By Float Patents (Class 417/40)
  • Patent number: 11905941
    Abstract: A wastewater sump assembly for receiving and disposing of undesired fluid and, in some cases, solid waste (collectively “wastewater”). A sump basin includes an upstanding wall a base and a top. A sensor in the form, e.g., of a float switch extends into the basin and is operable to actuate a pump to remove collective wastewater from the basin. The sensor depends from a sensor support that is supported distally within the basin in a vertical manner and is supported proximately within the basin in a horizontal manner, with securement of the sensor support not requiring traversal of the basin top and with the distal basin support not needing to be accessed vertically through a pump access aperture in the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
    Inventors: James J. Coffey, Petr Sramek, Steven C. Gray
  • Patent number: 11878770
    Abstract: A small lightweight battery operated remote switched bilge pump is provided weighing less than one pound for installing in a small watercraft, including a kayak, canoe, sailboat, row boat, dingy, featuring a bilge pump having a low voltage inline pump, a housing having a compartment with an integrated strainer base to receive the low voltage inline pump, and having a watertight compartment to receive lightweight batteries to power the bilge pump for about 1.5 hours, and a switch assembly to selectively operate on/off functionality of the bilge pump remotely; and a Velcro® arrangement to couple the bilge pump to a surface of the small watercraft to allow easy installation of the bilge pump in about 15 seconds to perform bilge pump functionality without drilling or making holes in the small watercraft, and to allow easy removal of the bilge pump for cleaning and battery replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: FLOW CONTROL LLC
    Inventors: Michael H. Irving, Joel A. Kenney
  • Patent number: 11821413
    Abstract: A mobile power supply device and method for energizing a sump pump in a sump pit during a power outage, and a mobile power supply device and method for energizing a sump pump secured to a bottom portion of the device. The device includes an enclosure similar to a dolly that is manufactured from plastic or similar non-electrically conductive material to minimize weight to enable the manual lifting and pulling of the mobile power supply device, and to promote safety by reducing the chance of an electrical short circuit when supplying electrical power to a sump pump. The enclosure includes a carrying handle and a relatively large dolly handle that cooperate with castors attached to a bottom portion or bottom surface of the enclosure. The castors promote manual movement of the device upon a substantially horizontal surface or up and/or down stairs leading to a sump pump in a sump pump well or pit in a basement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Inventor: Timothy J. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 11747189
    Abstract: A float assembly comprising a float traveling along a rod until making contact with either an upper or a lower adjustable stopper, so that an actuator lever having one or more counterweights in mechanical coupling with a switch, so that the float assembly may respond to the fluid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventor: Carlos Rosa
  • Patent number: 11692703
    Abstract: A method for starting a vertical forced-flow steam generator in a waste-heat steam generator, wherein feed water is fed to the forced-flow steam generator as working fluid, and there flows firstly through a feed-water preheater and then through an evaporator and is at least partly evaporated, wherein the partly evaporated working fluid is fed to a water separation system, in which non-evaporated working fluid is separated from evaporated working fluid and is collected, in which at least part of the non-evaporated working fluid is fed geodetically to the evaporator and, beginning from a certain quantity of accumulating non-evaporated working fluid, a remaining part is automatically removed from the water separation system. A corresponding device is for starting a vertical forced-flow steam generator according to the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jan Brückner, Martin Effert
  • Patent number: 11678460
    Abstract: An assembly that includes a planar surface, a plurality of first features disposed on the planar surface and a plurality of second features disposed on the planar surface. Each second feature is associated with one of the first features and a fan module coupled to one of the first features and the associated second feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Nelson Hsieh, Chuan Chieh Tseng
  • Patent number: 11649010
    Abstract: A pump intake adapter for pumping shallow levels of fluid from a surface to be drained, the pump intake adapter including a connection on the pump intake adapter to convey the fluid away from the pump intake adapter; an intake surface on the pump intake adapter; and a portion of the intake surface of the pump intake adapter that in operation does not contact the surface to be drained, and creates an open conduit between the pump intake adapter and the surface to be drained through which fluid may flow, the open conduit being in fluid communication with the connection on the pump intake adapter. Other systems and methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Skier's Choice, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Lawrence Hartman
  • Patent number: 11512715
    Abstract: A device for protection of wastewater pumps for wet accumulation chambers has a separation chamber provided with a discharge pipe for discharging wastewater into a sewerage network. A supply pipe connected to the separation chamber supplies solid particles containing wastewater into the separation chamber. A reversing valve arranged between the supply pipe and the separation chamber prevents reverse flow of wastewater into the supply pipe. A bidirectional pipe connected to the separation chamber connects the separation chamber with a pump, where the bidirectional pipe serves to supply wastewater from the separation chamber into the pump positioned in the wet accumulation chamber and for reverse flow of wastewater from the pump into the separation chamber to a discharge pipe. A solid particles separator arranged between the separation chamber and the bidirectional pipe separates solid particles contained in wastewater in the separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Aqua4um s.r.o.
