Responsive To Accumulation Of Pumped Liquid In Receiver Patents (Class 417/36)
  • Patent number: 7458782
    Abstract: A computer monitoring system for controlling the operation of a sump pump, and reporting failure of the sump pump. The computer monitoring system includes a sump pump designed for pumping water out of a sump pit, a level sensing assembly positioned within the sump pit for detecting a level of water in the sump pit, and a control interface program operationally interacting with the conventional information handling system and operationally coupled to the sump pump and the level sensing assembly through the conventional information handling system for activating the sump pump when the level sensing assembly signals that water in the sump pit has reached a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph Spadola, Jr., Joseph R. Damianoe, Anthony Peluso
  • Patent number: 7429842
    Abstract: A control system for a sump pump driven by an AC motor includes an AC power line having an input adapted for connection to an AC power source and an output adapted for connection to the AC drive motor. A controller is connected to a controllable switch in the AC power line, to control the opening and closing of that switch. Redundant float switches are coupled to the controller and adapted to be mounted in a sump to supply the controller with a signals when the liquid in the sump rises to a selected level. A timer in, or coupled to, the controller alters the control signal to open the controllable switch if the liquid level in the sump remains above the selected level for a preselected time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventors: Alan M. Schulman, James W. Oram
  • Publication number: 20080229819
    Abstract: A variable capacitor for sensing the level of a liquid. The capacitor provides a readable capacitance that varies with respect to the level of the liquid. A pump control system implementing the capacitive sensor to control the level of a liquid by activating and deactivating the pump depending on the level of the liquid. Methods relating to varying capacitance of a capacitive sensor and controlling a pump based on the level of a liquid. A pump controller for controlling the level of a liquid in a reservoir includes a controller and a capacitor. The capacitor is adapted to provide an activation signal to the controller when the liquid in the reservoir reaches a first predetermined level relative thereto. Additionally, the capacitor is adapted to provide a trigger signal to the controller when the liquid in the reservoir reaches a second predetermined level relative thereto. Based on the trigger signal, the controller determines when to deactivate the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: Wayne Water Systems, Inc./Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Philip Anthony Mayleben, Thomas Richard Stetter
  • Publication number: 20080219856
    Abstract: Pumped drainage apparatus (10) for a shower, comprises a waste water unit (12) having a waste water inlet (14) for accepting waste water runoff from a shower, and a waste water outlet (16) in fluid communication with the waste water inlet (14); a pump (20) in fluid communication with the waste water unit (12); a sensing circuit including one or more sensors (36) for sensing waste water; and a control circuit for controlling and varying a flow rate of the pump (20) based on an output of the sensing circuit. Preferably, the or each sensor is isolated to prevent in use contact with waste water. A variable flow control device (34) is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: DLP LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert William Stimpson
  • Publication number: 20080213101
    Abstract: A control device (10) for controlling a shower waste pump, comprises a housing (12) which is mountable to a supporting surface, pump setting means (14) located in and/or on the housing (12), and over-run setting means (16) located in and/or on the housing (12). The pump setting means (14), by way of a control element, preferably a manually adjustable potentiometer (42), allows selective setting of a maximum pumping capacity of the waste pump. The over-run setting means (16), also by way of a control element (48), allows selective setting of an over-run period from a predetermined range during which the waste pump continues to operate after fluid flow through the waste pump has ceased or substantially ceased. The over-run setting means (16) and the pump setting means (14) together can optimise operation of the waste pump, so that the over-run period of the waste pump can be set based on the selected maximum pumping capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Robert William Stimpson, Yanchun Wang, Graham Robin Lock, James Edward Self, Nicholas Parsons
  • Publication number: 20080145237
    Abstract: A pump monitoring and flow control system that provides direct indication and control of discharge flow on gas driven positive displacement or diaphragm injection-type pumps. The device uses a “tell-tale” check valve that drives a proximity switch each time the tell-tale valve, installed as the output check valve on a standard injection pump, opens with discharge flow. The proximity switch in turn signals the monitoring system which computes the volume of chemical injected and controls the injection pump gas motor to provide the required volume of injected fluid. Additionally the system can alarm if injection flow is interrupted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: G. Scott Stricklin
  • Publication number: 20080135074
