Priming With Liquid Level Responsive Control Patents (Class 417/200)
  • Patent number: 11674516
    Abstract: An electric priming pump device detachably couples to a centrifugal water pump on the suction side of the water pump, for priming thereof. The device comprises an enclosure and a base, wherein the enclosure contains a rotary vane peripheral bypass vacuum motor which is pressed against the base to form an air-tight seal. The device generates a vacuum for priming through use of a rotary vane peripheral bypass vacuum motor, which can remove large volumes of air quickly. An opening in the base receives a check valve fitting to protect the motor from water and slows loss of vacuum pressure after use. Additionally, a cone shaped protective cover protects components in the device and provides space for branding or advertisement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventor: Joshua J. McPherson
  • Patent number: 11199167
    Abstract: A fuel pump, in which a connecting piece for a fuel line and electrical connecting lines are radially guided in a motor housing, includes an electric motor. The motor housing has a section made of plastic such that the fuel pump has reduced axial dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Vitesco Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Becker, Michael Bämpfer, Jens Missun, Marc Völker
  • Patent number: 10426991
    Abstract: An exercise device for performing multiple exercise movements. The device includes a track, a track carriage, and a variable resistance system so that users can exercise multiple muscle groups. The resistance system provides assistance to the user during certain exercise movements and increased difficulty during other exercise movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Larry W. Barnett
  • Patent number: 9810241
    Abstract: A pumping system featuring a pump chamber configured with a central portion having a tangential outlet, and configured with a tubular coupling end portion having inwardly flexible rim portions on one side; and a mounting base, having a circular portion with an inner circumferential rim configured to receive and engage the inwardly flexible rim portions of the tubular coupling portion of the pump chamber so as to be rotationally coupled to the pumping chamber so that the pumping chamber may be rotated 360° in relation to the mounting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: FLOW CONTROL LLC
    Inventors: William A. Gell, III, Jeffrey D. Lopes, Jesus Estrada, Randall H. Moormann
  • Patent number: 8967274
    Abstract: A pumping system is disclosed comprising a supply pipe, a delivery pipe, a pump capable of pumping a liquid, a first tank with a top port and a bottom port, a second tank with top port and a bottom port, a first pipe switcher operable to switch connections the supply/delivery pipes and the top ports, and a second pipe switcher operable to switch connections between the bottom ports and the pump inlet/outlet. The pipe switchers serve to switch input and output connections such that the tanks are swapped from a position between the supply pipe and the pump inlet and a position between the pump outlet and the delivery pipe. Uses for cooling systems, air compressors, deep wells, and oil extraction are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Jasim Saleh Al-Azzawi
  • Patent number: 8740576
    Abstract: A pumping system and a method for pumping liquid from a lower level to an operatively higher level are disclosed. The pumping system includes a pumping device, a bent delivery conduit, a single control port opening and control elements. The conduit has an operatively inclined ascending conduit section; an operatively inclined descending conduit section and an operatively horizontal peak section between the inclined sections; one end of the ascending conduit fitted to the outlet of the pumping device and one end of the descending conduit being below liquid level of the higher level. The single port opening is provided at the junction between the horizontal peak section and the descending conduit section, and spaced apart from the ascending conduit junction. The control elements introduce pressurized air into and evacuate air from the delivery conduit through the single port opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Rahul Nanubhai Amin
    Inventor: Madhav Shrinivas Konnur
  • Patent number: 8662862
    Abstract: A self priming pump system that includes a motor coupled to a centrifugal pump for driving the centrifugal pump. A separator having a reservoir is provided for storing a limited amount of pumped fluid in advance of the centrifugal pump. A vacuum source provides a vacuum suction to the reservoir to draw pumped fluid into the reservoir to prime the pump. To increase the reliability of the vacuum pump system, a deflector and/or extension may be provided in the reservoir to help prevent pumped fluid from entering the vacuum pump input. Also, the configuration of a tank used to store liquid for the vacuum pump system may be configured to separate and collect sediments near a drain port, which then can be easily drained. For positive head pressures, one or more valves may be used to prevent pumped fluid from escaping the reservoir, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Water Management Systems, LLC
    Inventor: David Muhs
  • Publication number: 20130280107
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pump device for operating vacuum drainage systems and for pumping sewage, in particular on watercrafts. This pump device comprises a drive device having a drive shaft that comprises a first shaft end and a second shaft end and can be rotated by means of the drive device. The pump device further comprises a centrifugal pump which has at least one impeller that is connected in a torque-proof manner to the drive shaft in the region of the first shaft end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: HERBORNER PUMPENFABRIK J.H. HOFFMANN GMBH & CO., KG
    Inventors: Sascha Korupp, Michael Kahsnitz