    Inventors: Roman Rusnák, L'ubo{hacek over (s)} Krivu{hacek over (s)}, L'ubo{hacek over (s)} Hurban, Tomá{hacek over (s)} Matulik
  • Patent number: 11384757
    Abstract: A pump cartridge comprising an external housing including a lateral wall, a first fin extending from a first side of the lateral wall, and a second fin extending from a second side of the lateral wall. The second side of the lateral wall may be opposite the first side of the lateral wall, such that the fins are on opposite sides of the lateral wall. The pump cartridge may be part of a pumping system further comprised of a chassis comprising a pump basin including an interior side wall, a first tab extending inwardly from the interior side wall, and a second tab extending inwardly from the interior side wall and opposed to the first tab. The first fin of the cartridge is reversibly engageable with the first tab of the chassis and the second fin of the cartridge is reversibly engageable with the second tab of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Liberty Pumps, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. McCrossen, Clement A. Pin, III, John Biegas
  • Patent number: 11208992
    Abstract: A wastewater sump assembly for receiving and disposing of undesired fluid and, in some cases, solid waste (collectively “wastewater”). A sump basin includes an upstanding wall a base and a top. A sensor in the form, e.g., of a float switch extends into the basin and is operable to actuate a pump to remove collective wastewater from the basin. The sensor depends from a sensor support that is supported distally within the basin in a vertical manner and is supported proximately within the basin in a horizontal manner, with securement of the sensor support not requiring traversal of the basin top and with the distal basin support not needing to be accessed vertically through a pump access aperture in the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
    Inventors: James J. Coffey, Petr Sramek, Steven C. Gray
  • Patent number: 11022124
    Abstract: A whole home water appliance system includes controller circuitry, a primary sump pump driven by an electric motor, and a secondary sump pump driven with a flow of water. The system also includes a water control actuator operable as a water main control device for a domestic water distribution network and a flow meter to measure the flow of municipal water supplied to the network. The controller circuitry selectively energizes the primary sump pump to extract liquid from a sump pit based on a liquid level in the sump pit. The secondary sump pump independently controlled by a hydraulic level sensor to extract liquid from the sump pit. The water control actuator controlled by the controller circuitry to shut off a municipal water supply to the domestic water distribution network in response to detection of a leak. Communication circuitry included in the whole home water appliance may wirelessly communicate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: LOGICAL CONCEPTS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Owen Ward, David Lee Brown, Casey Wayne Hampton, Gage Herbert Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 11015606
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sump pump remote monitoring can include control circuitry integrated into a portable housing, with a backup sump pump connected to the control circuitry. The control circuitry can be powered by a line power and when the line power is not available, the control circuitry can be powered by a battery power. The control circuitry can be connected to a control panel, and the control circuitry can include a pressure transducer, the pressure transducer to measure a pressure in a fluid level sensor, and based on the measured pressure, the control circuitry to adjust the speed of the backup sump pump. A wireless controller can be connected to the control circuitry, the wireless controller for wirelessly receiving monitoring instructions and wirelessly transmitting backup sump pump status data, with the control circuitry providing an indication of the backup sump pump status data to the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Pentair Flow Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Bishop, Jeffrey C. Ambrose, Thomas G. Boese
  • Patent number: 10718338
    Abstract: A system and method for a battery-operated back-up sump pump. The method includes providing a back-up sump pump kit including the back-up sump pump, a first check valve, a second check valve, and a joint. The method also includes cutting a discharge pipe extending from a primary sump pump in a sump pit in order to create a first end open toward the primary sump pump that remains in the sump pit and a second end open toward the discharge pipe leading out of the sump pit. The method further includes installing the first check valve at the first end of the cut discharge pipe, installing the second check valve downstream from the battery-operated back-up sump pump, coupling the first check valve and the second check valve to the joint, and coupling the joint to the second end of the cut discharge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Pentair Flow Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Senthilkumar Vijayakumar
