Abstract: A bilge pump system for removing residual fluid from a vessel surface, includes at least one collection unit having a collection base with a collection inlet and a collection outlet, and a pump having a pump inlet flow-connected by at least one tube to the collection outlet. A discharge tube is flow-connected to the pump outlet, wherein the collection inlet comprises at least one opening on a bottom face of the collection base arranged to be on the vessel surface. A sponge is arranged within the opening of the collection base and in liquid communication with the vessel surface. The sponge can be fitted into place by lips or lugs protruding from the collection base.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient.

Abstract: A sensor system for sensing liquid level in a bilge, for use in automatic bilge pump actuation. First and second field effect sensors are potted or sealed within a container or the bilge wall and are aligned in a vertical array and each comprise a substantially planar pattern of “electrodes” or conductive traces disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) along with integrated circuits used to create a loop or arc-shaped electric field. As bilge liquid rises to the proximity or level of the field effect sensors, a change in the arc-shaped electric field is sensed and, in response, a bilge pump is automatically actuated to pump liquid out of the bilge. Optionally, the pump control can be programmed by use of a microprocessor to permit control of on-off timing and prevent undesirable effects of “sloshing.

Abstract: A control system monitors salt level in a brine tank having a water inlet. The control system comprises a memory device storing an amount representing actual salt level in the brine tank. A sensor determines water level in the brine tank. A control valve is operatively connected between a water supply and the water inlet for controllably supplying water to the brine tank. A logic circuit is operatively connected to the memory device, the sensor and the control valve for determining salt level in the brine tank. The logic circuit periodically operates the control valve responsive to sensed water levels to fill the brine tank with water, updates the stored actual salt level in the memory device responsive to water supplied to the brine tank, and provides an indication when actual salt level in the brine tank falls below a select salt level.

Abstract: An arrangement (10) for controlling the liquid level in a basin (60) by selectively actuating a pump (64) has an environmentally-sealed enclosure (22) with an internal volume subject to thermal and pressure effects. A first (14) and a second (16) pressure sensing means are positioned in the enclosure and a barrier fluid (18) fills a balance of the internal volume. The first sensing means (14) is in a first chamber (22a) of the enclosure (22) and the second sensing means (16) is in a second chamber (22b). The barrier fluid (18) has a first portion (18a) in the first chamber (22a) and a second portion in the second chamber (22b). The first pressure sensing means (14) communicates an “on/off” signal to the pump (64). Diaphragms (26, 40) in the respective chambers (22a, 22b) allow the device to adjust to changes in atmospheric pressures. The barrier fluid (18) is electrically non-conductive, chemically non-reactive with any materials comprising the pressure sensing means and, preferably, an oil.

Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, controlling a pump submersed in a liquid, where the pump includes a plurality of capacitive sensors. The capacitive sensors include a first capacitive sensor and a second capacitive sensor disposed above the first capacitive sensor. The technology involves sensing liquid levels with the capacitive sensors, activating the pump after the second capacitive sensor detects the liquid in a normal mode of operation, deactivating the pump after the first capacitive sensor no longer detects the liquid in the normal mode of operation, detecting a failure of one or more capacitive sensors, and adjusting the operation of the pump to compensate for the failure of the one or more capacitive sensors.

Abstract: A high pressure pump and delivery system mating to LNG storage and suited for natural gas powered trucks and buses, but also suitable for other cryogenic liquid fuels. The reciprocating pump is comprised of a liquid pumping portion and a vapor compressing portion, operating in concert so that it is possible to locate the pump above a source of saturated LNG and to reliably supply high pressure LNG. The delivery system provides a method of utilizing both the pumped LNG and the compressed NG in a Diesel type fuel injection system, and also to scavenge NG vapor from the LNG storage container so as to extend it's storage life. While especially useful for trucks and buses, the present invention is not limited thereto, as it is also useful for locomotives, automobiles and other vehicles designed to operate through combustion of natural gas, as well as stationary applications.