Buoyantly Supported Patents (Class 417/61)
  • Patent number: 9234496
    Abstract: A swim current generator apparatus includes an enclosure and a motor shroud, the motor shroud enclosing a motor coupled to a propeller and having openings therein to permit the intake and discharge of water by the propeller, wherein the motor shroud is moveable between a retracted position within the enclosure and an extended position outside the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventor: Keith Braswell
  • Publication number: 20150132151
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of hydraulic machinery, and relates to, by using the law of motion conversion and Bernoulli's equation, a generating station formed with a water level speed-increasing water tunnel set on a special ship or offshore floating city increasing a natural flow velocity V1?1 msec of a water source to a high speed of V2?200 msec to propel a turbine, and drive a generator; a power station formed with the turbine driving various load machinery; and a water supply station formed with an outlet of the speed-increasing water tunnel being connected to a lift tube. Hence, the present invention can replace high dams of a small number, to convert planar flow dynamics of wide rivers, seas, and oceans into inexhaustible, cheap, clean, and sustainable energy, which is a major theme project of the third industrial revolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Zupeng FANG, Dan FANG, Yafeng ZHAO, Lei WANG, Fang FANG
  • Publication number: 20150086389
    Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, a pumping system for use in a tailings pond is provided. The pumping system comprises a pump support and at least one mooring element coupled to the pump support. The at least one mooring element has an extended position for fixing the pump support to a bed of the tailings pond, and a retracted position for permitting movement of the pump support towards a shore of the tailings pond. The at least one mooring element is configured for transitioning from the extended position to the retracted position when a distance from the shore to the pump support exceeds a threshold as a result of a change to tailings pond geometry, and for returning to the extended position following movement of the pump support to reduce the distance below the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Weir Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Vert, Richard Haight
  • Patent number: 8961153
    Abstract: A subsea, seawater injection system, positionable on a seabed for connection to a subterranean well includes a frame, an electrical submersible pump (ESP) positioned in the frame so as to be oriented substantially parallel to the seabed when positioned thereon, and a filter operationally positioned between a source water intake and the ESP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Steven S. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8876491
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a high volume, buoyancy controlled submersible pump assembly designed to sit on the bottom of a body of water or other liquid substance and move a large volume of water or liquid substance. Alternatively, the submersible pump assembly is capable of achieving and maintaining neutral buoyancy or near neutral buoyancy in a particular body of water or liquid substance. The neutrally buoyant version includes maintaining the pump assembly at a given depth without requiring it to sit on the bottom of the body of water or other liquid substance. This invention also relates to linear electrofusion for thermoplastic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Gary M. Palecek, Dennis Lee Watkins
  • Publication number: 20140271256
    Abstract: A roving submersible pump arrangement for movement in a body of fluid is presented. The pump arrangement includes a submersible pump having an inlet and a discharge outlet and a buoyant transport device connected to the submersible pump. The buoyant transport device is operable to position the inlet of the submersible pump at a selected distance from a surface containing the body of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WEIR MINERALS AUSTRALIA, LTD.
