METHOD AND APPARATUS OF DRIVING MULTIPLE SHAFTS IN A WET/DRY VACUUM AND LIQUID PUMP

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method and system to supply pumping capabilities to a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. A single motor can operate a vacuum unit and the pump distinct from the vacuum unit. A port in the vacuum flow path can act as a vacuum tap to prime the pump when necessary. The pump can directly pump the fluids without having to flow first into the drum container of the vacuum cleaner. The system can allow independent operation of the vacuum unit and the pump and at different, more optimal speeds for each, allowing a higher performance on each of the vacuum unit and the pump, since maximum power for the system can be provided to either the operating device while the other one is not operating. Accordingly, the disclosure further provides a system and method for separately engaging and disengaging the vacuum unit and the pump.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to wet and dry vacuums. More specifically, the invention relates to wet and dry vacuums capable of pumping liquids.

2. Description of Related Art

Well known wet and dry vacuum cleaners can vacuum wet or dry materials into a container. Typically, a suction system with a motor creates a vacuum of pressure less than ambient pressure and is mounted in a lid that is removably attached to a collection drum for receiving the vacuumed materials. A portion of the lid extends downward into the drum and mounts a filter support assembly, such as commonly known as a “cage,” that covers a vacuum intake to the suction assembly in the lid. The suction system in the lid suctions external air or water through a hose into an opening in the drum, so that water or dirt is deposited into a lower volume of the drum. Remaining material, mainly air, then flows upward and inward through the filter surrounding the cage, continues through the cage into a suction impeller in the lid, and then is exhausted from the vacuum cleaner.

Periodically, the drum is emptied of waste. For larger drum capacities, the heavy weight of deposited material therein has caused the creation of alternatives to lifting the container and dumping the waste into a waste container. Some vacuum cleaners include an outlet on the lower portion of the drum with a cap that can be removed and at least a portion of the waste allowed to drain. However, many locations, such as in a basement, do not facilitate easy draining. In other circumstances, pumps can be used. Recently, one manufacturer has introduced a compact pump accessory that can be threadably attached to the external surfaces of the drum outlet and pump the liquids to a remote location using a hose. In that design, the pump accessory includes a motor separate from the vacuum motor with an electrical connection that requires another outlet, such as a wall electrical outlet or one built into the vacuum itself. Further, the design operates on the principle of a “flooded suction,” in that the suction to the pump is normally below the liquid level and thus will operate without independent priming of the pump each time to start the pumping process.

Another manufacturer has installed a fluid suction inlet inside the lower portion of the drum with a hose attached between the inlet and the vacuum impeller to pull fluid up through the vacuum inlet. The vacuum impeller centrifugally causes the liquid portion of the vacuumed material to flow through a diverter valve and out the unit at a separate exit port from the typical vacuum outlet and so does not constitute a distinct pump separate from the vacuum unit. It also necessitates the vacuum material with the liquid to flow into the drum first and then to enter the vacuum impeller cavity, relying on prefiltration to remove impurities that could clog, impair, or damage the impeller. The arrangement makes the disassembly and maintenance of the vacuum somewhat more complicated and the flow paths are problematic.

Mounting the pump above the water line such as in the lid at the top of the vacuum cleaner with the vacuum motor can also be problematic. The pump, generally a centrifugal pump, often needs priming. Without the priming, the pump impeller can spin but no to very little pumping action generally occurs.

Thus, there remains a need for an improved pumping system for a wet and dry vacuum cleaner.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a method and system to supply pumping capabilities to a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. A single motor can operate a vacuum unit and the pump distinct from the vacuum unit. A port in the vacuum flow path can act as a vacuum tap to prime the pump when necessary. The pump can be arranged so it pumps fluids out of the drum or can directly pump the fluids without having to flow first into the drum container of the vacuum cleaner. The system can allow independent operation of the vacuum unit and the pump, and allow different, more efficient speeds for each, which allows a higher overall performance, since maximum power for the system can be provided to either operating device while the other one is not operating. Accordingly, the disclosure further provides a system and method for separately engaging and disengaging the vacuum unit and the pump. In at least one embodiment, the various engagements of the pulleys with their respective belts and shafts can be controlled by clutches and other known drive systems to selectively operate in the different modes described herein.

The disclosure provides a wet and dry vacuum system, comprising: a vacuum unit; a pump coupled to the vacuum unit mounted above a fluid inlet; and at least one motor adapted to drive the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof.

The disclosure also provides a method of operating a wet and dry vacuum system having a vacuum unit and a pump distinct from the vacuum unit, comprising: operating the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof.

The disclosure further provides a wet and dry vacuum system, comprising: a vacuum unit; a pump coupled to the vacuum unit and mounted above a fluid inlet; at least one motor adapted to drive the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof; and a means for controlling a coupling and decoupling of the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof with the motor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the inventions disclosed herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, only a few specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The figures and detailed descriptions of these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the breadth or scope of the inventive concepts or the appended claims in any manner. Rather, the figures and detailed written descriptions are provided to illustrate the inventive concepts to a person of ordinary skill in the art as required by 35 U.S.C. § 112.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a first embodiment of a combined vacuum and pump system.

FIG. 1A is an enlarged schematic view of the flow restrictor and the priming hose coupled between the vacuum chamber intake and the pump.

FIG. 1B is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the flow restrictor.

FIG. 1C is a bottom schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of the flow restrictor.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the vacuum and pump system in an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of the vacuum and pump system.

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a selectively engageable drive system capable of engaging the vacuum and/or pump in different operational modes.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of the vacuum and pump system.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a selectively engageable drive system.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a variation of the selectively engageable drive system shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic view of an embodiment of a clutch actuator assembly.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another embodiment of a selectively engageable drive system.

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of the drive system of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of the vacuum and pump system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more illustrative embodiments incorporating the invention disclosed herein are presented below. Not all features of an actual implementation are described or shown in this application for the sake of clarity. It is understood that in the development of an actual embodiment incorporating the present invention, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's goals, such as compliance with system-related, business-related and other constraints, which vary by implementation and from time to time. While a developer's efforts might be complex and time-consuming, such efforts would be, nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of this disclosure.

In general, the disclosure provides a combined vacuum and pump system that can vacuum, pump, or a combination thereof by switching between different operational modes. Specifically, the mechanical switching control mechanism (or equivalent electrical circuit switching control system) can operate the unit in one or more of the following modes:

A vacuum mode only, where the pump is disconnected from operation;

A pump mode only, where the vacuum is disconnected from operation;

A pump mode with temporarily engaged vacuum mode for pump priming purposes; and

A vacuum mode plus a pump mode operating at the same time.

