Abstract: A fluid to fluid pressurizer includes an elongated stationary portion comprising a plurality of flow channels, said stationary portion comprising a first face at a first end and a second face at a second end. A first and second rotor housing are disposed adjacent to the end of the elongated stationary portion and have a fluid inlet fluidically coupled to respective first and second annular channels. A first and second rotary valve plates are in the housings and have inlet valve ports coupling the fluid inlet to the plurality of flow channels and outlet valve ports fluidically coupling the flow channels to adjacent the rotor faces. The rotary valve plates have sealing surfaces adjacent the stator faces. Annular seals are disposed between the rotor housings and the rotary valve plate between the annular channels. A motor or motors rotate the rotary valve plates within the housings.

Abstract: A fluid to fluid pressurizer includes an elongated stationary portion comprising a plurality of flow channels, said stationary portion comprising a first face at a first end and a second face at a second end. A first and second rotor housing are disposed adjacent to the end of the elongated stationary portion and have a fluid inlet fluidically coupled to respective first and second annular channels. A first and second rotary valve plates are in the housings and have inlet valve ports coupling the fluid inlet to the plurality of flow channels and outlet valve ports fluidically coupling the flow channels to adjacent the rotor faces. The rotary valve plates have sealing surfaces adjacent the stator faces. Annular seals are disposed between the rotor housings and the rotary valve plate between the annular channels. A motor or motors rotate the rotary valve plates within the housings.

Abstract: Systems, kits and methods allow a life-sized figure, whether configured as a cut-out or wall-mounted image, to be portrayed as “holding” a real musical instrument such as a guitar or a piece of sports equipment such as a tennis racket, thereby enhancing the visual appeal of the arrangement through the inclusion of a real, 3-D object while a storage function for the instrument or other implement when not in use. The invention may be configured for converting an existing wall-mounted figure or cut-out, or may be provided in kit form for later assembly. Apparatus and methods are also disclosed for taking photographs for life-sized novelty figures for use on cut-outs and wall-mounted displays, particularly when “action” shots are required.

Abstract: An air-operated, submersible pump features a bladder-controlled inlet applicable to water pumping or fluid separation, including the recovery of viscous hydrocarbon products. The inlet area fluidly penetrates through a portion of the wall of the pump, and the bladder, disposed within the pump body, is supported in overlying registration therewith. A pressure-operated valve in fluid communication with the discharge port facilitates a refill mode of operation, wherein fluid surrounding the pump flows into the pump body through the inlet area, and a discharge mode of operation wherein the air inlet is pressurized, causing the bladder to inflate and seat against and seal off the inlet area, and fluid which flowed into the pump body to be discharged through the discharge port. In the preferred embodiment, the inlet area comprises a plurality of apertures formed through the wall of the pump body arranged as one or more linear arrays lengthwise along the pump.

Abstract: An air-operated, submersible pump features a bladder-controlled inlet applicable to water pumping or fluid separation, including the recovery of viscous hydrocarbon products. The inlet area fluidly penetrates through a portion of the wall of the pump, and the bladder, disposed within the pump body, is supported in overlying registration therewith. A pressure-operated valve in fluid communication with the discharge port facilitates a refill mode of operation, wherein fluid surrounding the pump flows into the pump body through the inlet area, and a discharge mode of operation wherein the air inlet is pressurized, causing the bladder to inflate and seat against and seal off the inlet area, and fluid which flowed into the pump body to be discharged through the discharge port. In the preferred embodiment, the inlet area comprises a plurality of apertures formed through the wall of the pump body arranged as one or more linear arrays lengthwise along the pump.

Abstract: An air-operated pump for groundwater sampling and other applications includes a removable cartridge coupled to a manifold configured to receive air-inlet and fluid-discharge tubes from an above-ground location. The removable cartridge may be in the form of a bellows or bladder, and may be removably attachable to the pump body through a press fitting. In contrast to prior implementations, the pump body features a manifold with fittings enabling the air-inlet and fluid-discharge tubes to be respectively inserted and sealed into the air-inlet and fluid-discharge ports. In the preferred embodiment, the fittings are such that the associated tubes cannot be removed without modification. For example, the fittings may include a grab plate associated with one or both of the air-inlet and fluid-discharge ports. Each grab plate includes an aperture with finned serrations such that through proper sizing of the plate features and associated tubing, the tube(s) may be inserted and sealed through appropriate compression.

