Abstract: A submersible pneumatic canister pump system for pumping liquid from a tank or underground location by incorporating a valve inside the pump for preventing air from exiting with the liquid discharge. The floating-ball valve is located near the lower end of the pump and communicates with the discharge pipe. When liquid level approaches the lower end of the pump, a ball of lighter density than the liquid rests on a seat and prevents further discharge of liquid and the passage of air out of the pump. Also various pump control arrangements can be used to operate the pump and a quick-passage check valve can be used to enhance operation.

Abstract: A system for producing hydrocarbons may include a production control device positioned along a production flow line. The production control device may include an enclosure having an interior space and an isolation device disposed in the interior space. The isolation device may divide the interior space into an upper interior space and a lower interior space. The production control device may also include a first flow control device positioned in the upper interior space, and a second flow control device positioned in the upper interior space. The first flow control device may be responsive to a control signal transmitted via a control line from a surface location. The second flow control device may reactively block fluid flow from the lower interior section to the upper interior section when a pressure differential between the upper interior space and the lower interior space falls below a preset value.

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.

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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a non-electric pump. Gas pressure, typically steam or compressed air, is used to move a liquid, typically steam condensate, from a low pressure source to a high pressure destination. A tank fills with liquid from the source. Once full, the motive pressure is admitted to the tank and the pressure forces the liquid to the destination. When the tank is empty, the motive valve shuts and a vent valve opens to vent off the motive gas. A balanced trap plunger with an unattached float linkage provides for improved pump efficiency.

Abstract: A condensate pump includes a condensate reservoir, a liquid level float sensor operable to sense a liquid level within the condensate reservoir, and a pressure/vent valve including a pressure source, a pressure vent, and a primary piston slidably supported in a primary cylinder and sliding in the primary cylinder responsive to the liquid level sensor. A secondary piston is slidably supported in a secondary cylinder and moves responsive to a movement of the primary piston between a first secondary-piston position wherein the pressure source is in communication with a gas space of the condensate reservoir and the pressure vent is isolated from the gas space, and a second secondary-piston position wherein the pressure source is isolated from the gas space and the pressure vent is in communication with the gas space. An aperture in the primary piston and passages may also be provided to prevent build-up of gas pressures and maintain pressures in preselected regions within the pump at atmospheric pressures.

Abstract: A condensate pump includes a condensate reservoir, a liquid level float sensor operable to sense a liquid level within the condensate reservoir, and a pressure/vent valve including a pressure source, a pressure vent, and a primary piston slidably supported in a primary cylinder and sliding in the primary cylinder responsive to the liquid level sensor. A secondary piston is slidably supported in a secondary cylinder and moves responsive to a movement of the primary piston between a first secondary-piston position wherein the pressure source is in communication with a gas space of the condensate reservoir and the pressure vent is isolated from the gas space, and a second secondary-piston position wherein the pressure source is isolated from the gas space and the pressure vent is in communication with the gas space.

Abstract: A manually operated vacuum pump and refill device includes a body on top with a vacuum pump attached, and a lower portion of the body is arranged with an elastic adapter. The adapter has a central channel in communication with the body. The body includes an inlet in which a water supply is connected. A control valve is arranged on the water supply before it reaches to the body. The vacuum pump is further arranged with a check valve with respect to the body. The body is also arranged with a check valve securely positioned with a C-clip. The check valve is provided with a float moveably within a chamber thereof.

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.

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.

Abstract: A pump includes a valve mechanism having an opened position and a closed position. The pump further includes a spring assisted mechanism for selectively moving the valve mechanism between the opened position and the closed position, and a fluid detector for detecting the level of a pumping fluid. The fluid detector is pivotally connected to the spring assisted mechanism and has a first range of pivotal travel and a second range of pivotal travel. The fluid detector further engages a spring of the spring assisted mechanism only at one portion of the first range of pivotal travel, and engages the spring of said spring assisted mechanism only at one portion of the second range of pivotal travel. The fluid detector is disengaged from the spring of the spring assisted mechanism at all other portions of the first range of pivotal travel and of the second range of pivotal travel.

Abstract: A motive pump assembly comprising a hollow housing having an inlet valve and outlet valve for a fluid to be pumped, an inlet valve for a motive fluid operatively between open and closed positions, a vent valve and means for simultaneously opening and closing the inlet valve and vent valve for the motive fluid, and a float and over center linkage mechanism operatively connected to said valve actuating means, whereby the mechanism snaps over center when the float is located at upper and lower limit positions thereby producing a pumping action of fluid to be pumped through the housing and positive stop means ensuring over center tripping action of the linkage when the float is at opposing upper and lower limit positions.

