SUMP APPARATUS

• US 3,726,606 A
• Filed: 11/19/1971
• Issued: 04/10/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 11/19/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sta-Rite Industries LLC (Pentair Plc (Ireland))
• Original Assignee: Anthony Peters
• Inventors: Peters, Anthony
• Primary Examiner(s): Croyle, Carlton R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Sher, Richard
• Application Number:
  US05/200,324
• Time in Patent Office: 508 Days
• Field of Search: 417/411,7,5,40,3,44
• US Class Current: 417/7
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 13/068 Battery powered
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 15/0072 Installation or systems with two or more pumps, wherein the flow path through the stages can be changed, e.g. series-parallel
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 15/029 for pumps operating in parallel
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/007182 in response to battery voltage
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/007188 the charge cycle being controlled or terminated in response to non-electric parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/061 for DC powered loads

Abstract

A sump apparatus including a first pump adapted to be operated by a principal power source and a second pump adapted to be operated by an auxiliary power source, particularly a storage battery. A control system is provided which normally provides power for the first pump and is operative to charge a storage battery for the second pump when necessary. The control system is also operative to automatically condition the second pump for energization whenever the principal power source fails, totally or partially, or to energize the second pump from the auxiliary power source if the first pump is unable to maintain pumping requirements sufficient to empty a sump well or the like. The control system also includes a warning system for indicating when both pumps are running simultaneously or when the principal power source has failed.

Claims

1. A sump system comprising:

a first electrically operated pump adapted to be energized by AC power from an AC power source;

first means for selectively energizing said first pump including level sensing means for connecting said first pump to power when a predetermined water level is exceeded;

a second electrically operated pump adapted to be energized by DC battery power;

second means for selectively energizing said second pump including level sensing means for connecting said second pump to a battery when a predetermined water level is exceeded;

means adapted to be connected to said AC power source and to said battery for converting AC power to DC power and for charging said battery when needed; and

means adapted to be connected to said AC power source and to said battery for sensing when said AC power source is inoperative and for using DC power from said battery to generate a warning.

2. A sump system according to claim 1 further including a housing adapted to be received in a sump well, adjustable means on said housing for suspending said housing within a sump well;

means in said housing allowing free entry of water thereinto from a sump well, both said pumps and said level sensing means being located within said housing;

a water outlet conduit extending from said housing, means within said housing connecting both said pumps to said outlet conduit; and

check valve means within said housing and associated with said outlet conduit for a. precluding backflow of water into said housing through said outlet conduit, and b. isolating each pump from the other when either or both are in operation, whereby a self-contained sump system is provided.

3. The sump system of claim 1 wherein said first and second pump energizing means are related to each other such that the predetermined water level necessary to energize said second pump is higher than that required to energize said first pump whereby said second pump can be energized only in the event of AC power failure, inoperability of said first pump, or the inability of said first pump to keep up with demand.

4. The sump system of claim 3 further including means for actuating said warning generating means whenever said second pump is energized to thereby additionally issue a warning indicating a. inoperability of said first pump, or b. the inability of said first pump to keep up with demand.

5. The sump system of claim 1 wherein said warning generating means includes circuit means connected to said converting and charging means and adapted to additionally generate a warning when connected to an AC power source if said converting and charging means is improperly connected to a battery.

6. The sump system of claim 1 further including manually operable means for disabling said warning generating means;

and means for indicating when said warning generating means is disabled.

7. The sump system of claim 1 wherein said converting and charging means comprises a rectifier, means for setting a desired maximum battery charge, means for continuously monitoring the charge on the battery, and means responsive to said monitoring means for precluding the passage of current to the battery when said maximum battery charge is obtained whereby battery electrolyte cannot be vaporized to insure availability of maximum DC power whenever said second energizing means energizes said second pump.

8. A sump system according to claim 1 wherein said converting and charging means includes an electrical circuit including means for precluding the passage of DC power to said battery whenever a. said battery is fully charged thereby preventing vaporization of battery electrolyte to assure maximum availability of DC power for said second pump, or b. said second pump is energized to prevent damage to said converting and charging means.