With Float Actuated Control Means Patents (Class 417/126)
  • Patent number: 10415603
    Abstract: The present invention is constructed for use with oil field pumps. The disclosed fluid pump is an apparatus that can replace conventional mechanical jack pumps, which are often problematic and inefficient during use. The present invention is a down hole fluid pump, which carries fluid upward by means of, a two phase flow of a compressed gas, and fluid. The fluid may be an admixture of petroleum oil and water. The compressed gas is generally air, but other gases may be applied. The inventive pump comprises multiple air lines, which allow serial connectivity with multiple oil wells. Multiple donut shaped magnets comprise the inventive fluid pump assembly, which facilitate effective and efficient fluid pump operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Gary J. Sommese
  • Patent number: 8983667
    Abstract: A system is provided to control fluid flow in a wastewater treatment system through wastewater level manipulation. The wastewater treatment system may include a wastewater treatment plant connected to a plurality of pump stations by a main. Each of the plurality of pump stations may include a wet well with a pump therein. The system may include a central server in communication with a sensor to sense a level of wastewater within the wet well. The pump may be automatically moved to an on position when the level of the wastewater in the wet well is at or above a first level and may be automatically moved to an off position when the level of the wastewater in the respective wet well is at or below a pump cutoff level. The central server may systematically manipulate the first level to selectively set the level of wastewater within the wet well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Data Flow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Smaidris
  • Patent number: 8882473
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing mechanism adapted to achieve an increased inflow and an increased outflow rate and consisting of an inlet line adapted to receive liquid from an external reservoir, and adapted to release aid liquid via an outlet line, said mechanism comprising a pressure chamber adapted to store liquid and provide liquid level to fall or rise as a function of pressure, before release; a buffer chamber adapted to connect with said pressure chamber by means of non-return valves, and further adapted to store liquid before it flows into said pressure chamber, in order to increase flow coefficient of inlet line; float member in said pressure chamber, adapted to sense level of liquid in said pressure chamber by means of position of said float member; multiple valve actuator assembly adapted to actuate a pre-defined configuration of valves, with a time-delay between engaging or disengaging subsequent valves, for controlled engaging or disengaging pressure in a predetermined format; snap action valve actuating me
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Spirax Marshall Pvt. Ltd.
    Inventors: Shirish R. Gandhi, Milind A. Joshi
  • Patent number: 8594851
    Abstract: Reductions in energy consumption and maintenance requirements for operating a wastewater treatment plant are achieved by controlling the operation of pumps at pump stations along a force main in a systematic fashion. The operation of the pumps is controlled to manage the flow of wastewater along the force main to minimize energy consumption, to eliminate sediment, to manage peak pressures encountered by smaller pumps and to avoid septic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Data Flow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Smaidris
  • Patent number: 7798785
    Abstract: An automatic pressure-relieving apparatus for a suction pump comprises a pipework provided at the cap. A first rod positioned in the pipework has an upper sealing ring arranged around the top periphery thereof, whereby the first rod can detachably seal the upper opening of the pipework. Moreover, the first rod is coupled with a second rod, which is pierced through the lower opening of the pipework and extending into the oil reservoir of the cylinder. The second rod further has a sealing component arranged at the periphery thereof for moving. upward and detachably sealing the lower opening of the pipework. Also, a control device is fastened to the bottom of the second rod so that when the raising oil surface lifts a float of the control device, the float can in turn drive the first and second rods to move upward. Thereby, the upper and lower openings of the pipework are opened and closed respectively, and the pressure in the pump can be automatically released through the opened upper opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Chuan Jiing Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tien-Tsai Tseng
  • Publication number: 20100043424