  • Patent number: 8366883
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: David F. Bednarek, Robert Andrew Charles, Andrew Coll, Jason A. Demers, Timothy P. Duggan, Gustav Heinzmann, Joseph A. Hoell, Jr., James L. Jackson, Scott A. Leonard, David W. McGill, Kingston Owens
  • Patent number: 8246316
    Abstract: A self priming pump system that includes a motor coupled to a centrifugal pump. A separator having a reservoir is provided for storing a limited amount of pumped fluid in advance of the centrifugal pump. A vacuum source provides a vacuum suction to the reservoir to draw pumped fluid into the reservoir to prime the pump. A float may be provided, wherein when the fluid level in the reservoir reaches a desired level, the float opens a float valve to let air into the reservoir to maintain the desired level. The float valve may have a capacity that is greater than or equal to the pumping capacity of the vacuum pump, or at least large enough to make up for a difference between the pumping capacity of the vacuum pump and an amount of fluid that can be pumped by the centrifugal pump from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: David Muhs
  • Publication number: 20090016901
    Abstract: An electronic metering pump system has a fluid flow detector for monitoring the output of the electronic metering pump to detect loss of prime. The fluid flow detector, upon detecting loss of fluid flow, initiates an electronic signal to a downstream solenoid valve which closes the output conduit of the electronic metering pump and facilitates the repriming of the pump and return of output fluid flow. The electronic signal may also be utilized to initiate an warning or alarm to an operator, either directly or by data network, that the system requires attention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Harry E. Morris, III
  • Patent number: 7334600
    Abstract: A vacuum assisted priming system for a fluid pump including a housing defining a hopper that communicates with a pump inlet. The housing mounts a first port that communicates with the source of vacuum and a second port that communicates with atmosphere. A check valve allows atmospheric air to flow into the housing under certain operating conditions but inhibits reverse flow. A valve member pivotally mounted within a valve chamber carries first and second sealing elements that are engageable with first and second seats. The lever arm is operatively connected to a float via a lost motion connection. When the fluid level in the hopper rises to a predetermined level, an actuating rod moves the lever arm to a first sealing position. When the fluid level falls to a predetermined level, the actuating rod moves the lever arm to a second sealing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: The Gorman-Rupp Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Scott
  • Patent number: 7331769
    Abstract: A pumping system including a fluid inlet line and a primary pump for the fluid. The primary pump includes an impeller in an impeller chamber, with the impeller chamber adapted to receive fluid from the inlet line. A suction chamber is above the impeller chamber, with a throttle opening between the impeller chamber and the suction chamber. A priming pump is adapted to draw fluid through the throttle opening into the suction chamber. A fluid path is provided around the impeller chamber and between the inlet line and the suction chamber, with the fluid path having a larger area than the throttle opening and including a float restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Smith & Loveless, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank G. Weis, Robert J. Davis
  • Publication number: 20070166172
    Abstract: A decorative electric-powered, rotating, portable room fan includes a decorative resin base; a coupling mechanism; and a fan head attached to the decorative base through the unique coupling mechanism, wherein the resin nature of the base allows the base to be designed in numerous different highly attractive decorative configurations and colors, allowing the fan to be much more decorative and aesthetically pleasing than fans in the past.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: Global Product Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Punit Gyanendra, Jeffery Amon, Louis P. Weil
  • Patent number: 7011505
    Abstract: A self priming pump system that includes a motor coupled to a centrifugal pump for driving the centrifugal pump. A separator having a reservoir is provided for storing a limited amount of pumped fluid in advance of the centrifugal pump. A vacuum source provides a vacuum suction to the reservoir to draw pumped fluid into the reservoir to prime the pump. To increase the reliability of the vacuum pump system, a deflector and/or extension may be provided in the reservoir to help prevent pumped fluid from entering the vacuum pump input. Also, the configuration of a tank used to store liquid for the vacuum pump system may be configured to separate and collect sediments near a drain port, which then can be easily drained. For positive head pressures, one or more valves may be used to prevent pumped fluid from escaping the reservoir, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Water Management Systems
    Inventor: David Muhs
  • Patent number: 6783330
    Abstract: A priming vacuum control system for use on a self-priming pump includes a priming vacuum control valve and a priming vacuum control valve-actuating system. The priming vacuum control valve is disposed between a vacuum pump and a priming chamber for the self-priming pump so as to decouple the vacuum communication between the vacuum pump and the priming chamber when the priming vacuum control valve is closed. In one illustrative embodiment, the priming vacuum control valve includes: a valve stem positioned within a valve body, and a valve spring or other means for biasing is operatively positioned between the valve body and the valve stem so as to apply a default closing force between the valve body and the valve stem. The “guideless” priming vacuum control valve of the present invention eliminates the inherent problems of sticking, poor performance and high maintenance exhibited by the prior state of the art priming vacuum control valves containing guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Pioneer Pump, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Carnes, Michael C. Godish