Further, in at least one embodiment, the above modes can be controlled by a float system to govern the operation of the vacuum and pump. While for graphical representation, a mechanical system is shown, it is to be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art that an electrical system could be made, given the disclosure contained herein, to perform in a similar manner.

While different embodiments are shown herein, in general, a priming hose can provide a negative pressure (“vacuum”) to the pump chamber relative to ambient pressure to pull fluid through the pump inlet into the pump chamber to prime the pump. The vacuum can be obtained using the vacuum unit as exemplified in the embodiments below. In general, pump priming can occur by tapping an inlet (“throat”) of the vacuum chamber providing a flow path to the vacuum impeller. The priming tap can include a shield that at least partially blocks normal inflow into the vacuum unit to create more vacuum in the priming hose, relative to the drum, and ultimately to prime the pump chamber. In such embodiments, fluid can be pumped from sources outside the vacuum cleaner drum and even sources of fluid inside the vacuum cleaner drum. The pump priming can also occur by tapping the vacuum drum into which fluid and debris are vacuumed by operation of the vacuum unit with the drum being at a relative negative pressure. Such embodiments are useful for pumping sources of fluid outside the vacuum cleaner drum.

On a distal end of the priming hose from the vacuum tap, the hose can be attached to the pump at various locations. One advantageous location is an upper portion of the pump chamber, distal from the pump inlet, to allow more filling of the pump chamber during priming. Further, a priming switch can be employed to close the priming tap hose at different stages of the vacuuming/pumping operation, so the pumped fluid does not backflow through the hose and enter an inappropriate area, such as a vacuum unit or motor. A closed priming tap hose can also help maintain vacuuming efficiency in case the pump inlet or outlet is not properly sealed when the pump is not in use, causing an unwanted leak during normal vacuuming operations.

In some embodiments, separate belts can drive the vacuum unit and the pump. Some embodiments can use the same motor and others can have separate motors. Still other embodiments can use a single belt drive to drive the vacuum unit and the pump. Further, the belts can be mounted above and/or below the motor(s) as can be convenient for access and relationship to other system components. In some embodiments, the belts can be driven from both the bottom and top ends of the motor shaft. The belts can be engaged and disengaged as appropriate with clutches, idler pulleys, and other switching elements.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a first embodiment of a combined vacuum and pump system. In general, the system 100, which can be based on a wet and dry vacuum cleaner, includes a motor 1, a pump 2, and a vacuum unit 11 mounted to a lid 15. The lid 15 is generally attached to a drum 14 that functions as a container of the system. The drum 14 has a waste portion 14A for holding waste materials, including liquids, produced from vacuum operations, in a lower elevation of the container. A vacuum unit 11 generally is mounted to the lid 15 and includes a vacuum impeller 11A mounted in a vacuum chamber 12 with a vacuum chamber intake 12A. A cage/filter 13 is attached to the lid 15 and provides a filtered flow path to the vacuum unit 11, as is known to those with ordinary skill in the art. Air is exhausted from the vacuum chamber through an air exhaust 26 that can be ported outside the lid 15 as is also customary in such vacuum cleaners. The actual geometry of the air exhaust is not shown but would be readily known to those with ordinary skill in the art, and that the exhaust could be a ported exhaust or a diffused exhaust. A vacuum inlet 16 can be provided in the lid 15 or the drum 14. The inlet can be coupled to a hose 25 for extending the inlet to conveniently allow vacuum material 25A to enter through the inlet 16 and into the drum 14. A priming hose 9 can be coupled between the pump 2 on one end and to the vacuum unit 11 on another end. The priming hose can be used to convey a negative pressure (vacuum) from the vacuum unit to the pump, where the vacuum is relative to ambient pressure in the pump. In at least one embodiment, the priming hose can be coupled to an upper portion of the pump 2 on one end and to the region of the vacuum chamber intake 12A on the other end.

A flow restrictor 34, such as a damper, can be movably coupled to the vacuum chamber intake 12A. The flow restrictor 34 can be manually or power-actuated by an actuator 36. The actuator 36 can be a variety of actuators, such as a mechanical lever, electrical switch including a solenoid or servo motor, pneumatic controller, or other devices which can be controllably moved to operate an element. The actuator 36, shown schematically, can be mounted in a variety of locations in the system 100, including in the lid 15. The flow restrictor 34 can at least partially and selectively block the flow path into the vacuum chamber intake 12A, so that a vacuum occurs in a priming hose 9, described below, during the pump priming portion of system operation. After the pump is primed, the flow restrictor 34 can be moved to allow normal flow through the vacuum chamber intake 12A for vacuum operation. In some embodiments, the vacuum pressure can be sufficient in the priming hose, so that the advantages gained by including the flow restrictor in the system 100 are optional.

Turning to FIGS. 1A-1C for details of the flow restrictor and related elements, FIG. 1A is an enlarged schematic view of the flow restrictor and the priming hose coupled between the vacuum chamber intake and the pump. The vacuum unit 11 includes the impeller 11A rotatably mounted in a vacuum chamber 12. The intake 12A to the vacuum chamber is a region having a relatively high vacuum negative pressure when the vacuum impeller 11A is rotating. Thus, the priming hose 9 can tap into that region to produce a relatively high vacuum through the hose 9 to the pump 2. The pump 2 generally includes a pump chamber 2A coupled to the pump inlet 3, a pump impeller 2B rotatably coupled in the pump chamber, an upper portion 2C of the pump chamber, and pump outlet 4. The end of the priming hose for the pump 2 can be coupled to the upper portion 2C, so that fluid can more fully fill the pump chamber during priming.

As described above, in some embodiments, the flow restrictor 34 can at least partially block the vacuum chamber intake to force a higher portion of the vacuum to be directed to the priming hose. The directed vacuum pressure can be applied to provide higher priming capabilities to the pump.

FIG. 1B is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor 34 can be slidably coupled to the vacuum unit 11, such as in the region of the vacuum chamber intake 12A. The actuator 36 can actuate the flow restrictor between a normal position where the flow path is open to the intake 12A and a closed position where the flow path is at least partially blocked.

