure.

[0031] In some embodiments, an expansion tank 80 may be connected to the loop to accommodate volumetric changes and stabilize pressure. In some embodiments, the expansion tank 80 may include an internal diaphragm or bladder that may separate the hydronic system fluid from a compressible ga. When the fluid expands, fluid may enter the expansion tank and may compress the gas cushion, which may absorb the pressure increase. When the system cools and fluid contracts, the gas may push the fluid back into the loop, maintaining stable pressure.

[0032] In the illustrated example, a booster box feed system 100 may be coupled to the hydronic loop near the expansion tank 80, such as tapping into an expansion tank outlet line 114. The booster box feed system 100 may include a booster box 102 that may draw a source fluid from a source container 104 via a suction line (i.e., source container line 106) and may fluidly communication with the hydronic loop via a booster box outlet line 112. In some embodiments, a booster box outlet valve 108 may be provided in the outlet line 112, such as for service and isolation. In some embodiments, the booster box outlet valve 108 may be a manually controllable isolation valve, and in alternate embodiments the booster box outlet valve 108 may be a check valve. The expansion tank outlet line 114 and an expansion tank outlet valve 110 may be shown to indicate an embodiment of a tie-in region near the expansion tank 80. Additionally, flow direction arrows in FIG. 1A may depict suction from the source container 104 toward the booster box 102 via the source container line 106 and discharge from the booster box 102 toward the hydronic loop via the booster box outlet line 112.

[0033] The system 50 may include an air release valve 61 and a relief return lines 62 that may provide selective flow back to the first water heater 54 in some embodiments. The first water heater outlet 66 and the second water heater inlet 64 may be shown to clarify exemplary fluid flow paths around the heaters; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other flow paths in other suitable hydronic systems may be used consistent with the booster box feed system 100. The cold water inlet 74, the hot water outlet 76, the relief valve 84, and the corresponding valves 68, 70, 78, 82 may be arranged to illustrate typical isolation practices, but one or more may not be included in some embodiments, or may be included in alternate configurations while still maintaining the meaning of the disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 1B shows a detailed view of the booster box feed system 100 disposed in the closed-loop hydronic system 50. The expansion tank 80, the expansion tank outlet line 114, and expansion tank outlet valve 110 may be connected to the booster box outlet line 112 and the booster box outlet valve 108 so that pressure sensed at the booster box 102 may correlate to pressure within the hydronic system 50. In some embodiments, an intervening check valve or backflow preventer may not be interposed between the booster box 102 and the closed-loop hydronic system 50 so that the booster box 102 components may sense pressure representative of the loop at the booster location. In some embodiments, the booster box feed system 100 may include a remote pressure transducer or senser that may be disposed within the hydronic loop (e.g., downstream of an intervening check device) and electrically or wirelessly coupled to the booster box 102 to convey remote pressure readings to the booster box.

[0035] In some embodiments, the booster box 102 may draw a heat-transfer fluid, such as water or a glycol-water mixture, from the source container 104, pressurize the fluid, and automatically maintain the loop pressure between a selectable minimum and maximum pressure. In some embodiments, the digital controller discussed below may activate the pump when pressure is below a minimum and may deactivate the pump when pressure reaches a maximum; if the maximum is not reached within a predetermined maximum pumping time period, the controller may deactivate the pump to mitigate continuous operation due to leaks or depletion of the source container 104. In some embodiments, glycol concentration may exceed 50%; in other embodiments, the concentration may be limited (e.g., to approximately 50%) depending on material compatibility or performance preferences. Other chemistries, including brines or corrosion-inhibited solutions, may be used.

[0036] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show an embodiment of the booster box 102. The booster box 102 may include a cover 120 that encloses internal components while providing access to a user interface of a digital controller 122 for user interaction. The booster box 102 may include a flow inlet port 124 configured to receive fluid from a source container such as source container 104 via the source container line 106, and an electrical connection 126 that may provide power and/or signal coupling. The cover 120 may also provide access to a manifold outlet 128 of the booster box 102 that may provide fluid communication between the booster box 102 and the hydronic loop 50. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in some embodiments, the arrangement of to cover 120, the digital controller 122, the flow inlet port 124, the electrical connection 126, and the manifold outlet 128 may vary to suit packaging and serviceability while preserving functionality. In some embodiments, component placement may be selected for service access and strain-relief management; in some embodiments, seals, grommets, cable glands, or integrated connectors may be used to manage ingress protection and mechanical support. In some embodiments, additional external features (e.g., mounting apertures, feet, or handles) may be included in some embodiments to simplify wall mounting or transport.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the booster box 102 with the cover 120 removed to expose internal components. In some embodiments, the booster box 102 may include a base platform 130 that may support other components of the booster box, such as the digital controller 122, suction tubing 140, a pump assembly 136, a manifold block 129, and an electrical enclosure 134. In some embodiments, the flow inlet port 124 may provide fluid communication between the pump assembly 136 and the source container 104. In some embodiments, the base platform 130 may be polymeric (e.g., HDPE) with embedded threaded inserts; in other embodiments, a metallic or composite base may be used. In some embodiments, materials for the cover 120, base platform 130, and manifold block 129 may include polymers (e.g., ABS, HDPE), metals (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel), or composites.

