Responsive To Accumulation Of Pumped Liquid In Receiver Patents (Class 417/36)
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Patent number: 8540499Abstract: An extra-capillary fluid cycling unit for maintaining and cycling fluid volumes in a cell culture chamber includes a housing and a first flexible reservoir extra-capillary fluid reservoir disposed in the housing. The extra-capillary fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with a cell culture chamber. A second flexible reservoir is also located in the housing, the second flexible reservoir being in fluid communication with a pressure source. A sensor plate is movably disposed in the housing between the extra-capillary reservoir and the second reservoir, wherein the second reservoir is pressurized to move the sensor plate in relation to the extra-capillary reservoir to cause fluid cycling and maintain fluid volumes in the cell growth chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Biovest International, Inc.Inventors: Darrell Paul Page, Robert J. Wojciechowski, Martin Peder Crep
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Patent number: 8500413Abstract: The present invention provides a pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool, including a water pump and a variable speed motor. In one example, a target volume amount of water and an operational time period is provided, and the operational time period is altered based upon a volume of water moved. In another example, operation of the motor is altered based upon the volume of water moved. In addition or alternatively, a target flow rate of water to be moved by the water pump is determined based upon the target volume amount and a time period. In addition or alternatively, a plurality of operations are performed on the water, and a total volume of water moved by the pump is determined. In addition or alternatively, an optimized flow rate value is determined based upon power consumption.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Low Power Drives A/SInventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher R. Yahnker, Einar Kjartan Runarsson
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Patent number: 8500412Abstract: An alarm system is provided for generating an alert when a water-powered sump pump is activated and water is being used by the water-powered sump pump. The alarm system includes a water sensor for detecting if water within a sump reaches the sensor and a housing for containing sensor electronics, wherein the water sensor is supported by the housing. In addition, a clamp is attached to the housing for releasably attaching the housing to a pipe such that the alarm system may be positioned to alert a user when water-powered sump pump is activated.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Liberty Pumps, Inc.Inventors: David M. Williams, Jeffrey D. Goodenbery, Randall D Waldron
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Patent number: 8480374Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and auto-control system on improving pumping system performance. The system contains a pump, a pool, pipelines, a parameter setting module, a water level measuring module and a system control module. The parameter setting module is configured to preset a characteristic parameter and a control parameter of the pump and the pipelines. The water level measuring module is configured to measure, determine and compute a high level pool water level, a flow demand trend and a system instantaneous flow at regular intervals. The system control module is configured to receive the data sent by the water level measuring module that is measured and computed, and controls the operation of the system based on the data. Compared to existing pumping control system, the system in the present invention can save energy for 10%-30%.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Inventor: Zhijin Yang
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Publication number: 20130156605Abstract: Methods relating to varying capacitance of a capacitive sensor and controlling a pump based on the level of a liquid. A pump controller for controlling the level of a liquid in a reservoir includes a controller and a capacitor. The capacitor is adapted to provide an activation signal to the controller when the liquid in the reservoir reaches a first predetermined level relative thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: Wayne/Scott Fetzer CompanyInventor: Wayne/Scott Fetzer Company
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Patent number: 8439648Abstract: A lift station containing a tube, an access box connected to the tube, and an inner pipe that is removable, positioned in the tube that can be used to contain and discharge process water. The design aids in construction and maintenance and can detect leaks that can reduce process water contamination of surrounding soil.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventor: Roy Harrison McIntyre
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Publication number: 20130115106Abstract: A sump water evacuation system that operates automatically without reliance on electricity or floats and without any need for oversight or manual intervention, using domestic water supply as the sole motive force to evacuate sump water either into a washbasin or to the exterior of the building; the system is easily installed for use with Radon remediated sump pits. A pneumatic stagnation pressure automatically signals a rising water level in a sump pit and this signal is communicated to a housing wherein the low-pressure signal is mechanically amplified to activate a tilt valve mechanism, thereby converting the pneumatic signal to a hydraulic force which in turn opens a check valve, allowing a high-pressure domestic water supply to flow through to a commercially available Venturi siphon device, causing the sump water to be suctioned out and expelled into either a washbasin or to the exterior of a building.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventor: Harry Lewis Sernaker
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Publication number: 20130108474Abstract: A system, method and device may be used to monitor fluid levels in a borehole. The system includes a pulse generator to generate a pulse of electromagnetic energy to propagate along the wellbore towards a surface of the fluid, a detector to detect a portion of the electromagnetic pulse reflected from the surface of the fluid and propagated along the wellbore towards the detector, a processor to analyze detected signals to determine a level of the surface of the fluid, and a pump controller to control the operation of a pump located in the wellbore based on the fluid surface level.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A., INC.Inventor: Chevron U.S.A. , Inc.