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a washing fluid pump, including a pump housing; a contact member in the pump housing; and a pump terminal, disposed on the pump housing and configured to receive electric power. The apparatus also includes a washing fluid level sensor, including a sensor terminal inserted into the contact member and electrically connected to the pump terminal. The contact member may include two opposing guide grooves. The sensor terminal may include two projections for insertion into the guide grooves. One end of each guide groove may be open and the other end may be closed. The pump may also include a cover to house the sensor terminal. The cover may be foldable, or rotatable about a hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Hyun Min Jeon
  • Publication number: 20080118368
    Abstract: A pump comprising a tubular body delimiting internally a metering chamber and comprising an inlet orifice, an inlet valve, a stem mounted so as to be able to move inside the body and comprising an actuation tube delimiting an outlet duct, an insert assembled to the actuation tube and comprising a base placed inside the metering chamber and facing the inlet orifice, and a discharge orifice, an annular piston mounted so as to slide inside the body and on the stem, the piston and the base comprising annular surfaces suitable for forming a discharge valve, a ball-and-socket joint being arranged between the insert and the actuation tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Christophe Roy, Yohann Langlois
  • Publication number: 20080118369
    Abstract: An objective is to provide a microchip inspection system in which an amount of driving liquid filled in a flow path between a micropump and a microchip is kept constant. Also disclosed is a microchip inspection system possessing a micropump by which driving liquid is injected into a microchip from a flow path; a driving liquid sensing device by which a sensing signal is output by sensing presence or absence of the driving liquid at a predetermined position of the flow path; and a pump driving control section by which the driving liquid is moved to a position based on the predetermined position as a reference position by driving the micropump in response to the sensing signal obtained from the driving liquid sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA MEDICAL & GRAPHIC, INC.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sando, Akihisa Nakajima, Kusunoki Higashino, Youichi Aoki
  • Patent number: 7309216
    Abstract: A pump control and management system for monitoring and controlling sump pumps as well as providing supplemental controls and alarms. The pump control and management system includes a sump pump, a level sensing assembly, a control assembly, and at least one local sensor. The sump pump is designed for pumping water out of a sump pit. The level sensing assembly is preferably positioned within the sump pit for detecting a level of water in the sump pit. The control assembly is electrically coupled between an electrical service connection and the sump pump. The control assembly monitors electrical current drawn by the sump pump. The control assembly is also operationally coupled to the level sensing assembly. The control assembly activates the sump pump when the level sensing assembly signals that water in the sump pit has reached a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventors: Joseph Spadola, Jr., Joseph R. Damianoe, Anthony Peluso
  • Publication number: 20070286737
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for more accurately monitoring and determining pump failure. The apparatus and system include at least a power circuit, a current sensing circuit, alarm circuit and a controller. The controller is connectable to and receives an input from the current sensing circuit. The controller is configured to calculate a baseline operating current, current thresholds and operating conditions affecting the operation of the pump. The alarm circuit is connectable to and receives outputs from the controller, and provides alarm indications corresponding to operating conditions determined by the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: STAK Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7264449
    Abstract: A liquid collection and disposal assembly for collecting and disposing of drainage liquid, the liquid collection and disposal assembly disposable in a pit and having a basin assembly with a collection cavity, a pump suspended in the collection cavity and a level detector to detect drainage liquid levels in the collection cavity. A controller responds to the level detector to activate the pump at predetermined levels of the drainage liquid to evacuate the drainage liquid. A transparent basin cover is supported on top of a basin member, and an effluent discharge pipe is connected to the basin cover and to a liquid outlet port of the pump, thereby supporting the pump a predetermined distance above the bottom of the collection cavity. The pump has a water jacket through which the discharging effluent passes to cool the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Little Giant Pump Company
    Inventors: Dick Harned, Bill Tusten
  • Patent number: 7066724
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for flatproofing a tire and wheel assembly with a flexible, lightweight foam-fill by supplying at least two polyurethane reactive materials to a static mixer. The static mixer mixes the reactants, and a nucleating gas is supplied to the mixed reactants in the static mixer to form a liquid reactant mixture with entrained gas. The reactant mixture is injected into the tire and wheel assembly where the mixture reacts and foams replacing the air in the tire with a flexible, lightweight semi-open cell foam-fill. The foam-filled tire and wheel assembly is then allowed to cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Urethane International LLC
