Abstract: A multi-outlet fluid pump includes a housing, a motorized pump, an electrical power supply, and a self-locking thermal cutoff. In one form, the pump includes a first or primary thermal cutoff and a second or secondary thermal cutoff to prevent the pump from operating once a thermal cutoff has deactivated the pump until a user or operator has taken some affirmative action. Related methods are also disclosed herein. In some forms an indicator is provided to indicate if the thermal cutoff has disabled the pump to alert a user as to the need to unplug or reset the pump before operating the pump again.

Abstract: A pump system comprising a primary AC pump, a control unit having a wireless communication module, and a back-up battery for powering the control unit. The wireless communication module is configured to communicate via a primary wireless connection and communicate via a secondary wireless connection. Additional pump system components and various methods relating to same are further disclosed herein.

Abstract: A submersible pump and related methods are disclosed herein. The pump assembly includes a pump housing and a motor with a motor housing/cap and an output shaft connected to an impeller that is disposed in a volute. In some forms, a separate power circuit compartment is formed integral to one of the pump housing and/or volute to store power circuitry that allows a DC pump to be used and powered by AC voltage. In other forms, the power circuit compartment is formed separate from the pump assembly and fastened or connect to the pump assembly. In preferred forms, the power circuit compartment is positioned relative to the pump assembly at a point where it will be maintained at least partially within the fluid surrounding the pump to dissipate heat from the power circuit. Numerous methods are also disclosed and contemplated herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a dual inlet volute with an impeller and pump for same, and related methods. In one form a pump is provided comprising a motor configured to rotate a shaft, an impeller operatively coupled to the shaft, and a volute housing the impeller, the volute having a first inlet, a second inlet, and a discharge in fluid communication with the first and second inlets.

Abstract: A sump pump system having a primary pump, a fluid level sensor, and a primary controller electrically connected to the primary pump for activating the pump when the fluid level sensor indicates a predetermine fluid level has been reached, the primary controller having a primary interface for communicating with a secondary pump. In some forms, the system includes a secondary pump having a secondary controller electrically connected to the secondary pump and having a secondary interface, the primary and secondary interfaces allowing the primary and secondary pump controllers to communicate with one another and allowing at least one of the primary and secondary pump controllers to assume control of both the primary and secondary pump. Related methods are further described herein.

Abstract: In one form a capacitive sensor is disclosed for immersion into a fluid, the capacitive sensor having a housing and first and second electrodes with the first electrode being disposed at least partially within the housing and electrically connected to a circuit, the second electrode being electrically connected to the circuit via an electrical connection and physically separated from the housing containing at least a portion of the first electrode so that at least a portion of the electrical connection or second electrode is located above or outside of the fluid to reduce the risk that minerals will form between the electrodes. In other forms, capacitors, capacitive sensors, pump controls and systems utilizing these features are disclosed along with methods and apparatus relating to same.

Abstract: A variable capacitor for sensing the level of a liquid. The capacitor provides a readable capacitance that varies with respect to the level of the liquid. A pump control system implementing the capacitive sensor to control the level of a liquid by activating and deactivating the pump depending on the level of the liquid. Methods relating to varying capacitance of a capacitive sensor and controlling a pump based on the level of a liquid. A pump controller for controlling the level of a liquid in a reservoir includes a controller and a capacitor. The capacitor is adapted to provide an activation signal to the controller when the liquid in the reservoir reaches a first predetermined level relative thereto. Additionally, the capacitor is adapted to provide a trigger signal to the controller when the liquid in the reservoir reaches a second predetermined level relative thereto. Based on the trigger signal, the controller determines when to deactivate the pump.

Abstract: Outer ends of inlet and outlet ducts have annular grooves, in lieu of bolt-holed flanges, to receive the inwardly-extending rims of a two-piece, clamping coupler. The coupler joins a conduit, which has a bight, to the inlet duct, in order to change an end-suction configuration of the device to an in-line configuration, selectively.

Abstract: Scrolls separable radially, to enable cleaning and polishing of the inner surfaces of the throat area, are disclosed. In one of the embodiments, an inner structure of the scroll intrudes into the throat area for selectively reducing the area, in order that flow, pump head, and speed can be matched.