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Publication number: 20130018605Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a pumping system includes the following: determining a motor operating parameter of a motor configured to drive a pump in a well; determining a pump operating parameter of the pump based on the motor operating parameter; operating the pump in a first mode to determine pump characteristics at a desired fluid level; generating first mode output data based on operation of the pump in the first mode; operating the pump in a second mode based on the first mode output data; determining an estimated fluid level in the well based on the motor operating parameter, the pump operating parameter and the first mode output data; and adjusting the pump speed based on the estimated fluid level in order to maintain a desired fluid level.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventor: Ronald G. Peterson
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Patent number: 8353677Abstract: A system, method and device may be used to monitor fluid levels in a borehole. The system includes a pulse generator to generate a pulse of electromagnetic energy to propagate along the wellbore towards a surface of the fluid, a detector to detect a portion of the electromagnetic pulse reflected from the surface of the fluid and propagated along the wellbore towards the detector, a processor to analyze detected signals to determine a level of the surface of the fluid, and a pump controller to control the operation of a pump located in the wellbore based on the fluid surface level.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: M. Clark Thompson, Charles H. Webb
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Patent number: 8347912Abstract: In the device, according to the invention, the retention tank (7) constitutes a distributing chamber which is connected to the external retention tank (10) being a segment of a gravity-flow channel (11) with its cross-section greater than the cross-section of gravity waste water transfer required in the calculations, located on the line of waste water inflow to the retention tank (7), whereas the capacity of the retention tank (7) is at least two times smaller than the capacity of the external retention tank (10) constituting a segment of the gravity-flow channel (11) with its cross-section greater than the required cross-section of the gravity-flow channel (11) for gravity waste water transfer required in the calculations.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2007Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Inventors: Miroslaw Szuster, Rafal Wojciechowski
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Publication number: 20120275927Abstract: Abstract of Disclosure The present invention is a method means of preventing water-leak damage to any hot water system providing means, or any water storage means such as washing machines, water storage means used in manufacturing facilities, or any water volume means where the prevention of water-leak damage is desired, vital, or essential. Water-leak damage is prevented using a collection flange reservoir system means at the base of a hot-water tank means. Said collection flange reservoir system means can be an afore added component to a hot-water tank means or a feature of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) production means, which is a novel feature and further intention of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventor: Hotaek Rhim
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Patent number: 8246313Abstract: A dynamic port that extends from the bottom wall of an oil reservoir that surrounds the lower guide bearing of a reactor coolant pump and is in fluid communication within an oil level gauge. The dynamic port is rotatable into and out of the oil flow path to adjust the dynamic oil level shown by the oil level gauge when the pump is at operating speed to be substantially equal to the static oil level when the motor is at rest.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLCInventors: David R. Brady, Christopher Snodgrass, Thomas G. Loebig
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Publication number: 20120189464Abstract: The present invention provides a sump pump control system. The system includes a mounting fixture fabricated from a corrosion resistant material, and an electrical control comprising solid state electrical components supported by the mounting fixture. The sump pump control system also includes a diving bell cover. The diving bell cover has an open bottom, and is dimensioned to cover the electrical components. The diving bell cover is releasably secured to a support surface of the mounting fixture. The electrical control controls the operation of a sump pump. Should water rise to a level of the electrical components due to failure of the sump pump or due to quickly rising water, the diving bell cover will prevent water from contacting the electrical components. A method of removing water from a subterranean vault is also provided herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventors: Alfred M. Bourell, JR., Ricky W. Cox, David K. Morton, Roderick C. Truitt, Curtis T. Washington