  • Patent number: 10502234
    Abstract: The utility model discloses a smart control water pump applicable to ponds and swimming pools for water drainage includes a chassis, an outer housing, an inner housing, a motor front end cap, a motor housing body, a motor rear end cap and an motor insulating cover, wherein the outer housing, the inner housing and the motor housing body are disposed in turn from the outside to the inside; a flow channel is formed between the outer housing and the inner housing; the chassis, together with the motor front end cap and the bottom of the inner housing, forms an impeller cavity; an impeller is disposed in the impeller cavity; the motor rear end cap, together with the motor housing body and the motor front end cap, forms a motor cavity; a motor component which is in transmission with the impeller is disposed in the motor cavity; and the smart control water pump also includes a smart control component, and includes a controlled in the motor insulating cover, and a temperature sensor and a liquid level sensor which com
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Forcome (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Xianfei Zhu, Gang Wang
  • Patent number: 10393122
    Abstract: A pump station arrangement and a method for turning off a pump configured for pumping liquid via a conduit. The pump, before being turned off, being driven at an operational frequency (FN) by a control unit. The method is characterized by the steps of, ramping down the frequency of the pump due to a turn off instruction, the terminal frequency of the ramping down being equal to the operational frequency (FN) of the pump minus at least 10 Hz and the ramping down time being at least a reflection time (TR) for the conduit in question, and the terminal frequency of the ramping down not being less than 10 Hz, and stopping the pump after the ramping down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: XYLEM EUROPE GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Larsson, Jürgen Mökander, Martin Zetterquist
  • Patent number: 10323633
    Abstract: A pump control system receives inputs from a low level fluid level sensor and a high level fluid level sensor. Based on inputs from the sensors, and in response to sensed trouble conditions, duplex pumping or pump specific simplex operation is restricted based on past and present pump current draws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: METROPOLITAN INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: John R. Kochan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10122169
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power management device. In one embodiment, the device includes: a line power input; a line power output; an inverter in communication with one or more DC power sources, the inverter adapted and configured to receive DC power from a DC power source and output line power; a DC transformer in communication with the line power input, the DC transformer adapted and configured to change line power to DC power; a first relay; a second relay; and a third relay. If line power is provided via the line power input: the first relay is adapted and configured to electrically couple the line power input to the line power output; the second relay is adapted to deactivate the inverter; and the third relay is adapted to electrically couple the DC transformer to the one or more DC power sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: QML, LLC
    Inventor: Qui Moc Lam
  • Patent number: 9771732
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for pumping fluid is provided. According to this embodiment, a fluid pumping system comprises a fluid inlet pipe and a fluid outlet pipe. A plurality of pump units are disposed between the inlet and outlet pipes such that the pump units each pump fluid out of the inlet pipe and into the outlet pipe. The pump units each include at least one DC motor. A solar panel may be used to power the pump units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Lanai Pool Pump Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Lonny Stephens
  • Patent number: 9702366
    Abstract: In a pump, at least one of leg portions of a pilot hole component are extended by a specified distance compared to the other leg portions toward a side opposite to a surface where pilot holes are exposed, and the pilot holes formed in the some leg portions extend through the some leg portions between end planes of the some leg portions and are exposed in the other end plane of the molded stator, the other end plane located at the other end in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Aso, Kazunori Sakanobe, Mineo Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Ishii, Junichiro Oya
  • Patent number: 9638193