    Inventors: John Danules, Steve Anderson, Van Doesburg
  • Patent number: 7066197
    Abstract: A water supply system for supplying water to a building including a water tank (13) for collecting water from the roof (10) and gutters (12) of the building (11); a water level sensor means (21) for sensing the level of water in the water tank; a tank water system (22) for supplying water from the water tank (13); a water pump (23) for pumping water from the water tank (13) along the tank water system (22); a non-return valve (25) downstream of the pump in the tank water system; a pressure sensor means (26) for sensing water pressure of water within the tank water system, said pressure sensor means (26) is located downstream of the non-return valve (25); a mains water system for supplying mains water; a three port valve (35) having a first port (34) connected to the tank water system downstream from the pressure sensor means (26), a second port (37) connected to the mains water system and a third port (41) connected to the building's water reticulation system; wherein when the first (34) and third port (41) a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Urban Rainwater Systems Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Ian Gray, Rodney Douglas Moore, Gregory Duncan Cameron
  • Patent number: 6926814
    Abstract: An automatable measuring, cleaning and calibrating device for pH-electrodes or electrodes for measuring redox potentials, specifically in process engineering, having an electrode armature which keeps the measuring electrode in an operating position or in a maintenance position, whereby the electrode is retained in the maintenance position in a rinsing chamber in which a cleaning and calibration procedure can be performed. The device has a pump device to supply cleaning fluid and calibration solutions to the rinsing chamber over a delivery line connecting the pump device and the rinsing chamber. In order to configure the device more compactly, the pump device includes several feeds on its intake side, and a device is furnished to selectively activate a particular feed, and the media (cleaning fluid, calibration solution, etc.) brought selectively over the particular feeds to the pump device reach the rinsing chamber over the common delivery line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Endress & Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess-und RegeltechnikmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Ralf Koenemann, Bernhard Beck, Detlev Wittmer
  • Patent number: 6872055
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mud suction unit having a suction element which is connected to a receiving container and has a motor for the generation of a suction flow and also has a discharging element attached to the receiving container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Oase Wubker GmbH & CO KG
    Inventor: Dieter Hoffmeier
  • Publication number: 20040265132
    Abstract: An air compressor comprises a tank portion for reserving a compressed air, a compressed air generating portion for generating the compressed air to be supplied to the tank portion, a motor for driving the compressed air generating portion, and a pressure switch mechanism having a pressure sensor in a part of the tank portion, and controlling the motor to be turned on or off in accordance with an output of the pressure sensor, characterized in that when the time change rate of the pressure within air tank is greater than a predetermined value, the motor is restarted without waiting until the pressure decreases to the switch on point at the time of pressure fall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Hitachi Koki, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Iimura, Hiroaki Orikasa, Mitsuhiro Sunaoshi, Kazuhiro Segawa
  • Publication number: 20040234375
    Abstract: A sump draining apparatus having a pressure transducer engaged in a receptacle that is in turn engaged in an open-ended collar of a housing. The receptacle and thus the pressure transducer is slideable in the axial direction into and out of the open-ended collar. The housing is generally cylindrical and contains a pump and motor, each of which has a generally cylindrical shape and is axially stacked in the housing. A cord having a vent and electrical leads for the pressure transducer is releasably engaged via a cord restraint at one end portion of the housing and the pressure transducer is releasably engaged in the receptacle in the open-ended collar at the other end of the housing. The receptacle and sensor may be removed, serviced, and/or replaced without the housing being opened and without the pump and motor being removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: John S. Hasslen III
    Inventors: John S. Hasslen, David M. Gartner, Ronald C. Case, Carl A. Swanson, Amber L. Overgard
  • Patent number: 6817419
    Abstract: In a well production management and storage system having at least one collecting tank and the well pump and a control panel with a timing trigger for activating the well pump and deactivating the well pump for a first predetermined run cycle and a first predetermined rest cycle, the improvement is a controller for adjusting at least one of the first predetermined run cycle and the predetermined rest cycle. This controller detects either changes in rate of rise in liquid in the collecting tank and/or water level in the well when the pump is in a run cycle. When these parameters change, by a predetermined increment, the pump run cycle and/or rest cycle is automatically adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: John A. Reid