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: 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.

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: The multi-chamber liquid pump of the present invention includes an input chamber, an intermediate chamber and a liquid output chamber. Pressurized gas provides the motive force for outputting liquid from the pump, such that liquid is output at a constant flow rate during pump operation. Liquid flows into the input chamber, through one or more valves into the intermediate chamber, and through one or more subsequent valves to the output chamber while liquid is constantly output from the output chamber. The system controller provides control signals to the valves to facilitate the pump's continual operation.

Abstract: A well and method for using the well for removing lighter than water pollutants (e.g. hydrocarbons and other organics) from a water table. The well includes a pneumatic pump having an air exhaust port to which a vacuum hose is attached for applying a vacuum to the pump chamber to enable fluids to be drawn into the pump chamber without regard to the hydrostatic head and at a rate sufficient to provide a drawdown of the water table to enable capture of organic compounds present as a floating layer on the water table.

Abstract: A submersible pump is disclosed for use in a body of liquid such as a well or sump. The pump has an air intake port and an air outlet port, as well as a liquid intake port and a liquid discharge tube. A valve mounted within the pump selectively permits the pump's chamber to communicate with either the air intake port or the air discharge port. When liquid enters the pump's chamber, the air displaced by the incoming liquid is permitted by the valve to escape via the air outlet port. When the pump's chamber is sufficiently full of liquid, the valve closes off the air outlet port and permits compressed air to enter the pump's chamber via the air inlet port in order to force the accumulated liquid out the liquid discharge tube. A float in the pump's chamber rises and falls with the level of liquid in the chamber to actuate the valve.

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.

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 pump, submerged in a fluid in a pump or well, has a buoyant outer, enclosing casing. Communicated to the casing are a conduit to supplying compressed air to the casing, a conduit for carrying the exhausted air away from the casing, an inlet and check valve for permitting entry of fluid into the casing, and an outlet and a check valve connected to discharge piping for carrying fluid away from the casing. The outer casing slides vertically relative to the discharge piping and is supported by the discharge piping for vertical movement between upper and lower stops where the casing actuates an air exhaust valve and a compressed air inlet valve. When the buoyant casing is in the upper position, air within the casing can escape through the open chamber air exhaust valve and compressed air entry is blocked to the casing through the closed compressed air inlet valve.

Abstract: In a pneumatic pump of the float actuated variety, a radial check valve array is utilized for minimizing the trigger point of the pump relative to the bottom of the leachate and/or groundwater table. The pump includes a fluid-tight casing from which fluid to be pumped can be discharged to an outflow conduit such as a well casing. An outflow conduit extends from a outflow conduit inlet at the bottom inside of the fluid-tight casing to a pumped fluid discharge--such as a well casing--exterior of the casing. An actuating float is disposed within the pump casing and is moveable over a distance responsive to liquid level within the casing from a first lower position adjacent the bottom of the casing to a second upper position for actuating an air inlet to discharge air into the casing. An air inlet check valve is provided having an inlet for communication to a source of air under pressure exterior of the pump casing and an outlet to the interior of the pump casing.

Abstract: A submersible pump is disclosed for use in a body of liquid such as a well or sump. The pump has an air intake port and an air outlet port, as well as a liquid intake port and a liquid discharge tube. A valve mounted within the pump selectively permits the pump's chamber to communicate with either the air intake port or the air discharge port. When liquid enters the pump's chamber, the air displaced by the incoming liquid is permitted by the valve to escape via the air outlet port. When the pump's chamber is sufficiently full of liquid, the valve closes off the air outlet port and permits compressed air to enter the pump's chamber via the air inlet port in order to force the accumulated liquid out the liquid discharge tube. A float in the pump's chamber rises and falls with the level of liquid in the chamber to actuate the valve.

Abstract: A pressure powered pump has valve members 18, 20 operated by a float acting through an overcenter mechanism 24. The overcenter mechanism has a valve actuating lever 36, on which are provided actuating pins 46, 48 for engagement with the respective valve members 18, 20. When the valves are closed, there is a substantial clearance a between the actuating pins 46, 48 and the respective valve member or its stem 50. This causes the actuating pin 46, 48 to apply an impact to the-valve member 18, 20, so assisting its opening movement. Stops 58, 60 are provided to arrest the valve actuating member 36 at its stable end position, so avoiding high impacts being applied to the valve members 18, 20 when they close.