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sump pump remote monitoring can include control circuitry integrated into a portable housing, with a backup sump pump connected to the control circuitry. The control circuitry can be powered by a line power and when the line power is not available, the control circuitry can be powered by a battery power. The control circuitry can be connected to a control panel, and the control circuitry can include a pressure transducer, the pressure transducer to measure a pressure in a fluid level sensor, and based on the measured pressure, the control circuitry to adjust the speed of the backup sump pump. A wireless controller can be connected to the control circuitry, the wireless controller for wirelessly receiving monitoring instructions and wirelessly transmitting backup sump pump status data, with the control circuitry providing an indication of the backup sump pump status data to the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Flow Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Bishop, Jeffrey C. Ambrose, Thomas G. Boese
  • Patent number: 9614400
    Abstract: A dc energy store system includes a dc energy store, an AC/DC power converter having ac terminals connected to an ac power supply and dc terminals connected to the dc energy store, and at least one auxiliary unit associated with the dc energy store. The dc energy store system is adapted to be operated in a number of different operating modes including: (i) a first mode to supply power from the ac power supply to the dc energy store; (ii) a second mode to supply power from the dc energy store to the ac power supply; (iii) a third mode to supply power from the ac power supply to the auxiliary unit(s); and (iv) a fault mode where there is a fault in the ac power supply, and power is supplied from the dc energy store to the auxiliary unit(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: GE Energy Power Conversion Technology LTD
    Inventor: Eric Anthony Lewis
  • Patent number: 9525309
    Abstract: An automated battery-powered backup AC power supply system for a sump pump installation of the type having a sump pump and a pump controller which connects the sump pump motor to the AC line to operate in response to a rising liquid level in the sump container. The system includes a standby battery and an inverter operable from the battery for supplying AC power to the sump pump installation in the event of AC power failure or during periodic testing of the sump pump installation. A power controller senses whether the sump pump motor is connected to the AC line by the pump controller and connects the AC inverter to the backup battery to supply AC power to the installation only when the pump is connected, thereby minimizing idle current drain on the battery and prolonging the backup availability of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Beacon Technical Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Eugene M. Cummings
  • Patent number: 9407134
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling potentially damaging inrushes of current to the capacitor bank of an electric drive system when the voltage on the capacitor bank is low. In one embodiment, a variable speed drive has a converter that converts AC power to DC power, a capacitor bank that receives the DC power, and an inverter that converts the DC power stored by the capacitor bank to AC output power. The converter has three sections that rectify the phases of three-phase input power. Each section has at least one controlled rectifier component, and the rectifier components have switches connected to them in parallel. When the voltage on the capacitor bank is low, the controlled rectifiers and switches are controlled to prevent dangerously high inrushes of current to the capacitor bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Amin A. Moghadas, John M. Leuthen, Renato L. Pichilingue, Patrick B. Cochran
  • Patent number: 9200630
    Abstract: A sump pump that is powered by electricity or water pressure. During storms when electrical power is lost the pump can operate on water pressure until electrical power is restored. The sump pump is comprised of a venturi 101, electric pump 102, float operated valve 104, and level switch 105, 205, or level controller/sensor 305/314 depending on the type of level sensing used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: Zeno Popa
  • Patent number: 9121398
    Abstract: The float-operated pump switch provides float-operated pump switching for automatically maintaining the water level in a water tank supplied by a reservoir. The switch operates to start pumping water when the level in the upper tank is one-quarter of the volume of the tank, and continues pumping until the tank is full, thereby providing a hysteresis and reducing the number of times the pump needs to be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Inventor: Abdullah M. S. Al-Nesafi
  • Patent number: 9002528
