Abstract: A device for use as a float switch device for use in a liquid medium is disclosed which has a magnetic latching feature used to produce an offset, with the switch actuating in a first manner when the liquid level drops to a first level, and actuating in a second manner when the liquid level rises to a second level which is aabove the first level by a selected offset distance. The float element has two buoyant disks on the ends of a hollow cylinder, with switching magnets being located intermediate the two buoyant disks, and latch magnets being located on the bottom of the bottom buoyant disk. The float element slides vertically on a switch stem having a magnetic reed switch therein and a steel washer on the bottom thereof, with the float element being latched in a downward position by the latch magnets until the liquid level rises to the level of the upper buoyant disk, resulting in crisp and precise operation of the switching function.

Abstract: A fluid level controller flexibly set up according to the number of level steps to be controlled and the pitch between such level steps, which comprises a plurality of joint pipes connected in series to form a pipe assembly; a ring-shaped magnetic floating member sleeved on such a pipe assembly to follow fluid level to move up and down; a plurality of reed elements having each a reed switch connected in series with one another and received in the joint pipes; a main control circuit comprising latching relays in quantity one less than the quantity of the reed elements and a plurality of controlled actuators respectively connected to the reed elements.

Abstract: A sump pump powered by a rechargeable battery has a circuit for monitoring the battery voltage and controlling charging of the battery. Four comparators monitor the battery and control two flip flops one of which operates the pump in cooperation with a float switch and the other of which turns the battery charging circuit on and off. The circuit is arranged so that when the battery is in its discharge cycle, the float switch controls the pump and the charging circuit comes on only when the battery voltage is in a low range. In the charging cycle, the pump is locked out in a low voltage range of the battery and is controlled by the float switch only in a high voltage range.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for removing hydrocarbons or other lighter than water pollutants from a water table by drilling a well to a depth below the surface of an underground water table; positioning a vessel having a negative buoyancy in fluid in the well; positioning an inlet into the vessel at a location below the surface of hydrocarbons floating on the surface of the water table and above the interface between the upper surface of the water and the lower surface of the hydrocarbon material; establishing a low liquid level in the vessel; establishing a high liquid level in the vessel; positioning the inlet to a pump in the vessel below the low liquid level; energizing the pump to remove liquid from the vessel when fluid reaches the high liquid level and deenergizing the pump when the surface of the liquid reaches the low liquid level but above the pump inlet.

Abstract: An add-on liquid overflow shut-off valve including a valve body, a float and an arm connecting the float to the body that is insertable in fully assembled form through a standard tank lid opening, and further including a flanged end on the valve body for engagement outside and above the rim of the opening and threads associated therewith to engage the periphery of the opening to anchor the body inside the interior of the tank and at the top thereof, pneumatic openings formed in the top flanged end in spaced-apart relation for connection respectively to a pressurized pneumatic source and a pneumatic-driven liquid pump arranged to pump liquid into the tank through another opening in the tank, first and second pneumatic passageways formed interior the body extending from the openings, a third pneumatic passageway formed in the body for interconnecting the first and second passageways, and a shaft pivotally received in the body, having a fourth pneumatic passageway formed therethrough for pneumatic alignment with

Abstract: Apparatus for the pumping of fluids from a source without the need of external controls. The pump will continue to fill and empty itself as long as there is fluid filling the pump and compressed air of sufficient pressure to overcome the head against which the pump is pushing fluid.

Abstract: In a liquid waste collection and disposal apparatus, liquid waste gravity flows to a tank through a check valve equipped inlet line. A vertical guide float within the tank controls the liquid level therein. A two-way tank venting solenoid operated valve supplies gas, under pressure, to the tank for evacuating liquid therein. An electrical circuit connects a source of electrical energy with liquid upper and lower limit magnetic switches disposed in the path of travel of the float for energizing the actuator of the solenoid valve to evacuate the fluid therein through a check valve equipped discharge line in response to the float closing the upper limit switch. When the float reaches the limit of its downward movement, the normally closed lower magnetic switch is opened to interrupt gas pressure to the tank.

Abstract: A control system for a pump includes a level sensor switch that is positioned along a production string in an oil well shaft. The level sensor switch is protected from damage by inner and outer housings. A control circuit responsive to the level sensor switch is also provided. The control circuit includes an adjustable timer that is located at ground level remote from the harsh environment of the oil well shaft. The timer controls the operation time of the pump during each pumping cycle.

