Redundant Sump Pump System

• US 20110150676A1
• Filed: 12/23/2009
• Published: 06/23/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Pentair Flow Technologies LLC (Pentair Plc (Ireland))
• Original Assignee: Pentair Flow Technologies LLC (Pentair Plc (Ireland))
• Inventors: Buzit, Sebastien, Cameron, Richard
• Granted Patent: US 8,956,130 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 417/410.1
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 13/068 Battery powered
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 13/08 for submerged use
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 13/14 the pumps being all of centrifugal type deviation valves F04D15/0016
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 9/008 by means in the suction mouth, e.g. foot valves

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide a sump pump system that pumps fluid. The system can include a base with one or more inlets and one or more outlet. The system can also include a first cartridge coupled to the base and removable from the base. The first cartridge can include a first electric motor. The system can further include a second cartridge coupled to the base and removable from the base. The second cartridge can include a second electric motor. The first cartridge and/or the second cartridge can be capable of operating at any given time in order to propel fluid from inlets to the outlets.

Claims

1. A sump pump system that pumps fluid, the sump pump system comprising:

a base including at least one inlet and at least one outlet;

a first cartridge coupled to the base, the first cartridge removable from the base, the first cartridge including a first electric motor; and

a second cartridge coupled to the base, the second cartridge removable from the base, the second cartridge including a second electric motor;

at least one of the first cartridge and the second cartridge being capable of operating at any given time in order to propel fluid from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet.

2. The sump pump system of claim 1, and further comprising at least one float switch;

and wherein at least one of the first cartridge and the second cartridge is activated based on a fluid level monitored by the at least one float switch.

3. The sump pump system of claim 1, wherein the first electric motor is powered by a direct current power source and the second electric motor is powered by an alternating current power source.

4. The sump pump system of claim 3, wherein the direct current power source is a battery.

5. The sump pump system of claim 3, wherein the alternating current power source is a mains power supply.

6. The sump pump system of claim 1, and further comprising at least one flap positioned adjacent to the at least one outlet.

7. The sump pump system of claim 1, and further comprising at least one collector positioned adjacent to the at least one outlet.

8. The sump pump system of claim 7, wherein the at least one collector includes an aperture enabling a fluid to enter the at least one collector.

9. The sump pump system of claim 8, wherein the aperture is aligned with a shaft of one of the first electric motor and the second electric motor.

10. The sump pump system of claim 1, wherein the first cartridge includes a first impeller driven by the first electric motor and the second cartridge includes a second impeller driven by the second electric motor.

11. The sump pump system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first cartridge and the second cartridge is coupled to the base using a quick connect device.

12. A sump pump system that pumps fluid, the sump pump system comprising:

a base including at least one inlet and at least one outlet;

a cartridge coupled to the base, the cartridge including an electric motor and an impeller;

a power supply in electrical communication with the electric motor;

an outlet conduit system coupled to the at least one outlet; and

the cartridge being removable from the base without removing the outlet conduit system and without interrupting the electrical communication between the power supply and the electric motor.

14. The sump pump system of claim 14, wherein the power supply includes a float switch.

13. The sump pump system of claim 14, wherein the electric motor is sealed within the cartridge.

15. The sump pump system of claim 14, wherein the base includes a through hole sized to receive the impeller.

16. The sump pump system of claim 13, wherein the cartridge is coupled to the base using a quick connect device.

17. A sump pump system that pumps fluid, the sump pump system comprising:

a base including at least one outlet;

a cartridge coupled to the base, the cartridge including an electric motor and an impeller; and

a gasket including a flap, the gasket coupled to the cartridge, the flap at least partially covering the at least one outlet.

18. The sump pump system of claim 17, and further comprising at least one collector in fluid communication with one of the at least one outlet.

19. The sump pump system of claim 18, wherein the at least one collector includes a slope.

20. The sump pump system of claim 19, wherein the slope directs fluid from the at least one collector to the at least one outlet.

21. The sump pump system of claim 17, wherein the electric motor is sealed within the cartridge.

22. The sump pump system of claim 17, wherein the base includes a through hole sized to receive the impeller.

23. The sump pump system of claim 17, wherein the cartridge is coupled to the base using a quick connect device.