Abstract: A device for switching in and out a start winding of a single phase AC motor using an energizer winding to generate voltage which can be used to power a simple timing switch circuit. The AC voltage is rectified and converted to DC voltage. The DC voltage is then used to drive a normally closed solid state switch to an open state which in turn inactivates a triac connected to the start winding in the motor. The “on time” of the start winding is controlled by a RC circuit that ramps the voltage to the gate of a FET that drives current through the normally closed solid state switch.

Abstract: A sump pump system with a sump pump, a sump pump electrical cord connected to the sump pump, and a housing that is secured in line with, and an integral component of, the sump pump electrical cord. An electronic controller is located within the housing and comprises sensors, processors, a switch, and audible and visual alarms and indicators, wherein the switch and visual alarms and indicators are located on a face of the housing.

Abstract: A system for removing contaminants from water prior to supply to service by entraining a controlled quantity of air into the water to oxidize the contaminant particles and then filtering the contaminants in a combination aeration/filtration tank. The filtration tank includes an adapter which cooperates with a filter tank and the control valve for the filter tank to facilitate precipitation of water through the filter bed and venting of excess gases from the tank in addition to the filtering and backwash functions of the filter tank. The adapter is designed to cooperated with the control mechanism and tank of filter tanks used in currently available water conditioning systems.

Abstract: A governor and motor assembly of a fractional horsepower electric motor adapted to control the efficient operation of the motor utilizing simple structural components. The governor is responsive to the centrifugal forces of the rotating rotor shaft of the motor and is attached to the end thereof. The governor includes a carrier plate affixed to the shaft and a pivotable lever mounted within a groove in the carrier plate. A first end of the pivotable lever is connected to the carrier plate by an extension spring which acts to move the lever to its at rest or actuated position. As a predetermined rotational velocity is reached, the lever pivots at the groove to pivot away from the electrical switch aligned axially with the rotor shaft. The electrical switch, in turn, is mounted to a terminal board fixedly mounted to the motor housing to thereby positionally maintain the governor on the motor shaft as well as retain the associated capacitor.

Abstract: A submersible pump having a plastic housing and adapted to accommodate multiple pump stages. The housing includes a pair of housing halves which enclose the impeller cartridges of the pump and an adjustment cone to retain the impeller cartridges for proper operation. Different length housings to accommodate a varying number of impeller stages are manufactured from the same mold utilizing removable inserts to vary the length of the mold. Accordingly, substantially integral housing halves can be formed at a substantial reduction in cost.

Abstract: A nozzle/venturi with a bypass for controlling the pressure differential and therefore the amount of air which is entrained into the fluid stream. The nozzle/venturi assembly is utilized in a filtering system for removing contaminants from a water supply. The nozzle/venturi assembly includes a nozzle/venturi with a water inlet, an air inlet and an outlet passage and a bypass valve with an adjustable passageway to control the fluid flow through the bypass. The bypass valve includes a diaphragm which is effected by the downstream pressure resulting in an adjustment of the pressure differential and a spring biased seal valve to control the pressure which will open the bypass. The nozzle/venturi assembly provides efficient and precise control of the pressure differential to ensure that a constant amount of air is entrained into the fluid stream through the entire pump cycle.

Abstract: A motor and pump assembly having an intermediate mounting bracket adapted to conveniently join and support the separate motor housing and pump housing. The bracket is configured to accommodate the mounting of either a partial motor or a full motor design to the pump assembly. In the partial motor assembly, the mounting bracket is combined with a bearing housing to form the end wall of the motor housing and the support bearings for the motor shaft which extends therethrough into the pump assembly. Conversely, the bracket may be used to connect the pump to a full motor having an end wall structure. Thus, the mounting bracket may be combined with a partial motor during initial assembly and subsequently connect to a full motor upon failure of the partial motor.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant ferrule secured to the end of a full carbon steel rotor shaft in order to reduce wear and corrosion of the sealing elements of the pump assembly, while enhancing the overall strength of the drive shaft. A threaded member is received in the end of the rotor shaft and ferrule in order to secure the pump impeller to the drive shaft. The corrosion resistant ferrule reduces manufacturing costs while allowing integral rotor shaft construction. The ferrule may be manufactured of stainless steel, plastic, or brass.

Abstract: Checking fixtures for determining the effective tooth spacing along the pitch circle diameter of splined or gear-like members having exterior or interior teeth. Each checking fixture has two sets of L-shaped teeth which interfit in a first position for loading the member to be checked and are separable to a second position for checking the effective tooth spacing along the pitch circle diameter and providing a direct reading of the size of each part checked through a readout device. A wear compensator supports and axially adjusts the position of the member to be checked along the axial length of the partial teeth to prevent localized wear on the partial teeth.

Abstract: A sump pump includes a submersible electric motor for driving an impeller which discharges water radially outward into a volute oriented in a horizontal plane at the bottom of the device. An optical sensor located at a predetermined pump-operating level utilizes the light reflecting and refracting properties of the sensor-chamber interface to sense the presence or absence of water at such level. In a first embodiment, the pump includes a supplementary water level-sensing chamber which has a first leg ascending from an inlet near its lower end to an overflow point at the top of a vertical barrier separating the first leg from a second leg which descends to the low pressure area of the impeller.

Abstract: A refuse container lift pocket for use on containers lifted and inverted over collecting truck bins, in which the pocket operates with lift arms from the truck to automatically tilt the container toward the truck as the container is lifted. The pocket has a bottom plate parallel with the container floor and a top plate in spaced relation to the bottom plate and angling downwardly away from the pocket entrance. A side wall is disposed between the top and bottom plates.

Abstract: A refuse container lid system for providing easily replaced interchangeable covers for the top of a refuse container, in which similar size covers are used on containers of various volumes. A stationary plate is used to cover the portion of the top of the container not covered by the openable covers, and the size of the plate varies depending upon the size of the container. Hinge plates are attached to the side of the container, and have studs extending into tubular ends of the plate and covers. If two covers are used side by side, a pipe is disposed between the tubular portions of the covers, and the studs are disposed in the pipe. The hinge plate is adjustably connected to a bracket on the side of the container and can be removed to replace one or both of the covers.