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a device and method for generation of electrical power from sea waves, with either simultaneous or no desalination of seawater. The device comprises a seaborne portion and a shore-side portion. The seaborne portion of the device comprises a float, an anchor and a pumping mechanism. Seawater and air are drawn in and pumped through pipes and respectively to a shore-side compressor system. The compressor system is adapted to provide pressurized water of constant pressure to the next stage, which is either the desalination assembly through which potable water is produced using the reverse-osmosis method or the water-motor, which drives a generator that provides electrical power or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: ECOCEAN RENEWABLES LIMITED
    Inventor: Christos F. Papadopoulos
  • Publication number: 20090047139
    Abstract: A method and a device for extracting a liquid from a liquid pond, wherein in a first phase air is removed from an airtight reservoir, a venting and a rising pipe in order to create depression therein and a suck-up of the liquid in the liquid pond. In a second phase, a distribution device is brought from a first to a second operating position in order to supply pressurised gas to said venting pipe which has an outlet connected to the rising pipe. In a third phase the liquid is pushed from the venting pipe to the rising pipe and thereafter to the reservoir by means of pressurised air and an interface member. In a fourth phase the distribution device is brought back to its first operation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Francois Braun
  • Patent number: 7367366
    Abstract: A pumping device includes a container having a cover structure. A piston is movably received in the container and is manually operable. The cover structure has an air inlet valve and a slide switch, which, when properly set, allow air to be sucked into or expelled out of the container by the manual operation of the piston to increase or decrease the internal pressure of the container for oil suction and oil drainage. The pumping device also includes another slide switch, whereby when both slide switches are properly set, the internal pressure of the container is increased or decreased due to the supply of pressurized air from an external source and oil can be sucked into and drained out of the container accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Lih Yann Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Po-Lin Liao
  • Patent number: 7316544
    Abstract: An automatic, pneumatic pump having a chamber that is gravity fed through a top opening and through a vertical tube with waste liquid. A buoyant plunger sits on an air inlet nipple, which nipple is located at the bottom of the chamber. Liquid entering the chamber causes the plunger to float and thereby to be unseated from the air inlet nipple. The plunger rises in the tube until it closes the top opening. Pressurized air enters the chamber and forces the waste liquid out through a discharge line. When all air and liquid have been discharged, the plunger falls to the bottom of the tube and reseats on the air inlet nipple so that the cycle can start again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: James D. Vidrine
  • Patent number: 7007456
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatically powered high-pressure and lightweight fluid pump. The pump is useful for pumping fuel for liquid rocket engines and for pumping water, such as for fire suppression. During operation of the pump, liquid is drained from a tank into a pump chamber and the chamber is then pressurized to deliver fluid. The chamber is then refilled from the main tank. An auxiliary chamber supplies fuel while the main chamber is being filled, thereby a steady stream is delivered from the pump. The auxiliary chamber is refilled from the tank while the main chamber is delivering fluid. The design results in substantial weight savings over a system in which the main tank is pressurized or a system with two pump chambers of similar size. The auxiliary chamber of the present disclosure has a smaller capacity than the main chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Steven M. Harrington
  • Patent number: 6808370
    Abstract: A gas pressure driven fluid pump comprising a pump tank having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. A float, carried within the interior of the pump tank, is operable to move between a low level position and a high level position. A snap-acting valve is operatively connected to the float. The snap acting valve has a rotatable port member that moves so as to switch to exhaust porting when the float falls to the low level position. The port member further switches to motive porting when the float rises to the high level position. As a result, fluid filling the pump tank causes the float to rise from the low level position to the high level position during exhaust porting. Fluid exiting the pump tank causes the float to fall from the high level position to the low level position due to introduction of motive gas during motive porting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Spirax Sarco, Inc.
