Fluid Sump Patents (Class 137/565.37)
  • Patent number: 10584473
    Abstract: An example system includes a sewage pit; a suction pipe extending into the sewage pit; and a valve between the sewage pit and a vacuum pipe having a vacuum pressure. The valve is controllable to close or to open to allow content to flow from the sewage pit, through the suction pipe, to the vacuum pipe. A sensor tube extends into the sewage pit to sense a fill level of the sewage pit. The suction pipe is configured as a back-up to the sensor tube for sensing the fill level of the sewage pit. The valve is controllable based on a pressure in at least one of the suction pipe or the sensor tube meeting or exceeding a predefined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: LEGEND ENERGY ADVISORS
    Inventor: Daniel Crosby
  • Patent number: 10555463
    Abstract: A method for maintaining soil moisture for a garden via a sump pump includes installing an irrigation sump pump in a sump pit; providing a water storage container; connecting a first conduit to the irrigation sump pump and the water storage container, the first conduit promotes water transfer from the sump pit to the water storage container; disposing at least one water distribution member at a predetermined area of a garden; connecting a second conduit to the water storage container and at least one water distribution member, the second conduit promotes water transfer from the water storage container to the one or more water distribution members; controlling the water level in the sump pit; controlling the water level in the water storage container from exceeding a predetermined high water level via an overflow pipe; installing at least one moisture measuring member or controller for determining a moisture content for at least one predetermined area of the garden; and distributing water upon a predetermined
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventor: Peter Bohler
  • Patent number: 10233932
    Abstract: An electric motor driven that includes a pump body and a motor body having a rotor enclosure coupled to the pump body. The motor body further includes a rotatable impeller arranged on a first side of the rotor enclosure. An electric motor arranged on a second side of the rotor enclosure, opposite the first side, the electric motor having a stator, at least one stator coil, terminals connected to the stator coil and a rotor, the rotor including a shaft that is coupled with the impeller. A cover is disposed over the electric motor, the cover having an open end that is attached to the rotor enclosure in a manner that produces a leak-tight chamber inside the cover, the stator and stator coil being arranged inside the leak-tight chamber, the leak-tight chamber being filled with a non-gaseous filler material, the non-gaseous filler material having a thermal conductivity greater than air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: COPRECI, S. COOP.
    Inventors: Rodrigo Orue Orue, Joseba Barbara Ganzabal
  • Publication number: 20150122355
    Abstract: An effluent container may include: a first sheet of material; a second sheet of material being attached to the first sheet of material so as to form a container, first and second liners are secured to the respective first and second sheets with securing sheets; at least one of either attaching structure located on the container configured to allow the container to be attached to a structure and closure structure located on the both the first and second sheets of material at the open end, the closure structure configured to allow the container to be closed onto a structure; and a drain located on one of the sheets at an end opposite the open end, the drain configured to provide selective fluid communication between the interior of the container and an outside of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: The Blast Bag Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny EARP
  • Publication number: 20150090512
    Abstract: A fuel tank and pump assembly is provided for supporting a fuel pump on a fuel tank, with a pump support member provided on a tank outer wall of the fuel tank. The fuel pump includes a pumping portion which is inserted into the fuel tank through a pump attachment opening formed a main tank body of the fuel tank. The pump support member includes a plurality of arcuate support plate elements arranged around the pump attachment opening. The fuel pump is secured to fastening sections provided on the support plate elements, and is attached to a main tank body at the pump attachment opening in a sealed, liquid tight manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Yusuke INOUE, Kohei HIRANO
  • Patent number: 8950427
    Abstract: A water transport system comprising a first container, a second container, a mechanical connector fixing the first and second containers to each other and/or a towing vehicle, and a control device. The water transport system may be used in a method of water management for recreational vehicles (RV), trailers, or motor homes. The water transport system may be sized and configured to fit in a bed of the towing vehicle used for towing the RV, trailer, or motor home. The second container may be coupled to a macerator pump of the RV, trailer, or motor home to receive wastewater therefrom and the control device may be configured to automatically shut off the macerator pump when the second container is full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventors: Eugene F. Gallo, Amy-Noelle Gallo