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Patent number: 8177521Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling oil return to a compressor, characterized by monitoring and controlling oil level, oil temperature, and compressor outlet pressure, so as to determine whether the oil level is lower than a predetermined level threshold, whether the temperature in the lubricating oil box is lower than a predetermined temperature threshold, and whether the compressor outlet pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold, so as to control the flow of lubricating oil returned to the oil box by controlling the valve opening of the oil return valve according to a non-segmentation principle or a segmentation principle, ensure sufficient lubricating oil in the oil box, and enhance efficiency of the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chun-Han Chen, Chung-Ping Chiang, Ching-Fu Chen, Yun-Jui Chung, Yen-Chieh Wang
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Patent number: 8175787Abstract: An engine control system having primary and secondary fuel tanks comprises a fuel monitoring module and a transfer pump (TP) diagnostic module. The fuel monitoring module determines a measured fuel level of the secondary fuel tank based on a fuel level signal received from a fuel level sensor when a fuel TP is on for greater than a predetermined time period required for the fuel TP to reduce the measured fuel level from a predetermined fuel level to below the predetermined fuel level. The TP diagnostic module diagnoses a condition of the fuel TP based on the measured fuel level.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Inventors: Gary L. Rogers, Zhong Wang, Michael A. Turley, Scott A. Kegebein
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Patent number: 8167578Abstract: An assembly controls the liquid level in a vessel in which a submersible pump is disposed. The assembly has a switch housing and a float housing, arranged proximate to each other. A switch in the switch housing selectively energizes a motor associated with the pump. When a float disposed in the float housing moves in response to a change in the liquid level of the vessel, the movement is coupled to the switch by a pair of magnets arranged in attractive relationship to each other. One of the magnets is in the switch housing and the other is in the float housing. The magnets interact by providing force fields that acts through a wall that separates the switch housing and the float housing. A lever on which the switch housing magnet is positioned tilts the magnets away from alignment as they approach each other, reducing the increase in attractive force therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Crane Pumps & Systems, Inc.Inventors: Chih Lin, William J Watkins
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Patent number: 8142170Abstract: A radial piston pump having external loading. The radial piston pump has an inner eccentric which is attached to a rotatable driveshaft, a cylinder block which has positionally fixed cylinder bores aligned radially with respect to the driveshaft, and displacement pistons which are mounted in a longitudinally movable manner in the cylinder bores. The displacement pistons have a piston head with a short casing height, and are mounted with their piston base on the eccentric, in such a way that the piston head, during its longitudinal movement, pivots in a predetermined angle range (??) about the longitudinal central axis of the associated cylinder bore.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Inc.Inventor: Wilhelm Gollner
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Patent number: 8096001Abstract: A pumped drainage apparatus for a shower includes a waste water unit, a waste water inlet for accepting waste water runoff from a shower, a waste water outlet in fluid communication with the waste water inlet, a pump in fluid communication with the waste water unit, a sensing circuit including one or more sensors for sensing waste water, and a control circuit for controlling and varying a flow rate of the pump based on an output of the sensing circuit. The sensors may be isolated to prevent contact with waste water while the apparatus is in use. A variable flow control device for the pumped drainage apparatus is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2006Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: DLP LimitedInventor: Robert William Stimpson
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Patent number: 8047805Abstract: The present invention provides a sump pump control system. The system includes a mounting fixture fabricated from a corrosion resistant material, and an electrical control comprising solid state electrical components supported by the mounting fixture. The sump pump control system also includes a diving bell cover. The diving bell cover has an open bottom, and is dimensioned to cover the electrical components. The diving bell cover is releasably secured to a support surface of the mounting fixture. The electrical control controls the operation of a sump pump. Should water rise to a level of the electrical components due to failure of the sump pump or due to quickly rising water, the diving bell cover will prevent water from contacting the electrical components. A method of removing water from a subterranean vault is also provided herein.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Inventors: Alfred M. Bourell, Jr., Ricky W. Cox, David K. Morton, Roderick C. Truitt, Curtis T. Washington