    Inventors: Gary Saylor, Friedrich Bradner
  • Publication number: 20140140862
    Abstract: The invention relates to an intake and delivery module for a fluid, in particular water for a swimming pool or more generally for a tank, and an associated system for treatment of said associated fluid. It makes it possible to facilitate the installation and the activation of the system for treatment of the fluid of a tank, to generate a sufficient output of fluid, to decrease the number of pieces of equipment and to prevent any damage to the treatment means. The fluid intake and delivery module comprises an intake port which co-operates with a proximal part of a fluid outlet conduit and a delivery port which co-operates with a proximal part of a fluid inlet conduit. It also includes a self-priming pump which co-operates with the fluid outlet conduit downstream of the intake port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: POOLSTAR
    Inventors: Raphael ELBAZ, Georges AMSELLEM
  • Publication number: 20140112803
    Abstract: Pump system (2), method and use for transporting injection water (10) to an underwater injection well (12), wherein the pump system (2) comprises a pressure-tight enclosure (14) located underwater and containing: —a pump arrangement (18) for pumping the injection water (10); —a drive arrangement (20) connected to the pump arrangement (18) for operation of the latter; —a cooling arrangement (46) for removing heat from the interior of the enclosure (14); and —at least one control unit (48) for operating control of at least said drive arrangement (20); wherein the enclosure (14) also comprises: —an inlet (24), which is flow-connected to an upstream side of the pump arrangement (18); and —an outlet (28), which is flow-connected to a downstream side of the pump arrangement (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Jan Olav Hallset
  • Publication number: 20140017098
    Abstract: A float device for use in a body of water includes a float configured to transform between a deflated state and an inflated state. The float includes at least one internal chamber. The float includes a manual inflation value configured to provide a passageway for adding gas to the at least one internal chamber and a deflation valve configured to provide a passageway for releasing gas from the at least one internal chamber. A float attachment member is attached to the float, such that when the float is placed in the body of water, the float attachment member is underwater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Jay Lewis
  • Publication number: 20130294945
    Abstract: A system for pumping water in a body of water from a first depth to a second depth using energy generated by a passing wave. The system can have a floatable member and a submergible member having a conduit and a valve, a vertical support, a stabilization member, a passageway, and a depth adjusting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Bennett
  • Patent number: 8500321
    Abstract: A collapsible water circulation system for relatively small, enclosed tanks such as used by municipalities, fire districts, and industries. The system in its collapsed configuration is designed to fit through the often small access opening in the tank and then to automatically expand to its extended operating configuration, all without the need for any personnel to enter the tank. The system includes a draft tube extending downwardly from a distribution dish to an inlet anchored on the floor of the tank. The system also includes at least three, elongated flotation arms that can be deployed to extend substantially horizontally and outwardly of the dish. An impeller within the dish is operated to draw water up from the anchored inlet through the draft tube to the dish. The water subsequently passes upwardly through the dish over its upper lip and substantially radially outwardly of it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Corey M. Simnioniw, Gary A. Kudrna, Willard R. Tormaschy, Jonathan L. Zent, Joel J. Bleth
  • Publication number: 20130142673
    Abstract: In an amphibious or flotational device for supporting one or more submersible pumps, the flotational device is structurally configured to provide the means for enabling both static and dynamic positioning of the submersible pumps at selected depths below the flotational device, and to provide means for improved pay-out and storage of flexible piping that enables improved dynamic positioning of the submersible pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: WEIR CANADA, INC.
    Inventors: Stuart M. Armstrong, Gina Succi
  • Patent number: 8308443
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a high volume, buoyancy controlled submersible pump assembly designed to sit on the bottom of a body of water or other liquid substance and move a large volume of water or liquid substance. Alternatively, the submersible pump assembly is capable of achieving and maintaining neutral buoyancy or near neutral buoyancy in a particular body of water or liquid substance. The neutrally buoyant version includes the means to maintain the pump assembly at a given depth without requiring it to sit on the bottom of the body of water or other liquid substance. This invention also relates to linear electrofusion for thermoplastic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: Gary M. Palecek, Dennis Lee Watkins
  • Patent number: 8226292
    Abstract: A submersible, circulation system for small and shallow bodies of water such as a small pond. The system includes a driving unit with a tubular shell member and a base member and has a submersed motor and pump supported therein. The shell member extends along and about a vertical axis and has upper and lower openings with the base member spaced below and extending across the lower opening to create inlets therebetween. The pump draws water horizontally through the inlets into the unit where a relatively small first portion of the incoming water enters the pump and is driven downwardly and out upwardly directed discharge nozzles. The discharged flow passes through the remaining portion of the incoming flow to induce the larger, remaining portion to move upwardly with it toward the pond surface in a non-turbulent manner to raise the pond surface into a slightly convex mound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas P. Walter, Willard R. Tormaschy, Joel J. Bleth, Corey M. Simnioniw, Allan V. Tuhy, Gary A. Kudrna, Jonathan L. Zent
  • Patent number: 8226375
    Abstract: Wind powers a rotor causing a shaft to rotate, thereby transmitting power to one or more pumps to pump colder sub-surface water from the depths, one or more flywheels to provide gyroscopic stability to the entire platform; and to a propeller to help the wind powered sea pump remain in a stationary position. A hull provides a sump for a single hose connector to feed water to the pumps from a pickup hose of desired diameter to a desired depth. The force of the wind powers the sea pump to transport colder water from a lower depth to the sea surface. A sea anchor provides a pivot point to keep the wind powered sea pump oriented directly into the wind and a weather vane helps with the wind orientation as well as providing space for use as an advertising bill board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick J Dugas, Gary A Balinsky
  • Patent number: 8182237
    Abstract: ROTARY SYSTEM FOR SUBMERGED PUMPS. The rotary system (2), object of the present invention, is composed of a motoreducer assembly, which is coupled to a rotating shaft (5), through a pulley transmission system. At the lower part of the rotating shaft (5) the submerged pump (1) will be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Higra Industrial S.A.