  • Patent number: 8887759
    Abstract: A top for a table, desk, counter or the like includes a watertight tank with a clear top surface. A mirror or other surface having dimensions less than the outer dimensions of the tank is positioned in the tank below the top. The tank is filled with a liquid to a level below the mirror such that air remains in the space between the top surface and the surface to the mirror. A pump discharges the liquid through tubes positioned around the perimeter of the tank in the space between the top surface and the surface of the mirror, causing bubbles to form and circulate in the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Warren G. Cole
  • Patent number: 8881765
    Abstract: A reservoir is located in a fuel tank. The reservoir is in a bottomed tubular shape having a periphery defining an opening. A lid member is located in the fuel tank and mounted to the periphery of the reservoir to close the opening. A pump unit is partially accommodated in the reservoir to discharge fuel stored in the reservoir to an exterior of the fuel tank. The pump unit is located at a position offset from a center axis of the lid member. The pump unit has a projection projected from the lid member to an exterior of the reservoir. A remaining quantity detector is configured to detect a quantity of fuel in the fuel tank. The remaining quantity detector is located at a remaining space remaining in the fuel tank. The remaining space is located on the lid member and located around the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Okazono, Shinobu Oikawa, Hironobu Oki
  • Publication number: 20140299196
    Abstract: A water lifting system, in particular a fire extinguishing system for offshore installations, such as oil and/or gas production platforms or ships or the like, and a method for operating a water lifting system, is provided. The system includes a pump, a pump-turbine assembly having a pump unit and a turbine unit, and a line connecting the pump-turbine assembly's pump unit output opening and the pump suction opening through which a volume flow (QS) is conducted. The volume flow (QS) include a first partial volume flow (QF) and a second partial volume flow (QT). The first partial volume flow (QF) is conducted to at least one water extraction point and the second partial volume flow (QT) is conducted to the input opening of the pump-turbine assembly's turbine unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Heng, Benedikt Freienstein
  • Publication number: 20140224285
    Abstract: A dishwasher enabling wash water to be reused, and a method of controlling the same, include a body provided with a washing tub on which dishware is disposed to be washed, a sump unit provided at a lower side of the body, and configured to accommodate wash water and pump the accommodated wash water, a spray nozzle configured to receive the wash water from the sump unit and spray the wash water to the washing tub, a storage tank provided at a lower side of the body and configured to accommodate used wash water which is supplied from the sump unit, a water supply pipe connecting the sump unit to the storage tank, and a pump connected to the water supply pipe and configured to pump the wash water being accommodated in the sump unit to the storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyung Kwen HAM, Jung Yoon Hahm, Dong Ho Park, Keon Ho Hong
  • Publication number: 20140116547
    Abstract: A fuel supply device comprises a fuel tank, a reserve cup, a fuel pump, a jet pump, a fuel supply path, an air introducing path, and a gating mechanism. A fuel pump is disposed inside the reserve cup, and configured to inhale fuel in the reserve cup to exhale a part of the fuel to outside the fuel tank. A fuel supply path connects the fuel pump with the jet pump, and is configured to supply the other part of the fuel exhaled by the fuel pump to the jet pump. An air introducing path is in communication with the fuel supply path, and includes an air hole configured to introduce air from outside the fuel pump. A gating mechanism is configured to close the air hole when the fuel pump is driven, and to open the air hole when the fuel pump stops driving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ASIAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Honda
  • Patent number: 8689827
    Abstract: A support shaft connects between a flange and a pump unit. An intermediate member, which connects between the support shaft and pump unit, enables a relative positional change between the support shaft and the pump unit in an axial direction of the support shaft. The intermediate member limits a relative positional change between the support shaft and the pump unit in a circumferential direction of the support shaft. A resilient member is received in the support shaft and exerts a restoring force in an axial direction of the support shaft to urge the pump unit, which is movable relative to the support shaft in the axial direction, toward a bottom portion of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Okazono, Shinobu Oikawa, Kiyomori Kobayashi, Norihiro Hayashi, Shinji Noda, Hiroshi Morishita, Kazuki Matsubara, Kouji Maruyama, Masato Inoue, Hironobu Oki
  • Publication number: 20140069538
