Abstract: A float switch apparatus for controlling the energization of multiple electric circuits in response to the level of a liquid in a vessel, and a pump system incorporating same, are provided. The apparatus has a guide structure adapted to be mounted in a fixed position relative to the vessel. A first micro-switch with a normal and an engaged position is mounted to the guide structure and is adapted to be connected into a first electric circuit to control the energization thereof. A second microswitch with a normal and an engaged position is mounted to the guide structure at a location above the first micro-switch and is adapted to be connected into a second electric circuit to control the energization thereof. A float rod is slideably mounted to the guide structure for reciprocating movement in a generally vertical direction in a zone above a resting position.

Abstract: An energy saving three pump waste water pump station design that eliminates the high energy usage of traditional waste water pump stations, reduces maintenance costs to the pumps and increases the useful lives of the pumps by having a primary pump running continuously, a second pump mining during high demand periods and a third pump functioning primarily as a back up pump. Unlike conventional pump-station designs, the Energy Saving Green Pump Station Design utilizes a single float switch panel. Whereas independent float switches trigger start-stops in conventional pump station designs, the Green design incorporates a remote controllable panel for rotating the primary, secondary and third pumps on a schedule. This design also provides a process for determining in-flow rates for a pump station and efficiency operating points of pumps so that the most efficient pumps with the lowest horsepower can be selected.

Abstract: A float switch to control at least two pumps has a guide with two normally-closed micro-switches and a float rod slidably mounted thereto allowing reciprocating vertical movement. The float rod has one or more lower cam surfaces cooperating with the micro-switches to sequentially release them from their engaged positions to their normal positions during upward movement of the float rod. A float is slidably mounted to the float rod between upper and lower float stops. The shape of the lower cam surfaces is such that the weight of the float rod is insufficient to allow the float rod to move downwardly against resistance provided either by the first micro-switch or separately by the second micro-switch and the weight of the float rod combined with at least a portion of the weight of the float is sufficient to overcome either such resistance and to move the float rod downwardly.

Abstract: One form of a hydrogen operated power system according to this invention is a fuel cell system (20) provided with a supply system which supplies a gaseous fuel from a fuel supply tank (24) to a fuel cell (22), characterized in that a pump (32) is provided in the supply system, which is driven by a sensorless motor (34) having no sensor that detects at least a rotational position of the motor (34).

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic driving device (20) for turning on and off a synchronous pump, that is a pump (15) comprising a synchronous electric motor (1) with a permanent-magnet rotor (8), comprising:—at least a static power switch (17) inserted in series between the motor (1) and an AC electric power supply source (Vp); and—a processing unit (16) having at least an input receiving a synchronism signal (V) and a control output connected to said switch (17); characterized in that it is enabled by a signal emitted by a float level sensor (40) and includes an input receiving a signal (a) by a position sensor (21) detecting the rotor (8) polarity and position; the pump turn-on and off being regulated according to the signal emitted by said level sensor (40) and to a measured difference between a critical load angle (8) and a current load angle computed during different working conditions of the pump.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method, system, and apparatus for providing an orientation independent electroosmotic pump. In some embodiments, the method includes an anode and a cathode at different electrical potentials, the anode and cathode are each sealed in an ion-exchange membrane and at least partially immersed in an electrolyte contained in a reservoir of an electroosmotic pump, collecting gases generated by electrolytic decomposition of the electrolyte within a space defined by the ion-exchange membranes that seal the anode and cathode, recombining the collected gases to produce a liquid using a catalyst, the catalyst being located outside of the reservoir, and introducing the produced liquid into the fluid reservoir through an osmotic membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a field adjustable pressure switch that incorporates a manually adjustable differential to set the pressure level for the trip point for the pressure switch used in conjunction with a submersible sump pump system requiring trip levels corresponding to the desired water level in the sump well for operation of the pump motor.

Abstract: A cover assembly for covering a vessel comprising a main cover comprising at least a first outlet opening adapted for connection to a pipe, and a second opening surrounded by a flat region adapted for placement of a gasket; an access cover comprising a flat region adapted for mating with the flat region of the main cover; and provisions for the sealing of at least one cord passing between the main cover and the access cover. In other embodiments, the cover assembly is provided with an engagement feature adapted for engagement with a hook-shaped hanger rod. Sewage basin assemblies are also provided which incorporate these cover assemblies.