Abstract: A bottled water supply system comprises a base unit into which a standard five gallon water bottle may be installed. The cover of the base unit supports the bottle in an inverted position such that the neck of the bottle projects into a water reservoir within the unit. A pump, also housed within the unit, draws water from the reservoir and pumps it to the water supply line of an appliance. Power for the pump is controlled by a pressure actuated switch so that the pressure in the supply line is maintained a predetermined level. A pair of magnetic reed switches are housed within a water tight tube in the reservoir below the normal water level. A magnetic float surrounding the tube actuates one of the reed switches when the water level falls below the neck of the water bottle, thereby actuating an alarm indicating that the bottle is empty. The second switch is actuated just before the water level drops to the level of the pump supply tube and interrupts power to the water pump.

Abstract: A liquid regulator device has a buoyant body which is anchored to a side of the vessel by an electrical conductor. The body contains a movable ballast in the form of a ball and an attitude sensitive switch connected to the electrical conductor. The buoyant body floats in the liquid with one end in the uppermost position. Changing the liquid level tensions the electrical conductor causing the body to tumble. When the body has tumbled through a predetermined angle, the ballast moves from one end of the body to the other to cause the body to rapidly assume the reverse orientation. This causes the attitude sensitive switch to change state, which is used to control the liquid level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve apparatus having water inlet and outlet pipes, means for maintaining water which may have ruptured from a water storage tank in a water containment area, a float within the water containment area, a float-rod attached to the float which has a triangular gear attached to the other end of the float-rod. The triangular gear interacts with a circular gear when the float-rod is raised causing the circular gear to rotate away from the valve housing pulling a rod which causes a metal strip to be pulled over the water outlet pipe preventing water from being delivered from the valve housing to the ruptured water storage tank. The on/off switch of a water pump may also be connected to the float-rod such that the water pump is turned on when the float-rod is turned on pumping water out of the water containment area.

Abstract: A flow meter for use with a fluid source includes a chamber of known volume, and level sensors for detecting fluid boundaries at either end of the known volume. A valve between the fluid source and chamber is opened at a defined time until fluid level within the chamber rises above the upper sensor, whereupon the valve is closed. As the fluid level falls past the upper sensor a second time level is measured, with both time intervals being terminated as the level falls to the lower level sensor. The average flow rate as the fluid falls between the two sensors is calculated by a computer, and the total volume is then calculated using the longer measured time interval. Flow rates over long time periods can be accurately measured.

Abstract: Liquid is removed from a remote location, with control of the system responsive to the supply of the liquid to be removed. Control is accomplished without the need for electrical devices at the remote location by means of a valve in the remote location in the conduit circulating a powering fluid to a pump at the remote location, and the sensing of the accompanying changes in flow or pressure in the powering fluid conduit or output conduit.

Abstract: A waste water collection and discharge system includes a buried waste water collection container which receives solid and liquid waste through an inlet. A dry vault located outside the container has a closable entryway which permits access to the vault from above ground. A pump which fits in the vault has an inlet which receives waste water from a fluid inlet tube that extends into the collection container, and an outlet which passes waste water through a fluid outlet tube to a remote collection site. A level sensor senses the level of the waste water in the collection container and initiates and terminates operation of the pump to maintain the level within predetermined limits. The pump, motor, level sensor and motor control system are interconnected into a unitary module which can be placed into and removed from the vault from above.

Abstract: A sump pump adaptor which includes a tank which is mounted to a bottom nipple connected to a sewer pipe. A vertical sump pump is mounted on the tank so as to pump water from the tank out of a basement, for example as by pumping water through the basement window.

Abstract: A combination hybrid float switch comprising float support means, float support means including a top and a bottom and an internal tube, the internal tube being sealed with respect to a liquid encountering the float support means. A float means is slidably positioned about the internal tube, the float means including a magnet means, the float means being responsive to the level of the liquid. A circuit board means is positioned within the internal tube and includes a plurality of magnetic reed switches. The reed switches are mounted upon the circuit board, the plurality including a first enable switch, second pump switch and a third alarm switch. The pump switch and the alarm switch are physically aligned in a parallel position above the enable switch, the enable switch and the alarm switch each being modified with one shortened lead, thereby modifying the reaction to a magnetic field. the modified reeds eliminate an otherwise conventionally act of state.