FIG. 1C is a bottom schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor 34 can also include an assembly portion coupled to the vacuum unit 11 that aligns openings to allow flow into the vacuum chamber intake described herein. In at least one embodiment, a fixed ring 34A can be coupled to the vacuum unit 11, such as the intake 12A. The ring 34A can include one or more openings 35A. A corresponding rotatable ring 34B with one or more openings 35B can be rotatably coupled to the fixed ring 34A. An actuator 36, described in reference to FIGS. 1 and 1A, can rotate the rotatable ring 34B to align the openings 35A, 35B and allow flow into vacuum chamber intake 12A, referenced above. When priming the pump, the actuator can rotate the rotatable ring 34B, so that the openings 35A, 35B are out of alignment. When out of alignment, the flow into the vacuum chamber intake is restricted and more of the vacuum pressure from the vacuum unit is applied to the priming hose.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a priming switch 10 can be coupled to the priming hose 9 to close and open the priming hose. The priming switch 10 can “pinch” or otherwise compress or close (such as with a solenoid) the priming hose 9 when priming of the pump is unnecessary. Among other aspects, the closed priming hose can restrict fluid in the pump from potentially back-flowing through the priming hose and entering the vacuum unit or other portions of the system. The closed priming hose can further reduce vacuum “leakage” through the pump when the pump is not operating to increase vacuum efficiency through the vacuum unit 11.

The pump 2 includes a pump inlet 3 and a pump outlet 4. The pump 2 is fluidicly disposed generally above the waste portion 14A of the drum. The pump 2 could also be fluidicly disposed generally above a fluid level external to the vacuum and pump, such as on a floor. Thus, in general, the pump 2 being fluidicly disposed above the fluid level needs at least initial priming to be able to pump the fluid.

Further, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can use a drain of the drum 14 as a liquid inlet 23. Thus, in this embodiment, fluid would primarily be brought into the drum 14 through the vacuum inlet 16 and deposited therein. Then, the pump would pull the liquid from the drum 14 through a conduit 5 into the pump inlet 3 and thence into the pump 2. The pump 2 would pump out the liquid through the pump outlet 4 and through a conduit 6 coupled to the pump outlet 4 to a location generally away from the system 100. The conduit 5 can be coupled to the drum outlet 23 on one end and to the pump inlet 3 on the other end in some manner, including use of one or more couplings 7, such as a quick disconnect or hose fitting. Similarly, the conduit 6 can be coupled to the pump outlet 4 in some manner, including use of a coupling 8. For convenience, a standard garden type hose and standard garden hose fittings can be used as one or more of the couplings.

In this exemplary embodiment, the motor 1 can include a shaft that extends through both ends of the motor, such that the vacuum unit 11 can be powered by one end of the motor and the pump 2 can be powered by a second end of the motor. Variations are possible, including the vacuum unit and the pump being powered by the same end of the motor and/or by a single belt. The term “belt” is used broadly herein to include a band of material, and can include flexible material or relatively inflexible links of material such as chain links. The motor 1 can be rotationally coupled to the pump 2 through the use of a drive system, such as a pulley and belt arrangement. Similarly, the vacuum impeller 11 can be coupled and rotationally coupled to the motor through a similar drive system. Such drive systems can include the exemplary idler sets described in reference to FIG. 3, the clutch systems described in reference to FIG. 5-8, and other drive systems.

The motor 1 can provide power input to both the pump 2 and the vacuum unit 11. In at least one embodiment, the motor can provide such power through the use of at least two shafts through the use of a pulley and belt arrangement. It would be known to those in ordinary skill in the art that such drive systems could include gears and sprockets as equivalents, and other power transmission products. In this embodiment, for example and without limitation, the driven pulley 17 on a pump shaft 17A can be driven by a driving pulley 18 from the motor 1, where the pulleys are rotationally coupled together through a pump belt 19. Advantageously, the driven pulley 17 and the driving pulley 18 can be adjusted for different relative sizes to operate the pump at optimal or other speeds. Various bearings, mounting units, and other miscellaneous hardware are not detailed but would be known to those with ordinary skill in the art.

Similarly, the motor 1 can transmit power to the vacuum unit 11 through use of a pulley and belt arrangement, gear and sprocket, or other power transmission system. For example, a driven pulley 21 can be coupled to a vacuum shaft 21A for the vacuum unit 11 with the vacuum impeller 11A. A driving pulley 20 can be coupled to the motor 1 as described above for the driving pulley 18. The pulleys 20, 21 can be rotationally coupled together by a vacuum belt 22. In a similar fashion, the driving pulley 20 and driven pulley 21 can be adjusted in relative size to operate the vacuum unit 11 at an optimal or other speed. Further, the speeds of the pump and the vacuum unit can be independently determined using a single motor by varying the sizes of the relative pulleys.

As would be known to those with ordinary skill in the art, a single belt drive system could also be used instead of the dual belt shown. Details of the belt engagement/disengagement system are not shown in the figure, but are described in at least one exemplary embodiment below. The vacuum unit or pump coupled to the motor could be driven constantly, while the other device could be driven selectively.

In operation, an operator can activate only the vacuum unit in a first mode, only the pump in a second mode, the pump with a temporarily engaged vacuum unit to prime the pump in a third mode, and the vacuum unit and pump both operational in a fourth mode. For the vacuum modes, in general the motor 1 can rotate the vacuum unit 11, alone or in combination with the pump 2. The vacuum unit creates a suction inside the drum 14 causing incoming vacuumed air or water 25A to enter the inlet 16 and flow into the drum 14. Solids and liquids fall out of the flow path into the bottom of the drum 14, while the remainder of the air in the flow path flows through the cage/filter 13 for filtering, through the vacuum unit 11, and out of the vacuum chamber 12 through the air exhaust 26.

For the pump modes, the motor 1 can rotate the pump 2, alone or in combination with the vacuum unit. However, the pump 2 will generally be incapable of starting operation without priming. Such priming has been heretofore problematic, because the pump is located above a liquid inlet 23 on the conduit 5. However, the present disclosure provides for priming of the pump 2 by use of the priming hose 9. To prime the pump, the flow restrictor 34 can be actuated to at least partially block the normal flow path into the vacuum chamber 12 that helps create more vacuum pressure in the priming hose 9, relative to the pressure in the drum, and thence to the pump 2. The vacuum draws the water or other fluid from the drum and through the liquid inlet 3 into the pump 2 by the negative pressure through the priming hose 9. As the fluid at least partially fills the pump 2, the pump becomes primed and can sustain pumping operations thereafter as the fluid is available through the inlet 3. The liquid 24 can be pumped out of the pump 2 through the pump outlet 4, and out of the conduit 6 to another location. For the embodiments having the priming switch 10, the priming switch can be opened to allow a vacuum in the priming hose 9 to draw fluid, such as in the drum 14, through the conduit 5 through the pump inlet 3 and into the pump 2. Once the pump is primed, the priming switch 10 can close the priming hose.