Abstract: An improved bilge water level monitor, alert and control system for boats and other vessels. The system provides a method of detecting excessive leakage of water into the bilge and in response to the excessive water in the bilge, triggering an alarm to notify the operator and others and energizes bilge pumps to remove the excessive water. The system is designed with many redundancies in the sub elements and subsystems for safety. The system provides a means for reducing the likelihood of exhausting battery power in the event of a significant seawater leakage problem. The electrical power rating of the monitoring circuitry components is relatively low, thereby reducing the size and weight of those components relative to prior bilge pump monitoring and alert systems. There is no electrical wiring exposed to bilge water during system operation thereby reducing damage to the wiring components.

Abstract: A control system for a sump pump driven by an AC motor includes an AC power line having an input adapted for connection to an AC power source and an output adapted for connection to the AC drive motor. A controller is connected to a controllable switch in the AC power line, to control the opening and closing of that switch. Redundant float switches are coupled to the controller and adapted to be mounted in a sump to supply the controller with a signals when the liquid in the sump rises to a selected level. A timer in, or coupled to, the controller alters the control signal to open the controllable switch if the liquid level in the sump remains above the selected level for a preselected time period.

Abstract: A protective device for a controlling system of a sewage pump has a protective unit to protect a start capacitor and to avoid the start capacitor from burnout when an overload is occurred by actuating power source or when a transient voltage is occurred by malfunction of a controlling circuit after actuating the sewage pump. Therefore, the start capacitor is certainly protected and significantly improved in lifespan. The characteristic of this invention is that the protective device comprises an analogic or digital electronic circuit with a cutter efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method for dewatering a subsurface vault housing a portion of a pipeline is provided. The dewatering system includes a fluid inlet pipe adapted for fluidly communicating with the pipeline and redirecting fluid being transported by the pipeline to a fluid pump system. The fluid pump system includes a pump capable of being operated solely by the redirected fluid for removing fluids, such as water, from within the subsurface vault. A fluid outlet pipe in fluid communication with the fluid pump system returns fluid not used to operate the fluid pump system back to the pipeline for being transported downstream from the dewatering system. A liquid level sensor is used for generating and transmitting a signal to a valve when the water within the subsurface vault exceeds a predetermined level for permitting the redirected fluid to flow to the fluid pump system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods according to the present invention preferably utilize electroosmotic pumps that are capable of generating high pressure and flow without moving mechanical parts and the associated generation of unacceptable electrical and acoustic noise, as well as the associated reduction in reliability. These electroosmotic pumps are preferably fabricated with materials and structures that improve performance, efficiency, and reduce weight and manufacturing cost relative to presently available micropumps. These electroosmotic pumps also preferably allow for control including venting or recapture of evolved gases and deposited materials, which may provide for long-term closed-loop operation. A gas permeable membrane removes and vents electrolytic gasses generated within the fluid chamber of the electroosmotic pump to ambient. A catalyst can be used to recombine electrolytic gases to form a vapor product that can be vented or condensed into a liquid state.

Abstract: A manual/pneumatic oil pumping device having a housing defining therein an oil reserving space and an upper cover. A floating board is disposed in the oil reserving space. The upper cover is equipped with a manual air sucking mechanism, a pneumatic air sucking mechanism and an oil sucking tube. The pneumatic air sucking mechanism is provided with a controlling unit. The control controlling unit includes a seat body, a valve body, a sleeve and a movable block. The movable block is fitted in the sleeve and has a downward extending projecting post. When the oil is pumped to fill up in the oil reserving space, the projecting post is upward pushed by the floating board to make movable block move upward. At this time, the leakproof washer on the movable block seals the through hole of the seat body and the push pin pushes the valve body away from the through hole so as to block the air sucking passage of the pneumatic air sucking mechanism.

Abstract: A sump pump has a float operated alarm switch mounted on the top end of the pump housing for activating an alarm when water rises above a normal operating level. The alarm is in a remote enclosure with the pump power plug so that plugging in the unit automatically positions the alarm in a desirable location to be heard. The power cord and alarm switch wire extend through a flexible corrugated tube that is attached to the pump housing and the alarm enclosure by strain relief connections that do not compressively crush the tube.