    Abstract: A method and system detects and resolves impending failures in a sump pump. The method and system may measure the current water level in a sump basin, which houses the sump pump. The current water level may be determined by a water level sensor placed slightly above the high water level mark in the sump basin. If the current water level is above the high water level mark, the method and system may activate a mechanical shaker that produces vibrations to physically shake the sump pump. If the current water level is below the high water level mark, the method and system may analyze a motor of the sump pump to determine if the run time of the motor exceeds a certain length of time. When the run time is determined to exceed the certain length of time, the method and system may send an alarm to notify a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Scott C. Morris, Shawn M. Call, Jackie O. Jordan, II
  • Patent number: 8985964
    Abstract: A float switch apparatus for controlling the energization of multiple electric circuits in response to the level of a liquid in a vessel, and a pump system incorporating same, are provided. The apparatus has a guide structure adapted to be mounted in a fixed position relative to the vessel. A first micro-switch with a normal and an engaged position is mounted to the guide structure and is adapted to be connected into a first electric circuit to control the energization thereof. A second microswitch with a normal and an engaged position is mounted to the guide structure at a location above the first micro-switch and is adapted to be connected into a second electric circuit to control the energization thereof. A float rod is slideably mounted to the guide structure for reciprocating movement in a generally vertical direction in a zone above a resting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Raymond Ascord Noel
  • Patent number: 8967250
    Abstract: A well pumping and control system that is capable of operating in a wide range of ambient conditions. The system automatically maintains fluid level in a fluid storage vessel, while protecting the pump and generator from operating in conditions outside preset operating parameters to prevent premature failure and reduce repair. By operating to pump fluid only when preset operating conditions exist, e.g. low fluid level, ambient temperature, etc., the system reduces labor, fuel, and maintenance operating costs to the owner, improves well pumping reliability and production, reduces generator fuel consumption, reduces emissions, and conserves ground water or liquid hydrocarbons, whichever is being pumped into the fluid storage vessel by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Mike Lisk
  • Patent number: 8888465
    Abstract: A basin for use in liquid handling, such as sewage handling. The basin is comprised of a bottom wall, a side wall, and an open top, and a hanging feature formed in the body of the basin. A basin assembly for liquid handling may include the basin, and a hanging member suspended from the hanging feature within the basin. One or more level switches may be attached to the hanging member. A sewage handling system may include the basin assembly, a top cover fastenable to the open top of the basin, and a pump disposed in the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Liberty Pumps Inc.
    Inventor: Donald M. Pohler
  • Patent number: 8875729
    Abstract: A sump pump assembly broadly comprises a square or rectangular-shaped basin, a first shelf fixedly position in a lower end of the basin, a lid for securing to an upper end of the basin, the lid having a transparent window for viewing a water level in the basin, a light mounted within the basin for assisting in viewing the water level, a first pump positioned on a floor of the basin, a second pump positioned on the first shelf, and an alarm for notifying a building owner when the first pump ceases to operate but prior to operation of the second pump. Alternative embodiments comprise a battery-powered third pump, a battery for powering the third pump, and a mount for mounting the battery inside the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dry Basement, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Bramble, Otto W. Fleck, Lowell Hickman
  • Patent number: 8820404
    Abstract: A well watchman pumping and control system that is capable of operating in a wide range of ambient conditions. The system automatically maintains water level in a water storage vessel, while protecting the pump and generator from operating in conditions outside preset operating parameters to prevent premature failure and reduce repair. By operating to pump water only when preset operating conditions exist, e.g. low water level, ambient temperature, etc., the system reduces labor, fuel, and maintenance operating costs to the owner, improves well pumping reliability and production, reduces generator fuel consumption, reduces emissions, and conserves ground water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Mike Lisk
  • Publication number: 20140199178
    Abstract: A liquid transfer device is disclosed that has a fluid pump enclosed within a rigid, space enclosing housing. The pump has a strainer with strainer openings that provide a fluid connection between the pump and the inside of the housing. The strainer is located at the lower end of the pump and the housing. There are also openings in the housing that provide a fluid connection between the inside of the housing and its outer surface. The maximum size of the openings in the housing is less than the minimum size of the strainer openings so that the strainer does not clog with debris. A discharge manifold provides a fluid connection between the pump and the outside the housing. In this way fluid is drawn in through the housing openings and then the strainer before being pumped out via the discharge manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: ANTONIO PEREZ
