AU2004200667A1 - Pump - Google Patents

Description

FEB. 2004 17:14 WRAY ASSOCIATES NO. 6636 P. 6/26 P/001011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE

SPECIFICATION

STANDARD

PATENT

Name of Applicant Actual Inventor Address for service is: Ferenc Kocsis Maxwell Bruce McKay Ferenc Kocsis Maxwell Bruce McKay WRAY ASSOCIATES Level 4, The Quadrant 1 William Street Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: Pump Details of Associated provisional Application No(s); Australian Patent Application 2003900749 filed on 20 February 2003.

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing It known to me:- 1 COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by IP Australia: Time 20:05 Date 2004-02-20 2004-17:14 WRAY ASSOCIATES NO, 6636 P, 7/26 -2-

TITL

"PUMP"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a pump. The pump uses compressed air to pump water from a bore, well or similar water source. The pump of the present invention is particularly suited to pumping water. However, the pump Is not limited in its use to pumping water and may be used for pumping other liquids.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the present Invention there is provided a pump comprising: pump chamber arranged to receive liquid to be pumped and air, delivery pipe means for delivery of the liquid by the air to a location remote from said pump chamber, air pipe means for flow of air to and from said pump chamber, said delivery pipe means and said pump chamber In fluid communication, said air pipe means and said pump chamber in fluid communication, air flow control means to control flow of air via said air pipe means during first and second stages of a pumping cycle of the pump, timer means to set the duration of said second stage of said pumping cycle, first sensor means to sense passage of liquid at a location in said delivery pipe means, and first valve means to allow, in use, liquid to enter said pump chamber, COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by IP Australia: Time 20:05 Date 2004-02-20 20.FEB.2004 17:14 20. FE. 20017:14WRAY ASSOCIATES N.63 .82 N0,6535 F. 8/26 -3wherein in said first stage of said pumping cycle of the PUMP, said air flow control means allows air to be directed via said air pipe moans to said pump chamber to cause liquid to be pushed from said pump chamber Into said delivery pipe means by the air to travel along said delivery pipe means to said location, end in said second stage of said pumping cycle said air flow control means allows air to vent from said pump chamber via said air pipe means for a selected period of time controlled by said timer means and said first valve means allows liq~uid to enter said pump chamber.

Preferably, second valve means is provided to allow water to enter the delivery pipe means from the pump chamber during the first stage of the pumping cycle.

Preferably, air supply pipe means is provided to supply the air that is directed by said air flow control means Via said air pipe means to said pump chamber in said first stage of the pumping cycle of the pump.

Preferably. In said first stage of said pumping cycle said air directed via said air pipe means to said pump chamber closes said first valve means to prevent liquid entering said pump chamber.

Preferably. control means is provided to control the operation of said air flow control means.

Preferably, said first sensor means is located at the highest location of said delivery pipe means in proximity to a branch portion thereof leading to an outlet of said delivery pipe means.

Preferably. a source of compressed air is provided to produce compressed air which is supplied by said air supply pipe means.

Preferably, said control means controls the operationl of said air flow control means such that said air flaw control means allows air to vent from said pump chamber via said air pipe means during said second stage of said pumping cycle for a period of time set by said timer means.

Preferably, a compressed air supply tank is provided between said source of compressed air and said air supply pipe means such that during said second stage of COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by 11 Australia: Time 20:05 Date 2004"2-20 FEB. 2004-17:15 WRAY ASSOCIATES NO. 6636 P. 9/21 -4said pumping cycle, compressed air produced by said source of compressed air collets in said compressed air supply tank.

Preferably said source of compressed air comprises a compressor.

The compressor may be powered by a windmill.

However, the compressor may also, or alternatively, be solar-powered.

The air flow control means may comprise first and second air flow control valves to control flow of air via said air pipe means during said first and second stages of said pumping cycle.

Altemrnatively, said air flow control means may comprise a single valve to control the flow of air via said air pipe means during said first and second stages of said pumping cycle.

Preferably, second sensor means is provided to sense the pressure of the compressed air supplied via said air supply pipe means and said sensor means is arranged to sand a signal to stop supply of power to said control means and said timer means when the pressure sensed by said sensor is below a selected level.

Preferably, an auxiliary source of compressed air is provided to produce compressed air when said source of compressed air is unable to.