Abstract: An electrical circuit connects an electric motor of a sump pump to a power source and controls the energization of a sump pump assembly. The assembly includes a motor circuit having a sump pump motor actuation switch and a main winding switch combined into switch assembly. The sump pump motor actuation switch actuates the main winding switch from a normally open position to a closed position, thus energizing the sump pump assembly.

Abstract: Hydrostatic pressure, which builds up from gravity and forces water into a basement through the floor or lower walls, is relieved by sensing the water under the floor and pumping out the water to a drain or area away from the house. Thus, the water is prevented from ever entering the basement, and the basement remains dry. The invention senses and removes water simply by means of tubing and sensing wires inserted through one or more small holes which are easily drilled in an existing basement floor, for example by using an impulse drill with a carbide tipped bit. Both the sensing of the water level and the pumping out of the sub-floor water are accomplished through these small holes drilled through the basement floor in trouble areas, eliminating the need for gutters, channels or sumps.

Abstract: The optimum electrolyte level sensing method and the automatic topping up apparatus for storage wet cell are disclosed. The difference in the conductivities between the distilled water and the electrolyte is utilized. An injection outlet portion(15), an adjust ring(14), and two wires are used to detect the optimum electrolyte level to supply distilled water to storage cells. The feedback control to maintain the constant optimum electrolyte level of storage cells is carried out by a single microprocessor.

Abstract: An electric submersible motor-driven pump includes a pump housing (2) in which is located a pump motor (3) and an associated impeller (4). A separate detachable float and switch housing (6) is detachably connected to the pump housing (2) and defines a substantially elongated upright chamber having a longitudinal axis in which an elongated float (8) moves for operating a switch arm of a switch whose electrical components are isolated from the fluid being pumped. A switchable adapter plug exteriorly of the housings is rendered operative by the electrical components upon movement of the float (8) to selectively energize or de-energize the pump motor (3).

Abstract: A safety tank apparatus is provided for installation to receive and store a liquid hydrocarbon or hydrocarbons, or the like, and from which the liquid may be withdrawn. It comprises tank structure including an inner metallic tank; an outer metallic tank protectively receiving the inner tank with accessible interior space laterally of the inner tank; a barrier wall between that interior space and the inner wall; an opening in the outer tank sidewall adjacent that interior space; and a closure closing the opening, the closure movable to expose the interior space to access from the exterior; and tank liquid flow control structure accessible through the side wall opening, for controlling filling of the liquid into the inner tank from the exterior of the safety apparatus, and for controlling liquid removal from the inner tank.

Abstract: A pump system comprising a pump having a centrifugal impeller driven by an electric motor, a pair of upper and lower float switches for detecting a high water level HWL and a low water level LWL, respectively, a controller for outputting a control signal on the basis of preset rotational speeds for low and high-speed operations and a preset rotational speed increment rate, together with output signals from the upper and lower float switches, and a frequency converter for varying the rotational speed of the electric motor on the basis of the control signal from the controller, the pump system is capable of exhibiting the required pumping performance and of controlling the flow rate and the pump head.

Abstract: A technique for detecting and containing liquid leaks in a liquid pumping, gas-operated diaphragm pump, and for stopping the pump operation when such leaks occur. If there is a leak in such a pump, the exhaust air gets contaminated with the liquid. With this technique the pump exhaust gas is captured in a container where any liquid within the gas is separated and is allowed to accumulate at the container bottom. The level of liquid accumulated at the container bottom is sensed, and when it reaches a predetermined level, a signal is send to a pneumatically operated shutoff valve to stop the pump operation by stopping the inflow of gas into the pump, or the outflow of liquid from the pump, or to stop the inflow of liquid into the pump. In addition, when the accumulated liquid reaches a predetermined level, a signal may be sent to a pneumatically operated warning device, turning it on.

Abstract: An electronic pump selector system uses a programmable processor to select one of a plurality of pumps to be energized in response to an appropriate feedback signal from the selected pump. A current limited feedback circuit is incorporated which provides a varying voltage in response to a level switch associated with a selected pump indicating a high fluid level. In response to the voltage feedback signal, the selected pump is energized for a predetermined period of time. Subsequently, another pump is selected. The next selected pump is energized also for a predetermined period of time in response to a varying voltage feedback signal therefrom. The next pump is then selected and the sequence continued.