    Inventor: Silvino Geremia
  • Patent number: 8097150
    Abstract: A wave energy conversion system includes a barge support frame having a frame superstructure and a plurality of frame support legs selectively extendable from the frame superstructure, a barge carried by the barge support frame and at least one wave energy conversion pump comprising a water transfer conduit carried by the barge support frame and having a filter port and an inner water transfer space disposed in fluid communication with the filter port, a pressure conduit mounted for displacement on the water transfer conduit and having an outer water transfer space disposed in fluid communication with the inner water transfer space and a buoyancy vessel carried by the pressure conduit. Also disclosed are a power generation pumping system and a river or stream fed system having tanks to contain and pressurize water to a force sufficient to drive turbine generators for electric power production and potable water use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventors: Dwight Francis Houser, Dwight F. Houser, II, Mattew J. Houser
  • Patent number: 8011642
    Abstract: A cruising aerator includes a raft, a motor mounted on the raft, a shaft driven by the motor, a first impeller mounted on the shaft, a second impeller mounted on the shaft, and a common chamber. The cruising aerator further includes a sequential controller connected to the motor for controlling the motor to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. The motor, the shaft and impellers are installed inside of the common chamber. The common chamber has a common inlet disposed under a water surface. A first outlet and a second outlet of the common chamber are arranged to face in opposite directions. The first impeller and second impeller are assembled to have opposite normal rotating directions to each other according to a rotating direction of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventors: Ming-Chin Tsai, Mei-Ling Chen
  • Publication number: 20110123357
    Abstract: A pump assembly is buoyant and includes an electrical drive motor (16), a centrifugal pump driven by the motor, and an assembly housing (2) accommodating the drive motor (16) and the centrifugal pump. Moreover, the pump assembly includes at least one inlet opening (8) which is arranged below the fluid surface (6) in the floating condition, and at least one outlet opening (10, 12). The assembly housing (2) is arranged such that on reaching a contact surface, the assembly housing changes its alignment with respect to the floating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: GRUNDFOS MANAGEMENT A/S
    Inventors: Michele Leone, Riccardo Dal Canto, Susanne Wiatr Borg
  • Patent number: 7938957
    Abstract: An apparatus having flotation ballasts, a flotation platform and on the flotation platform, an intake equipment, such as a screen, check valve and/or pump intake and a coupling for a discharge pipe. In an embodiment of the present invention comprises, there are a plurality of substantially symmetrical flotation ballasts, each having a ballast chamber. The composition of the flotation ballast may be made of a material having a density appropriate for the fluid in which it is to be submerged. The method includes the steps of using an apparatus as herein described to ascend and descend intake equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Incon-trol Corp.