Thus, the system allows an elevated pump mounted in a more convenient location inside the lid 15 with the other elements above a fluid level, allows an operation of multiple devices by a single motor, and allows pumping from the drum or pumping of a fluid that is independent of a flow path into the drum 14.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the vacuum and pump system in an alternative embodiment. The elements will be labeled similarly as in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown, a direct flow path includes liquid from a source external to the drum 14, entering a conduit 5, and flowing into the pump inlet 3 through the pump 2, out the pump outlet 4, and out the conduit 6 for distribution to a different location. Since the pump can pump fluids from sources external to the drum 14, the operator can avoid emptying the drum 14 of its dry waste prior to pumping the water through the external direct flow circuit described above. In addition, the belts are both shown on a lower portion of the motor using only one end of the shaft as the drive.

The motor 1 can provide power input to both the pump 2 and the vacuum unit 11. For example, the motor can provide power to the pump through the use of a pulley and belt arrangement, sprocket and gear, or other power transmission system. In this embodiment, for example and without limitation, the driven pulley 17 on a pump shaft 17A can be driven by a driving pulley 18 from the motor 1, where the pulleys are rotationally coupled together through a pump belt 19. Advantageously, the driven pulley 17 and the driving pulley 18 can be adjusted for different relative sizes to operate the pump at optimal or other speeds.

Similarly, the motor 1 can transmit power to the vacuum unit 11. For example, a driven pulley 21 can be coupled to a vacuum shaft 21A for the vacuum unit 11 that operates the vacuum impeller. A driving pulley 20 can be coupled to the motor 1 as described above for the driving pulley 18. The pulleys 20, 21 can be rotationally coupled together by a belt 22. In a similar fashion, the driving pulley 20 and driven pulley 21 can be adjusted in relative size to operate the vacuum unit 11 at an optimal or other speed. Further, the speeds of the pump and the vacuum unit can be independently determined using a single motor by varying the sizes of the relative pulleys.

In operation, the vacuum unit can be used to vacuum materials into the drum 14. If fluid outside the drum is to be pumped from an elevation below the pump, the pump can be primed by causing a vacuum through the priming hose to be applied to the pump. The pump can operate concurrently with the vacuum unit after priming where the vacuum unit may continue to function, or the vacuum unit can be turned to an off mode, while the pump continues to pump, or the pump can be turned to an off mode after pumping while the vacuum unit continues to vacuum.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of the vacuum and pump system. Similar elements will be similarly labeled as above. In general, the motor 1 can drive both the pump 2 and the vacuum unit 11 with a single driving pulley 18A and a single belt 19A. If desired, the pump 2 and the vacuum unit 11 can be independently operated. An idler pulley system, such as described in referenced to FIG. 3B below, can change the engagement of the belt 19A with the pump driven pulley 17 for the pump 2, the vacuum driven pulley on the shaft 21A for the vacuum unit 11, or a combination thereof. The idler pulley system can include a pump idler set 122 and a vacuum idler set 128, described in FIG. 3B. Other variations are contemplated.

Inlet 16 allows vacuumed materials to enter the drum 14. The materials generally fall to the bottom inside the drum, while remaining air is pulled through the cage/filter 13 through the vacuum unit 11 and exhausted through the air exhaust 26, which is generally a port through the lid 15. The pump 2 can be selectively operated to draw liquid through the liquid inlet 23 through the pump inlet 3 into the pump 2, and pumped out the pump outlet 4 and the conduit 6 to dispose of the liquid 24 at a different location. The priming hose 9 can be coupled on one end to the pump and on the other end to the vacuum chamber intake 12A, as described above. A priming switch, also described above, is not shown but can be included. The flow restrictor 34 can be used to increase vacuum in the priming hose 9 during the pump priming.

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a selectively engageable drive system capable of engaging the vacuum and/or pump in different operational modes. Three positions for three modes of operation are shown. In general, a motor as described above can rotate a driving pulley 18A so that a belt 19A rotates a pump pulley 17 and a vacuum pulley 21. The engagement and disengagement with the pump pulley and the vacuum pulley can be accomplished by movement of two sets of idler pulleys, as described below. A tension pulley 118 can maintain tension on the belt 19A in the different modes of operation in conjunction with a bias element 120. While the embodiment illustrates a single belt, it is to be understood that the concepts are to be applied to multiple belt configurations using different idler sets.

The two idler sets each include at least one idler pulley, and advantageously a pair of idler pulleys that are spaced a distance from each other, which together can be moved to different positions, generally in an arc, around the pump pulley or the vacuum pulley, respectively. In a given position, the idler sets can move the belt 19A into different positions, so that they cause the belt to engage the pump pulley, the vacuum pulley, or both. The movement can occur from manual movement of the idler sets, such as through levers, or through powered devices, such as switches, solenoids, and the like. In some embodiments, the actuation can occur automatically depending on sensed conditions such as waste levels, fluid levels, filter condition, and other conditions. Thus, movement of the two idler sets can cause the different modes described above, namely vacuum mode only, pump mode only, pump mode temporarily engaged with a vacuum mode for pump priming purposes, and a vacuum mode plus a pump mode. In all the belt positions described herein, the drive pulley 18A generally remains engaged with the belt 19A to power the belt through the various modes with the idler pulleys in different positions.