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Publication number: 20110262285Abstract: A condensate pump for an HVAC system includes a reservoir for collecting condensate water, a pump motor connected to an impeller pump for pumping the condensate water out of the reservoir, and a floatless pump controller. The floatless pump controller detects the water level in the reservoir and, based on the water level in the reservoir, controls the operation of the pump motor, and if necessary, sounds an alarm and shuts down the HVAC system. The floatless pump controller may employ an ultrasonic transducer or capacitance sensors to detect the level of condensate water in the reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventor: Charles Barry Ward
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Patent number: 8006766Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a speed of a pump operating in a well. A first step involves monitoring a production flow rate of fluids produced from the well. A second step involves controlling the speed of the pump with reference to the production flow rate by increasing the speed of the pump when the production flow rate is rising and decreasing the speed of the pump when the production flow rate is declining.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Noralta Technologies Inc.Inventors: Cameron Zarowny, Wayne Muir, Wendell Young
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Patent number: 7931447Abstract: A drain protection device and pump controller for pools, spas, fountains and other fluid containment and circulation systems has a vacuum sensor for sensing a level of vacuum present in the suction conduit leading to the pump(s). The vacuum level is monitored by a computer that controls a vent valve that can vent to atmosphere to reduce the vacuum exerted at a drain. In applications with a flooded pump, e.g., above-ground pools, the vent valve may control the discharge of an accumulator that injects fluid pressurized by the return line into the suction conduit to reduce the vacuum therein. The computer also controls the pump(s) present in the circulation system, viz., turns them off to relieve vacuum when a drain is occluded and also runs them at the selected speed based upon a schedule. The vacuum criteria for vacuum reduction may include progressively sensitive values, some of which may be empirically based. Vacuum criteria may be maintained based upon the operational state of the circulation system, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.Inventors: Alan R. Levin, Gary Ortiz
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Publication number: 20110085917Abstract: A condensate pump for an HVAC system includes a reservoir for collecting condensate water, a pump motor connected to an impeller pump for pumping the condensate water out of the reservoir, and a floatless pump controller. The floatless pump controller detects the water level in the reservoir and, based on the water level in the reservoir, controls the operation of the pump motor, and if necessary, sounds an alarm and shuts down the HVAC system. The floatless pump controller may employ an ultrasonic transducer or capacitance sensors to detect the level of condensate water in the reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2008Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventor: Charles Barry Ward
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Publication number: 20110085918Abstract: A water-lifting pump apparatus which is free of a discharge valve and a check valve, is low in cost, and is capable of reducing vibration and noise due to a waterfall after the end of water pumping operation. The water-lifting pump apparatus has a suction tank (10), a discharge tank (20), a pump (30) for pumping water in the suction tank (10) into the discharge tank (20), and a discharge piping (50) connected to a discharge side of the pump, an actuator (60) for actuating the pump (50), a reverse flow preventing mechanism (80) for preventing a reverse flow of water pumped into the discharge tank (20) toward the discharge piping (50), and a back flow rate control (90) for controlling the flow rate of a waterfall falling from the discharge piping (50) into the suction tank (10) when pumping operation is finished.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: EBARA CORPORATIONInventors: Isamu KAMATA, Shinji SUZUKI, Hideki KANNO, Takashi ENOMOTO, Masahiro KURAMASU
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Patent number: 7918295Abstract: A power assist system for a motor vehicle subsystem having a component support structure is described. The power assist system comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump having an inlet for receiving a fluid from the reservoir and a pump securing structure including at least one aperture. The system additionally includes at least one fastener. The reservoir fluid outlet is directly coupled to the pump inlet and the at least one fastener secures the reservoir mounting structure by passing directly through the pump mounting structure and attaching to the motor vehicle component support structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2009Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technology LLCInventor: Kenneth Kamman