Abstract: A cleaner has in a tank a vacuum pump protected by a float valve above the maximum possible water level and a submersible pump at the bottom and both of these in the tank produce a vacuum for the suction of water against the vacuum, the submersible pump moving the filtered water collected in the lower region of the tank out of the tank past a check valve. The vacuum pump is constructionally combined with a tank cover, so that it can be mounted on differently constructed tanks for different cleaning functions. For wet suction purposes, the associated paper filter bag has a passage opening for the suction connecting pieces, so that the water to be filtered passes through the filter from the inside to the outside.

Abstract: A pump assembly has a housing with water admitting openings through the housing near the bottom. A pump in the housing has an intake near the bottom. A water level sensor connects the pump to a battery in the housing when the level rises above the pump intake, to operate the pump. Closed cell foam flotation floats the assembly to permit pumping from a pool of any depth greater than one third the height of the housing. Flotation also is arranged to achieve self-righting of the assembly in the event of inadvertent tipping or upset.

Abstract: An arrangement for supplying fuel from a supply tank to an internal combustion engine, particularly in a power vehicle, comprises a container, a feeding aggregate arranged in the container, two pump stages arranged in series in a flow direction of a fuel and sealed from one another, the pump stages including a pre-stage and an end stage and each having a suction opening and a pressure opening, and unit for warning about the dry running of the pre-stage and including a sensor which is arranged between the suction opening and the pressure opening of the pre-stage in a region of the feeding aggregate through which fuel flows, and a warning device operatively connected with the sensor and activated in response to dry running of the pre-stage.

Abstract: An air-water separator used in a water well upstream of the intake on a submersible pump comprising a collar member positioned between the well casing and the water pipe including a plurality of spring-biased check valves in the collar which allow gravity flow through the collar only after a certain static head of water is built thereabove to allow sufficient time for the air bubbles to separate from the water before intake into the pump.

Abstract: A probe is mounted on a water submersible pump housed within a transformer vault. The probe will extend into any water which accumulates in the bottom of the transformer vault enabling a conductive path to be established through an appropriate electric circuit to the pump motor to permit operation of the pump so that the water which is on the bottom of the vault can be safely pumped from the vault. As the water level falls as it is pumped, oily fluids, which are immiscible in the water and will normally rise to a level above the water level in the vault, will come in contact with the probe to form an electrical insulator to inactivate the circuit to disconnect a power source from the pump motor.

Abstract: A fuel system for maintaining fuel flow when the surface of the pool of fuel in the fuel tank is below a minimum level. The fuel pump system includes a reservoir in the fuel tank and a pump in the reservoir. A motor in the pump drives a first pump which draws fuel from a secondary chamber of the pump and discharges it to the engine. The motor also drives a second pump which draws fuel from the tank through a primary chamber and discharges it to the secondary chamber. The excess of fuel discharged by the second pump over the first pump is discharged through an orifice in the pump to the reservoir. At fuel levels below the minimum, a float controlled solenoid closes an intake port to the primary chamber causing fuel to back-flow through the flow orifice to the secondary chamber to supply the first pump.

Abstract: Alternator circuit arrangement (20) for controlling the electrical energization of multiple load devices such as two pump motors (41,42) on an alternating basis so as to maintain the level of a liquid (86) in a container (84) within a predetermined range. The alternator circuit arrangement (20) further including an RC circuit (54) having a capacitor (62) for discharging through a normally closed switch (50b) which is opened during energization of the pump motors (41,42) so as to energize a bi-stable relay (52) which in turn interconnects alternate ones of the pump motors (41,42) to the alternator circuit (20) such that upon detection of the liquid (86) at an intermediate level (96) alternate ones of the pumps (41,42) are energized.

Abstract: A hollow float bulb or shell is secured to a flexible electrical cord and encloses a housing which confines an electrical switch and defines a chamber with an inwardly projecting barrier. A weight member in the form of a metal ball is disposed within the chamber and rolls over the barrier to actuate the switch in response to tilting movement of the shell and housing. In one embodiment, a shuttle in the form of a metal frame is supported within the chamber for sliding movement and carries a switch conductor element. The shuttle frame is impacted by the ball located within the frame when the ball rolls over the barrier, and the frame is restrained by magnets to produce snap actuation of the switch.

Abstract: The oil detecting switch includes a light oil float switch, a water float switch and a heavy oil float switch. When the light oil float switch is closed, a relay is activated energizing a light oil indicator light and its associated coil. The coil is part of a relay which inhibits pumping action. When the water float switch is activated, the inhibiting relay is bypassed so that pumping action can continue. When the heavy oil float switch is activated and closed, a relay is activated which energizes a heavy oil indicator light and its associated coil. The coil is part of a relay which inhibits pumping action. The light oil indicator light, its associated coil and the water indicator light are bypassed when the heavy oil float switch is activated. The status of the float switches is monitored by an analog-to-digital converter associated with a Remote Monitoring System Transmitter.