Abstract: A compressed air-actuated pump includes a venturi nozzle (24) to create a vacuum condition within a fluid-tight pump body or chamber (8) to pump in a liquid or slurry from a remote location. When a given level of liquid is pumped in, a float mechanism (69, 97, 101) actuates a magnetic air valve (60) which actuates a diverter valve (40) whereby the pressurized air from the venturi nozzle is diverted into the pump body to create a pressurized condition therein, whereby the liquid or slurry previously accumulated therein is pumped out. The magnetic actuated valve and diverter valve controlled thereby insures that the desired amount of liquid or slurry is always discharged from the pump chamber during each pressure cycle, and drawn into the chamber during the suction or fill cycle.

Abstract: A gas powered pump tank is alternately filled with liquid such as water at low pressure, and then emptied by gas pressure such as from pressurized steam. An auxiliary exhaust assist valve opens at a threshold pressure after switching from the pumping phase to the filling phase to more quickly vent the pressure in the tank and minimize obstruction of the incoming flow of liquid. The pump tank has inlet and outlet check valves for the liquid, permitting flow only in a positive pumping direction. A gas inlet valve and a primary gas exhaust valve are controlled by an alternating mechanism such as a float with a snap action toggle that opens one of the gas valves while closing the other. The auxiliary exhaust assist valve has a valve body spring biased inwardly of the tank, and opens at a pressure lower than the pumping pressure, thereby venting the tank more rapidly and also assisting in venting any additional steam produced by boiling of the water or other liquid.

Abstract: A pneumatic pump having a variable buoyant actuator to substantially reduce the volume of a float, thereby increasing the fluid capacity for any pump of a given size. The pump includes an elongated housing, a sealable fluid entry aperture and a pipe communicating between an interior and an exterior of the housing. The housing includes a bottom wall and a cylindrical side wall extending from the bottom wall and terminating in an opening. A switchable valve control having a pod closes the opening. The pod has a plurality of valve seats and a plurality of corresponding valve elements, with the plurality of valve seats defining fluid inlet and output ports. The actuator is coupled to alternatingly placed valve elements in sealing engagement with fluid inlet and outlet ports in response to a level of fluid in the housing. The variable buoyant actuator includes first buoyant member disposed proximate to the bottom wall, and a buoyant amplifier disposed opposite to the first buoyant member, proximate to the pod.

Abstract: Pump (1) includes a pneumatic valve assembly (98) having a chamber (105) which is supplied by compressed air via an inlet pipe. Included within chamber (105) is a valve (109) with a chamber (111) divided into two separate compartments (112,113) by a pliant diaphragm (114). Diaphragm (114) is biased toward compartment (112) by a spring (115) and supports a plunger (116) which extends from chamber (111) and includes a frusto conical end (117) for selectively engaging seat face (99) and preventing air flow between chambers (105,90). Two air bleed passageways (119,120) respectively extend from chamber (90) and compartment (113) to atmosphere for allowing a gradual return to atmospheric pressure therein when the supply of compressed air is discontinued. A further bleed passageway (121) extends through diaphragm (114) to ensure a gradual equalization of pressure in compartments (112,113) such that the diaphragm will return to its original biased position.

Abstract: In float actuated pump having a rod and lever actuation from the float, an improved connect between the rod and lever is disclosed enabling valve opening substantially free of constraint by the rod and attached fittings. Such arrangement also enabling exhaust valve opening in a two-step momentum inducing method. Specifically, a valve actuating lever biased by a counter weight at one lever end, connects to the operating rod at the improved joint at the other lever end. The end of the rod is provided with an arcuate slot made of magnetic attractive material. The lever connects at a lever pin to the arcuate slot. The curvature of the slot prevents towards and away movement of the rod; the length of the slot gives free up and down rod movement at the lever pin within the elongate slot. At the top of the travel of the arcuate slot, a magnet is included in the pump head.