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Publication number: 20110064586Abstract: The conventional vacuum suction type urine collector may not be able to perform normal and automatic vacuum suction when contamination occurs between the electrodes acting as a sensor, and some users feel uneasy about the use of the urine collector as the case may be. In the controller for a vacuum suction type urine collector of this invention, the resistance between paired electrodes installed on the side of a urine receiver on a vacuum sucked-urine path extending from the urine receiver via a urine transport tube to a urine tank is measured by a controller to automatically detect urine, for actuating a vacuum suction device, wherein a detection resistor is connected in series to the abovementioned electrodes; and a manual operation switch is connected in parallel to the series circuit consisting of the electrodes and the detection resistor, to constitute a state detection circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2008Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventor: Rika Matsumiya
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Publication number: 20110027104Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for switching a pump on and/or off, with at least one first and a second electrode, which form a capacitance which may be influenced by way of the fluid to be delivered, and with evaluation electronics connected to the electrodes, wherein the evaluation electronics has a voltage supply which is connected to the first electrode and which is designed for providing short voltage pulses for charging the first electrode, and comprises an evaluation circuit which is designed in a manner such that during a voltage increase on charging and/or a voltage reduction on discharging the electrode, it detects the current between the electrodes and emits a switch-on signal and/or switch-off signal depending on the detected current, as well as to a pump with such a sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2009Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: GRUNDFOS MANAGEMENT A/SInventor: Klaus Vestergaard Kragelund
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Patent number: 7874809Abstract: A water-lifting pump apparatus which is free of a discharge valve and a check valve, is low in cost, and is capable of reducing vibration and noise due to a waterfall after the end of water pumping operation. The water-lifting pump apparatus has a suction tank (10), a discharge tank (20), a pump (30) for pumping water in the suction tank (10) into the discharge tank (20), and a discharge piping (50) connected to a discharge side of the pump, an actuator (60) for actuating the pump (50), a reverse flow preventing mechanism (80) for preventing a reverse flow of water pumped into the discharge tank (20) toward the discharge piping (50), and a back flow rate control (90) for controlling the flow rate of a waterfall falling from the discharge piping (50) into the suction tank (10) when pumping operation is finished.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2004Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Isamu Kamata, Shinji Suzuki, Hideki Kanno, Takashi Enomoto, Masahiro Kuramasu
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Patent number: 7818094Abstract: A control system monitors salt level in a brine tank having a water inlet. The control system comprises a memory device storing an amount representing actual salt level in the brine tank. A sensor determines water level in the brine tank. A control valve is operatively connected between a water supply and the water inlet for controllably supplying water to the brine tank. A logic circuit is operatively connected to the memory device, the sensor and the control valve for determining salt level in the brine tank. The logic circuit periodically operates the control valve responsive to sensed water levels to fill the brine tank with water, updates the stored actual salt level in the memory device responsive to water supplied to the brine tank, and provides an indication when actual salt level in the brine tank falls below a select salt level.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Bio-Microbics, Inc.Inventors: James Rambicourt, Stephen Carpenter
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Patent number: 7806664Abstract: A bilge pump having a mounting member adapted to be mounted to a vessel and a base movably engageable with the mounting member and positionable in at least two positions relative to the mounting member. A housing is releasably coupled to the base and defines a cavity for receiving a motor. A locking ring is engageable with the motor and the housing to secure the motor in the cavity while allowing the motor to be movable with respect to the housing. The cavity in the housing communicates with an outlet portion defining a socket. An outlet nozzle having an outlet end is movably received in the socket so that the outlet end can be moved relative to the housing. These features can be employed individually or in combination to make the bilge pump highly adaptable, thereby facilitating installation.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2004Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: SHURflo, LLCInventors: Anil B. Patel, Brian A. Babson
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Patent number: 7798271Abstract: A process for actuating a hydraulic storage device (5) of a transmission unit comprising a storage space (9) whose volume can be varied between a minimum and a maximum. The volume of the storage space can be changed by acting upon the storage space with pressurized hydraulic fluid from a pressure supply (19) of the transmission unit. To overcome a restoring tendency of the hydraulic storage device, the pressure is set to a threshold value. A holding device (12) holds the hydraulic storage device at least in the operating condition that corresponds to the maximum volume of the storage space against the restoring tendency. The storage space is acted upon by the pressure supply with a pressure corresponding to a threshold value (P_threshold) until the hydraulic storage device reaches the operating condition in which it can be held by the holding device.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Peter Schiele, Armin Thiele, Klaus Steinhauser