  • Patent number: 6692234
    Abstract: A self priming pump system that includes a motor coupled to a centrifugal pump for driving the centrifugal pump. A separator having a reservoir is provided for storing a limited amount of pumped fluid in advance of the centrifugal pump. A vacuum source provides a vacuum suction to the reservoir to draw pumped fluid into the reservoir to prime the pump. To increase the reliability of the vacuum pump system, a deflector and/or extension may be provided in the reservoir to help prevent pumped fluid from entering the vacuum pump input. Also, the configuration of a tank used to store liquid for the vacuum pump system may be configured to separate and collect sediments near a drain port, which then can be easily drained. For positive head pressures, one or more valves may be used to prevent pumped fluid from escaping the reservoir, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Water Management Systems
    Inventor: David Muhs
  • Patent number: 6682313
    Abstract: A pump primer for a pump on a fire truck uses a high-speed compressed air in a venturi in a compressed air chamber to generate a vacuum in a vacuum chamber to prime a pump, with an integral valve which separates the pump from the priming ejectors (venturis), the valve being opened by the compressed air when the primer is activated, the valve being closed by a spring return when the compressed air supply is removed, where water drawn in through the primer is freely drained by gravity to prevent freezing in cold weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Trident Emergency Products, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Sulmone
  • Patent number: 6575706
    Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Roper Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Carnes, Milton K. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20020114707
    Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: Roper Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Carnes, Milton K. Leonard, Robert B. Ray
  • Patent number: 6409478
    Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Roper Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Carnes, Milton K. Leonard, Robert B. Ray
  • Patent number: 6357466
    Abstract: A pump system for the selected injection of one or more fluids is disclosed where the system generally includes a flow meter including a means to translate the flow rate through the meter to one or more pumps coupled to the meter such that upon a selected introduction of fluid flow through the meter a selected amount of fluid is pumped through the one or more pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Dosmatic USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. Walton, Edward Grout
  • Patent number: 6315524
    Abstract: A pumping system is disclosed that includes a vacuum source. The pumping system includes a motor coupled to a centrifugal pump and a separator defining a reservoir in fluid communication with an inlet of the centrifugal pump. A water liquid ring vacuum pump having an inlet is provided in fluid communication with the reservoir of the separator. Accordingly, the vacuum pump may provide the required vacuum to prime the pump. To backflush that pumping system, the pumping system may include a first valve provided between the discharge port of the vacuum pump and the reservoir of the separator. A second valve may be provided between the reservoir of the separator and the inlet of the water liquid ring vacuum pump. During normal operation, the first valve fluidly connects the discharge of the vacuum pump to the atmosphere and the second valve fluidly connects the inlet of the vacuum pump to the reservoir of the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventors: David Muhs, Gianfranco Parma
  • Patent number: 6071072
    Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump has a recirculation tube connected between a hollow cylinder having a first set of impellers received therein and a first tube having liquid received therein and having a second set of impellers received in one end thereof, so that the suction lift of liquid is enhanced and the liquid flow subjected only to the gravity will also be expedited by the extra centrifugal effect created by the second impeller. Furthermore, there are provided with a plurality of through holes communicating with the first tube. Therefore, the amount of liquid flow back to the first tube is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Wan-Te Chang
  • Patent number: 5984626
    Abstract: The present invention is for an evacuation system which preferrably in its entirety is connected to and operates at the outlet side of a pump. The evacuation system is connected to the socket 5 by the connector 9 and one of the valves 15 or 16. In the evacuation system there is a compressor 19 and a pressurized air ejector 18. Air from the ejector exits through a pipe 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: ABS Pump Production AB
    Inventor: Leo Kotkaniemi
  • Patent number: 5961299
    Abstract: A pneumatically-operated pump is provided that includes a body having a central bore with a liquid chamber for a slidable piston injector, a chamber for a removable reservoir, and an inlet and outlet for a gas. A priming conduit carries liquid from the reservoir mounted on the body to the injector in the liquid chamber which injects the liquid into a liquid line coupled to a fitting on the pump. The liquid line carries lubricant or other liquid from the pump (e.g., air tool lubricator) to an air tool or other article. A priming pump is mounted on the body and is capable of delivering a predetermined amount of liquid from the reservoir to the liquid chamber. The priming pump is used to fill the liquid line with liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Oil-Rite Corporation
