Abstract: A motor leakage current detector and/or a heat compensating circuit, devices using same and related methods are disclosed herein. Included are a uniquely wired current transformer to allow for polarity agnostic leakage current detection, a leakage current detector using same and having a notifier to alert a user. In other forms, an accessory power cord and power strip are disclosed capable of detecting early motor failure conditions. In still other forms, other machinery failure early warning systems are disclosed as are numerous motor operated devices using same including without limitation pumps.

Abstract: In one aspect, a pump is provided comprising a motor configured to rotate a shaft that is operably coupled to an impeller. The impeller is housed within a fluid chamber having an inlet and a discharge in fluid communication with the inlet. The fluid chamber further includes an outlet in a top portion thereof for venting air within the fluid chamber when the impeller is rotated by the motor. In other forms, a pump assembly is provided with an internal float switch integrated into the pump housing.

Abstract: A sump pump system having a primary pump, a fluid level sensor, and a primary controller electrically connected to the primary pump for activating the pump when the fluid level sensor indicates a predetermine fluid level has been reached, the primary controller having a primary interface for communicating with a secondary pump. In some forms, the system includes a secondary pump having a secondary controller electrically connected to the secondary pump and having a secondary interface, the primary and secondary interfaces allowing the primary and secondary pump controllers to communicate with one another and allowing at least one of the primary and secondary pump controllers to assume control of both the primary and secondary pump. Related methods are further described herein.

Abstract: A multi-outlet fluid pump includes a housing, a motorized pump, an electrical power supply, and a self-locking thermal cutoff. In one form, the pump includes a first or primary thermal cutoff and a second or secondary thermal cutoff to prevent the pump from operating once a thermal cutoff has deactivated the pump until a user or operator has taken some affirmative action. Related methods are also disclosed herein. In some forms an indicator is provided to indicate if the thermal cutoff has disabled the pump to alert a user as to the need to unplug or reset the pump before operating the pump again.

Abstract: A submersible pump and related methods are disclosed herein. The pump assembly includes a pump housing and a motor with a motor housing/cap and an output shaft connected to an impeller that is disposed in a volute. In some forms, a separate power circuit compartment is formed integral to one of the pump housing and/or volute to store power circuitry that allows a DC pump to be used and powered by AC voltage. In other forms, the power circuit compartment is formed separate from the pump assembly and fastened or connect to the pump assembly. In preferred forms, the power circuit compartment is positioned relative to the pump assembly at a point where it will be maintained at least partially within the fluid surrounding the pump to dissipate heat from the power circuit. Numerous methods are also disclosed and contemplated herein.

Abstract: A motor leakage current detector and/or a heat compensating circuit, devices using same and related methods are disclosed herein. Included are a uniquely wired current transformer to allow for polarity agnostic leakage current detection, a leakage current detector using same and having a notifier to alert a user. In other forms, an accessory power cord and power strip are disclosed capable of detecting early motor failure conditions. In still other forms, other machinery failure early warning systems are disclosed as are numerous motor operated devices using same including without limitation pumps.

Abstract: A submersible pump and related methods are disclosed herein. The pump assembly includes a pump housing and a motor with a motor housing/cap and an output shaft connected to an impeller that is disposed in a volute. In some forms, a separate power circuit compartment is formed integral to one of the pump housing and/or volute to store power circuitry that allows a DC pump to be used and powered by AC voltage. In other forms, the power circuit compartment is formed separate from the pump assembly and fastened or connect to the pump assembly. In preferred forms, the power circuit compartment is positioned relative to the pump assembly at a point where it will be maintained at least partially within the fluid surrounding the pump to dissipate heat from the power circuit. Numerous methods are also disclosed and contemplated herein.

Abstract: A motor leakage current detector and/or a heat compensating circuit, devices using same and related methods are disclosed herein. Included are a uniquely wired current transformer to allow for polarity agnostic leakage current detection, a leakage current detector using same and having a notifier to alert a user. In other forms, an accessory power cord and power strip are disclosed capable of detecting early motor failure conditions. In still other forms, other machinery failure early warning systems are disclosed as are numerous motor operated devices using same including without limitation pumps.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a dual inlet volute with an impeller and pump for same, and related methods. In one form a pump is provided comprising a motor configured to rotate a shaft, an impeller operatively coupled to the shaft, and a volute housing the impeller, the volute having a first inlet, a second inlet, and a discharge in fluid communication with the first and second inlets.

Abstract: In one aspect, a pump is provided comprising a motor configured to rotate a shaft that is operably coupled to an impeller. The impeller is housed within a fluid chamber having an inlet and a discharge in fluid communication with the inlet. The fluid chamber further includes an outlet in a top portion thereof for venting air within the fluid chamber when the impeller is rotated by the motor. In other forms, a pump assembly is provided with an internal float switch integrated into the pump housing.

Abstract: A sump pump system having a primary pump, a fluid level sensor, and a primary controller electrically connected to the primary pump for activating the pump when the fluid level sensor indicates a predetermine fluid level has been reached, the primary controller having a primary interface for communicating with a secondary pump. In some forms, the system includes a secondary pump having a secondary controller electrically connected to the secondary pump and having a secondary interface, the primary and secondary interfaces allowing the primary and secondary pump controllers to communicate with one another and allowing at least one of the primary and secondary pump controllers to assume control of both the primary and secondary pump. Related methods are further described herein.

Abstract: A sump pump system having a primary pump, a fluid level sensor, and a primary controller electrically connected to the primary pump for activating the pump when the fluid level sensor indicates a predetermine fluid level has been reached, the primary controller having a primary interface for communicating with a secondary pump. In some forms, the system includes a secondary pump having a secondary controller electrically connected to the secondary pump and having a secondary interface, the primary and secondary interfaces allowing the primary and secondary pump controllers to communicate with one another and allowing at least one of the primary and secondary pump controllers to assume control of both the primary and secondary pump. Related methods are further described herein.

Abstract: A multi-outlet fluid pump includes a housing, a motorized pump, an electrical power supply, and a self-locking thermal cutoff. In one form, the pump includes a first or primary thermal cutoff and a second or secondary thermal cutoff to prevent the pump from operating once a thermal cutoff has deactivated the pump until a user or operator has taken some affirmative action. Related methods are also disclosed herein. In some forms an indicator is provided to indicate if the thermal cutoff has disabled the pump to alert a user as to the need to unplug or reset the pump before operating the pump again.