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Patent number: 7789850Abstract: A dialysis system includes: an enclosure; a dialysate pump carried by the enclosure and arranged to pump dialysate to a patient or dialyzer; at least one container connected fluidly to the dialysate pump; a load cell positioned to weigh dialysate located within the container; an accelerometer positioned and arranged to detect a force imparted on at least one of the enclosure and the container; and electronics configured to receive a first signal from the load cell and a second signal from the accelerometer and process the first and second signals so as to determine if an abnormality sensed by the load cell is a system error or a mechanical interference.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.Inventor: Rodolfo Roger
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Patent number: 7755318Abstract: A sump pump control includes a microprocessor that sends a trigger pulse to an alternistor to turn the alternistor on and connect the sump pump to an NC power source. The microprocessor also monitors the power source to find a positive/negative crossover point. The microprocessor adjusts the trigger to apply full power to the pump motor during normal operation and delays the trigger to apply reduced power for a soft start and soft stop. The microprocessor also triggers an alarm in the event of failure of the device, including failure of the alternistor or the microprocessor.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventor: Richard Panosh
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Publication number: 20100166570Abstract: A pump control system which detects a fluid condition in a pump is disclosed. The pump control system may include a control event based on the fluid condition in the pump. The pump control system may detect a fluid condition in the pump by monitoring the frequency response of the pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: LITTLE GIANT PUMP COMPANYInventor: Steven W. Hampton
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Patent number: 7704050Abstract: The present invention relates to a synchronous pump structure, particularly to an immersion pump (1) equipped with a float control device (3) and comprising a synchronous electric motor (2) with a permanent magnet rotor (8). The pump (1) is so structured that the float (16) of the control device (3) is incorporated in an envelope (11), externally associated with the body (15) of the pump (1). A sensor element (4) of the control device (3) housed in the pump body (15) in correspondence with the float (16) is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Askoll Holding S.R.L.Inventor: Elio Marioni
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Patent number: 7695251Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic driving device (20) for turning on and off a synchronous pump, that is a pump (15) comprising a synchronous electric motor (1) with a permanent-magnet rotor (8), comprising:—at least a static power switch (17) inserted in series between the motor (1) and an AC electric power supply source (Vp); and—a processing unit (16) having at least an input receiving a synchronism signal (V) and a control output connected to said switch (17); characterized in that it is enabled by a signal emitted by a float level sensor (40) and includes an input receiving a signal (a) by a position sensor (21) detecting the rotor (8) polarity and position; the pump turn-on and off being regulated according to the signal emitted by said level sensor (40) and to a measured difference between a critical load angle (8) and a current load angle computed during different working conditions of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2004Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Askoll Holding S.r.l.Inventor: Elio Marioni
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Patent number: 7686589Abstract: The present invention provides a pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool, including a water pump and a variable speed motor. In one example, a target volume amount of water and an operational time period is provided, and the operational time period is altered based upon a volume of water moved. In another example, operation of the motor is altered based upon the volume of water moved. In addition or alternatively, a target flow rate of water to be moved by the water pump is determined based upon the target volume amount and a time period. In addition or alternatively, a plurality of operations are performed on the water, and a total volume of water moved by the pump is determined. In addition or alternatively, an optimized flow rate value is determined based upon power consumption.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Low Power Drives, division of Danfoss Drives A/SInventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher R. Yahnker, Einar Kjartan Runarsson