    Inventors: Mark Hayes Bolan, Kenneth Charles Phelps, Donnie Wayne Alexander, John Baxter Horton, Jr., Jeremy Scott Smith, Michael Larry Culbreath
  • Patent number: 7850433
    Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is drawn up from the depths of the body for exposure to the atmosphere and to generate an overall, high flow circulation pattern throughout the entire body. In other embodiments, the circulation in the body of water is primarily limited to an upper aerobic zone with only small and controlled volumes from a lower anaerobic zone being brought up. Each system preferably includes a flotation platform, dish, impeller, and draft tube with specific modifications to the various systems to adapt them for use in a variety of environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth
  • Patent number: 7798784
    Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is drawn up from the depths of the body for exposure to the atmosphere and to generate an overall, high flow circulation pattern throughout the entire body. In other embodiments, the circulation in the body of water is primarily limited to an upper aerobic zone with only small and controlled volumes from a lower anaerobic zone being brought up. Each system preferably includes a flotation platform, dish, impeller, and draft tube with specific modifications to the various systems to adapt them for use in a variety of environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth
  • Patent number: 7798419
    Abstract: A method and device for suppressing the destructive force of a tropical cyclone, wherein the ascendant speed of wind in the eyewall of a cyclone is reduced by sea water pumped on-site from under the sea surface to above the surface, and then dispensed in the wind at the bottom of the cyclone in/near its eyewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Jozef Solc
  • Patent number: 7713031
    Abstract: A submersible pump apparatus comprising a housing containing all the components of the pump assembly for using the submersible pump apparatus in a body of water. A float or a plurality of floats are attached to the top side of the housing for providing a positive buoyancy to the submersible pump apparatus. The float is provided with a channel for slidably receiving a single weight or a plurality of weights. The weight is used to overcome the positive buoyancy of the float and achieve a negative buoyancy for submerging the submersible pump apparatus to the bottom of the body of water. A sled is attached to the bottom side of the housing and comprises the combination of both legs and feet for supporting the submersible pump apparatus at the bottom of a body of water. A finder float floating at the water surface level is attached using a rope to both the weight and the housing. By removing the weight or weights from the float, a positive buoyancy is restored to raise the submersible pump apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Aqua Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Willis Dane
  • Publication number: 20100054961
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a high volume, buoyancy controlled submersible pump assembly designed to sit on the bottom of a body of water or other liquid substance and move a large volume of water or liquid substance. Alternatively, the submersible pump assembly is capable of achieving and maintaining neutral buoyancy or near neutral buoyancy in a particular body of water or liquid substance. The neutrally buoyant version includes the means to maintain the pump assembly at a given depth without requiring it to sit on the bottom of the body of water or other liquid substance. This invention also relates to linear electrofusion for thermoplastic components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Gary M. Palecek, Dennis Lee Watkins
  • Patent number: 7670044
    Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth, Corey M. Simnioniw
  • Publication number: 20080206077
    Abstract: A wave pump device (1) comprising a pump part (2) connected to a pontoon (4, 50), wherein the pump part (2) is further connected to at least one submerged water anchor (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Dagfinn Royset
  • Publication number: 20080181792
    Abstract: A floating pump is provided that has a power system, a pumping system, a filtering system, a floatation system and a support structure. The power system has a power source and a drive shaft. The pumping system has a pumping conduit and a drive member. The filtering system is in fluid communication with the inlet. The floatation system has at least one float and the support structure supports the power, pumping, filtering and floatation systems. The pumping conduit has an inlet and an outlet. The drive member is operably connected to the drive shaft for inducing fluid flow through the pumping conduit. The at least one float has sufficient buoyancy to maintain the engine and/or drive shaft above a water line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: JORGE MARCOS CORTES
  • Publication number: 20080112820
    Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth, Corey M. Simnioniw
  • Patent number: 7332074
    Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: PSI-ETS, a North Dakota partnership
    Inventors: Willard R Tormaschy, Gary A Kudma, Talt J Obritsch, Joel J Bleth, Corey M Simnioniw
  • Patent number: 7306719
    Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: PSI-ETS, a North Dakota partnership
    Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J Bleth, Corey M. Simnioniw
  • Patent number: 7285208