    Inventor: Jairo Luiz Soares
  • Patent number: 6604910
    Abstract: A fluid controlled pumping system includes a pumping unit disposed within a fluid cavity. The pumping unit includes a passage extending to a suction end of the pumping unit. The system also includes a pressure source coupled to the passage and operable to force a fluid outwardly from the passage proximate to the suction end of the pumping unit. The system includes a pressure sensor coupled to the passage and operable to determine a fluid pressure within the passage. The system further includes a controller coupled to the pumping unit and operable to regulate an operating parameter of the pumping unit using the fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: CDX Gas, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Zupanick
  • Patent number: 6234762
    Abstract: A pump for both filling and emptying containers with liquids, flowable solids, etc. has a body which is screwed into a bung hole in the top wall of the container. According to the state of evacuation or pressurization produced in the container by the pump, “liquid” will enter or leave the container via pipe passing through the body of the pump. The motive power for the pump is a compressed air source which provides air to a venturi positioned in a passage connecting the interior of the container with the exterior via vented chamber. Air flowing through air ports in the venturi generates a vortex which creates air flow through passage. By turning handle, the venturi may be rotated so as to reverse its orientation and thus reverse the direction of air flow to either pressurize or evacuate the container. Alternatively, a pair of oppositely-directed venturis selectively connectable to air passage may be used to perform the emptying and filling functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Futurepump Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Derick Ross Lucas
  • Patent number: 6174138
    Abstract: A float operated device such as a pressure powered pump has a chamber 30 in which a float 32 is movable. The float 32 has a low profile form, having an aspect ratio greater than 2. The float operates a toggle mechanism 46 comprising an input lever 34 and an output lever 48 which are pivotable about spaced pivot locations 38, 50. A spring 54 acts between the input and output levers 34 and 48 to provide the toggling action. The toggle mechanism operates a valve arrangement 62.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Spirax-Sargo, Limited
    Inventor: Dean Jeffrey Stephens
  • Patent number: 6099260
    Abstract: A pump trap assembly with multiple pivot axes. The pump trap assembly includes a mounting bracket for mounting the trap assembly to a structure. A first pivot arm having a length is pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket about a first pivot axis. A second pivot arm having a length is also pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket about the first pivot axis. A spring is used to bias the first and second pivot arms toward each other. A float arm having a length is also pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket about a second pivot axis. The second pivot axis is a distance from the first pivot axis. An actuator is pivotally mounted to the second pivot arm about a third pivot axis. The third pivot axis may be the same as the second pivot axis or may be a distance from the first and second pivot axes. Movement of the float arm in a first direction causes the spring to urge the second pivot arm in the first direction and move the actuator in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Armstrong International, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6089829
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pump for discharging hot corrosive liquids, in particular molten salts, consisting of a pump pipe (1), a discharge pipe (2) dipping into the liquid and at least two valves (3, 4), whereby the liquid is discharged periodically by pressurisation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Fritz Gestermann, Hans-Georg Janssen, Willi Potes, Heiko Herold
  • Patent number: 6045336
    Abstract: In combination with a pump, a valve for operation at the interface between underlying heavier liquid and overlying lighter liquid is disclosed. The valve includes an inlet within the heavier liquid communicated from a valve seat to a conduit which typically is connected to the inlet of a pump. A valve disc opens and closes the valve seat to admit the heavier liquid to flow to the pump. The pump is preferably pneumatic and of the type which when flooded with liquid, automatically undertakes pumping and when empty of liquid ceases pumping. A buoyant member having a specific density between that of the lighter liquid and the heavier liquid is buoyantly supported at the interface and moves with the interface. This buoyant member is connected to an assembly which actuates the valve. Where lighter liquid is predominantly present, the float sinks and closes the valve preventing pumping. Where heavier liquid is predominantly present, the float rises, opens the pump inlet to permit pumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Clean Environment Engineers, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Webb, Thomas H. Hitchcock
  • 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: 5715856