Abstract: A novel fluid pump housing for a fluid pump with a float switch is disclosed. The housing includes a clamp adapted to removably hold the float cable in a predetermined position and to allow manual release and reinsertion of the float cable at different positions along the length of the cable without the use of tools.

Abstract: For detecting small level changes in an aquarium, there is proposed a sensor which, in the operable condition, comprises a substantially enclosed sensor container (18), into which aquarium water can be sucked from the surface via an overflow edge (56) and from the aquarium interior via a suction port (46) with a downstream overflow tube (52). The sucking of the water over these two paths is effected by a circulating pump (26) of the aquarium filter system via an outlet port (32) of the sensor container (18). The liquid level in the sensor container is monitored by a level sensor (64). The upper edge of the overflow tube (52) is located beneath the overflow edge of the container wall by a specified distance. If water losses from the aquarium arise, the water surface in the sensor container drops to a considerably greater extent than the water surface in the aquarium external chamber does.

Abstract: An automobile hydraulic braking circuit comprises two reservoirs in addition to the main hydraulic fluid reservoir. One additional reservoir can replenish the other which in turn can replenish the main hydraulic reservoir. A peristaltic pump controls fluid flow to the main reservoir from the adjacent additional reservoir. Probes in the additional reservoirs operate in conjunction with control circuitry to inhibit operation of the pump to prevent contaminated fluid from being supplied to the main reservoir.

Abstract: A novel device for the control of flooding from drainage system overflow and a method of use are disclosed. The device is useful for limiting overflow from drainage structures, such as a sump well or sewer drain. The device includes at least one container segment that defines an enclosure for retaining excess flood water. The device also includes a cover and means for removably mounting the cover on the top of the container segment. Transition means are also provided to sealingly connect the container segment with an element below the container segment. In accordance with a method aspect of this invention, a flood control installation is made by attaching the device to an apron defining the opening about the well.

Abstract: An hydraulic switch (10) for buoyingly controlling a secondary electrical switch (74) is disclosed. A float (68) is retained to move between a first position spaced apart from a vent opening (64) and a second position in sealing contact with vent opening (64). The electrical switch (74) changes state from an open condition to a closed condition as the float (68) approaches its second position.

Abstract: Sewerage pumping apparatus is provided for delivering sewerage collected by gravity in a wet well to a force main which supplies sewerage by force to a remotely located sewerage treatment plant. The sewerage pumping apparatus comprises a hydraulically driven submersible pump located in the wet well for supplying sewerage to the force main. Two trailer-mounted hydraulic pump units (main and standby) adjacent the wet well are alternatively operable to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to drive the submersible pump. Check valves prevent the operative pump unit from supplying hydraulic fluid to the inoperative pump unit. The main pump unit is driven by an electric motor energized from a nearby electric utility power line. The standby pump unit is driven by an internal combustion engine. Float switches sense the sewerage level in the wet well and regulate operation of the in-service pump unit (and submersible pump) accordingly.

Abstract: A solid state switching controller for use with various types of oil well bailer pumps. Individually programmable steps with lockouts provide multiple mutual exclusivity between various circuit operations. A trickle charge battery system powers the control circuits. A tank overflow float protects against oil spillage. An automatic production rate adjustment circuit is provided which increases cycle time in proportion to the rate of production. The circuit includes a low power voltage detector for disabling the control circuits until the line voltage is acceptable. A three-phase power and control system with an isolation transformer for the controls avoids unreliable ground connections. The timers include a dividing circuit with an RC circuit. All power actuated apparatus are actuated by triac switches which are controlled by an opto driver. The bailer brake is pulse actuated for allowing the bailer to sink into crude oil without excess cable looseness.

Abstract: A water line freeze protection system consisting of first and second branch pipes extending from a water service pipe, a water holding tank, a metering orifice between the first branch pipe and the holding tank, a pump and a check valve between the holding tank and the second branch pipe, the check valve permitting flow of water only in the direction from the pump to the second branch pipe, a float and switch secured to the holding tank to activate the pump at an upper water level and deactivate the pump at a lower water level, and an overflow pipe from the holding tank to pass water from the holding tank into a drain when the pump is none operational.