Abstract: A floatless pneumatic pump having an elongated housing including a sealable fluid entry aperture and a pipe communicating between an interior and an exterior of the housing, with the housing movably attached to the pipe for axial displacement therewith. The housing includes a bottom wall and a cylindrical side wall extending from the bottom wall and terminating in an opening. A switchable valve control having a pod closes the opening. The pod has a plurality of valve seats and a plurality of corresponding valve elements, with the plurality of valve seats defining at least one fluid inlet port and at least one fluid outlet port. The valve elements alternatingly seal the inlet and outlet ports in relation to the axial displacement of the housing, allowing both fluid to ingress through a sealable fluid entry aperture and fluid to egress through the pipe.

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 pump, submerged in a fluid in a pump or well, has a buoyant outer, enclosing casing. Communicated to the casing are a conduit to supplying compressed air to the casing, a conduit for carrying the exhausted air away from the casing, an inlet and check valve for permitting entry of fluid into the casing, and an outlet and a check valve connected to discharge piping for carrying fluid away from the casing. The outer casing slides vertically relative to the discharge piping and is supported by the discharge piping for vertical movement between upper and lower stops where the casing actuates an air exhaust valve and a compressed air inlet valve. When the buoyant casing is in the upper position, air within the casing can escape through the open chamber air exhaust valve and compressed air entry is blocked to the casing through the closed compressed air inlet valve.

Abstract: A pump, submerged in a fluid in a pump or well, has a buoyant outer, enclosing casing. Communicated to the casing are a conduit to supplying compressed air to the casing, a conduit for carrying the exhausted air away from the casing, an inlet and check valve for permitting entry of fluid into the casing, and an outlet and a check valve connected to discharge piping for carrying fluid away from the casing. The outer casing slides vertically relative to the discharge piping and is supported by the discharge piping for vertical movement between upper and lower stops where the casing actuates an air exhaust valve and a compressed air inlet valve. When the buoyant casing is in the upper position, air within the casing can escape through the open chamber air exhaust valve and compressed air entry is blocked to the casing through the closed compressed air inlet valve.

Abstract: An air-operated pump includes a pair of poppet valves affixed to a vertical valve shaft and arranged so that the upper valve is closed when the lower valve is open, and vice versa. When a connected displacer is immersed in tank fluid, its buoyancy in combination with a bias spring translates the valve shaft to operate the poppet valves. An upper poppet valve chamber is connected [1 ] via a restrictance to an auxiliary air supply, and also [2] to an air operator that triggers a three-way pneumatic valve, an inlet port of which controls a main air supply while a second port is vented to atmosphere. A third port transmits an air supply to the tank through the intermediation of a quick exhaust valve, which rapidly vents the tank at the end of each pump cycle and also serves to isolate the three-way valve from any tank-fluid contamination.

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: 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.

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.

Abstract: A sand filter cleaning apparatus includes a suction head having an enlarged intake opening for sucking materials thereinto attached to an exhaust hose for receiving material sucked into the suction head. A water pressure hose is connected between a water source under pressure and the suction head for directing water under pressure into the suction head. The suction head has a jet nozzle positioned to direct water under pressure from the water pressure hose towards the exhaust hose to create a suction therein in the suction head opening and a second nozzle for directing water under pressure in front of the opening of the suction head to thereby stir up material in front of the suction head. The exhaust hose is positioned to increase the pressure with a siphon by having a longer drop leg than the intake leg of the exhaust hose.

Abstract: Water supply system comprising a unit for converting the wind energy into kinetic energy, a unit for converting the kinetic energy into another usable form of energy and a unit for supplying water driven by that usable form of energy. According to the improvement, the unit for converting the wind energy is a wind motor (1) having rotor blades (41) and a control mechanism (42) for constant load on the rotor blades (41) independently from the wind intensity, the unit for converting the kinetic energy is a device for compressing the air to a pressure greater than that of the atmosphere and the unit for supplying water comprises a natural or artificial source of water such as a well (21) or a container operated by pressurized air and structure for temporary storage of the water and for controlling the water bailing from the source of water.

Abstract: A hybrid gate-controlled three-way valving device that because of its regenerative-feedback-induced bistable action is a fluid-logic analogue of the electronic thyristor. The device is more particularly analogous to a common electronic thyristor known as the silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) because each is a switching device that in its normal state blocks forward conduction of the control-agent fluid, but which upon receipt at a control gate of an appropriate signal will trigger full forward conduction of the control-agent fluid. Each is moreover a device wherein such full forward conduction, once triggered by a brief signal, will continue even after the signal has been removed, until the control-agent supply flow has been cut off, reduced or reversed.