    Abstract: A liquid flow control apparatus (5) suitable for handling milk from a milking machine, comprising a first chamber (10) that comprises an inlet (11) for the milk, an outlet (12) for connecting to a vacuum pump, and an outlet (14) for the milk to flow by gravity to a second chamber (13). The first chamber (10) and the second chamber (13) are in communication with each other by means of the outlet (14) at the bottom of the first chamber (10). The second chamber (13) has a float valve (23) that closes off communication between the first chamber (10) and the second chamber (13) depending on the level of liquid in the second chamber (13). A conduit tube (18) for air communication is disposed between the first chamber (10) and the second chamber (13). A second float valve (17b) closes off communication via the conduit tube (18) between the two chambers. A third chamber (21) has two valves with one valve (26) opening to the atmosphere and a second valve (20) opening to the second chamber (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventors: Tommy Martin, John Dawkins
  • 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: 5611671
    Abstract: A pump assembly for the accurate transfer of water to an above ground elevation includes a tubular housing having an upper extremity equipped with a gas inlet port, and a lower extremity equipped with a water inlet port having a first check valve. A second check valve divides the housing into upper and lower chambers. A sampling port located within the lower chamber communicates with a conduit that extends to an above-ground elevation. A third check valve, disposed within the conduit, permits upward flow but not downward flow of water in the conduit. A pumping apparatus is provided by combining the pump assembly with a gas controller located above ground level and which supplies gas at controlled pressure, volume and timed intervals to the gas inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Ralph N. Tripp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5495890
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: QED Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Edwards, Kevin L. Newcomer, K. Lynn Niehaus
  • Patent number: 5358038
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: QED Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Edwards, Kevin L. Newcomer, K. Lynn Niehaus
  • Patent number: 5183391
    Abstract: To provide smoother operation of a gas-operated purge pump, the pump housing receives a standpipe closed by a low-density, floatable check valve element at the inlet of a standpipe within the housing. Periodically, at timed intervals, air is forced through an air conduit into the housing. If there is liquid in the housing, a check valve element floats upwardly because it is less dense than the liquid and mounted for movement to and away from the valve seat. While it is off of the valve seat, the air forces water into the standpipe and it moves upwardly until the chamber of the tubular pump housing is free of the liquid, at which time the check valve drops back into position and seats to prevent further flow of liquid. Upon termination of the pumping of gas pressure, the check valve in the pump housing inlet is free to move under the pressure of water in the well and the pump housing chamber again fills with fluid, causing the valve element to lift and permitting flow of water into the standpipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Isco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Fiedler
  • Patent number: 5161956
    Abstract: To provide smoother operation of a gas-operated purge pump, the pump housing receives a standpipe closed by a low-density, floatable check valve element at the inlet of a standpipe within the housing. Periodically, at timed intervals, air is forced through an air conduit into the housing. If there is liquid in the housing, a check valve element floats upwardly because it is less dense than the liquid and mounted for movement to and away from the valve seat. While it is off of the valve seat, the air forces water into the standpipe and it moves upwardly until the chamber of the tubular pump housing is free of the liquid, at which time the check valve drops back into position and seats to prevent further flow of liquid. Upon termination of the pumping of gas pressure, the check valve in the pump housing inlet is free to move under the pressure of water in the well and the pump housing chamber again fills with fluid, causing the valve element to lift and permitting flow of water into the standpipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Isco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Fiedler
  • Patent number: 5092743
    Abstract: A pump of extremely simple manufacture, requiring no maintenance, is made up of a tubular body (1) closed at each end by end pieces (10a and 10b), orifices (15a and 15b) of which are respectively connected to a pneumatic control circuit (4) and to the circuit of liquid in circulation (3). A piston (2) circulates freely within the tubular body, driven by an overpressure or an underpressure appearing in the upper chamber (17a) and controlled by the pneumatic control circuit. The displacement of the piston brings about the filling and emptying of the lower chamber (17b), thus permitting the pumping of a liquid. This type of pump, of universal use, needs only a connection to a compressor (40) and to a vacuum pump (41) for its running, and these two elements may be common to a great number of such pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Ecot S.A.