A pump idler set 122 includes an outside idler 124 and an inside idler 126 based upon the relative position with respect to the belt 19A. The pump idler set 122 can be moved along an arc 138 about the pump pulley 17 to cause engagement and disengagement of the belt 19A with the pulley 17. The vacuum idler set 128 is similarly assembled with an outer idler 130 and an inner idler 132. The vacuum idler set 128 can be rotated in an arc around the vacuum pulley 21 to cause engagement and disengagement of the belt 19A with the pulley 21. The outer idler 130 and the inner idler 132 are generally fixed in position relative to each other, although their collective position within the system changes as the idlers are moved about the arc 142 around the pulley 21. Miscellaneous hardware, such as linkages and bearings, are not shown as would be known to those with ordinary skill in the art given the disclosure herein. The length of belt 19A can be selected to accommodate the relative dimensions of the system, including the pulleys and travel lengths. While arcs 138, 142 are described, it is understood that the pulleys can be moved to different relative positions that may not track an arc. A vacuum-only mode represented by first belt position 144 disengages the belt 19A from the pump pulley 17 and allows engagement of the belt 19A with the vacuum pulley 21. In the belt position 144, the pump idler set 122 is rotated along the arc 138 to a first position 134. In that position, the outer idler 124 can be disengaged from the belt 19A and the inner idler 126 is engaged on an inside surface of the belt 19A in a position that does not allow the belt 19A to drive the pump pulley 17. Further, the vacuum idler set 128 is in a corresponding first position 134A in the vacuum mode only. In that position, the outer idler 130 engages the outer surface of the belt 19A while the inner idler 132 need not contact the belt 19A. The position of the outer idler 130 allows the belt 19A to contact the vacuum pulley 21 and to operate the vacuum unit 11 described above.

In a pump mode only, represented by belt position 146, the two idler sets are adjusted to different relative positions. Specifically, the pump idler set 122 can be adjusted to a second position 136. In this position, the outer idler 124 is engaged with an outside surface of the belt 19A, while the inner idler 126 need not contact the belt 19A. The engagement on the outer surface of the belt allows the belt 19A to contact and rotate the pump pulley 17. In a corresponding manner, the vacuum idler set 128 is moved to a second position 136A. In this position, the outer idler 130 need not contact the outer surface of the belt 19A, while the inner idler 132 is engaged with an inner surface of the belt 19A. The engagement of the inner surface by the inner idler 132 pulls the belt away from the vacuum pulley 21, so that the vacuum unit does not rotate in the pump mode only.

When both the vacuum unit and the pump are actuated, the idler sets are moved to different relative positions. Specifically, the pump idler set 122 can be moved into the second position 136, so that the outer idler 124 can engage the outer surface of the belt 19A, while the inner idler 126 can be disengaged from the belt surface. That position allows the belt 19A to contact and rotate the pump pulley 17. The vacuum idler set 128 can be moved to the first position 134A. In the position, the outer idler 130 contacts the outer surface of the belt 19A, while the inner idler 132 need not contact the inner surface of the belt 19A. That position allows the belt 19A to contact and rotate the vacuum idler 21, so that both the pump and vacuum unit operate.

While the above idler system has been described in terms of idler sets having a pair of idler pulleys for convenience, it is understood that one or more of the idler sets may include a single idler pulley. The single idler pulley may be individually manipulated to engage and disengage the belt to actuate the vacuum unit and/or pump.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of the vacuum and pump system. In this embodiment, a motor 1 is coupled to the vacuum unit 11. A second motor 1A is coupled to the pump 2. The priming hose 9 can be coupled, for example, between the pump 2 and the drum 14, or other locations described herein. A switch box 31 can be installed in the lid 15 to control the motor 1, the motor 1A, or a combination thereof. Further, the switch box 31 can include the ability to operate the priming switch 10 at selective times in the system operation. The system includes other elements previously described, such as the conduit 5 to allow fluid to enter the inlet 3 to the pump 2 and out the outlet 4, and through the conduit 6 to another location. A power cord 30 can provide power to the switchbox 31 for operation of the system. The embodiment shown uses the negative pressure in the drum 14 caused by the vacuum unit 11 to provide the vacuum through the priming hose 9 to the pump 2. It should also be understood that priming can be achieved by the configuration previously described in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In operation, the motor 1 can be activated to operate the vacuum unit 11. The vacuum pressure pulls air, liquid, or a combination thereof into the vacuum inlet 16 where the heavy materials, such as dirt, debris, and liquid, fall to the bottom of the drum 14 while the lighter material, such as air, flows through the cage/filter 13 through the vacuum unit 11 and out the air exhaust 26, as described above. Independently, the pump can pump fluid through the conduit 5, the inlet 3, the pump 2, the outlet 4, and the conduit 6 with the power provided by the motor 1A. The switchbox 31 can operate the vacuum unit 11, the pump 2, or a combination thereof. Further, a priming hose 9 can be coupled between the pump 2 and the drum 14. The internal volume in the drum 14 would generally be at a negative pressure when the vacuum unit 11 is operational. Thus, a negative pressure in the priming hose 9 can pull the fluid through the conduit 5 into the pump 2. The priming switch 10 can be operated through the switchbox 31. In at least one embodiment, the switchbox can include a switch 31A to selectively choose between modes: vacuum on or off, pump on or off, priming, and including both vacuum and pump on at the same time. In some embodiments, it may be useful to restrict the operation of the vacuum and the pump, so that they are mutually exclusive to reduce an electrical current load on the overall system. In such instances, the priming function can override the mutually exclusivity, so that the vacuum unit can operate temporarily to prime the pump. In at least one embodiment, the priming switch 10 can be normally closed, so that the priming switch closes the priming hose 9 when not activated to reduce vacuum leaks and backflow from the pump into other portions of the system.

The system can accommodate a certain maximum amount of operating current. By controlling the engagement of the pump 2 or vacuum unit 11, more current can be provided to either the pump or the vacuum unit when the other device is not operating. The higher current directed to one of the devices rather than both at the same time can increase the performance level of the device, such as increased speed for higher vacuum or greater flow.

FIGS. 5-8 and 9 show various aspects of clutch systems that can also be used to engage and disengage one or more belts to drive one or more embodiments of the vacuum and pump system. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a selectively engageable drive system. The drive system shown can be used advantageously with various embodiments having a single motor, described herein. In general, the motor 1 directly drives the vacuum unit 11 while selectively engaging and driving the pump 2, although a reverse embodiment can be used. Further, the pump 2 can be activated by a float dependent upon the level of fluid in, for example, the drum 14, shown in FIG. 2.

The motor 1 can be coupled to a lid portion 15A for support. A clutch assembly 40 can be used to selectively drive the pump 2. The motor shaft can effectively function as the shaft 21A described above for the vacuum unit 11 and is coupled thereto. A first disk clutch 42 can be rotationally coupled to the shaft 21A. A second clutch disk 44 is slidably and rotatably disengagable from the shaft 21A. The second clutch disk 44 is rotationally coupled to the pulley 18 described above. A bearing 38 is disposed between the pulley 18 and the second clutch disk 44. The belt 19 is coupled between the pulley 18 on the shaft 21A and the pulley 17 on the shaft 17A, as described above. A variety of support bearings 46, 48 on the vacuum shaft 21A and support bearings 50, 52 on the pump shaft 17A can be used to maintain alignment of the shaft, as is known in the art.