In accordance, with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of pumping liquid using a pump comprising in a first stage of a pumping cycle, directing air from air supply means to a pump chamber of said pump to cause liquid to be pushed into a delivery pipe means of said pump by the air, delivering the liquid by the air via said delivery pipe means to a location remote from said pump chamber, and sensing the passage of liquid at a location In said delivery pipe means, switching from said first stage of said pumping cycle to a second stage of said pumping cycle, 6 COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by IP Australia: Time 20:05 Date 2004-02-20 FB. 204 17 :15 WRAY ASSOCIATES NO- 6636 F. 1 0/256 in said second stage of said pumping cycle, allowing air to vent from said pump chamber and allowing liquid to enter said pump chamber, and terminating said second stage of said pumping cycle after a selected period of time.

preferably, the method further comprises switching from said second stage of said pumping cycle to said first stage of said pumping cycle after terminating said second stage of said pumping cycle.

Preferably, the method further comprises preventing liquid entering said pump chamber during said first stage of said pumping cycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a first schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a pump in accordance with an aspect of the present invention in a first stage of a pumping cycle; Figure 2 is a second schematic sectional view of the pump shown in figure 1 in a second stage of the pumping cycle; Figures 3 and 4 show an alternative embodiment for the air flow control unit in arrangements for the first and second stages, respectively, of the pumping cycle of the pump.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In figures 1 and 2, there is shown a pump 1 for pumping water using compressed air from an air supply. The pump 1 may be located in a water source, such as a bore 100 having a casing 101.

The pump 1 comprises a delivery pipe 2, a pump chamber 3, and an air pipe 4 for flow of air to and from the pump chamber 3. The delivery pipe 2 and the pump chamber 3 are in fluid communication. The air pipe 4 and the pump chamber 3 are also in fluid COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by IP Australia: Time 20:05 Date 2004-02-20 FEB. 2004-17:15 VRY&ASCAE O 66 P 12 WRAY ASSOCIATES NO, 6636 P. 11/26 -6communication. A first valve 5 controls entry of water in to the pump chamber 3 from the bore 100. A first air flow control valve 6a and a second air flow control valve 6b control air flow via the air pipe 4.

As will be described in further detail herein, the pump operates In a two stage pumping cycle. In a first stage of a pumping cycle of the pump li the first and second air flow control valves Ga and 6b allow air to be directed, via the air pipe 4, to the pump chamber 3 to cause water to be pushed Into arid up the delivery pipe 2 whilst the first valve prevents water from entering the pump chamberS. in a second stage of the pumping cycle, the first and second air flow control valves Ba and 6b allow air to vent from the pump chamber 3 via the air pipe 4 and the first valve 5 allows water to enter the pump chamber 3.

The delivery pipe 2 and the pump chamber 3 are in fluid communication via an opening 7 located at the bottom of the delivery pipe 2. The opening 7 of the delivery pipe 2 is located Inside the pump chamber 3. A second valve 9 controls entry of water and air from the pump chamber 3 into the delivery pipe 2. The second valve 9 is provided at the lower region 10 in the delivery pipe 2. The second valve 9 comprises the opening 7 and a ball 8 which can seat on the opening 7. The lower region 10 of the delivery pipe 2 may have a larger diameter than the remainder of the delivery pipe 2. This can be seen in figures 1 and 2. This provides the lower region 10 of the delivery pipe 2 with an increased volume for entry of water and air thereinto via the opening 7 from the pump chamber 3. The delivery pipe 2 extends from the pump chamber 3 to an outlet 11 provided at, or above, ground level 12.

The first valve 5 comprises an opening 13, in the bottom of the pump chamber 3, and a ball 14 which can seat on the opening 13. The ball 14 is provided in the pump chamber 3. Water is able to enter the pump chamber 3 from the bore 100 via the opening 13 when the ball 14 lifts off the opening 1.3, as can be seen in figure 2.

A pipe 15 extends between the first and second airflow control valves 6a and Sb. The air pipe 4 extends from the pipe 15 to the pump chamber 3. The air pipe 4 opens into the pump chamber 3 at the upper region of the pump chamber 3. The air pipe 4 opens into the pump chamber 3 such that the air pipe 4 and the pump chamber 3 are in fluid communication.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by IP Australia: Time 20:05 Date 2004-02-20 20. FEB. 2004C17:15 WRAY ASSOCIATESNO636 .126 NO.6635 P. 12/26 -7- An air supply pipe 18 is provided to supply compressed air. The air supply pipe 16 extends to the first air flow control valve 6a. The air flows in the air supply Pipe 16 to the pump chamber 3 via the first air flow control valve 6a and the air pipe 4.

A vent pipe 11I is provided to enable air to be vented from the pump chamber 3 via the pipe 4, the second air flow control valve 6b and through the vent pipe 17.

The first and second air flow control valves 6a and 6ib may be operated in two modes.