Abstract: A water powered sump pump having an ejector with an inlet end and a discharge end and enclosed within a housing providing support for the ejector. A control chamber about the inlet end of the ejector has a diaphragm valve which operates to control communication with a water pressure source responsive to operation of a float controlled pilot valve. Multi-stage turbulence and progressively increasing energy and velocity is effected in sump water directed to a propulsion zone defined about the ejector nozzle and communicating with the mouth end of a venturi leading to a discharge outlet from the ejector.

Abstract: A hybrid gate-controlled three-way valving device that because of its regenerative-feedback-induced bistable action is a fluid-logic analogue of the electronic thyristor. The device is more particularly analogous to a common electronic thyristor known as the silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) because each is a switching device that in its normal state blocks forward conduction of the control-agent fluid, but which upon receipt at a control gate of an appropriate signal will trigger full forward conduction of the control-agent fluid. Each is moreover a device wherein such full forward conduction, once triggered by a brief signal, will continue even after the signal has been removed, until the control-agent supply flow has been cut off, reduced or reversed.

Abstract: This is a digital solid state control system for pumping liquid to regulate the condition of the liquid in a container, such as the liquid level. One pump is turned on when the liquid rises to one level, and another pump is turned on when the liquid rises to a higher level. An alarm is activated if the liquid rises to a still higher level or if a leak occurs in either pump. The control system alternates which pump turns on first in successive operating cycles. If a power failure occurs while both pumps are on, when power is restored only one pump comes on immediately; the other comes on only after a time delay.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a float vertically movable in a case, a driven member fitting to the float and having a movable attracting portion, upper and lower fixed attracting members disposed above and below the portion in opposed relation thereto, a stopper provided at a lower portion of the driven member for supporting the load of the float, a reed switch magnetically operable by the approach or retreat of the movable portion, and a contactless switching element consisting essentially of a TRIAC and operable by the reed switch. The reed switch is instantaneously opened or closed and held opened or closed when water level reaches an upper limit or lower limit. The apparatus is useful for automatically controlling underwater pumps.

Abstract: A submersible pump adapted to pump out the liquid in a reservoir has a built-in control unit for alternate pump operation. The control unit includes step memory means which provides a signal to permit the starting of pump operation every other time a high liquid level sensor senses the liquid. Once started, the pump continues its operation until the liquid level drops below a low liquid level sensor. The submersible pump can be combined with an additional pump having a conventional control unit in which case the two pumps are alternately operated.

Abstract: A drain system for a sump, including an electrically powered sump pump normally operable in response to the water level in the sump to drain the sump when the level reaches a predetermined point, and a water powered pump driven by a source of water under pressure and which operates in the event of an electrical power failure or in the event of a failure of the electrically driven pump.

Abstract: A fluid level control apparatus for a fluid reservoir and comprising a weatherproof housing having a plurality of micro switches mounted therein, the interior of the housing being in communication with the fluid reservoir, a reciprocal rod member extending between the interior of the housing and the fluid reservoir and operably connected with the micro switches for actuation thereof upon reciprocation of the rod, a diaphragm secured to the reciprocal rod and flexible thereby, a helical spring acting against the diaphragm for providing a preselected constant force thereagainst in one direction, a pair of in-line weight members suspended from the reciprocal rod outboard of the diaphragm and calibrated in relation to the physical characteristics of the fluid and force of the spring for counterbalancing of the spring to maintain the diaphragm in a neutral position during normal fluid level conditions within the fluid reservoir, the combined weights of the weight members being variable upon the fluctuation of the

Abstract: This device is an apparatus that may be used for many different functions or purposes. It includes vacuum cleaning; it can absorb dry or wet material and accumulate it. In the case of dry material, such may be accumulated dry in a container of any desired size for later disposal. In the case of wet material that is free flowing, it may be discharged through an outlet, connectable to a hose or pipe by having standard hose connections thereon. It is provided with a container for receiving and accumulating the collected material, and, if the material is liquid, it may be discharged from the container as desired. The container is provided adjacent its bottom with a normally open switch operable when the liquid level is below it to operate the suction pump to refill the container automatically, unless a manually operable switch in the circuit thereto has been operated to electrically disconnect the suction pump.

Abstract: A sewage pumping or lift station is mounted on the upper edge of a standard concrete wet well. A vertical partition divides the station into a machinery chamber and an access chamber that are hermetically isolated from each other. The floor of the machinery chamber is imperforate except for a hole through which a sewage inlet pipe passes and that hole is sealed by weldments attaching the inlet pipe to the floor; this hermetically isolates the machinery chamber from the sewer gases in the wet well. Any other components which must communicate with the wet well pass through sealed holes in the vertical partition.