  • Publication number: 20040202546
    Abstract: A tire pressure holding system for a vehicle includes a pump mounted in the center of a wheel for discharging compressed air in synchronization with revolution of the wheel, the pump including a discharge section from which the compressed air is discharged, a conduit connected to the interior of the tire and the discharge section of the pump, a check valve mounted in the conduit for preventing the air in the interior of the tire from flowing to the pump side, and a release valve mounted in the conduit for releasing the compressed air from the pump outside when an internal pressure is at or above a predetermined value in a section of the interior of the conduit between the check valve and the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicants: Pacific Industrial Co., Ltd., INOUE Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Kayukawa, Koji Yamada
  • Patent number: 6766810
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods and apparatus for controlling the pressure in a supercritical processing system. Active methods for controlling the pressure include anticipating a pressure deviation due to a solute addition to a system, and changing the pressure within the system to compensate for the deviation. In this way, a desired pressure is achieved when the solute is added, without phase separation of the solute from the solvent. Pressure is adjusted by changing the volume of the supercritical processing system. Passive methods include adjusting the pressure of a supercritical system by changing the volume in response to a pressure deviation from a desired pressure. Apparatus for controlling the pressure in a supercritical processing system are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick A. Van Cleemput
  • Patent number: 6736603
    Abstract: An oil suction pump includes a push switch, a shaft vertically located below the push switch, and a float arm horizontally located below the shaft. A hooked lower end of the shaft is adapted to detachably engage with a hooked first end of the float arm and thereby holds the shaft in a fixed position when the push switch is depressed. A second end of the float arm is pivotally connected to a float that ascends when the oil sucked into a container connected to the oil suction pump reaches a predetermined level and thereby causes the first end to descend and disengage from the hooked lower end of the shaft, allowing the latter to move upward into an original position and automatically close an air inlet valve of the oil suction pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Ching-Tsung Chang
  • Patent number: 6729848
    Abstract: A sump draining apparatus having an pressure transducer engaged in a receptacle that is in turn engaged in an open-ended collar of a housing. The receptacle and thus the pressure transducer is slideable in the axial direction into and out of the open-ended collar. The housing is generally cylindrical and contains a pump and motor, each of which has a generally cylindrical shape and is axially stacked in the housing. A cord having a vent and electrical leads for the pressure transducer is releasably engaged via a cord restraint at one end portion of the housing and the pressure transducer is releasably engaged in the receptacle in the open-ended collar at the other end of the housing. The receptacle and sensor may be removed, serviced, and/or replaced without the housing being opened and without the pump and motor being removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: John S. Hasslen, III
  • Publication number: 20040071554
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling several pumps in a pump sump, with which each pump comprises a switch which switches on the pump and each pump after its running is first blocked and depending on the running of the further pumps in the pump sump is released again. The invention further relates to a pump for carrying out this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: GRUNDFOS A/S
    Inventors: Peter Jungklas Nybo, Lasse Ilves, Heikki Yli-Korpela
  • Patent number: 6682309
    Abstract: The present invention is a submersible pump system that includes a main housing, which is watertight and contains a submersible pump therein. There is a liquid suction inlet connected to the main housing and adapted for functional connection to a liquid source. This may be a direct pipe connection, or an open intake. There is also a one way check valve functionally connected to the main housing and located downstream from the liquid suction inlet, adapted to permit liquid to flow from the inlet to the main housing and to prevent liquid from oppositely flowing. The submersible pump has electrical power wiring and control wiring connected thereto and extending out of the main housing with a watertight seal. The pump has a submersible pump inlet to pump liquid from the main housing, and a pump outlet directly connected to a liquid flow outlet extending out through the main housing for liquid distribution therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: John A. Reid
  • Patent number: 6675989