Abstract: An air-operated pump for groundwater sampling and other applications includes a removable cartridge coupled to a manifold configured to receive air-inlet and fluid-discharge tubes from an above-ground location. The removable cartridge may be in the form of a bellows or bladder, and may be removably attachable to the pump body through a press fitting. In contrast to prior implementations, the pump body features a manifold with fittings enabling the air-inlet and fluid-discharge tubes to be respectively inserted and sealed into the air-inlet and fluid-discharge ports. In the preferred embodiment, the fittings are such that the associated tubes cannot be removed without modification. For example, the fittings may include a grab plate associated with one or both of the air-inlet and fluid-discharge ports. Each grab plate includes an aperture with finned serrations such that through proper sizing of the plate features and associated tubing, the tube(s) may be inserted and sealed through appropriate compression.

Abstract: An air-operated pump for groundwater sampling features a corrugated bellows as opposed to the traditional bladder used for fluid collection. The preferred embodiment includes an air-supply line and a fluid-discharge line, each coupled to the pump body through a controller disposed at an appropriate above-ground location. The bellows is operable between a refill state, wherein fluid is drawn into the pump body through the fluid inlet, and a discharge state wherein fluid is forced out of the pump body through the discharge line. An apparatus disposed within the pump body governs the air received through the air-supply line to, at least, semi-automatically cycling the bellows between the refill and the discharge states. To assist in cycling, the pump may further include one or more magnets for latching the bellows in the refill or discharge state, and an electrical sensor for detecting whether or not the bellows is latched.

Abstract: A pump of the type used for groundwater sampling, including the removal of gasoline or other hazardous materials, utilizes a cartridge which, in the preferred embodiment, is easily removable for bailing and other operations. The cartridge may be in the form of a flexible-walled bottle or other device, including a corrugated bellows, thereby providing a number of advantages over conventional designs, including the potential for truly automatic operation and higher throughput. The open end of the bellows or other collection device according to the invention is also preferably positioned with the open end oriented upwardly during normal operation, thereby allowing trapped gas to escape. Air-supply and fluid-discharge lines are coupled to the pump body through a pump head from an above-ground location. If removable, the bellows or other fluid collection device is fastened to the pump head within a shell which is removably attached to the pump head.

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.

Abstract: A counter apparatus for counting the cycling of fluid flow in an automatic pneumatic pump. A magnet inside the pump repetitively moves along a fixed path in response to the pump cycling. A magnetic sensor for detecting magnetic flux is mounted on the pump. The sensor transmits an electrical signal to a counter in response to detecting the magnet at a certain location. When the magnet leaves this location the sensor stops transmitting the signal. Since the magnet is only at any location along the path only once during a complete pump cycle, the transmitted signal represents a pump cycle which is then counted by the counter.

Abstract: A float operated, top fill, recovery unit floats in a body of contaminated groundwater to recover a layer of liquid hydrocarbons residing on top of the groundwater. The recovery unit has an upper end fitted with a discharge check valve assembly and a lower end that is closed, the discharge valve assembly including a semi-permeable screen which is positioned in and skims the liquid hydrocarbons, and a series of passages and check valves for directing the hydrocarbons via a return line to a holding tank. In an embodiment disclosed, the lower end of the unit is formed in part by an inlet check valve arrangement which has had its check ball removed such that the arrangement does not operate to inhibit flow, and a closure plate is secured to the inlet valve arrangement to prevent external fluid from entering the unit.

Abstract: A counting apparatus which is designed to be placed in parallel to a fluid flow line has a differential pressure switch which is placed across an orifice positioned within the fluid flow line. A counting mechanism is associated with the differential pressure switch to register a count when signaled by the differential pressure switch. The differential pressure switch is operable to react to the difference in pressure across the orifice to signal the counter to register a count. The orifice can be a fixed or a variable orifice. In another embodiment of the invention, a fixed or variable orifice is placed within the diaphragm of a diaphragm type differential pressure switch to adapt the differential pressure switch to be placed in series with the fluid flow line rather than in parallel to it.