    Abstract: Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is drawn up from the depths of the body for exposure to the atmosphere and to generate an overall, high flow circulation pattern throughout the entire body. In other embodiments, the circulation in the body of water is primarily limited to an upper aerobic zone with only small and controlled volumes from a lower anaerobic zone being brought up. Each system preferably includes a flotation platform, dish, impeller, and draft tube with specific modifications to the various systems to adapt them for use in a variety of environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: PSI-ETS, a North Dakota partnership
    Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Joel J. Bleth
  • Patent number: 7086840
    Abstract: An oil pump for a reciprocating hermetic compressor comprising a pump body, having a free end immersed in the oil, and an opposite end coupled to the compressor, so as to be driven by the latter in a reciprocating axial movement, said pump body defining at the free end thereof a valve seat, and further lodging a sealing means, which is displaced between a closing position, seated on said valve seat, and an opening position, spaced from said valve seat, said positions resulting from the displacements of approximation and spacing of the pump body in relation to the sealing means therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Empresa Brasileira De Compressores S.A. - Embraco
    Inventor: Dietmar Erich Bernhard Lilie
  • Patent number: 7052245
    Abstract: An oil pumping system for a reciprocating hermetic compressor having a shell, which defines in the interior thereof an oil sump; a motor compressor assembly; and an oil pump means. The oil pump means is coupled to the compressor by at least one dampening resilient means. The dampening resilient means is dimension to reduce the amplitude of displacement of the oil pump means to a value that is calculated so that the ratio between the natural frequency of resonance (Wn) of the oil pump means and an operation frequency (W) of the compressor results in a ratio between the displacements of the oil pump means and of the compressor with a value inferior to one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Empresa Brasileira De Compressores S.A. -Embraco
    Inventors: Dietmar Erich Bernhard Lilie, Ingwald Vollrath, Egidio Berwanger, Rinaldo Puff
  • Publication number: 20040141851
    Abstract: An aeration device that converts wind energy into mechanical energy to drive a pump. The aeration device has a wind-driven rotor member that activates the pump by magnetic or mechanical forces. The pump is fixed within a housing. An aeration line extends from the housing through a ballast unit. An aeration tube is sealed to said aeration line via a barbed connection. The aeration tube extends downwardly, terminating in a foot valve. An anchor rope adjacently follows the aeration tube away from the ballast unit, where the anchor rope is fixed to an anchor, to secure the aeration system in place. Whereby when the wind-driven rotor members rotate about a rotor shaft, air is pumped from the pump out through the foot valve, to aerate the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Scott R. Hite
  • Patent number: 6755623
    Abstract: A floating pump assembly including a compact floatation assembly structured to float on a body of water and supporting a flow pump housing having an inlet, outlet and fluid drive assembly being submerged and wherein at least the outlet is oriented in a predetermined, preferably horizontal orientation during operation and activation. A power assembly is supported on the floatation assembly and is drivingly connected to the fluid drive assembly for powered operation thereof. The predetermined orientation of at least the outlet and particularly the direction of discharge of water issuing from the outlet substantially is such as to eliminate or at least minimize the tendency of the floatation device to become disoriented or unstable at least in terms of being increasingly submerged into a deeper position within the body of water upon activation and operation of the floating pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Eric Thiriez
  • Publication number: 20030143082
    Abstract: A floating pump assembly including a compact floatation assembly structured to float on a body of water and supporting a flow pump housing having an inlet, outlet and fluid drive assembly being submerged and wherein at least the outlet is oriented in a predetermined, preferably horizontal orientation during operation and activation. A power assembly is supported on the floatation assembly and is drivingly connected to the fluid drive assembly for powered operation thereof. The predetermined orientation of at least the outlet and particularly the direction of discharge of water issuing from the outlet substantially is such as to eliminate or at least minimize the tendency of the floatation device to become disoriented or unstable at least in terms of being increasingly submerged into a deeper position within the body of water upon activation and operation of the floating pump assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Eric Thiriez
  • Patent number: 6439853
    Abstract: This circulation device is equipped with a water impeller that is larger than and tightly fitted over the top of the draft tube through which the water from the pond or reservoir is drawn. By placing the impeller above and out of the draft tube it enables to lift water through the draft tube and imparts a centrifugal force on the water above the impeller which aids in moving the water radially outward from the impeller. The water is directed outwardly over a large diffuser plate that is centrally located. The outer edge of the diffuser plate is equipped with a laminar flow diffuser lip which is designed to inhibit the passage of water from the diffuser plate to the open water. This design ensures that most of the energy imparted to the water by the impeller is retained once it leaves the diffuser plate, making the invention operate efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignees: PSI-ETS and Partnership