    Abstract: A water removal device to withdraw virtually all the water from the drain in the bottom of a swimming pool comprising an elongated lower suction or vacuum housing including a plurality of perforations or holes formed therein to receive water from a pool drain and an upper suction or vacuum source to create a suction or vacuum to draw water from the pool drain through the perforations or holes into and through the lower suction or vacuum housing to remove the water from the pool drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Foster
  • Publication number: 20140060682
    Abstract: A fuel supply system includes a fuel pump configured to pump fuel from a first fuel storage location to an engine. A jet pump is configured to receive an auxiliary supply of fuel from the fuel pump and to return the auxiliary supply of fuel plus an additional flow of fuel drawn from a second fuel storage location to the first fuel storage location. A jet pump supply line has an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the fuel pump and has an outlet coupled to an inlet of the jet pump. A jet pump return line has an input coupled to an outlet of the jet pump and has an outlet adjacent to the fuel pump. A shut-off valve operates to selectively limit fuel flow through the jet pump return line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Paul E. Fisher, Paul Mason
  • Patent number: 8631821
    Abstract: Described are flexible sumps including a sump cavity comprising flexible walls and a platform coupled to an upper edge of the sump cavity. Some examples of the flexible sumps may also include a flange having a coupling section and an exposed section and/or an interface coupled to a lower surface of the sump cavity. In some examples, at least two coupling tabs are coupled to the platform and are configured to couple the platform to a lower surface of a fuel structure, which may include a sump aperture that is configured to surround the flexible walls of the sump cavity when the platform is coupled to the lower surface of the fuel structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Aerazur S.A.
    Inventor: Christophe Mendes
  • Publication number: 20130255805
    Abstract: The fuel supply device includes a fuel pump configured to supply fuel from a fuel tank to an outside; a set plate set on an opening of the fuel tank and including a fuel chamber in which the fuel is stored; a fuel supply passage configured to supply the fuel chamber with a part of the fuel from the fuel pump; and a first electronic circuit disposed on the set plate. An outlet configured to discharge the fuel from the fuel chamber to the fuel tank is formed in the fuel chamber. A part of the first electronic circuit is exposed in the fuel chamber of the set plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Masaki Ikeya
  • Publication number: 20130206246
    Abstract: Appliance pedestal that contains liquid leaks due to condensation, overflow, or system failure originating from the supported liquid filled or handling appliance, provides for multiple methods of discharge of collected liquids, and reduces installation and maintenance requirements and their associated hazards and provides an improved ergonomic operating position for the appliance operator. There is also a system to facilitate the movement of an appliance or pedestal supporting an appliance along a supporting surface. That system includes a chamber located at or proximate to the bottom of the appliance or pedestal having a plurality of openings formed therein. The chamber is pressurized to create a plurality of jets where fluid passes outwardly from the jets toward the supporting surface. The jets raise or float the appliance or the pedestal raising the appliance upwardly off of the supporting surface and allows the easy movement of the appliance along that supporting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Edward A. Chilcoat
  • Patent number: 8424566
    Abstract: A fluid transfer system includes a fluid supply source. The fluid supply source includes at least one wall extending from a floor. The fluid transfer system also includes at least one fluid transfer apparatus positioned within the fluid supply source. The fluid transfer system further includes a fluid control system. The fluid control system includes a plate coupled within the fluid supply source at least partially between the wall and the at least one fluid transfer apparatus. The fluid control system also includes at least one partition extending from the plate between the wall and the at least one fluid transfer apparatus. The at least one partition cooperates with the plate to at least partially direct fluid flow into the at least one fluid transfer apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Laxmikant Merchant, Jitendra Harish Bijlani, Robert L. Baran, Venkateswara Rao Akana
  • Publication number: 20130068328
    Abstract: A gerotor pump assembly includes a gerotor pump and a relief valve assembly. The relief valve assembly is operably coupled to the pump housing and includes a relief valve inlet in fluid communication with a compression portion of the pump housing, a relief valve outlet defining a first seating surface, and a valve element sized to extend over the relief valve outlet and defining a second seating surface configured for engagement with the first seating surface. The valve element is deformable between a normal position, in which the second seating surface engages the first seating surface, and a deflected position, in which the second seating surface is spaced from the first seating surface to relieve fluid pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Shailendra Kashinath Kardile, Joe Ralph Baird, Yuanhong Guan