Abstract: An hydraulic switch (10) and method for controlling the starting and stopping of a pump is disclosed. Switch (10) has an aperture (34) in the base (32) of a reservoir (28). Liquid enters aperture (34) thereby raising float (38) which operates switching mechanism (26) to start pump motor (20). As liquid is pumped passed impeller (22) along flow path A, some of the liquid is forced into conduit (36) leading to reservoir (28). The liquid flowing through conduit (36) keeps reservoir (28) filled. Consequently, float (38) remains in an elevated position keeping switch mechanism (26) on. Float (38) does not descend until liquid ceases to be pumped and stops flowing through conduit (36). Then, as liquid drains from reservoir (28) through aperture (34), float (38) drops thereby causing switching mechanism (26) to switch motor (20) off.

Abstract: A housing (12) carries a plurality of electrical components (32, 34, 36, 38) for controlling a submersible pump (70). A junction box (14) is attached to the housing (12) and receives a conduit (P) providing electrical power from a power source and also receives electrical conductors (C) from the pump. A common wall (30) between the housing (12) and the junction box (14) includes the sealed apertures (50) therein for the transfer of lead lines (L) from the electrical control components (32, 34, 36, 38) to the junction box (14) where they are connected to the power source and the electrical conductors (C).

Abstract: A multi level indicator and control system for controlling upper and lower liquid level limits in a tank includes a first transparent column connected in selective communication with the liquid in the tank and extending between one of the limits of desired control and a second transparent column disposed below the other limit of desired control. A plurality of reed switches are disposed at different levels within the columns and each is magnetically responsive to a float confined to movement within a narrow range of movement adjacent the switch, for controlling the switches in response to the respective level of liquid in the tank. Valves are provided for selectively cutting off communication of the column with the tank so that the column may be drained and the switches checked or replaced when needed. Extended vent tubes may be provided for venting the column when the column is connected to a tank of a height many times that of the column.

Abstract: An electric motor driven bilge pump particularly for marine use is described having an outer housing of molded synthetic plastic having inlet openings for the liquid to be pumped with a bottom closure plate detachably secured thereto and a motor housing of molded synthetic plastic carried in the outer housing and containing an electric motor with a vertical shaft extending below the motor housing and having an impeller thereon, a pump housing or chamber of molded synthetic plastic carried on the lower end of the motor housing and supported and positioned in the outer housing, the outer housing having a space therein for a float operated motor controlling switch carried on the pump chamber, the motor housing having packing members for preventing leakage from the pump chamber to the motor chamber with provisions for cooling the pump bearings.

Abstract: In a swimming pool having an electrically powered pump for circulating water, a portion of the water in the swimming pool is directed into a chamber in communication with the pool, so that the level of the water in the chamber is the same as the level of the water in the pool. The circuit supplying electrical current to the pump includes a switch mounted in the chamber. A float supported by the water in the chamber is mechanically connected to the switch in such manner that the switch permits current to flow to the pump, when the float is supported at or above a predetermined level. A drop in the level of water in the pool causes a corresponding drop in the level of water in the chamber, so that the float falls and actuates the switch causing the pump to be disconnected from its power supply.

Abstract: Liquid level in tanks is gauged an can be controlled as follows. Liquid communication is provided from near the bottom of the tank to a liquid reservoir containing a liquid which is of different density and immiscible with the tank liquid. The reservoir is in liquid communication with a vertically elongated vessel having a relatively small horizontal area compared to the tank, communication being near the top of the reservoir if the reservoir liquid is less dense than the tank liquid and being near the bottom of the reservoir if the reservoir liquid is more dense than the tank liquid. The elongated vessel, which can be transparent or translucent so that the liquid level therein corresponding to the liquid level in the tank can be readily determined, can contain a float containing a proximity sensor triggering element.

Abstract: An outdoor well depth indicator including a sleeve vertically slidable along a pipe extending above the well house and connected by a line to a float on the surface of the water in the well. The indicator sleeve can be seen from a distance and from any direction around a well. Also disclosed is a cutoff system for terminating a supply of water from the well when the level of water in the well reaches a minimum desired level, without immediately shutting off the pump motor.

Abstract: An air column is employed in a sump pump to exclude liquid and foreign matter therein from the pump interior until a time just prior to priming and pumping. Just prior to the pump being turned on the air column is vented, thus permitting the liquid to rise to a level in the pump commensurate with the level elsewhere in the sump and thereby priming the pump.