Abstract: There is provided a counting apparatus which is designed to be located in any position in series with a fluid flow line. The apparatus has a first magnet in an air chamber of the body of the counter. As the fluid passes through the air chamber, the first magnet is forced down the air chamber by the fluid flow. The magnetic field of the first magnet passes through a magnetic field of a second magnet located in the mechanical counter causing the counter to mechanically change the number. When the fluid flow is stopped, a spring returns the first magnet to its original position again passing by the second magnet in the counter allowing the counter to reset for the counting of the next cycle.

Abstract: A float operated, top fill, recovery unit floats in a body of contaminated groundwater to recover a layer of liquid hydrocarbons residing on top of the groundwater. The recovery unit has an upper end fitted with a discharge check valve assembly and a lower end that is closed, the discharge valve assembly including a semi-permeable screen which is positioned in and skims the liquid hydrocarbons, and a series of passages and check valves for directing the hydrocarbons via a return line to a holding tank. In an embodiment disclosed, the lower end of the unit is formed in part by an inlet check valve arrangement which has had its check ball removed such that the arrangement does not operate to inhibit flow, and a closure plate is secured to the inlet valve arrangement to prevent external fluid from entering the unit.

Abstract: A float operated pneumatic pump has an outer pump body forming an outer chamber and a dip tube forming an inner chamber therein. The inner chamber of the dip tube is in communication with the outer chamber of the pump body through a back flow discharge check valve. An inlet is located at a first end of the outer pump body for permitting liquids to enter both the inner and outer chambers. A discharge housing is located at a second end of the tubes and contains a liquid discharge port in communication with the second end of the dip tube. An air inlet port is located in the discharge housing for permitting pressurized air to enter the second end of the outer pump body. An air exhaust port is provided for permitting air in the outlet chamber to escape to atmosphere when fluid is entering the inner and outer chambers. A float is disposed on the outside of the dip tube within the outer chamber of the pump body. The float provides buoyancy to actuate the pump and provides weight to de-activate the pump.

Abstract: There is provided a dual pump floating layer recovery apparatus for pumping a floating layer of contaminant out of a well. The apparatus comprises an upper pump and a lower pump. The lower pump creates a cone of depression which increases the amount of the floating layer within the well. The upper pump pumps the contaminant from the well or cone of depression. The upper and lower pumps preferably are gas-actuated pumps. The lower pump preferably includes an automatic switching device to activate the lower pump upon sensing a predetermined amount of fluid within the pump. A gas conduit interconnects the actuation chambers on both pumps such that when the lower automatic pump is provided with pressurized gas, the upper pump is simultaneously provided with the identical pressurized gas. Upon deactivation, both pumps relieve the activation pressure through the lower pump.

Abstract: A floating layer recovery apparatus is disclosed for selectively pumping a liquid floating on groundwater. The apparatus preferably includes a first float which is buoyant in the floating layer attached by a guide to a bottom float which has neutral buoyancy in the groundwater. A middle float is slidably attached to the guide for upward and downward movement between the first and bottom floats. The middle float being an inlet is constructed to have an effective density in the assembly such that it rests at a point where its inlet is near the bottom of the floating layer. Coiled conduits disposed above and below the bottom float carry the floating layer liquid received by the inlet to a pump disposed below. The pump then pumps the floating layer liquid from the conduit to the ground surface. In a preferred embodiment, more precise control over the level of the inlet port is achieved by means of an adjustable inlet port means.

Abstract: A liquid pump apparatus is disclosed for pumping groundwater samples, contaminants or other fluids from a well, monitoring site, tank, vessel, or the like. The pump apparatus is applicable in systems including dedicated wellhead assemblies permanently installed at such wells or monitoring sites in order to minimize cross-contamination from site to site. Another application of the pump apparatus for recovery, collection and control system for cleanup of leachate or other liquid material or contaminated groundwater from a landsite is also disclosed. The pump apparatus according to the invention includes check valve means adapted to accommodate vertical, horizontal, non-vertical, or even inverted pump orientations, without requiring a high level of static head in order to function properly.