  • Publication number: 20120234414
    Abstract: A fuel pump module may include a reservoir, a flange, and a rod. The reservoir may be configured to contain fuel. The flange may be configured to rest on a surface about a hole in a fuel tank, and the flange may include a groove disposed on an underside surface of the flange. The rod may be inserted into the groove and may couple the flange to the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Patrick Powell
  • Patent number: 8113237
    Abstract: A system for controlling the level of hydraulic fluid between a first and second sump in a transmission includes a valve assembly located within the first sump. The valve assembly includes a valve that is moveable between two positions. The valve assembly includes first and second inlet ports that communicate with the first sump and an outlet port that communicates with the second sump. The second inlet port has an opening that is located higher than an opening to the first inlet port. Hydraulic fluid within the first sump communicates through the first inlet port to the outlet port when the valve is in the first position, and hydraulic fluid within the first sump communicates through the second inlet port to the outlet port when the valve is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Charles Alan Barker, Walter Eric Palmer
  • Patent number: 7934519
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve unit for a microfluid system comprising a first and a second fluid reservoir, a flow chamber, a fluid channel array and a conveying means, said first fluid reservoir being, via the flow chamber, in fluidic communication with the second fluid reservoir through the fluid channel array, wherein the valve unit can be brought from a first state to a second state so that, in said first state, a fluid can be conveyed by the conveying means from said first fluid reservoir through the flow chamber in a predetermined direction of flow into the second fluid reservoir, and so that, in said second state, a fluid can be conveyed by the conveying means from said second fluid reservoir through the flow chamber in a predetermined direction of flow into the first fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: ibidi GmbH
    Inventor: Roman Zantl
  • Publication number: 20100101657
    Abstract: A method and system for improving gas exchange properties of oxygenators which utilize hollow fiber membranes for removing carbon dioxide or adding oxygen to a patient's blood via extracorporeal circulation by removing moisture accumulating in the fibers are disclosed. The system utilizes a vacuum source for drawing sweep gas into the oxygenator, a moisture collection unit for storing moisture removed from the oxygenator, the moisture collecting unit being in communication with the oxygenator and the vacuum source and a flow control mechanism having an open position which allows sweep gas exiting the oxygenator to flow to the moisture collecting unit and a closed position which stops the flow of sweep gas from the oxygenator to the moisture collecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: ALUNG TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Scott W. Morley, Paul Bieniek, Meir Rosenberg
  • Publication number: 20100051127
    Abstract: An arrangement for drawing fluid from a sump (10), comprising a pump (24), a draft tube (12) extending from the pump (24), into the sump (10), said draft tube (12) having an opening within the sump (10) and a canopy defined by roof and side walls surrounding said opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: KIRLOSKAR BROTHERS LIMITED
    Inventors: Ramesh Kumar Shrivastav, Jagadish Trimbak Kshirsagar, Shyam Narayan Shukla
  • Patent number: 7549442
    Abstract: A pump intake apparatus for directing fluid flow to a pump. The pump intake assembly includes a pump intake column having a pump bell and a pump intake pit. The intake pit includes an upper intake pit encircling the pump intake column and has a tapered inner surface providing the upper intake pit with a decreasing cross-sectional area to accelerate the fluid flow toward the pump bell. The upper intake pit may include at least one vane extending inwardly from the inner surface of the upper intake pit to suppress rotation of a fluid flowing through the upper intake pit. The intake pit further includes a lower intake pit floor positioned substantially below the pump bell and including a projection member upwardly extending from a central region of the lower intake pit floor toward the pump bell. The lower intake pit floor has a substantially curvilinear surface interconnecting the upper intake pit to the projection member to redirect and accelerate fluid flow toward the pump bell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Brown and Caldwell
    Inventor: Garr Morgan Jones
  • Patent number: 7534070
    Abstract: A water collection and distribution system for yard maintenance includes a buried reservoir for collecting water from the roof of a structure and a submersed pump in the reservoir for supplying contained water to a pressurized manifold having outlets available for yard maintenance activities. One of the outlets is connected with a premix catch basin upstream of the reservoir in which additives may be mixed for storage in and dispensing from the reservoir. Another outlet is connected to spray nozzles in the reservoir for agitating the additive mixture. The system may also collect gray water from washing activities to supplement water for ground maintenance or for recycling to a flushing system for operation of toilets in the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Mark C. Urban