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Patent number: 7625187Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a submersible pump that includes a pump housing forming a main compartment for receiving a pump impeller and having liquid entrance and exit openings in said main compartment, and an impeller mounted in the main compartment. The pump housing is adapted for submersion in a body of liquid whose level is to be controlled, and a sealed auxiliary compartment is formed as an integral part of the housing and located to be at least partially submerged in the liquid body. A drive motor is coupled to the impeller for rotating the impeller to eject liquid from the main compartment through the exit opening. An electric-field sensor is mounted in the sealed auxiliary compartment for detecting the elevation of the surface of the liquid body adjacent the sealed auxiliary compartment.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2005Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Johnson Pumps of America Inc.Inventors: Michael Collins, Gerald A. Assessor
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Publication number: 20090285694Abstract: A manual liquid pump has a drawing device, a connecting tube, an outlet gun and a detecting device. The drawing device is inserted into a container to draw liquids and has a caution shaft. The connecting tube has an inner and outer pipe. The inner pipe is mounted in the outer pipe and is connected to and actuates the caution shaft. The outlet gun has a returning valve being selectively actuated to close and prevent liquid from flowing through the outlet gun, instead forcing the liquid down the inner pipe and actuating the caution shaft to warn users to stop pumping. The detecting device is mounted in the nozzle and actuates the return valve when a liquid level is too high to prevent overfilling and spillage for safer operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventor: A-Chung Chen
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Patent number: 7614854Abstract: A multichamber tank for motor vehicles comprises two chambers (4, 5) connected via a constricted region (6) located high up in the chambers, a first chamber (4) having a filler neck (2), and a line (13) bridging the constriction forming the connection to a second chamber (5). In order that both chambers are filled at approximately the same speed during filling-up through the filler neck (2), a pump (11) designed for level equalization during filling-up and driven by an electric motor (12) is provided in the line (13), and a level sensor (17, 18) is provided in each of the two chambers (4, 5), the output signals of which sensors are available to a control unit (14) which controls the electric motor (12) of the pump (11).Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Tesma Motoren-und Getriebetechnick GmbHInventor: Sandor Palvölgyi
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Patent number: 7597116Abstract: An improved greywater disposal system is provided which substantially eliminates onboard standing greywater. The system includes one or more onboard plumbing fixtures fluidly connected to a greywater sump. The bottom of the greywater sump is sloped toward a drain therein at a low end. The prongs of a sensor may be suspended in the sump drain and/or in an inlet chamber defined at an inlet end of the greywater sump. The sensor is associated with a controller and sump or bilge pump. The pump is turned on when the prong tips of the sensor become immersed in greywater which occurs substantially simultaneously with the production of the greywater. The onboard plumbing fixtures include one or more sinks, showers, bathtubs, washing machines and air conditioning units. The system may be used on boats, ships, RVs, campers or the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Inventor: Brett Howard Detwiler
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Patent number: 7591330Abstract: A power assist system for a motor vehicle subsystem having a component support structure is described. The power assist system comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump having an inlet for receiving a fluid from the reservoir and a pump securing structure including at least one aperture. The system additionally includes at least one fastener. The reservoir fluid outlet is directly coupled to the pump inlet and the at least one fastener secures the reservoir mounting structure by passing directly through the pump mounting structure and attaching to the motor vehicle component support structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Kenneth Kamman
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Publication number: 20090148306Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, controlling a pump submersed in a liquid, where the pump includes a plurality of capacitive sensors. The capacitive sensors include a first capacitive sensor and a second capacitive sensor disposed above the first capacitive sensor. The technology involves sensing liquid levels with the capacitive sensors, activating the pump after the second capacitive sensor detects the liquid in a normal mode of operation, deactivating the pump after the first capacitive sensor no longer detects the liquid in the normal mode of operation, detecting a failure of one or more capacitive sensors, and adjusting the operation of the pump to compensate for the failure of the one or more capacitive sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: June 11, 2009Inventors: Melissa Drechsel, Shawn Rediske, Ronald Pulvermacher, David Peters