  • Patent number: 8764406
    Abstract: A fluid level control mechanism comprising a float assembly, a flow line assembly, an upper centralizer, and a lower centralizer. The float assembly has a cylindrical outer float tube and a cylindrical inner float tube connected by upper and lower end plates to form a sealed cavity. The flow line assembly has a main flow line capable of passing a fluid, a diverter flow line, and a diverter valve. The diverter valve is connected to the lower end plate of the float assembly via a lever arm, such that the float assembly is capable of sliding along the length of the main flow line in response to a fluid level. Downward movement of the float assembly opens the diverter valve and upward movement of the float assembly closes the diverter valve. The upper and lower centralizers center the mechanism within a well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: William K. Filippi
  • Patent number: 8764407
    Abstract: A fluid level control mechanism comprising a reservoir assembly, a flow line assembly, and a resilient force assembly. The flow line assembly has a main flow line capable of passing a fluid, a diverter flow line, and a diverter valve. The diverter valve is connected to a lower end plate of the reservoir assembly via a lever arm, such that the reservoir assembly is capable of sliding along the length of the main flow line in response to a fluid level. Downward movement of the reservoir assembly opens the diverter valve and upward movement of the reservoir assembly closes the diverter valve. The resilient force assembly is attached to the main flow line and the reservoir assembly and is capable of exerting a vertical force against the reservoir assembly to close the diverter valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: William K. Filippi
  • Patent number: 8535014
    Abstract: A System and Method for Explosion-Proof Pump is provided that includes a component being mated to and sealed against an adjacent component. An embodiment provides that the component is a switch housing having a cavity formed therein. A switch is secured in the cavity and the adjacent component is selected from the group access plate and motor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Zoeller Pump Company, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Burch, Jr., Jay Edward Collins, James Christopher Erhart, Jason Dean Fletcher
  • Patent number: 8529228
    Abstract: A plastic hood is connected above a sump pump via the discharge pipe. A clamp on the hood secures a tether for the float switch. The hood prevents a tangling of the float switch between the sump pump and the discharge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Tim Thompson
  • Patent number: 8523532
    Abstract: A basin for use in liquid handling, such as sewage handling. The basin is comprised of a bottom wall, a side wall, and an open top, and a hanging feature formed in the body of the basin. A basin assembly for liquid handling may include the basin, and a hanging member suspended from the hanging feature within the basin. One or more level switches may be attached to the hanging member. A sewage handling system may include the basin assembly, a top cover fastenable to the open top of the basin, and a pump disposed in the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Liberty Pumps, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald M. Pohler
  • Patent number: 8439648
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Roy Harrison McIntyre
  • Patent number: 8430641
    Abstract: A float switch to control at least two pumps has a guide with two normally-closed micro-switches and a float rod slidably mounted thereto allowing reciprocating vertical movement. The float rod has one or more lower cam surfaces cooperating with the micro-switches to sequentially release them from their engaged positions to their normal positions during upward movement of the float rod. A float is slidably mounted to the float rod between upper and lower float stops. The shape of the lower cam surfaces is such that the weight of the float rod is insufficient to allow the float rod to move downwardly against resistance provided either by the first micro-switch or separately by the second micro-switch and the weight of the float rod combined with at least a portion of the weight of the float is sufficient to overcome either such resistance and to move the float rod downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Raymond Ascord Noel
  • Patent number: 8371821