Abstract: A safety tank apparatus is provided for installation to receive and store a liquid hydrocarbon or hydrocarbons, or the like, and from which the liquid may be withdrawn. It comprises tank structure including an inner metallic tank; an outer metallic tank protectively receiving the inner tank with accessible interior space laterally of the inner tank; a barrier wall between that interior space and the inner wall; an opening in the outer tank sidewall adjacent that interior space; and a closure closing the opening, the closure movable to expose the interior space to access from the exterior; and tank liquid flow control structure accessible through the side wall opening, for controlling filling of the liquid into the inner tank from the exterior of the safety apparatus, and for controlling liquid removal from the inner tank.

Abstract: A water-conducting household appliance includes a liquid container having a static content level, a fill control device, a cycle control unit, an inflow valve to be opened by the cycle control unit and closed by at least one of the fill control device and the cycle control unit, an evacuation pump, a switch having a switching position in which the switch turns on the evacuation pump and selectably closes the inflow valve, and a chamber hydraulically communicating with the liquid container and having an opening for the entry of water. A safety device for the appliance includes a safety level switch device having a float disposed in the chamber, the float having a switching position in which the float acts upon the switch, and the float having a position of repose in which the float is kept at a distance above the static content level and in which the float acts upon the switch to switch off the evacuation pump.

Abstract: A safety tank apparatus is provided for installation to receive and store a liquid hydrocarbon or hydrocarbons, or the like, and from which the liquid may be withdrawn. It comprises tank structure including an inner metallic tank; an outer metallic tank protectively receiving the inner tank with accessible interior space laterally of the inner tank; a barrier wall between that interior space and the inner wall: an opening in the outer tank sidewall adjacent that interior space; and a closure closing the opening, the closure movable to expose the interior space to access from the exterior; and tank liquid flow control structure accessible through the side wall opening, for controlling filling of the liquid into the inner tank from the exterior of the safety apparatus, and for controlling liquid removal from the inner tank.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for installation to receive and store a liquid hydrocarbon or hydrocarbons, or the like, and from which the liquid may be withdrawn comprising a structure including first and second inner metallic tanks, and an outer metallic housing protectively receiving the inner tanks, the outer housing having a side wall, there being upper interior space above the inner tanks and within the housing the second inner tank located within the first inner tank; the housing including a cover extending over the inner tanks; an opening in the sidewall, and a closure closing the opening, the closure movable to expose the upper interior space to access from the exterior; and control structure below the cover, and accessible through the opening for controlling flow of the liquid into the second tank from the exterior of the safety apparatus.

Abstract: Pumping apparatus for recovering a first liquid, such as a pollutant, floating on a second liquid, such as ground water. A pump immersed in the second liquid, or ground water, operates to produce a cone of depression and discharge the second liquid into a pressure vessel. A variable volume chamber inside the pressure vessel contracts and displaces any contents through an outlet conduit to a product discharge point. When the pump turns off, the variable volume chamber expands and draws product into the chamber to be driven from the chamber during successive pumping operations. Over time periodic pumping operations cause the variable volume chamber to recover the first liquid and move it to a discharge point.

Abstract: A system for recycling water used in a bathtub/shower is disclosed. The system alternatively directs water drained from the shower or bathtub to either a recycled water storage tank or a sewer line. The water in the recyclable water tank is subsequently pumped to a sprinkler system or an outdoor faucet. The water is directed to either the sewer line or the storage tank through the use of a valve with a first inlet for accepting water from the drain of the bathtub, a second inlet for accepting water from the overflow drain of the bathtub, a first outlet leading to the sewer line, and a second outlet leading to the recycled water storage tank. The valve is a modified ball valve that either blocks the first outlet or the second outlet only, and all other parts remain open. The position of the ball portion of the valve is controlled by a lever mounted on the bathtub overflow plate.

Abstract: An above-ground storage system, especially for use with hazardous materials is disclosed. The system includes a first inner tank and a second outer tank. An air-operated diaphragm pump is used to fill the tank. In order to prevent overfilling of the tank and, therefore environmental contamination, a valve is installed in the air supply line to the air pump. The valve is operated by a float within the tank. When the float becomes submerged in liquid the valve is closed by an arm connected to the float.