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Patent number: 7540718Abstract: A hermetic compressor comprises a hermetic container, an electric motor installed inside of the hermetic container, a compressing mechanism disposed within the hermetic container and driven by the electric motor, and an oil surface detector disposed to the compressing mechanism for detecting an oil surface of lubricating oil contained inside of the hermetic container. Here, the hermetic compressor is so constructed as to maintain a constant supply of the lubricating oil to the compressing mechanism by way of controlling operation in a manner to keep a surface level of the lubricating oil stable based on a detected result of the oil surface detector.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hitoshi Funami, Katsunori Onobayashi
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Publication number: 20090123296Abstract: A water removal system for removing water from an elevator pit that includes a sump, a pump, a pump input tube, a pump output tube and a switching mechanism. The sump at least partially extends below a lower surface of the elevator pit. The plump mounted outside of the elevator pit. The pump input line is operably connected to the sump and the pump. The pump output line is operably connected to the pump. The switching mechanism is mounted outside of the sump and is operably connected to the pump and the sump.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventors: Richard Bialick, Britt Aaseby, George Anderson, David Dubbe
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Publication number: 20090123295Abstract: A switching device for submersed sump pump. The switching device employs an internal logic circuit inside a housing having a metallic member extending therefrom for mounting. The member is adapted to engage with the curved surface of a hose and hose clamp engaged to the sump pump. The member is engaged to the electrical ground to communicate a reference ground to the fluid in the sump to allow an impedance sensor to discern the fluid level and cause the logic circuit to energize or de-energize the sump pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventor: Bryan L. Abbott
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Patent number: 7503339Abstract: A cover assembly for a lift station is disclosed. The cover assembly includes a cover in which an access opening, a cable passageway and a vent are defined. The cable passageway has one end that connects to the access opening and another end that opens to an exterior of the lift station. The cable passageway and the access opening are covered by hatches that can be opened to fully uncover the cable passageway and a portion of the access opening adjacent the cable passageway. This facilitates installation and maintenance of cables running between external equipment and internal equipment. The hatch covering the cable passageway is substantially solid to prevent venting of flammable gases. An interior of the cable passageway has an additional barrier to these gases. The vent is spaced apart from the cable passageway to further separate the cable passageway and external equipment from flammable gases.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2005Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Romtec Utilities, Inc.Inventors: Timothy D. Bogan, Mark Sheldon
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Publication number: 20090060751Abstract: The present invention provides a sump pump control system. The system includes a mounting fixture fabricated from a corrosion resistant material, and an electrical control comprising solid state electrical components supported by the mounting fixture. The sump pump control system also includes a diving bell cover. The diving bell cover has an open bottom, and is dimensioned to cover the electrical components. The diving bell cover is releasably secured to a support surface of the mounting fixture. The electrical control controls the operation of a sump pump. Should water rise to a level of the electrical components due to failure of the sump pump or due to quickly rising water, the diving bell cover will prevent water from contacting the electrical components. A method of removing water from a subterranean vault is also provided herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Alfred M. Bourell, JR., Ricky W. Cox, David K. Morton, Roderic C. Truitt, Curtis T. Washington
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Publication number: 20080310968Abstract: A waste water lifting system with a collecting tank (2) for liquids, in particular waste water, fecal matter, or the like, and with a device for emptying the tank, in particular a pump (3) which is connected to a motor and is arranged as a motor and pump unit in an entirely or partially recessed manner in the tank (2). The tank (2) has at least one inlet and outlet pipe (4, 5) for the liquids, and the waste water lifting system is provided with a device for switching the pump (2) on and off as a function of the liquid level (PA, PE, A) within the tank (2). The tank floor (12) or at least a partial surface thereof (12.1, 12.2) is constructed to be elastically flexible as a function of the filling level of the tank. One or more sensors (15) are arranged on the outside (14) of the elastically flexible tank floor surface (12.1, 12.2) and measure the deformation thereof. The elastically flexible tank floor part (12.1, 12.2) is arranged at a distance from an installation surface (13).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: KSB AktiengesellschaftInventors: Juergen GROESCHEL, Horst SCHREYER