  • Publication number: 20080115847
    Abstract: An oil suction device for an automatic transmission includes: an oil pan that receives oil supplied to various portions of the automatic transmission and returned to the oil pan and reserves the received oil therein; an oil strainer located over the oil pan; a suction port drawing in the oil reserved in the oil pan; and an elastic wall provided selectively between a portion of the oil pan that receives a relatively small amount of the oil returned to the oil pan and the suction port, the elastic wall extending from a bottom surface of the oil pan and reaching a lower surface of the oil strainer to interrupt a flow of oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirofumi Fujita, Kazuyuki Watanabe, Kazuaki Nakamura, Takeshi Ishiwada
  • Patent number: 7255730
    Abstract: A fluid deceleration device is provided for a hydraulic system having a housing forming a sump, and a valve unit having an outlet port through which hydraulic fluid is expelled for communication to the sump. The fluid deceleration device includes an elongated tilted fluid container and a conduit which communicates fluid from the outlet port to an interior of the container. The container has an upper open end surrounded by a lip. When the container is filled, de-aerated fluid spills over the lip and falls into the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Gaylen Eugene Hicok
  • Patent number: 7207748
    Abstract: A water collection and distribution system for yard maintenance includes a buried reservoir for collecting water from the roof of a structure and a submersed pump in the reservoir for supplying contained water to a pressurized manifold having outlets available for yard maintenance activities. One of the outlets is connected with a premix catch basin upstream of the reservoir in which additives may be mixed for storage in and dispensing from the reservoir. Another outlet is connected to spray nozzles in the reservoir for agitating the additive mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Mark C. Urban
  • Patent number: 7055546
    Abstract: A fluid intake pressure regulating system of this invention maintains the pressure of fluid entering a pump below a preselected level for avoiding undesirably high fluid discharge pressure exiting the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventors: John E. McLaughlin, Neocles G. Athanasiades, Toh M. Meng
  • Patent number: 6776185
    Abstract: A grounded jet pump assembly for a fuel system of a vehicle includes a fuel reservoir and a grounded fuel component disposed in the fuel reservoir. The grounded jet pump assembly also includes a jet pump having an outlet extending into the fuel reservoir and a grounding member at the outlet of the jet pump for contacting flow of fuel from the jet pump and contacting the grounded fuel component to complete an electrical circuit for grounding the jet pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Farrar, Chris I. Witherspoon, Anthony P. Nedella
  • Patent number: 6739999
    Abstract: A fluid recovery system for an automatic transmission unit of a vehicle, provided with a tank containing a fluid, a hydraulic circuit receiving this fluid from the tank, an electrovalve unit supplied by the hydraulic circuit and adapted to control actuator units in order to actuate the opening and closing of a clutch and to perform the selection and engagement/disengagement of the gears of a gear change, the system comprising at least one collection zone adapted to recover the fluid escaping from the actuator units and at least one duct connecting the collection zone to the tank so that the fluid recovered in the collection zone can be returned to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Medico
  • Patent number: 6679279
    Abstract: A fluidic valve (125, 300, 500, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) switches a state of flow of a fluid in a fluid communication channel of a fluid guiding structure (505). Heating a bi-phase valve element (515, 1065, 1215) causes a change a state of the bi-phase valve element from a high viscosity state to a low viscosity state. A bi-phase valve element that clogs the fluid communication channel can be pushed into an expanded portion (135, 320, 520, 915, 1220) of the fluid communication channel by an application of pressure to the fluid while the bi-phase valve element is in the low viscosity state, unclogging the fluid communication channel. A bi-phase valve element can be pushed from a valve element source chamber (550, 1250) into the fluid communication channel by using a pumped fluid entering the source chamber at a pump inlet (551) while the bi-phase valve element is in the low viscosity state, clogging the fluid communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Hui Liu, Justin J. Bonanno, Piotr Grodzinski, Randall Stevens
  • Patent number: 6536468
    Abstract: A whirlpool reduction cap. The cap for redirecting fluid flow towards an exit port or drain in a vessel comprises a top solid surface area greater than or equal to the area of the exit port, a base connected to the exit port, a side wall positioned between the top surface and the exit port, and an inlet positioned in the side wall, thereby reducing formation of a vortex as a fluid is drained from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kinetics Chempure Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Wilmer, David R. Kuyat