    Inventor: Frederic F. Dietrich
  • Patent number: 5080126
    Abstract: A float controlled valve has a float chamber for accumulating a fluid, a pivoting float arm having a float mounted on one end thereof for fluid level determined movement within the chamber, a pivotally mounted actuator arm coupled to the float arm by a magnet driver and having a first magnet mounted at one end of the actuator arm; a pivotally mounted control arm having a second magnet attached thereto, in magnet coupling relationship with the first magnet, and valve means coupled to the pivotally mounted control arm for controlling fluid flow from the chamber in response to movement of the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: R. P. Fedder Corporation
    Inventors: Edward F. De Rycke, Gordon F. Leonard, Robert D. MacArthur
  • Patent number: 5078579
    Abstract: A wet pump for pumping fish from a first fish receptacle to a second receptacle displaced from the first receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: Robert M. Ryan
  • Patent number: 5004405
    Abstract: Apparatus for the pumping of fluids from a source without the need of external controls. The pump will continue to fill and empty itself as long as there is fluid filling the pump and compressed air of sufficient pressure to overcome the head against which the pump is pushing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: Michael K. Breslin
  • Patent number: 4964784
    Abstract: A system for dispensing a liquid, which may be corrosive, in an amount which is substantially fixed for each cycle of operation includes an airtight measuring vessel with an inlet conduit through which liquid is introduced unidirectionally and an outlet or discharge conduit through which the measured amount of liquid is dispensed. The outlet conduit extends to a predetermined level within the vessel and above it is a float/valve mechanism operating in association with an airjet pump. The operation is such that when the float is buoyed to an operative level higher than the predetermined level, conditions are changed within the vessel to commence the dispensing cycle which terminates when the level of liquid falls below the predetermined level whereupon the float/valve drops to an unbuoyed position to commence the next filling cycle. Operation of the jet pump is required during cycling to cooperate with the float/valve mechanism and create the conditions necessary for filling and for dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Inventor: Herman Vanderheyden
  • Patent number: 4926508
    Abstract: A portable toilet having a battery operated flushing assembly that is powered by batteries carried in the toilet. The batteries provide for a "pulsed" flushing action of the flush water and this is achieved by the use of an axial flow pump which is operable to lift small amounts of water small distances to the bowl in a repeatable fashion. This facilitates flushing of the toilet, makes it easier for the user to flush the toilet, and provides for efficient and complete flushing. A selectively operable closure plate prevents leakage of water from the toilet bowl during transport of the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: Charles L. Sargent, John M. Antos, Scott I. Biba
  • Patent number: 4856968
    Abstract: An air circulation device and more particularly an air circulation device having a dome shaped housing enclosing all moving components of an air blower which incorporates a squirrel cage impeller in a casing provided with an air inlet and discharge. A supporting structure enables adjustment of the dome shaped housing for discharging air in a desired direction. The air blower discharge communicates with and is connected with a peripherally extending outlet in the housing in the form of a plurality of slots with a transition member sealingly connected to the blower discharge and air outlet. The housing also includes an air inlet with a removable filter so that inlet air completely surrounds the blower in the housing. The upper portion of the housing may be provided with an illumination device and several embodiments of the housing and support structure are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Inventor: Joseph M. Armbruster
  • Patent number: 4762201
    Abstract: A scavenging system (10 or 110) for hydraulic circulation installations. A pump (25) delivers the hydraulic fluid (19) which is thereafter collected in a sump (18 or 18A) that is to be maintained essentially dry. A reservoir (28), independent of the sump (18 or 18A), is supplied for storing the requisite volume of hydraulic fluid (19) for the installation with which the scavenging system (10 or 110) is to be used, and a pump (25) supplies the fluid (19) from this reservoir (28). At least one pickup head assembly (22) is disposed within each sump (18 or 18A), and a float valve (45) is mounted within each pickup head assembly (22). The float valve (45) acts, in response to the level of the fluid (19) within the sump (18 or 18A), to open and close communication through a scavenging conduit system (38) that connects between the sump (18 or 18A) and the reservoir (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Marvin J. Malik
  • Patent number: 4050854
    Abstract: A fluid lifting apparatus operable by air pressure applied alternately to first and second pairs of cylinders each of said cylinders having a main body part, a barrel and a bottom chamber in communications with a bottom inlet. Pressuring of the main body part of the chamber, closes a check valve at the inlet and forces fluid from the main body part, through a fluid flow valve, through the chamber and up the barrel to a production tubing segment and hence to the next higher cylinder. Emptying of the main chamber closes the fluid flow valve to prevent air from the production tubing. However, the valve is positively opened once fluid flow in the bottom chamber from the inlet is reinstituted. Air vent means to the surface and/or to the well annulus rapidly depressurizes the cylinders and hence speeds cycling between the alternate cylinder pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1977
    Inventors: Judson A. Hereford, Franklin Beard