A floating assembly can selectively engage and disengage the clutch assembly 40. A float 56 can be disposed in a container, such as the drum 14, and engaged with a clutch actuator assembly 58, described in more detail below. In general, the clutch actuator assembly 58 is anchored at a fixed pivot 60, but allowed to move up and down (in the exemplary orientation) at a movable pivot 62 distal from the fixed pivot 60. A link 64 couples the clutch actuator assembly 58 to the second clutch disk 44.

In operation, the motor 1 can be activated so that it operates the vacuum unit 11. Because the first clutch disk 42 of the clutch assembly 40 is rotationally coupled to the shaft 21, the first clutch disk 42 rotates with the shaft 21A. However, the second clutch disk 44 is only selectively rotationally coupled to the shaft 21A. Therefore, the shaft 21A rotates within the bearing 38 without necessarily rotating the second clutch disk 44 and the pulley 18 coupled thereto.

The float 56 raises as fluid rises, causing the end 62 of the clutch actuator assembly to rise. The link 64 rises and causes the second clutch disk to engage the first clutch disk 42 and become rotationally coupled. The pulley 18 rotates, causing the belt 19 to rotate. The pulley 17 rotates and causes the pump shaft 17A to rotate and operate the pump 2.

The fluid level recedes as fluid is pumped, and the float 56 lowers. The clutch actuator assembly lowers and causes the second clutch disk 44 to become disengaged from the first clutch disk 42 and therefore rotationally decoupled, this is, disengaged, to stop pump operations.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a variation of the selectively engageable drive system shown in FIG. 5. Similar elements are similarly numbered. In general, a float 56 operates the clutch actuator assembly 58 to selectively engage and disengage the clutch assembly 40. When the clutch assembly 40 is engaged and the motor 1 is operating to rotate the shaft 21A, the driving pulley 18 rotates, causing the belt 19 to rotate and thus rotating the driven pulley 17. The rotation of the driven pulley 17 causes the pump shaft 17A to rotate and thence the pump to operate. The vacuum unit 11 can vacuum debris and other vacuumed materials into a container, such as the drum 14, described above, and exhaust remaining air through the air exhaust 26. Similarly, when the pump 2 is operational, fluid can enter the pump inlet 3 (where the conduit is not shown but has been described previously), flow through the impeller of the pump and out of the pump outlet 4. The various elements described can be mounted to the lid portion 15A of the lid 15 described above. The clutch actuator can be connected on one end to a fixed pivot 60 and on another end to a movable pivot 62 that in turn is connected to the float 56.

FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic view of an embodiment of a clutch actuator assembly. In at least one embodiment, the clutch actuator assembly 58 includes a frame 66 that can be coupled on one end at a fixed pivot 60 to the lid or portion thereof, and on another end, at the movable pivot 62 to the float 56, described above. A link pivot 68 can be formed at some position between the fixed pivot 60 and the movable pivot 62. The link pivot 68 is adapted to receive the link 64 rotatably therein. One of more link couplers 70 can be used to couple the link 64 to the frame 66.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 collectively, it can be seen that the fixed pivot 60 can be coupled to the lid portion 15A while the movable pivot 62 can be coupled to the float 56. The clutch actuator assembly 58 can remain secured on the fixed pivot 60. As the float moves the frame 66 up and down, the link 64 can move a portion of the clutch assembly 40 up and down. To allow an even bearing of the clutch assembly 40 along the arc movement of the clutch actuator assembly, the link 64 can rotate in the link pivot 68.

When the second clutch disk 44 is not engaged with the first clutch disk 42, the belt 19 does not rotate and the pulley 17 coupled to the shaft 17A of the pump 2 does not rotate. When fluid causes the float 56 to raise, the movable pivot 62 from one end of the clutch actuator assembly 58 moves consistent with the float movement, that is, upward, as shown in FIG. 5. The upward movement of the movable pivot 62 causes the link 64 to also move upward and press the second clutch disk 44 against the first clutch disk 42. Upon engagement, the second clutch disk 44 rotates with the pulley 18, causing the belt 19 to rotate. The pulley 17 coupled to the shaft 17A causes the pump 2 to rotate as well. The pump continues to operate until the fluid level is decreased in the container, such as the drum, sufficiently to allow the float 56 to lower. As the float lowers, the movable pivot 62 also lowers the link 64 and the second clutch disk 44, causing a disengagement with the first clutch disk 42. The pulley 18 is no longer powered and the pump stops pumping.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another embodiment of a selectively engageable drive system. FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of the drive system of FIG. 8. Similar elements have been similarly numbered as described above. In general, this embodiment includes a clutch actuator for the pump and a clutch actuator for the vacuum unit. Further, the embodiment can include a pump clutch actuator assembly and a vacuum unit clutch actuator assembly. The system can drive both the pump and the vacuum unit through a single belt as shown in the schematic illustration of FIG. 8A. More specifically, the system includes a motor 1 having a pulley 18A rotationally coupled thereto. A drive belt 19A is rotationally coupled to the driving pulley 18A that is coupled to the motor, the driven pulley 17 that is coupled to the pump 2, and the driven pulley 21 that is coupled with the vacuum unit 11. The pulley 17 is rotationally decoupled from the pump shaft 17A when the clutch assembly 40 is disengaged by the use of bearing 38 disposed between the pulley 17 and the associated portion of the clutch assembly 40, and the shaft 17A. The clutch assembly 40 includes a first clutch disk 42 that is rotationally coupled to the shaft 17A, and a rotatable second clutch disk 44 that is rotationally disengageable from the shaft 17A. The bearing 38 is disposed between the second clutch disk 44 and the pulley 17 to allow the second clutch disk to rotate around the shaft 17A when not engaged with the first clutch disk 42.

Similarly, the embodiment can include a vacuum unit clutch assembly 72. The clutch assembly 72 can operate in a similar fashion with similar elements as have been described above with the clutch assembly 40. In general, the clutch assembly 72 can include a first clutch disk that is rotationally coupled to the shaft 21A, and a second clutch disk that is selectively rotationally decoupled from the shaft 21A by use of a bearing 82 disposed between the shaft and the second clutch disk in a similar fashion as the clutch assembly 40. When the clutch assembly 72 is actuated so that the first and second clutch disks engage, the vacuum unit 11 rotates due to the rotation of the motor through the pulley 18A and the drive belt 19A around the pulley 21.