[0038] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C show various schematic views of the booster box 102 with the cover 122 removed. The pump assembly 136 may be configured to, when activated pull source fluid from the source container 104 through the source container line 106 and the flow inlet port 124 and into the pump assembly, such as during an intake stroke. A pump outlet 138 (such as a first right angle push fitting), suction tubing 140, and a manifold inlet 142 (such as a second right angle push fitting) may provide fluid communication between the pump assembly 136 and the manifold 129. In some embodiments, the pump assembly 136 push the source fluid out of the pump assembly during a compression stroke, forcing the source fluid from the pump assembly into the manifold 129.

[0039] The manifold outlet 128 may be formed in or coupled to the manifold block 129, which may include at least one internal passage providing fluid communication between the suction tubing 140, the pump assembly 136, the manifold block 129. In some embodiments, the manifold block 129 may provide at least the flow inlet port 124, the manifold outlet 128, and a passage therebetween accessible to pressure sensing by the digital controller 122. In some embodiments, the electrical connection 126 may deliver power from an external supply to the electrical enclosure 134 (e.g., to provide power to the pump assembly 136) and/or the digital controller 122. The electrical enclosure 134 may contain over-current protection, disconnects, or surge protection in some embodiments, and may include a 12V/10A UL-rated power pack. In some embodiments, internal fluid connections throughout the booster box 102 may be realized with push-fit, compression, barbed, or threaded fittings, and the pump assembly 136 may be isolated with elastomeric mounts to reduce noise. In some embodiments, fittings such as the first right angle push fitting and second right angle push fitting may be threaded, compression, or barbed couplings.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a user interface for the digital controller 122. In some embodiments, a digital display 144 may present information such as measured pressure, status indicators, or menu items, while a set button 146, up/down buttons 148, and a power button 150 may allow configuration and operation of the digital controller 122. In some embodiments, the digital controller 122 may maintain adjustable cut-in (minimum) and cut-out (maximum) pressure values separated by a hysteresis band, and may stop the pump assembly 136 if the pressure fails to reach the cut-out (maximum) pressure value within a predetermined maximum pumping time period. In some embodiments, dry-run or empty-source conditions may also be inferred by one or more of: motor current draw profiles, suction-side vacuum/pressure, flow rate estimation, or a rate-of-pressure-rise analysis.

[0041] During operation, the booster box feed system 100 may draw fluid from the source container 104 via the source container line 106, through the flow inlet port 124, and push the fluid into the hydronic loop 50 via the manifold outlet 128 and booster box outlet line 112. In some embodiments, the digital controller 122 may be configured to control the pump assembly 136, which in turn may control pressure in the system 50. The digital controller 122 may be seated on the manifold 129, which may be mounted along with the pump 136 to the base platform 130. In some embodiments, the digital controller 122 may be wired, via one or more electrical connections, to the electrical enclosure 134. The electrical enclosure 134 may include electrical components and may also be mounted to the base platform 130. In some embodiments, the digital controller 122, such as via a pressure sensor or pressure switch, may sense pressure at or near the point of connection (e.g., near the expansion tank 80 along the expansion tank outlet line 114 proximate the expansion tank outlet valve 110). In embodiments where no check valve sits between the booster box 102 and the expansion tank outlet line 114 (and the rest of the hydronic system 50, the pressure sensed at the booster box 102 may be substantially equal to or equal to the pressure of the hydronic system 50 generally. In some embodiments, a remote pressure transducer may be disposed within the loop and electrically coupled to the digital controller 122 to provide real-time pressure measurements for control input.

[0042] In some embodiments, the digital controller 122 may allow the pump assembly 136 to only run for a specified time in case the source container 104 may run dry. The digital controller 122 may regulate the pump assembly 136 to fill and maintain pressure in the closed loop hydronic system 50. In some embodiments, the digital controller 122 may be mounted to the manifold block 129 and may be rated to withstand the pressure involved. The digital controller 122 may be regulated by electrical components within a junction box, such as electrical enclosure 134. Several fitting elements, such as the first and second right angle push fittings and the flow inlet port 124 may facilitate the movement of fluids into and out of the pump assembly 136. In some embodiments, all components may be at least partially covered by the cover 120 for esthetics and noise reduction.

