Abstract: A manually operated pump exhibiting numerous improvement over existing such pumps is described. The pump can include a cylinder that is removeably mounted to a molded valve box of unitary construction. The valve box can feature a valve plate covering a valve chamber and housing an inlet valve and an outlet valve. In some instances, the pump includes a molded piston of unitary construction to which a pair of opposing piston cups is mounted. In some cases, the pump includes a filler cap forming an inlet adapted to deliver a priming fluid into the cylinder. In some cases, the pump includes a stopper cap adapted to prevent a pump shaft from being fully pulled out of the cylinder.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for cleaning a filter are described, including apparatuses that include a built-in mechanism for cleaning a filter screen. The system can include a brush mounted in contact with a filter screen, adapted so that the brush can be moved to clean the filter screen. In some versions, the brush rotates with an axis of rotation perpendicular to a plane defined by a substantially planar filter screen. In other versions, the brush is adapted to be moved by a gravitational force along a surface of a filter screen upon removal of a pump housing from a pump well. In still other versions, a substantially cylindrical brush is mounted nested with a substantially semi-cylindrical filter screen, and the brush can be rotated while in contact with the filter screen and with an axis of rotation aligned with a longitudinal axis of the filter screen.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for cleaning a filter are described, including apparatuses that include a built-in mechanism for cleaning a filter screen. The system can include a brush mounted in contact with a filter screen, adapted so that the brush can be moved to clean the filter screen. In some versions, the brush rotates with an axis of rotation perpendicular to a plane defined by a substantially planar filter screen. In other versions, the brush is adapted to be moved by a gravitational force along a surface of a filter screen upon removal of a pump housing from a pump well. In still other versions, a substantially cylindrical brush is mounted nested with a substantially semi-cylindrical filter screen, and the brush can be rotated while in contact with the filter screen and with an axis of rotation aligned with a longitudinal axis of the filter screen.

Abstract: A modular pump system permits combining multiple discrete pump assemblies in serial and/or parallel configurations to tailor system output to user needs. The assemblies may be combined by hand quickly, without the needs for tools, to permit use in remote areas.

Abstract: A manually operated pump exhibiting numerous improvement over existing such pumps is described. The pump can include a cylinder that is removeably mounted to a molded valve box of unitary construction. The valve box can feature a valve plate covering a valve chamber and housing an inlet valve and an outlet valve. In some instances, the pump includes a molded piston of unitary construction to which a pair of opposing piston cups is mounted. In some cases, the pump includes a filler cap forming an inlet adapted to deliver a priming fluid into the cylinder. In some cases, the pump includes a stopper cap adapted to prevent a pump shaft from being fully pulled out of the cylinder.

Abstract: A modular pump system permits combining multiple discrete pump assemblies in serial and/or parallel configurations to tailor system output to user needs. The assemblies may be combined by hand quickly, without the needs for tools, to permit use in remote areas.

Abstract: Provided herein is an innovative human powered pumping device comprising a piston and cylinder pumping mechanism that is hinged off a base. In use, the piston is driven in and out of the cylinder by a handle which is pushed and pulled by the operator. The base is resting on the ground and the cylinder is hinged off the base such that the pumping mechanism can rotate with respect to the base during the pumping motion.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary embodiments of an efficient pump apparatus. In one embodiment the pump apparatus comprises a piston assembly loosely disposed within a cylinder. The piston assembly includes a driving cable connecting a top leaky piston and a bottom leaky piston having a check valve connected thereto. The cylinder includes an outlet pipe at an upper portion thereof and a check valve located at a lower end of the cylinder. The pistons move in the cylinder at a velocity relative to the conduit such that as the pistons move along the cylinder they create a substantial tortuous leak path forming a hydrodynamic seal between the pistons and the cylinder.