The system further includes a method of selectively actuating the pump and the vacuum unit. A clutch actuator assembly 58, such as has been described above, can be coupled to a float 56 and the clutch assembly 40. In general, the clutch actuator assembly 58 includes a fixed pivot 60 coupled to a stationery object, such as a lid or lid portion (not shown). The clutch actuator assembly also includes a movable pivot 62 that can be coupled to the float 56 and can translate up and down in association with the float 56. The clutch actuator assembly can further include a link 64 that can be coupled with the clutch assembly 40.

In a similar fashion, a vacuum clutch actuator 74 can have a fixed pivot 76 anchored at one portion of the actuator 74, and a movable pivot 80 distal from the fixed pivot 76. A link 90 similar to the link 64 can be coupled to the second clutch disk of the clutch assembly 72, as has been described above for the second clutch disk 44. The first clutch disk of the clutch assembly 72 can be rotationally coupled to the shaft 21A as has been described above for the first disk clutch 42 of the clutch assembly 40. In at least one embodiment, the clutch actuator assembly 74 can be biased with a bias element 78 so that in a normal operating position, the clutch assembly 72 is engaged and the vacuum unit 11 can operate. While the system shown generally has the vacuum impeller engaged and the pump disengaged, other default positions can certainly be designed.

In operation, the motor 1 can be activated which in a normal position actuates the vacuum unit 11, but not the pump 2 due to the positions of the respective clutch assembly components. The vacuum unit pulls material into a container, such as a drum 14, described above. As the float rises upon fluid entering the container, the upward movement of the float raises the movable pivot 62 that also raises the link 64. The link 64 then causes the second clutch disk 44 to engage the first clutch disk 42, causing the shaft 17A to rotate. The pump is actuated to pump liquids as had been described above.

A bias element 84, such as a compressive spring, can be disposed between the float 56 and the clutch actuator assembly 58 of the pump. The bias element 84 can be compressed and allow further travel of the float 56 for engagement with the movable pivot 80. Thus, some pressure is placed on the clutch actuator assembly 58 by the upward movement of the float 56 through the bias element 84, while allowing the float to rise even after causing the clutch assembly 40 to become engaged.

If the fluid level continues to rise, the float 56 can contact the movable pivot 80 of the vacuum unit clutch actuator assembly 74 and raise the movable pivot 80. Raising the movable pivot 80 also raises the link 90, causing the clutch assembly 72 to disengage. The disengagement will stop the vacuum unit from operating, so as to avoid pulling in more material into the container, such as the drum 14. Independently, however, the pump 2 can continue to operate.

As the fluid level decreases, the float lowers which allows the movable pivot 80 to lower and the link 90 to move the link 90 in a similar fashion. The movement causes the clutch assembly 72 to re-actuate the vacuum unit 11. As the fluid continues to fall, the float lowers. The movable pivot 62 of the clutch actuator assembly 58 for the pump 2 can also lower which then allows the clutch assembly 40 to disengage and the pump stops pumping.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of the vacuum and pump system. Similar elements are similarly numbered as above. A motor 1 can be coupled to the system in the lid 15. The motor can drive a driving pulley 18A coupled to a belt 19A for both the vacuum unit 11 and the pump 2. Further, the vacuum unit 11 and pump 2 can be independently operated based upon the engagement of clutch assemblies coupled to each device. A clutch engagement switch 101 can control the operation of the vacuum unit 11, and a clutch engagement switch 102 can control the operation of the pump 2. The switches 101, 102 can be positioned external to the lid 15 for easy operator access. The switches 101, 102 can access the clutch assemblies through a clutch engagement shaft 110 for the vacuum unit 11 in a clutch engagement shaft 111 for the pump. Further, depending upon position of the switches, one or more linkages 112 can be used between the switches and the clutch assemblies. As described above, a clutch assembly 72 generally includes a first clutch disk 71 that is rotationally coupled to the shaft 21A and a rotationally decoupled second clutch disk 73 that can be selectively coupled to the first clutch disk 71. A driven pulley 21 is rotationally coupled to the second clutch disk 73. Similarly, the clutch assembly 40 can include a first clutch disk 42 rotationally coupled to the shaft 17A and associated with the pump 2. A second clutch disk 44 is rotationally coupled to the pulley 17 where both can rotate freely around the shaft 17A and be selectively decoupled when not engaged with the first disk 42. The pump can include an inlet 3 and an outlet 4. Further, the system can include a vacuum inlet 16.

In operation, the clutch engagement switch 101 can be manipulated to a vacuum position to actuate the clutch assembly 72, so that the clutch engagement shaft 110 causes the first clutch disk 71 to become engaged with the second clutch disk 73. The motor 1 rotates the pulley 18A and the belt 19A, so that power is transmitted to rotate the pulley 21 with the second clutch disk 73. The second clutch disk 73 rotates the first clutch disk 71 when engaged, causing the shaft 21A to rotate with the vacuum unit 11. The impeller of the vacuum unit 11 rotates causing a vacuum through the vacuum inlet 16 to deposit vacuumed material into the drum 14. Similarly, the clutch engagement switch 102 can activate the pump by manipulating the clutch engagement shaft 111 to engage the clutch assembly 40, so that the first clutch disk 42 engages the rotating second clutch disk 44 with the pulley 17. The engagement causes the shaft 17A to rotate to activate the pump 2 to pull fluids into the pump inlet 3 and pump the fluids out of the outlet 4. A priming hose, shown in previous figures, can be used to pull a vacuum on the pump 2 and cause the pump to be primed. The vacuum unit 11 can be shut off when the pump is operating or remain on. Further, the vacuum unit can be temporarily turned on to effect priming of the pump and then turned off. It may be advantageous to operate both the vacuum unit and the pump at the same time.

The clutch engagement switch 101 can be independently operated from the clutch engagement switch 102 in at least some embodiments. In other embodiments, due to current flow limitations, it can be advantageous to control the operation of one switch relative to the other.

The invention has been described in the context of preferred and other embodiments and not every embodiment of the invention has been described. Apparent modifications and alterations to the described embodiments are available to those of ordinary skill in the art. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the invention conceived of by the Applicants, but rather, in conformity with the patent laws, Applicants intend to protect all such modifications and improvements to the full extent that such falls within the scope or range of equivalent of the following claims.