    Abstract: A pump mounted in a housing is fluidically coupled to a vehicle windshield washer fluid reservoir. At least one outlet is carried on the pump housing for discharging fluid pumped from the reservoir. A fluid level sensor is mounted in the housing and has a sensing end projecting into the reservoir. The sensor includes a pair of spaced sensors having the sensing ends exposed to fluid within the reservoir. The sensor has a labyrinth shape adjacent to the sensing ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Ritter, Mark M. Benner, Karl-Heinz Kuebler
  • Patent number: 6638023
    Abstract: A system and methods for automatically adjusting pump operating parameters for at least one pump to accommodate solids encountered during a pumping operation. The output signal of a level sensor may be monitored so as to detect and account for variations therein. The power draw of the pump may also be monitored so as to detect and account for the presence of solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Little Giant Pump Company
    Inventor: Thomas R. Scott
  • Patent number: 6636010
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system increases the precision, reliability, and safety of dispensing medications and other liquids. An electronic brake grounds a power terminal of a pump motor to absorb the kinetic energy of the motor and other mechanically coupled components. The electronic brake reduces overage and overage variation in the dispensing of liquids at very little cost or complexity. A watchdog circuit monitors a controller heartbeat signal and disables the motor in the absence of a regular beat. The watchdog circuit along with redundant power switches greatly reduce the possibility of motor runaway in the event of component failure. A controller begins or ends each dispensing cycle with a diagnostic which determines whether the liquid dispensing system is fully operational. If not, the controller may disable the motor, emit an alarm tone, and display an alarm message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Zevex, Inc.
    Inventors: James Malmstrom, David Soss
  • Patent number: 6632072
    Abstract: A pneumatic pump control system for sequentially switching on and off an electrically operated pump disposed in a waste water liquid storage tank The pneumatic pump control system comprises a pneumatic pressure accumulator that is disposed within the liquid storage tank at a predetermined level. The pneumatic pressure accumulator is a dome-type that defines an interior air chamber for containing air, and a lower opening disposed at an elevation that represents a zero reference level within the tank. The lower opening is in communication with the liquids in the liquid storage tank when the level of liquid is as high as the lower opening. A pressure transducer is operatively connected to the pneumatic pressure accumulator for communication with the interior air chamber to measure the differential air pressure between the air within the interior air chamber and the upper layer of air within the liquid storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventors: Brian E. Lipscomb, William Carl Garrison
  • Patent number: 6615925
    Abstract: Apparatus and system control and method for the removal of fluids and gas from a well comprising a winch for removing the oil, a temporary storage tank, a bailer tube, and a bailer tube housing assembly axially aligned with the well casing. Natural gas is exhausted and recovered. The bailer tube is capable of being lowered into and elevated from the well casing such that captured oil can be diverted and discharged into the temporary storage tank. Sensors for monitoring operational parameters including the depth of oil and depth of a top level of water in the well casing, and a programmable logic controller for providing system control so that only oil is removed from the well casing by using a logging sequence and a balanced oil production operational sequence are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Global Energy Research LLC
    Inventor: Timothy F. Rice
  • Patent number: 6615924
    Abstract: Apparatus and system control for the removal of fluids and gas from a well comprising a winch for removing the oil, a temporary storage tank, a bailer tube, and a bailer tube housing assembly axially aligned with the well casing. Natural gas is exhausted and recovered. The bailer tube is capable of being lowered into and elevated from the well casing such that captured oil can be diverted and discharged into the temporary storage tank. Sensors monitor operational parameters including the depth of oil and depth of a top level of water in the well casing, and a programmable logic controller provides system control so that only oil is removed from the well casing by using a logging sequence and a balanced oil production operational sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Global Energy Research, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy F. Rice
  • Patent number: 6612812
    Abstract: A semiautomatic electronic system for sensing and accordingly raising if such is determined to be required, the fluid level of a liquid present in swimming pools, animal water drinking troughs, or any other liquid containment vessels. For the accomplishment of this task an electronic circuit periodically, in accordance with a schedule prescribe by a user, samples the environment of the space in a liquid containment vessel to determine if a liquid level has fallen below a predetermine level prescribed by the user. If such is the case, either a pump or a solenoid valve can be automatically activated, so as to cause liquid to be added to the containment vessel, only until the liquid in the containment vessel is restored to the required predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Wesly R. Gard
