EMERGENCY SUMP PUMP APPARATUS

• US 3,634,842 A
• Filed: 04/09/1970
• Issued: 01/11/1972
• Est. Priority Date: 04/09/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Karl O. Niedermeyer
• Original Assignee: Karl O. Niedermeyer
• Inventors: Niedermeyer, Karl O.
• Primary Examiner(s): Caldwell, John W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cohen, H. Samuel
• Application Number:
  US05/026,918
• Time in Patent Office: 642 Days
• Field of Search: 340/244,333,280,256 200/84
• US Class Current: 417/14
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 13/068 Battery powered
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/34 Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering H02J7/14 takes precedence

Abstract

A float switch in a sump controls the energizing of a batteryoperated sump pump regardless of the condition of the normal source of power (alternating current). The apparatus is plugged into the normal source of alternating current and provides regulated charging for the battery. An alarm is activated when the normal source of power is not present, when the battery needs electrolyte, and when the sump pump is turned on.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use with a drainage sump and a source of alternating current, said apparatus including:

a sump pump having an electric motor suitable for battery operation, said pump being adapted for use in connection with said sump;

a rechargeable battery for said motor;

charging means adapted to be connected to said source and connected to said battery for charging the battery;

float switch means for said sump providing a closed connection with an excessive amount of liquid in the sump and otherwise an open connection;

a relay having a solenoid and normally open contact means which are closed when said solenoid is energized;

first circuit means connecting said float switch means, said battery and said solenoid in series to energize said solenoid when there is a closed connection at said float switch means; and

second circuit means connecting said contact means, said battery and motor in series to energize said motor with said contact means in the closed position.

2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, including:

electric signalling means for producing a sensible signal; and

third circuit means connecting said signalling means, said battery and said contact means in series for energizing said signalling means with said contact means in the closed position.

3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2, including means for detecting when said apparatus is not receiving power from said source, said third circuit means connecting said battery and said detecting means in series with said signalling means for energizing said signalling means when apparatus is not receiving power from said source.

4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein said third circuit means includes a manually operable, normally closed switch in said series circuits for opening said series circuits and deenergizing said signalling means.

5. An apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein said battery includes an electrolyte bath, said apparatus including an electrolyte level switch in said baTh, said level switch being actuated upon the electrolyte dropping below a given level in the bath, said detecting means including said level switch for actuating said detecting means and thereby energizing said signalling means when said level switch is actuated.

6. An apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein the level switch is closed when the electrolyte is above the given level and opens when the electrolyte drops below said level;

said detecting means includes a second relay which has normally closed contacts which are opened when the relay is energized;

said second circuit mean forming a series circuit with the battery, the normally closed contacts of the second relay and the signalling means;

said charging means including a transformer having a primary adapted to be connected to said source and a secondary; and

said detecting means includes third circuit means connecting said secondary, the second relay and said level switch in series.

7. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said battery includes an electrolyte bath, said apparatus including an electrolyte level switch in said bath, said level switch being actuated upon the electrolyte dropping below a given level in the bath, said apparatus including electric signalling means and third circuit means connecting said level switch, said battery and said signalling means for energizing said signalling means when said level switch is actuated.

8. An apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein the level switch is closed when the electrolyte is above the given level and opens when the electrolyte drops below said level;

a relay which has normally closed contacts which are opened when the relay is energized;

said third circuit means forming a series circuit with the battery, the normally closed contacts and the signalling means;

charging means including a transformer having a primary adapted to be connected to said source and a secondary; and

circuit means connecting said secondary, said solenoid of said relay and said level switch in series.

9. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, including means for detecting when said apparatus is not receiving power from said source, signalling means, and circuit means connecting said battery and said detecting means in series with said signalling means for energizing said signalling means when apparatus is not receiving power from said source.