    Inventors: Donald G. Gruett, Scott Wright
  • Patent number: 5750023
    Abstract: The pumping device comprises a pump driven by a motor having a stator and a permanent-magnet rotor located between polar expansions and connected to an impeller. A liquid suction duct and a liquid delivery duct are connected to the pump to define a hydraulic circuit. A reciprocating vacuum pump, for creating a negative pressure at the suction duct of the pump, has a resilient cylindrical element connected to a rigid cylindrical box-like element and defines therewith a chamber. The chamber has inlet and outlet valves connected to the hydraulic circuit through a poppet valve, and an arm-like member connected to the resilient element. An opposite end of the arm-like member supports a magnet located between poles of the stator of the motor, whereby to cause movement of the arm-like member and the resilient element for circulating fluid through the chamber via the inlet and outlet valves for priming the pump upon actuating the poppet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Sicce S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Pettenon
  • Patent number: 5536147
    Abstract: A self-priming pump system including a vacuum priming unit and a liquid pumping unit, the pumping unit having an engine driven centrifugal pump with an intake conduit, the priming unit having a vacuum column with an internal well chamber and a vacuum chamber above the well chamber with an interconnecting gas relief passage, the well chamber having liquid level sensors to detect the water level in the well chamber and activate a vacuum control valve connecting a vacuum pump to the vacuum chamber when the water level in the well chamber falls below a predetermined level, the control valve switching to seal the vacuum chamber and connect the vacuum pump to atmosphere when a predetermined level of water is detected in the well chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Paco Pumps, Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Lang
  • Patent number: 5213083
    Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated fuel injection system is disclosed comprising an actuating fluid sump, a high pressure actuating fluid pump having a pumping chamber arranged in fluid communication with the sump, and a priming reservoir arranged in fluid communication between the sump and the inlet of the pump. Engines equipped with a hydraulically-actuated fuel injection system must be able to quickly pressurize actuating fluid in order to quickly start an engine. The priming reservoir is provided in order to prime and thereby facilitate rapid pressurization of the high pressure pump during startup of an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Glassey
  • Patent number: 5035583
    Abstract: A vacuum priming system for drawing liquid into the pumping chamber to prime a vertical shaft centrifugal pump for pumping sewage or the like. The vacuum priming system includes a priming pump for developing a partial vacuum in the pumping chamber and causing liquid to be drawn into the pumping chamber to evacuate air therefrom. A sensor is provided for detecting the interface between the liquid and air in an area in or above the pumping chamber for activating and deactivating the priming pump. The sensor comprises a low sensitivity capacitive proximity sensor having a generally vertical sensing face for sensing the relative movement of the interface between the liquid and air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Smith & Loveless, Inc.
    Inventor: Reid W. Vaught
  • Patent number: 4827897
    Abstract: In a fuel pump driving apparatus for a vehicle engine including a fuel injection system, the selection of a plurality of energizing circuits each formed by the combination of two or all of three brushes of a fuel pump drive motor is effected in accordance with the load conditions of the engine, thereby changing the rotational speed of the motor and hence the fuel quantity delivered from the fuel pump. When the occurrence of a fault in one of the energizing circuits is detected, the driver is informed of the occurrence of the fault and in addition a faulty-condition controller controls switching means in such a manner that the drive motor is energized through another one of the energizing circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirotada Yamada, Yoshifumi Ina, Toshio Kondo, Katsushi Kato
  • Patent number: 4515517
    Abstract: A well point pumping system including a series of well points installed in an area of the ground which is to be dewatered or dried out. This system and its apparatus include an enclosed tank which can be located closely adjacent the well points which are often in a dirty, wet and/or remote area which often has difficult access. Also, the dewatering areas may be located at different levels below the ground surface. Usually the apparatus is subjected to severe abuse from handling, being moved about or from other machinery in the area. Furthermore, it may be difficult to install or remove the apparatus. The present system and apparatus include an enclosed tank which is capable of withstanding abuse and which can be located in the dirty working area and remotely from its power source. The tank encloses an impeller type water pump assembly, and also encloses a vacuum pump and its drive motor which create the required vacuum in the tank to cause water to be inducted into the tank from the well points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Inventor: Albert H. Sloan
  • Patent number: 4515180