  • Patent number: 6604910
    Abstract: A fluid controlled pumping system includes a pumping unit disposed within a fluid cavity. The pumping unit includes a passage extending to a suction end of the pumping unit. The system also includes a pressure source coupled to the passage and operable to force a fluid outwardly from the passage proximate to the suction end of the pumping unit. The system includes a pressure sensor coupled to the passage and operable to determine a fluid pressure within the passage. The system further includes a controller coupled to the pumping unit and operable to regulate an operating parameter of the pumping unit using the fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: CDX Gas, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Zupanick
  • Publication number: 20030138326
    Abstract: The present invention is a submersible pump system that includes a main housing, which is watertight and contains a submersible pump therein. There is a liquid suction inlet connected to the main housing and adapted for functional connection to a liquid source. This may be a direct pipe connection, or an open intake. There is also a one way check valve functionally connected to the main housing and located downstream from the liquid suction inlet, adapted to permit liquid to flow from the inlet to the main housing and to prevent liquid from oppositely flowing. The submersible pump has electrical power wiring and control wiring connected thereto and extending out of the main housing with a watertight seal. The pump has a submersible pump inlet to pump liquid from the main housing, and a pump outlet directly connected to a liquid flow outlet extending out through the main housing for liquid distribution therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: John A. Reid
  • Patent number: 6592333
    Abstract: A universal condensate pump kit includes a universal condensate pump and an adapting wire harness. The universal condensate pump includes a condensate pump, at least one drain switch unit, an overflow switch unit, and a condensate tank. Condensate liquid enters an inlet of the condensate pump which is then pumped out of a device such as an air conditioner or heat pump. The adapting wire harness is used to electrically connect the universal condensate pump with the device. If actuated, the at least one drain switch turns on the condensate pump. If actuated, the overflow switch will open or close a circuit that turns off power to the device and/or closes an alarm circuit on the device. At least one connector provides electrical connection to the condensate pump, drain switch, and overflow switch. The adapting wire harness includes at least one pump connector which terminates one end of the plurality of wires and a plurality of device connectors which terminate the other end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: James A. Magallanes
  • Patent number: 6584997
    Abstract: An overflow prevention mechanism for use in association with liquid transfer systems of the type including an electrically controllable flow control device such as a pump connected between a source of liquid and a liquid tank, the mechanism including a backup liquid level sensor and a shunt trip breaker or other normally-closed switching device. The backup liquid level sensor senses if the level of liquid within the tank reaches an extreme high level. When the liquid level within the tank reaches the extreme high level the backup liquid level sensor produces an output indicative of the liquid having reached such extreme high level. The shunt trip breaker is connected between the source of electrical energy and the flow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Blichmann, Scott A. Kloeblen
  • Patent number: 6582198
    Abstract: A washing appliance having a thermally actuated diverter valve to allow for the diversion of water through the water holding receptacle of the washing appliance, where control means controls the turning on and off of an inlet valve and energizing of the thermally actuated diverter valve. A method of controlling a thermally activated valve in the cycle of the washing appliance is also disclosed. This method provides for the operation of a thermally actuated diverter valve during a recirculation wash phase in a washing appliance. The present invention allows for the thermally actuated diverter valve's “on time” life to be conserved, particularly in situations where the flow of water into the appliance is low, for example when the appliance is used in areas where water pressure is low, or when valves or pipes are blocked or obscured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Adam John Darby, Jonathan David Harwood
  • Patent number: 6557729
    Abstract: A soap dispensing system includes non-pressurized first and second soap containers connected to a soap manifold. The manifold has a first inlet connection to the first soap container and a second inlet connection to the second soap container. There is a soap outlet on the manifold. A soap conduit extends from a first dispensing opening on the manifold to a second dispensing opening on the manifold. A two direction peristaltic pump is associated with the soap conduit to move soap either from the first dispensing opening to the second dispensing opening or in the opposite direction. There are valves within the soap manifold for connecting the first inlet, first dispensing opening, second dispensing opening, second inlet opening, and the outlet to provide soap, upon operation of the pump, from one of said containers, through said soap conduit, to the manifold outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Jerome M. Gauthier