  • Patent number: 6491060
    Abstract: A sewage system comprising a network of sewage sumps that temporarily store sewage produced in a dwelling or other structure, each of said sumps preferably comprising a computer controller for operating a pump in the sump such that the sewage collected in the sump may be pumped out of the sump and into the collection system in a controlled manner to regulate the flow of sewage material in the system. The regulation of the sewage flow permits the efficient operation of a sewage treatment facility that receives sewage from the network of sewage sumps by insulating the facility from the peak burdens that would be placed on it at certain times of day in the absence of a system that regulates sewage flow into the system at the source of the sewage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Little Giant Pump Company
    Inventor: Kevin D. Struthers
  • Patent number: 6460562
    Abstract: A fuel tank system for a vehicle, the fuel tank system having multiple independent tanks fluidly connected to a single fuel filling port on the vehicle, and a T-connector for directing the fuel to the multiple tanks. The fuel filling port is fluidly connected to the tanks through the T-connector, which is configured to direct the fuel to one of tanks until that tank is filled, and then to divert the fuel to the second tank. The second tank includes a vapor vent, and both tanks are connected by a vapor line, the vapor venting system configured so that a nozzle shut-off back pressure is not developed until the second tank is filled to its fill line. The configuration of the dual tanks and their fluid connection to the fuel inlet port allows the tanks to be substantially filled independently of relative fill levels between tanks, fuel and ambient temperature, fuel reid vapor pressure, or vehicle attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Mitchell E. Hart
  • Patent number: 6405748
    Abstract: A trailer and fuel tank assembly are disclosed. The fuel tank preferably forms the body of the trailer. The fuel tank may include a recess in the top surface for receiving the motor and/or pump, which may lower the pump closer to the ground to increase the suction performance of the pump. The bottom surface of the fuel tank may be bowed upward. This may cause any contaminants in the fuel tank to collect along the edges of the tank. Drain ports, positioned near the edges of the tank, can then be used to drain the contaminants from the tank. To easily attach accessories to the trailer, one or more track bars may be mounted to the trailer body. The track bars preferably include an elongate channel and an elongate slot. By placing an insert inside of the channel and bolting the accessory to the insert through the longitudinally extending slot, the accessories can be easily attached to the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventors: David Muhs, Gianfranco Parma
  • Patent number: 6386231
    Abstract: Hand operated, functional pump systems to pump fresh water from a hose connection or permanent connection comprise novel flow control mechanisms wherein the principal embodiment utilizes a piston rod, piston head arrangement sliding within a cylindrical jacket to expose water intake ports to outlet manifold ports through the action of a pump handle thereby controlling the flow of water to an outlet spout. In another embodiment, tandem valves, in one model, are controlled by a novel linkage arrangement to open and close each valve in a predetermined manner to allow or stop the flow of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: James Elser
  • Patent number: 6378554
    Abstract: A sewage system comprising a network of sewage sumps that temporarily store sewage produced in a dwelling or other structure, each of said sumps preferably comprising a computer controller for operating a pump in the sump such that the sewage collected in the sump may be pumped out of the sump and into the collection system in a controlled manner to regulate the flow of sewage material in the system. The regulation of the sewage flow permits the efficient operation of a sewage treatment facility that receives sewage from the network of sewage sumps by insulating the facility from the peak burdens that would be placed on it at certain times of day in the absence of a system that regulates sewage flow into the system at the source of the sewage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Little Giant Pump Company
    Inventor: Kevin D. Struthers
  • Patent number: 6371158
    Abstract: A hydraulic system having a standpipe in a sump with ports on the side of the standpipe and one smaller port on the top of the standpipe. The majority of the oil flows into the standpipe through the side ports thereby reducing the downward suction and flow at the top of the standpipe to eliminate the formation of a vortex at the top of the standpipe. As a result, less air is drawn into the oil producing a more consistent oil/air mixture and more consistent sump oil level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Yifei Raymond Hou, Derek Malcolm Eagles
  • Patent number: 6345644
