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Fluid vacuum safety device for fluid transfer systems in swimming pools

  • US 5,947,700 A
  • Filed: 07/28/1997
  • Issued: 09/07/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/28/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A device for use in a fluid transfer system having a pump which draws water from a reservoir through one or more intake lines each extending from an open end at the reservoir to an intake of the pump;

  • said device comprising;

    means for sensing negative pressure in the fluid transfer system;

    means for analyzing the sensed negative pressure including comparing the sensed negative pressure to a predetermined range of negative pressure level values; and

    vacuum pressure relief means actuated in response to said sensed negative pressure being at a negative pressure level value that is outside of the predetermined range for introducing positive pressure to the one or more intake lines of the system, thereby eliminating suction at the open end of the one or more intake lines;

    means for disabling the pump to prevent continued operation thereof upon the sensed negative pressure being at a negative pressure level value that is outside of the predetermined range;

    control means communicating with said sensing means, said analyzing means, and said vacuum pressure relief means for triggering actuation of said vacuum pressure relief means;

    wherein;

    said vacuum pressure relief means include a vacuum breaker structured and disposed to introduce air from atmosphere to said one or more intake lines upon actuation thereof;

    said control means includes relay means for selectively directing electric current flow to said vacuum pressure relief means for actuation thereof upon the sensed negative pressure being at a negative pressure level value that is outside of the predetermined range;

    said relay means is further structured to selectively direct and interrupt electric current flow to the pump to disable the pump upon the sensed negative pressure being at a negative pressure level value that is outside of the predetermined range.

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