The various methods and embodiments of the invention can be included in combination with each other to produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments, as would be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art, given the understanding provided herein. Also, various aspects of the embodiments could be used in conjunction with each other to accomplish the understood goals of the invention. Also, the directions such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” and other directions and orientations are described herein for clarity in reference to the figures and are not to be limiting of the actual device or system or use of the device or system. The term “coupled,” “coupling,” “coupler,” and like terms are used broadly herein and can include any method or device for securing, binding, bonding, fastening, attaching, joining, inserting therein, forming thereon or therein, communicating, or otherwise associating, for example, mechanically, magnetically, electrically, chemically, directly or indirectly with intermediate elements, one or more pieces of members together and can further include without limitation integrally forming one functional member with another in a unity fashion. The coupling can occur in any direction, including rotationally. Unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, should be understood to imply the inclusion of at least the stated element or step or group of elements or steps or equivalents thereof, and not the exclusion of a greater numerical quantity or any other element or step or group of elements or steps or equivalents thereof. The device or system may be used in a number of directions and orientations. Further, the order of steps can occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwise specifically limited. The various steps described herein can be combined with other steps, interlineated with the stated steps, and/or split into multiple steps. Additionally, the headings herein are for the convenience of the reader and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Further, any references mentioned in the application for this patent as well as all references listed in the information disclosure originally filed with the application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent such may be deemed essential to support the enabling of the invention. However, to the extent statements might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of the invention, such statements are expressly not meant to be considered as made by the Applicant(s).

Claims

1. A wet and dry vacuum system, comprising:

a container having a waste portion for containing waste of the vacuum system;

a vacuum unit coupled to a container;

a pump fluidicly disposed above the waste portion of the container; and

at least one motor adapted to drive the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pump priming hose coupled to the pump and adapted to use negative pressure to prime the pump.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the priming hose is fluidicly coupled to a vacuum chamber intake to create a vacuum on the pump with the priming hose.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a vacuum flow restrictor coupled to the vacuum chamber intake to restrict flow through the vacuum chamber intake.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the flow restrictor is slidably coupled to the vacuum chamber intake to be moved between a closed position and an open position.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the flow restrictor is rotatably coupled to the vacuum chamber intake to be rotated between a closed position and an open position.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the priming hose is coupled to the container, wherein the container is under vacuum during operation of the vacuum unit.

8. The system of claim 2, further comprising a priming switch adapted to control the opening and closing of the priming hose.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising an idler drive system adapted to selectively couple and decouple the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the idler drive system comprises at least one idler set having at least one idler pulley and adapted to be moved from a first position to a second position relative to the vacuum unit or the pump to selectively couple and decouple the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the idler drive system comprises two idler sets, each set having at least one idler pulley and adapted to be moved from a first position to a second position relative to the vacuum unit and the pump.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein a vacuum idler set is disposed in relation to the vacuum unit and a pump idler set is disposed in relation to the pump, wherein the vacuum unit is coupled to the motor when the vacuum idler set is disposed in the first position and the pump idler set is disposed in the first position.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein a vacuum idler set is disposed in relation to the vacuum unit and a pump idler set is disposed in relation to the pump, wherein the pump is coupled to the motor when the vacuum idler set is disposed in the second position and the pump idler set is disposed in the second position.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein a vacuum idler set is disposed in relation to the vacuum unit and a pump idler set is disposed in relation to the pump, wherein the vacuum unit and the pump are coupled to the motor when the vacuum idler set is disposed in one of the first or second positions and the pump idler set is disposed in the opposite of the first or second positions from the vacuum idler set.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein a single motor is adapted to drive the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof are selectively engageable.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the vacuum unit and the pump have independent operating speeds using the same motor.

18. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first motor to drive the vacuum unit and a second motor to drive the pump.

19. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more controls adapted to restrict operation of the pump when the vacuum unit is operating and to restrict operation of the vacuum unit when the pump is operating.

20. The system of claim 1, further comprising an independent flow path for the pump to pump fluids compared to a flow path for the vacuum unit to vacuum materials.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the pump is adapted to pump liquids stored in the container.

22. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one clutch assembly adapted to selectively couple and decouple the motor from operation of the pump, the vacuum unit, or a combination thereof.

23. The system of claim 22, further comprising at least one float coupled to a container, the container being adapted to contain fluid to be pumped and the float being adapted to control operation of the pump, the vacuum unit, or a combination thereof.

24. A method of operating a wet and dry vacuum system having a vacuum unit coupled to a container with a waste portion for holding vacuumed material and a separate pump distinct from the vacuum unit, the pump being fluidicly disposed above the waste portion of the container, comprising:

operating the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising priming the pump by using a vacuum pressure created by operation of the system.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein priming the pump comprises operating the vacuum unit to create the vacuum to prime the pump.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein priming the pump comprises at least partially blocking an air flow through a vacuum chamber intake.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein priming the pump comprises using a vacuum created in the container to prime the pump.

29. The method of claim 26, further comprising at least temporarily ceasing operating the vacuum unit after the pump is primed.

30. The method of claim 24, further comprising operating the system with a motor selectively engageable with the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof.

31. The method of claim 24, further comprising selectively coupling and decoupling the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof from the motor.

32. The method of claim 24, wherein selectively coupling and decoupling comprises adjusting engagement of an idler drive system with the motor and the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the idler drive system comprises a vacuum idler set and a pump idler set, each set having at least one idler pulley, and wherein adjusting the engagement comprises adjusting the vacuum idler set position relative to the vacuum unit and adjusting the pump idler set position relative to the pump.

34. The method of claim 24, further comprising operating the vacuum unit at a different speed than the pump using the same motor.

35. The method of claim 24, further comprising restricting the pump from operating when the vacuum unit is operating and restricting the vacuum unit from operating when the pump is operating.

36. The method of claim 24, pumping liquids through a separate flow path from the vacuum unit.

37. A wet and dry vacuum system, comprising:

a vacuum unit;

a pump;

at least one motor adapted to drive the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof; and

a means for controlling a coupling and decoupling of the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof with the motor.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein the means for controlling the coupling and decoupling comprises a drive system that can be selectively engaged and disengaged with the vacuum unit, the pump, or a combination thereof with the motor.