Abstract: A water heater (10) has a pressure-transfer module (20) interposed between an external pressurized-water circuit and the water inside the water-heater vessel (12) so that the water is at atmospheric pressure and can thus have a free upper surface. A shut-off valve in the inlet (14) to the pressure-transfer module (20) is controlled in accordance with the water level as detected by a float (74). If the water level falls below a predetermined minimum or exceeds a predetermined maximum, the shut-off valve closes so as to prevent further flow into the water heater (10) from the upstream side of the exterior circuit.

Abstract: Safety tank apparatus for installation to receive and store a liquid hydrocarbon or hydrocarbons, or the like, and from which liquid may be withdrawn, including: tank structure including an inner metallic tank, and an outer metallic tank protectively receiving the inner tank, the outer tank having a side wall, there being upper interior space above the inner tank and within the tank structure; the tank structure including a cover extending over the interior space; an opening in the sidewall, and a closure closing the opening, the closure movable to expose the upper interior space to access from the exterior; and control structure below the cover, and accessible through the opening for controlling flow of the liquid into the inner tank from the exterior of the safety apparatus; the closure extending above the level of liquid in the inner tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the automatic removal of water collecting in a fuel filter having a water separator. The evacuation takes place by means of a piston acted upon by a pressure medium, preferably a fuel pressurized by the pressure of the fuel pump, the piston being guided in the container of the fuel filter containing the water. It is particularly advantageous for an already existing drive to be usable for producing the pressure medium and that therefore a simple and inexpensive solution is offered for the removal of the water.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling the level of a fluid in a vessel, particularly applicable to controlling the pump operation at an oil well. The system includes a fluid level sensing unit having a plurality of sensors positioned at selected levels in the well casing outside the tubing string. The sensors operate independently to detect the presence of fluid and emit electrical signals which are received by a data conversion and sending unit immediately above the fluid level sensing unit in the well casing. The data conversion and sending unit converts the signals into discreet digital data bits which can be transmitted sequentially in one conductive wire to a data management and pump control unit at a convenient location nearby, usually at the well site. Thus, there is no need for a wire extending from each sensor. The data bits received by the data management and pump control unit are converted to a visual display in a light emitting diode panel.

Abstract: A safety tank apparatus is provided for installation to receive and store a liquid hydrocarbon or hydrocarbons, or the like, and from which the liquid may be withdrawn. It comprises tank structure including an inner metallic tank; an outer metallic tank protectively receiving the inner tank with upper interior space above the inner tank; a cover extending over the inner and outer tanks above that space; an opening in the outer tank sidewall adjacent that upper interior space; and a closure closing the opening, the closure movable to expose the upper interior to access from the exterior; and tank liquid flow control structure located below the top wall, and accessible through the side wall opening, for controlling filling of the liquid into the inner tank from the exterior of the safety apparatus, and for controlling liquid removal from the inner tank.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive sump protection system comprises a retainer that is placed on a building floor over a sump and a hose that leads from the retainer. The protector is formed as a short tube with an annular flange extending from one end thereof. A seal on the underside of the flange contacts the floor to confine water rising in the sump above the floor level. A spout is formed in the tube. Water rising in the retainer is led harmlessly to a drain by means of a hose clamped over the spout. If desired, suitable weights at hand can be placed on the tube to enhance sealing between the retainer and the floor.

Abstract: An add-on liquid overflow shut-off valve including a valve body, a float and an arm connecting the float to the body that is insertable in fully assembled form through a standard tank lid opening, and further including a flanged end on the valve body for engagement outside and above the rim of the opening and threads associated therewith to engage the periphery of the opening to anchor the body inside the interior of the tank and at the top thereof, pneumatic openings formed in the top flanged end in spaced-apart relation for connection respectively to a pressurized pneumatic source and a pneumatic-driven liquid pump arranged to pump liquid into the tank through another opening in the tank, first and second pneumatic passageways formed interior the body extending from the openings, a third pneumatic passageway formed in the body for interconnecting the first and second passageways, and a shaft pivotally received in the body, having a fourth pneumatic passageway formed therethrough for pneumatic alignment with

Abstract: A safety tank apparatus is provided for installation to receive and store a liquid hydrocarbon or hydrocarbons, or the like, and from which the liquid may be withdrawn. It comprises tank structure including an inner metallic tank; an outer metallic tank protectively receiving the inner tank with upper interior space above the inner tank; a cover extending over the inner and outer tanks above that space; an opening in the outer tank sidewall adjacent that upper interior space; and a closure closing the opening, the closure movable to expose the upper interior to access from the exterior; and tank liquid flow control structure located below the top wall, and accessible through the side wall opening, for controlling filling of the liquid into the inner tank from the exterior of the safety apparatus, and for controlling liquid removal from the inner tank.