    Abstract: An electrical control system for energy efficient pump stations providing for continuous operation of a single primary pump with a second pump functioning as the support pump and a third pump acting as the standby/emergency pump. All pumps are of equal horsepower and horsepower selection is determined by the system curve to select the lowest, most efficient horsepower necessary to discharge water at the highest inflow rate while not allowing the water level to drop below the submerged pump level during continuous running of the primary pump. A timer having an indicator arm rotates one full revolution every thirty days changing the pump sequence to reduce wear and tear on individual pumps. Each pump functions as the primary, secondary and backup/emergency pump for the same number of hours during the monthly cycle. Adding control circuits enables one or more pumps to be added when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Nasser Fred Mehr
  • Publication number: 20120251333
    Abstract: An autonomous sump (ASP) system is designed to remove water from a sump using a source of power other than commercial electrical power or battery power. The ASP system can be a stand-alone unit or, alternatively, can be used along with a preexisting sump pump system. In some embodiments, the ASP system can provide an alert to a building owner of the ASP system failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: David Leonard Irwin, Fitz-William Byrd Taylor, III, William Spencer Irwin
  • Patent number: 8226371
    Abstract: A pump control unit incorporates an accelerometer as a sensor. Responsive to outputs from the sensor, electrical load driving signals can be provided to energize a pump motor to reduce a fluid level in an enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Metropolitan Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Kochan
  • Patent number: 8167578
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Crane Pumps & Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Chih Lin, William J Watkins
  • Patent number: 8147210
    Abstract: A hydraulic assembly has a pressure medium container which at least partially encloses an electric motor, and a hydraulic pump which is driven by the electric motor using a simple, compact, and quiet design in a manner such that the electric motor is situated in the pressure medium container and is cooled by pressure medium without using the electric motor fan, in that the pressure medium container includes a partition which subdivides a pressure medium container interior at least partially into an intake region and a return region, and which maintains a certain level of pressure medium in the return region, and the electric motor is located in the return region of the pressure medium container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Gellner
  • Patent number: 7972117
    Abstract: A pump control system for a submersible pump is provided. The system includes a pump controller adapted to activate the pump when water has reached a high threshold level and to deactivate the pump when water has dropped to a low threshold level. The pump controller also incorporates one or more sensing devices that are capable of detecting the presence of a non-conductive fluid in water so that the pump can be deactivated if oil is detected in water. The system further includes an auxiliary control device which is adapted to automatically override the pump controller and de-energizes the pump if the pump remains activated when water drops to a level below the low threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: SEEwater, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20100329889
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: CRANE PUMPS AND SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Chih Lin, William J. Watkins
  • Patent number: 7806664
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: SHURflo, LLC
    Inventors: Anil B. Patel, Brian A. Babson
  • Patent number: 7789142
    Abstract: Methods and systems for removing water from gas wells are described herein. The water is removed by positioning a pump in a liquid layer below the perforations through which gas enters a gas well and powering a water pump with electrical power generated by an energy recovery system which produces electricity from a gas flow through the energy recovery system to an earth surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan D. Dotson
  • Patent number: 7755318
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Panosh
  • Publication number: 20100129232
    Abstract: A float device for a sewage pump is a controlling switch to actuate or stop the sewage pump, wherein the sewage pump is mounted on a bottom inside a sewage tank to process waste. The float device floats along with the arising of liquid level in the sewage tank so that a magnet element inside attract with a corresponding metal part on the controlling switch. On the contrary, when the float device lowers along with the decreasing of liquid level, the magnet element disengages from the metal part to stop the sewage pump. By having float device operated by the magnetic way with few frictional wear, the switch has extended lifespan. Moreover, the float device is convenient in replacement when the float device is malfunctioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Robert M. Keener