    Inventors: Willard Richard Tormaschy, Wayne Everet Ruzicka, Joel John Bleth, Gary Allen Kudrna, Tait Joseph Obritsch
  • Patent number: 6312228
    Abstract: A recovery pump capable of reliably recovering floating oil and/or floating matter such as scum or the like while being significantly down-sized. A pump casing is provided in a lower section thereof with a suction passage and a discharge passage. The suction passage is horizontally arranged and has a suction opening and the discharge passage is horizontally arranged below the suction passage. The passages are arranged so as to communicate with each other through a through-hole and the discharge passage is provided therewithin right below the through-hole with an impeller, which is driven by a drive motor located on an upper section of the pump casing. The suction opening is provided with a recovery section for recovering the floating oil and/or floating matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: World Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoji Mori, Masami Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6039546
    Abstract: A float operated pneumatic pump which separates water from hydrocarbons within a well at the pump in accordance with the density or specific gravity of the water and hydrocarbon fluid. The pump includes a displaceable fluid inlet for allowing fluid to enter the pump which generally tracks the level of the water/hydrocarbon interface. The pump includes an outer tube forming an outer chamber and an inner or dip tube placed within the outer chamber of the outer tube and forming an inner chamber. A well float includes the fluid inlet and has a density which enable the float to remain in proximity to the water/hydrocarbon interface. A tubular coil or conduit provides fluid passage between the fluid inlet and the outer chamber. Also, a fluid separator is located at the bottom end of the outer tube and defines a fluid passage between the inner and outer chambers. In one configuration, the separator allows water to exit the pump from the outer chamber while the hydrocarbons remain within the outer chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: QED Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Edwards, Kevin L. Newcomer, K. Lynn Niehaus
  • Patent number: 6027313
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a pump, a fluid conduit and a regulated gas inlet. The fluid conduit has an upper end connected to the pump and a lower end in communication with a fluid supply. The regulated gas inlet includes a gas supply at a first pressure; a pressure monitoring conduit in fluid communication with the fluid conduit between its upper and lower ends; a gas delivery conduit in communication with the fluid conduit; and a pressure-responsive valve. The valve is connected to the pressure monitoring conduit and moves between a closed position wherein gas flow into the fluid conduit is restricted, and at least one open position wherein gas is delivered to the fluid conduit through the gas supply conduit. The valve is normally biased toward the closed position but moves opens when pressure within the pressure monitoring conduit is below the first pressure by more than a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Enhanced Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Uthe
  • Patent number: 5813839
    Abstract: An external-combustion heat engine pump, one version consisting of four chambers, one liquid and one gas pumping chamber, a gas heating chamber and a gas cooling chamber. The two pumping chambers are connected by two tubes, one near the bottom of the chambers and one at the top of the chambers. The liquid pumping chamber, which contains a cycling container, is connected to a reservoir with tubing and a one way valve allowing liquid to enter. The gas pumping chamber is fitted with a bellows, which rises or falls as determined by the location of the cycling container. Gas enters the bellows through a one way valve connected to the bellows with tubing. The bellows is also connected to the heating chamber with tubing and with a one way gas valve which allows gas to enter this chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: John C. Newby
  • Patent number: 5662459
    Abstract: A pump mechanism adapted to float on a reservoir of liquid characterized by a floating enclosure provided with an internal chamber, an open cycling container, disposed within the chamber, an output pipe coupled to the cycling container and coupled to a swivel joint, which is connected to the lower wall of the enclose. A pressurized gas and/or steam source inlet tube, allows pressurized gas to enter the chamber. The interplay between the force of gravity and the force of buoyancy activated by the force of an expanding gas and/or steam are the factors which cycle this device in a pumping action. In operation the cycle begins with the chamber full of liquid and the cycling container resting on the bottom of the chamber. The pressurized gas forces liquid out of the chamber through the pipe located within the cycling container. This continues until the pressure has emptied the cycling container. The pressurized gas will now vent through this pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: John C. Newby
  • Patent number: 5624238