  • Patent number: 6547529
    Abstract: A sensor, system, and method for determining whether sufficient water is present to safely operate a pump. The sensor includes first and second conductive fittings that are physically and electrically isolated from one another by a third non-conductive fitting. Electrodes are secured to the exteriors of the first and second fittings and are electrically connected to an electronic detection device. The electronic detection device applies a voltage across the first and second fittings and detects a current flowing between the first and second fittings. The current is correlated to the presence of water between the first and second fittings. If the detected current is below a predetermined minimum, the electronic detection device turns off the pump to prevent dry-running thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Patent number: 6538261
    Abstract: A system for returning residual liquid remaining in a loading line to a liquid cargo container after loading or unloading of the cargo container. This system includes a liquid return line extending between the loading line and the cargo container. A pump is positioned to move liquid from the loading line, through the liquid return line, and into the cargo container. A vapor line communicates between a vapor space in the cargo container and the loading line. The system may include an optical liquid level sensor. The level sensor includes a light tube having two substantially straight sections joined by a substantially continuous curvature bend. The bend has a rounded cross-section and the light pipe is formed of a light conducting material. An optical emitter is positioned at the end of one of the straight sections of the pipe and an optical detector is positioned at the other straight section of the pipe. A micro-controller activates the optical emitter and monitors the optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. McConnel, William Edward Spencer, Mark Duane Holt
  • Publication number: 20030039549
    Abstract: A sensor, system, and method for determining whether sufficient water is present to safely operate a pump. The sensor includes first and second conductive fittings that are physically and electrically isolated from one another by a third non-conductive fitting. Electrodes are secured to the exteriors of the first and second fittings and are electrically connected to an electronic detection device. The electronic detection device applies a voltage across the first and second fittings and detects a current flowing between the first and second fittings. The current is correlated to the presence of water between the first and second fittings. If the detected current is below a predetermined minimum, the electronic detection device turns off the pump to prevent dry-running thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Donald Gross
  • Publication number: 20030034161
    Abstract: Apparatus and system control and method for the removal of fluids and gas from a well comprising winch means for removing the oil, a temporary storage tank, a bailer tube, a bailer tube housing assembly axially aligned with the well casing, means for exhausting and recovering a natural gas, the bailer tube being capable of being lowered into and elevated from the well casing such that captured oil can be diverted and discharged into the temporary storage tank, sensors for monitoring operational parameters including the depth of oil and depth of a top level of water in the well casing, and a programmable logic controller means for providing system control so that only oil is removed from the well casing by using a logging sequence and a balanced oil production operational sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: Global Energy Research, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy F. Rice
  • Patent number: 6499961
    Abstract: A liquid level controller for a device having a liquid reservoir includes a control board and a reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly is disposed within the reservoir and includes a liquid level sensor, which is electrically connected to the control circuit. The control board includes a control circuit and a pump. The control circuit has a control circuit and a resistive power supply to power the control circuit. The control circuit controls the pump in response to signals from the level sensor and includes a CMOS logic gate and a MOSFET transistor to switch the pump. The control circuit further includes a second resistive power supply connected to a relay which controls an alarm. The second power supply is activated by a transistor responsive to an alarm signal from the level sensor, and powers the relay only when the alarm signal is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Arnold G. Wyatt, Robert L. Terry
  • Publication number: 20020182082
    Abstract: An electronic control system dynamically varies the output capacity of a compressor by controlling plural valves associated with the compressor to provide pressurized air to a distribution system at an appropriate rate. The control system operates in any of three modes for standalone operation, including continuous run, auto/dual pressure band, and target pressure modes. In the first two modes, pressure bands are dynamically calculated based on load and unload values entered by an operator. These electronic control systems can also be connected in a peer-to-peer network to coordinate control of up to 16 compressors feeding the same distribution system, so as to maintain a desired target pressure in the system. A modem connected to the system supports remote diagnostics, monitoring, and control. Specialized startup, operating, and shutdown diagnostic algorithms prevent damage to the compressor and avert unsafe operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Steven D. Centers, Paul Burrell