[0043] In some embodiments, the pump assembly 136 may comprise a diaphragm pump and/or may include an internal check valve to prevent backflow toward the source container 104. In some embodiments, other suitable self-priming positive-displacement pumps may be used, including peristaltic, gear, vane, or plunger types, selected for compatibility with anticipated pressures, flows, temperatures, viscosities, and chemistries. The heat-transfer source fluid may include water, glycol-water mixtures (including concentrations below 50% glycol in some embodiments), brines, alcohol-based mixtures, and inhibitor-treated solutions.

[0044] In some embodiments, the system 100 may be used for purging and filling. An operator may add fluid to the source container 104, energize the digital controller 122, and allow the pump assembly 136 to bring the loop to a selected pressure. A purge hose may be routed from a system purge valve to the source container 104, and zones within the heating/cooling elements 58 may be sequentially opened and closed until air removal may confirmed. The loop may then be operated zone-by-zone and in aggregate, replenishing the source container 104 as necessary.

[0045] In some embodiments, the booster box feed system 100, or a subset of its components, may be configured to be installed into existing hydronic systems, such as via a retrofitting process, with little to no additional system modifications beyond providing the fluid connection between the booster box 102 and the system 50. For example, because the booster box 102 may include a pressure sensor, digital controller, user interface, manifold block, pump assembly, and access to a source container, the booster box 102 may be standalone in that additional components may not be needed to be installed remotely to the booster box 102 in order for the booster box feed system 100 to regulated system pressure within the hydronic system 50. Such a standalone architecture may provide for ease of installation and improved maintenance efficiencies.

[0046] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a method 200 of using the booster box feed system 100 described herein. Once the booster box feed system 100 may be installed for use with a closed loop hydronic system, such as system 50, a user may input (or the system 100 may default to) a minimum pressure for the hydronic system 50, a target pressure, and/or a maximum pressure. In some embodiments, the target pressure and the maximum pressure may be the same pressure. At 202, the method 200 may include sensing a pressure within the system 50, such as via a pressure sensor disposed on/within the manifold block 129 described herein. At 204, the method may include comparing, such as via the digital controller 122, the sensed pressure in the system 50 to the preselected and/or predetermined minimum pressure. If the pressure sense is above the minimum pressure, the method may include continuing to sense the pressure in the hydronic system 50 at 202, such as periodically or continually. If the pressure sensed in the system 50 is below the minimum pressure, the method may include activating, at 206, such as via the digital controller 122, a pump (such as the pump assembly 136). The pump may pull source fluid from a source, such as source container 104, and pump the fluid into the hydronic system to increase the system pressure. In some embodiments, the source fluid may be a glycol/mix solution from a container of varying volumes

[0047] At 208, the method may include determining, such as with the digital controller 122, whether the preselected or predetermined target or maximum pressure within the system 50 has been sensed. If the target pressure has been reached, the method may include, at 210, deactivating the pump to stop addition of the source fluid to the system 50. If the target pressure has not been reached, the method may include, at 212, continuing to operate the pump assembly to continue adding source fluid from the source container 104 into the system 50 to continue increasing the system pressure. At 214, the method may include determining, such as by the digital controller 122, whether the pump assembly has been pumping for a maximum time period, which may be pre-selected or predetermined base on system parameters or best practices. If the maximum time period has not elapsed, the method may include continuing to pump source fluid at 212. If the maximum time period has elapsed, the method may include, at 210, deactivating the pump assembly. In some embodiments, the maximum time period for pumping may be a time period after which, if the target pressure has not been met, it may be likely that the source container 104 may be empty. In such a scenario, the pump assembly may become damaged and/or electricity may be wasted by continuing to operated the pump. In some embodiments, upon the maximum time period elapsing without reaching the target (or maximum) pressure, the digital controller 122 or other mechanism may trigger an alert or alarm to indicate that the source container 104 may be empty. In some embodiments, the maximum time period for pumping may be pre-selected. In some embodiments, the maximum time period for pumping may be variable depending on one or more factors, such as the amount of difference between the sensed pressure within the system 50 an the minimum pressure, or a rate of pressure change within the system 50 after the pump has been activated. so any industry/field that has a need for the transference of a liquid via a pump and desires the ability to control the PSI of said pump could use the present invention in a rudimentary way.

[0048] Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for the systems and methods described herein through the disclosed principles herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the systems and methods disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in any appended claims.