    Abstract: A portable water pump for use with swimming pools including a flotation collar having a recess formed therein. A circular aperture extends through the collar. The floatation collar is adapted for floating in a body of water. An engine is positionable within the recess of the floatation collar. A water pump is secured and operably coupled with the engine. The water pump has a water inlet and a water outlet. The water inlet has a pipe extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom through the circular aperture of the flotation collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Graham R. Herbert
  • Patent number: 5510022
    Abstract: A pond aerator for aerating and circulating water in a body of water comprising a pump having an inlet adapted for receiving water and an outlet adapted for transmitting pumped water; a power transmission mechanism coupled between the pump and an external power source for energizing the pump; a spraying mechanism coupled to the outlet of the pump for generating a variety of spray configurations; a floating mechanism adapted to float on the surface of a body of water; a coupling mechanism coupled between the pump and floating mechanism for keeping the inlet of the pump submerged in a body of water and the spraying mechanism raised above the body of water; an anchor adapted to be positioned at the bottom of a body of water; and an anchor line connected between the anchor and the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Jerry W. Mullis
  • Patent number: 5398104
    Abstract: In an electrophotographic printer, an apparatus for supplying a liquid toner that has a solids concentration within a predefined range. A concentrated solids material and a carrier liquid is contained within a reservoir. The concentrated solids has a solids concentration higher than the predefined range and has settled out from the carrier liquid. A tube has its orifice submerged in the concentrated solids material A second tube has its orifice submerged in the carrier liquid. To insure that the second tube remains above the concentrated solids material and simultaneously below the upper surface, a float is formed around the tube. Finally, a mixer is connected to the two tubes and mixes the concentrated solids with carrier liquid to create the liquid toner. The solids concentration range is directly related to the rations of the two orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: David J. Arcaro
  • Patent number: 5244365
    Abstract: A cleanup apparatus for pumping oil and/or debris laden liquid from remote areas comprises an elongated tubular barrel having a distal end and a proximal end, an elongated plunger having a piston thereon reciprocably mounted in said barrel, a valving assembly detachably mounted on the distal end of said barrel and comprising an inlet conduit defining an inlet port and an outlet conduit defining an outlet port, a one-way inlet valve in the inlet port, and a one-way outlet valve in the outlet port, and a remote positionable floating intake assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Mikie B. Catcher
  • Patent number: 5240383
    Abstract: This invention relates to a wheeled floatable conduit apparatus attachable to a pump device to suck water into the conduit apparatus and force water through the conduit apparatus. The conduit apparatus comprises an elongate tube through which water or other like fluids can be passed, a hydraulically-powered retractable wheeled means, a hitch means to mount to a vehicle to transport the conduit apparatus, and a self-leveling floatation assembly mounted at the rear end of the transport tube to maintain the transport tube and a pump device in a generally horizontal relationship for effective, generally strain-free operation of the pump device to pump water through the conduit apparatus. The wheeled means are lockable in either a retractable or transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: John M. Ames
  • Patent number: 5234580
    Abstract: A decanting apparatus for a waste water treatment reactor which includes a float system which may be independent of the decanting apparatus end which allows the decanting apparatus to be removed without removing the float system. The decanting apparatus is a unique ball-funnel-shaped sleeve combination which may be powered internally or externally for removal of effluent that allows decanting below the surface at the most optimum level and may be intermittently operated on demand by floating switches or a programable timer. The decanting apparatus may be utilized in various applications including a gravity flow situation and two or more of these decanting apparatus's may be combined to provide more volume of effluent if required. This decanter is also ideal for environments where lower temperature extremes may form ice upon the upper layer of the fluid within the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Inventor: D. Thomas Murphy
  • Patent number: 5207897
    Abstract: An automatic pumping system for removal of floating contaminants and oil and gasoline seepage from water wells. A vertically reciprocating cone-shaped member, like an inverted funnel, is moved between positions above and below the water surface. As it submerges, the inverted funnel collects the floating product within its circumference and transfers it to a collection space surrounding the cone. In the upper position, this collection space is sealed so that air may be blown into it while the collected product is driven out through a pickup tube to a collection sump for ultimate disposal. A second embodiment incorporates a hydraulic pumping system which operates in synchronism with the contamination collection and disposal system to create a cone of depression which draws the floating product into the space covered by the circumference of the reciprocating cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventors: William E. Baird, Peter J. Tolan