    Abstract: A self-priming pump system including a priming valve for automatically providing priming liquid to a pump which has lost suction. The priming liquid is contained within the pump discharge column between a pair of spaced check valves. The priming valve is in communication with the priming liquid column and is activated by the static pressure head difference between the discharge column and the pump outlet to cause the valve to open upon loss of pump suction, which is reflected in a drop of static pressure head at the pump outlet. The priming valve includes a valve member connected to a piston which is received in a cylinder in communication with the discharge column. A bleed valve and bleed conduit extend from the cylinder to control the pressure level at which the valve will be actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Assignee: Hudson Engineering Company
    Inventor: Pellegrino E. Napolitano
  • Patent number: 4249865
    Abstract: An engine driven impeller type pump for draining water from a plurality of well points is primed by an engine driven oil filled vacuum pump which is connected to the top of a vacuum chamber mounted on the impeller pump housing. A normally open solenoid valve located between the vacuum chamber and vacuum pump is controlled by an electrical control system to prevent water overflow from the vacuum chamber into the vacuum pump. The electrical control system includes low level and high level probes which are located near the lower and upper ends, respectively, of the vacuum chamber, and which are connected in first and second oscillator circuits, respectively. The oscillator circuits are connected to a logic circuit and the latter is connected to a drive circuit which operates the solenoid valve. When the water level in the vacuum chamber rises to the high level probe, the normally open solenoid valve closes and remains closed until the water level recedes below the low level probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1981
    Inventor: Albert H. Sloan
  • Patent number: 4183721
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a motor driven centrifugal pump having a suction line extending to a source of water which is located at a level below the pump. The discharge line of the pump extends to the area to be sprinkled in the event of fire. A sight glass is provided at a remote location and has a vacuum line extending from the lower portion thereof to the interior of the pump. A vacuum pump is connected to the upper portion of the sight glass for creating a vacuum within the sight glass, when actuated, so that a vacuum is created in the vacuum line extending from the sight glass to the pump so that water will be drawn from the source of water upwardly to the pump and thence to the sight glass. When a sufficient water level has been reached within the sight glass, the motor operating the centrifugal pump is energized so that water will be discharged onto the area experiencing the fire. The vacuum pump is controlled by means of an alarm system located in the area to be protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1980
    Assignee: Jenoff, Inc.
    Inventor: Reuben E. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4029438
    Abstract: A well point pumping system which includes a series of well points installed in an area of the ground which is to be dewatered or dried out for example, before an excavation process. The well point system includes an engine driven impeller type pump usually located above the water line and which provides high lift, i.e., vacuum for the system. The pump is of a low specific speed and capable of a high vacuum (lift) and has a large impeller which operates at an efficient point in its characteristic curve and which functions to efficiently draw against a high content of air in the pumping system and in doing so operates at an efficient manner from a fuel consumption standpoint. The system also includes a vacuum pump which efficiently acts to aid in priming the system before the impeller pump takes over the task of the pumping operation. A peller valve operated float tank is used in conjunction with the vacuum pump to prime the system before the impeller pump comes into play for the main pumping operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1977
    Inventor: Albert H. Sloan
  • Patent number: 4013053
    Abstract: An electric-motor-powered centrifugal fuel pump including a vacuum control device to achieve the initial priming of the centrifugal pump. The electric motor which drives a centrifugal impeller is housed within the pump itself and, as such, is immersed in the fuel being pumped. An associated filter bowl incorporates a float valve, thus becoming a filter and float bowl which controls the vacuum so that when the fuel level reaches a predetermined point, the float valve rises and engages its valve seat, thus shutting off the vacuum source. A secondary ball valve is also provided in the vacuum line so that, in the event of the vehicle's overturning, this ball valve will close the vacuum line and prevent gravitational fuel flow to the vacuum source. When the vacuum draws sufficient fuel into the centrifugal pump cavity, the centrifugal impeller is then capable of discharging this fuel under pressure through the filter to an outlet port that is connected to the carburetor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1977
    Assignee: Stewart-Warner Corporation
    Inventors: Henry T. Dinkelkamp, Bryce W. Carus, Robert J. Norman
  • Patent number: 3970027
    Abstract: In a bow steering unit for vessels including an axial flow pump having its suction and discharge nozzles intersecting with the hull of the vessel for selectively moving water in opposite directions to maneuver and steer the vessel in corresponding opposite directions, a device is provided for priming the blades of the pump with water during a light draft condition to the vessel and/or during travel of the vessel at a predetermined speed resulting in an under-priming of the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1976
    Inventor: William M. Jackson
  • Patent number: RE39813
    Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Roper Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Carnes, Milton K. Leonard, Robert B. Ray