  • Publication number: 20020176782
    Abstract: A liquid pump and controller with separate pump activation and deactivation mechanisms that are both closed detector devices is provided. The pump activation mechanism includes a float device that activates a pump motor when water within a housing of the pump reaches a high water level. The pump deactivation mechanism includes a sensor that detects the load on the pump motor and deactivates it when the sensed load indicates that the water within the pump housing has reached a low water level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Scott K. Batchelder, Richard J. Hauss, James T. Burrill
  • Patent number: 6481973
    Abstract: A variable-speed submersible pump has a centrifugal pump, with a grinder for entrained solids at the intake, driven by a variable-speed 3-phase AC motor. A microcontroller controls the pump output on the basis of sensor data and/or inputs from an external controller, and also monitors the operation of the pump unit and emits alarms and statistical reports as appropriate. If the pump is clogged, the controller attempts to free it, firstly by reducing the pump speed and increasing the torque, secondly by jogging the pump backwards, and thirdly by running the pump briefly at maximum speed. Before pumping starts, and at intervals when the tank in which the pump is submerged is not full enough to be worth emptying, the pump is run backwards. That serves to agitate the tank, re-suspend any solids content that may tend to settle out in the tank, and thus improve pumping of the solids with the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Little Giant Pump Company
    Inventor: Kevin D. Struthers
  • Patent number: 6479915
    Abstract: A submerged motor which includes a lower housing formed with a plurality of openings, an upper housing engaged with a top of the lower housing, a motor including a rotor and a solenoid enclosing the rotor, the chamber being in communication with the water outlet and having a hole communicated with the lower housing, the circuit board being provided with a pair of sensors and connected with an electrical plug via a first electrical cord, an impeller being fixedly mounted on the rotor, and a cover configured to engage with the upper housing so as to close the recess thereby protecting the circuit board from damage, whereby only when the water level is above all of the two sensors will the submerged motor be turned on thereby preventing any accidents caused by overheating of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Hung-Ming Hsueh
  • Patent number: 6460622
    Abstract: Apparatus and system control for the removal of fluids and gas from a well comprising winch means for removing the oil, a temporary storage tank, a bailer tube, first, second and third bailer tube guide pipes axially aligned to each other, means for exhausting and recovering a natural gas, the bailer tube being capable of being lowered into and elevated from the well casing through the temporary storage tank such that captured oil can be discharged into the temporary storage tank, sensors for monitoring operational parameters including the depth of oil and depth of a top level of water in the well casing, and a programmable logic controller means for providing system control so that only oil is removed from the well casing by using a logging sequence and a balanced oil production operational sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Global Energy Research, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy F. Rice
  • Publication number: 20020131866
    Abstract: Apparatus and method to provide run-dry protection to semi-positive and positive displacement pumps is disclosed, including a resettable fuse placed in line with the motor of said pump to interrupt the supply of electrical power to the pump in response to sensing a run-dry condition. The resettable fuse prohibits pump operation until manual resetting, which occurs only upon interrooting and re-applying electrical power to the resettable fuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: David Lynn Phillips
  • Patent number: 6450771
    Abstract: An electronic control system dynamically varies the output capacity of a compressor by controlling plural valves associated with the compressor to provide pressurized air to a distribution system at an appropriate rate. The control system operates in any of three modes for standalone operation, including continuous run, auto/dual pressure band, and target pressure modes. In the first two modes, pressure bands are dynamically calculated based on load and unload values entered by an operator. These electronic control systems can also be connected in a peer-to-peer network to coordinate control of up to 16 compressors feeding the same distribution system, so as to maintain a desired target pressure in the system. A modem connected to the system supports remote diagnostics, monitoring, and control. Specialized startup, operating, and shutdown diagnostic algorithms prevent damage to the compressor and avert unsafe operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Coltec Industries Inc
    Inventors: Steven D. Centers, Paul Burrell