    Abstract: A device for preventing freezing of a pipeline has a pipe bringable into contact with the pipeline and having a supply branch and a return branch, a container for accommodating a heating medium, a unit for supplying the heating medium into the supply branch and returning the medium from the return branch back into the container, and a heating unit for heating the container and therefore the heating medium so that the heated medium is supplied from the container into the supply branch, transfers heat to the pipeline and returns through the return branch back into the container for further reheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Cora Marguerite McLeod
  • Patent number: 6302144
    Abstract: A vehicle fuel system has an electronic control module received within a fuel tank to send data to and receive data from the electronic control unit (ECU) for the vehicle engine and other vehicle control systems, to provide an electronic control of the vehicle fuel system and to receive signals from one or more sensors mounted within the fuel tank which provide information about the operation of the fuel system. The fuel system integrates a plurality of components into the vehicle fuel tank to reduce the number of openings through the vehicle fuel tank and the number of external connections which must be made in assembly of the fuel system into a vehicle. By disposing a fuel vapor canister within the fuel tank, each vapor vent valve within the fuel tank can communicate completely within the tank with the vapor canister with a single outlet extending from the fuel tank to communicate fuel vapor from the canister with an intake manifold of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Walbro Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph M. Graham, Peter P. Kuperus, Ronald H. Roche, Charles H Tuckey, Matthew L. Werner
  • Patent number: 6286545
    Abstract: A reservoir for power steering fluid includes an upright housing that forms an upper interior space for storage of a reserve fluid supply, and a lower interior space containing a fluid filter. Fluid connectors are provided for causing fluid to flow in a circumferential swirling pattern as it moves through the filter, such that the flowing fluid has a relatively long residence time in the lower portion of the reservoir for achievement of an effective cooling action. The fluid filter is connected in a return line form the power steering unit to the associated pump, so that the filter exerts a back pressure on fluid flowing from the power steering unit to the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, TRW Inc
    Inventors: Daniel Moy, David Kaminski, John E Saarinen
  • Patent number: 6260577
    Abstract: The dispensing assembly for transferring at least two liquid components from a remote source to a metering device and for replenishing component accumulators independently of whether the unit is metering or not, comprises a metering device for at least two components with a metering pump and a remote bulk container for each component, whereby for each component the bulk container is connected via a low pressure transfer pump and low pressure transfer hose to a pump inlet adaptor of the metering pump as well as to an accumulator assembly situated immediately before the inlet of the metering pump. This allows the use of low pressure transfer and low pressure metering systems instead of high pressure metering and high pressure transfer systems and hence lower cost dispensing assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Wilhelm A. Keller
  • Patent number: 6220283
    Abstract: A reservoir for power steering fluid includes an upright housing that forms an upper interior space for storage of a reserve fluid supply, and a lower interior space containing a fluid filter.* Fluid connectors are provided** for causing fluid to flow in a circumferential swirling pattern as it moves through the filter, such that the flowing fluid has a relatively long residence time in the lower portion of the reservoir for achievement of an effective cooling action. The fluid filter is connected in a return line from the power steering unit to the associated pump, so that filtered liquid is supplied to the pump. The fluid filter is preferably a flat disk-like filter unit located in a horizontal plane between the inlet fluid connector and the outlet fluid connector. *The upper interior space and lower interior space containing a fluid filter are separated by a frusto conical partition. Residence of the fluid above the frusto conical partition allows air entrained in the fluid to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, TRW Inc.
    Inventors: John E Saarinen, Lacramioara Romagnoli, Daniel Moy
  • Patent number: 6176260
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a motor vehicle, comprising a tank body with a smaller reservoir which is arranged therein and which is inserted into the tank body through a closable opening in the wall thereof, and joined thereto. The reservoir is deformable at least in portions of the wall defining same. After the reservoir has been at least partially inserted into the tank body, it undergoes a change in shape resulting in an increase in its volume within the tank body and a change in its cross-section such that the largest cross-section of the reservoir is larger than the cross-section of the opening of the wall in the tank body, that is available for insertion of the reservoir. The reservoir is defined at its ends by rigid components and the deformable wall portion of the reservoir is in the region between those components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rainer Hahner, R{umlaut over (u)}diger Walter, Axel Wagner, Andreas G. R. Puempel, Lou Savoni, Jim Siekmann