Abstract: An above-ground storage system, especially for use with hazardous materials is disclosed. The system includes a first inner tank and a second outer tank. An air-operated diaphragm pump is used to fill the tank. In order to prevent overfilling of the tank and, therefore environmental contamination, a valve is installed in the air supply line to the air pump. The valve is operated by a float within the tank. When the float becomes submerged in liquid the valve is closed by an arm connected to the float.

Abstract: A groundwater pollutant recovery system using the cone of depression approach, in which a sensing probe having liquid level sensors responsive to both water and pollutant levels and having attached to it the pollutant intake is deployed in a recovery well above the submerged water and pollutant pumps. The pollutant intake on the sensing probe is attached to the pollutant pump by an extendable hose so that the sensing probe may be raised and lowered in response to changing hydraulic conditions in the well without the necessity of changing the water or pollutant pump positions. The recovery sequence is controlled by a microprocessor under the control of a program responsive to the liquid levels indicated by the sensors in the sensing probe.

Abstract: In connection with a protective circuit for an electrically driven liquid or water vacuum cleaner it is proposed to utilize the abrupt rise of the vacuum, which is encountered when a blocking element interrupts the connection between the receptacle for the liquid and the motor/blower area. The vacuum rise is detected by a diaphragm-type vacuum governor and used for triggering a lockable flip-flop which then interrupts the current supply of the drive motor. The locked condition can be released only by disconnecting the unit from the mains.

Abstract: An above-ground storage system, especially for use with hazardous materials is disclosed. The system includes a first inner tank and a second outer tank. An air-operated diaphragm pump is used to fill the tank. In order to preent overfilling of the tank and, therefore environmental contamination, a valve is installed in the air supply line to the air pump. The valve is operated by a float within the tank. When the float becomes submerged in liquid the valve is closed by an arm connected to the float.

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).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow of a fluid having two speed-controlled positive displacement devices for supplying a load with fluid under pressure from a supply at a different pressure with interposed variable-volume buffer containers.

Abstract: A water-powered positive displacement auxiliary sump pump has a drive water inlet connected to the municipal water supply via a float actuated pilot valve. The pump is designed to be constructed chiefly of molded plastic supported by an exit manifold connected to the discharge line of an existing electrical sump pump. The presently preferred design is a rotary sliding vane pump having drive water and pump water chambers.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a float-operated electrical switching system with two fluid-level indications and with provision for mechanical adjustment of the difference in elevation between the two indicating points. The switches are magnetically actuated in accordance with proximity of a permanent magnet carried by the float. The float is guided on an upright magnetically transparent tube which houses the switches, and for at least one of the switches mechanical adjustment of elevation within the tube is available via external access at the upper end of the tube.

Abstract: To commence and maintain the operation of a bilge pump until the bilge area is sufficiently evacuated of excess bilge water, an electrically conductive ball is deposited in spanning relation across, and thus closes, a pair of circuit switch contacts, and then rolls off said contacts when the permissible lower level is reached to terminate the pump operation. This operational mode is, of course, repeated when the bilge is again filled to excess.

Abstract: A liquid level measuring device for measuring the liquid level in a container, includes a fastening member for holding the device in a container, and a support with a lower end portion or prop extending into engagement with the container bottom. The support carries a liquid level sensing member and is connected to the fastening member through a resiliently yieldable connection, whereby the support is continuously urged into a constant position relative to the container bottom, so that an accurate indication is obtained of the liquid level in the container.

Abstract: A housing contains a slidable spool operable to port a first pressurized fluid line to a fluid motor, and a housing reservoir has a float movable with a fluid level. The motor drives a pump which "pumps down" the reservoir. A second pressurized fluid line is directed through a primary fixed orifice and against one end of the spool, acting against a spring bias, and is permitted to exit through an end orifice to the reservoir. The float moves in response to the fluid level and operates to shut off the end orifice flow, thereby building up backpressure to shift the spool, and thus varying outlet flow from the valve in accordance with the reservoir level. Therefore, the reservoir is pumped down in accordance with reservoir build-up.