Abstract: A device for controlling the performance of pumps, having a constant volume such as pneumatic pumps having a constant volume, comprises liquid level detectors, such as magnetic microswitches that cooperate with a magnetized float, and the detectors are adapted to control the filling and delivery operation of pumped liquid into and out of a pump body.The device may comprise three or more liquid level detectors and a timing device for the filling and/or delivery operation of the pump, at least one of said detectors being adapted to control said timing device and the other liquid level detectors being adapted to control the filling and delivery operation itself.

Abstract: A fluid pump for location within a reservoir and which is operable with rise and fall of liquid within the reservoir. The pump comprises a tube of a resiliently deformable material, an abutment surface which is engaged by the tube and a float device which is mounted to the tube. Liquid entering the reservoir causes upward movement of the float device and such movement of the float device causes increasing engagement between the tube and the abutment surface. The increasing engagement between the tube and the abutment surface causes the tube to deform resiliently and a localized reduction in the contained volume of the tube is thereby effected to cause expulsion of fluid from the tube. Conversely, as the liquid level falls in the reservoir, the float device moves downwardly to reduce the extent of engagement between the tube and the abutment surface, so that the tube tends to resume its initial contained volume.

Abstract: An automatic gas operated downhole fluid pump having an elongated cylindrical chamber for receiving fluid and having a concentrically mounted cylindrical float which is connected to a valve having an actuator biased and retained in either an opened or closed position with an elongated control rod connected with the valve actuator and extending through a passageway through the cylindrical float with adjustable means to adjustably connect the control rod with the cylindrical float to apply force to the actuator only when it is desired to actuate the valve.

Abstract: A system for converting a constant pressure head of water into compressed air which may be utilized to transfer the potential energy of the pressure head to remote work sites.

Abstract: A gas-operated liquid pump which includes an outer, stationary compartment and an inner compartment movable between upper and lower positions in the outer compartment. The inner compartment has positive buoyancy in the liquid to be pumped. Valve means operated by movement of the inner container is provided to cause gas admitted to the inner container to displace liquid therefrom when the inner container is in its upper position, and to permit gas to escape from the inner compartment when the latter is in its lower position. The pump makes use of a continuous stream of compressed gas such as air to provide a pulsating flow of liquid. The pump is useful in aquariums to create water movement or to pump water to a filter.

Abstract: A generally elongated cylindrical pump adapted to be lowered into a fluid producing formation comprising a hollow annular outer chamber circumferentially about a hollow cylindrical inner chamber, a valve mounted in said inner chamber, a source of compressed gas adapted to be applied to said valve, a float reciprocally mounted in said inner chamber coacting with said valve to apply said compressed gas to said inner chamber when said float is raised to a predetermined height and the fluid is then forced through said outer chamber to an outlet bore; the compressed gas applied to said inner chamber is cut off when such pumping operation is completed.

Abstract: A pneumatic sewage ejector includes a tank for holding fluid sewage. When the sewage reaches a predetermined high level in the tank, it is ejected by pressurized air forced into the tank through a valve located inside the tank. The ejection of the fluid is initiated by a float which responds to the high fluid level in the tank by ascending and thereby moving the valve to an air-input position to admit pressurized air into the tank to expel fluid. The valve remains in the air-input position until the fluid reaches a low level, at which time the float descends and moves the valve to a vent position to vent the pressurized air to the atmosphere. The float moves the valve between the air-input position and the vent position in one discrete step so that the valve cannot stop in an intermediate position.

Abstract: To return condensate from a system using steam to a boiler, a sump chamber is arranged to collect the condensate and to return the condensate under pressure to the boiler when a float within the sump opens a pilot valve. High pressure gases from a compressor are supplied to a valve chamber which is in communication with the sump chamber through a valve. Normally, the pilot valve is closed and flow of the high pressure gases into the sump chamber is blocked. When the pilot valve is opened it, in turn, passes a flow of the high pressure gas so that it opens the valve in the valve chamber for admitting the high pressure gas into the sump chamber. When the valve is closed so that no high pressure gas enters the sump chamber, the sump chamber is connected to an exhaust port whereby it can be vented.

Abstract: A latching liquid-level sensor including a vertically mounted free-floating float member which carries a magnet. A second magnet or ferromagnetic member separated from the first magnet by a liquid- and gas-impervious barrier is selectively actuated by the first magnet. The second magnet or ferromagnetic member is connected to a control logic system which is isolated from the float member which may be hermetically contained in a highly corrosive or explosive environment.