In the first mode, shown in figure 1, the first air flaw control valve 6a is open so as to allow air flow therethrough and the second air flow control valve 6ib Is closed so as to prevent air flow therethraugh. Thus, air is able to flow from the air supply pipe '16 (as shown by arrows A) through the open first air flow control valve 6a, into the pipe 1-5 and Into the air pipe 4 (as shown b~y arrow Since the second air flow control valve 6b is closed, air is unable to flow along the pipe 15 through the second air flow control valve 6b and into the vent pipe 17, i.e. venting of air through the vent pipe 17 is not possible.

This first mode of operation of the first and second air flow control valves 6a and 6b occurs in the fir-st stage of the pumping cycle.

in the second mode. shown in figure 2, the first air flow control valve 6a is closed to prevent air flow thereibrough and the second air flow control valve Sb is open to allow air flow therethrough. Thus, the closed first air flow control valve 6a prevents air flow from the air supply pipe 16 into the air pipe 4. The open second air flow control valve 6b enables air to be vented from the pump chamber 3 (as shown by arrows T in figure 2) up through the air pipe 4 (as shown by arrow C in figure 2) into the Dir pipe 15, through the second air flow control valve Sb and into the vent pipe 17 (as shown by the arrow

V

in figure This second mode of operation of the first and second air flow control valves 6a and fib occurs in the second stage of the pumping cycle.

A sensor 18 is provided In the delivery pipe 2, eg. jn proximity to the outlet 11 of the delivery pipe 2. The sensor 18 senses passage of liquid through the delivery pipe 2 at the location of the sensor 18.

The sensor 18 Is preferably located at the highest location of the delivery pipe 2. The delivery pipe 2 has a portion 2a that branches therefrom, just beneath and prior to the location of the sensor 16.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by iP Australia: Time (I-tm) 20:05 Date 2004-02-20 20.FED.2004 17:16 20. FB. 204 1716 RAY ASSOCIATESNO636 .1/2 NO.6636 P. 13/26 -8a- A control unit 20 controls the operation, i.e. the opening and closing, of the first and second air flow control valves 6a and 6b. The control unit 20 may comprise solenoids (not shown) to control the operation of the first end second air flow control valves 6a and 6b, A timer 22 is provided to set the duration that the control unit 20 maintains the first and second air flow control valves 6a end 6b in the their second mode of operation (which corresponds to the second stage of the pumping cycle of the pump 1).

A compressor 24 is provided as the source of compressed air. The compressor 24 is connected by a pipe 26 to a compressed air supply tank 28. The compressed air supply tank 26 is connected by a pipe 30 to ti-e air supply pipe 16. Comnpressed air flows from the compressor 24 along the pipe 26, Into the compressed air supply tank 28, through the pipe 30 and into the air supply pipe 16.

The compressor 24 may be powered by a windmill 32.

A sensor 34 is provided to sense the pressure of the air, supplied from the compressor 24, that flows Into the air supply pipe 16 from the compressed air supply tank 28. A battery 36 is provided to power the control unit 20 and the timer 22. If the pressure of the air sensed by the sensor 34 drops below a selected pressure level, t sensor 34 sends a signal to battery 36 to stop current flow from battery 36 to thereby save power of the battery 36, Thus. when the compressor 24 is powered by a windmill 32 and the windmill 32 stops functioning, e.g. due to lack of sufficient wind strength, there will not be sufficient compressed air flowing into the pump chamber to pump liquid therefrom.

In such a situation, the sensor 34 ensures that current stops flowing from the battery 36 to thereby save battery power. When the pressure of the air sensed by the -sensor 34 returns to, or exceeds. the selected pressure level, the sensor 34 sends another signal to the battery 35 to re-start supply of current to the control unit 20 and timer 22.

Operation of the pump 1 then resumes. in this way, the sensor 34 acts as a circuitbreaker when the sensed pressure drops below the selected pressure level and acts to close the circuit when the sensed pressure returns to, or exceeds, the selected pressure level.

However, provision may be made to have an auxiliary compressor 38 connected to the air supply line 16 via a pipe 40. In the event that there is insufficient wind strength for COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by IP Australia: Time 20:05 Date 2004-02-20 20. FEB. 2004-17:16- WRAY ASSOCIATES NO. 6636 P. 1 4/2 6 -9the windmill 32 to power the compressor 24 for an extended period of time, then the auxiliary compressor 38 may be used to supply air into the air supply pipe 16 for supply to the pump chamber 3. The pump I will then operate as previously hereinbefore described.

Whilst separate air flow control valves 6a and 6b have been described, with reference to the pump I shown In figures 1 and 2, alternative arrangements to control airflow via the air pipe 4 may be used. For example, a single air flow control valve may be used. An embodiment of such a single air flow control valve 42 is shown In figures 3 and 4. The arrangement of the air flow control valve 42 shown in figure 3 corresponds to the first stage of the pumping cycle, whilst the arrangement shown in figure 4 corresponds to the second stage of the pumping cycle.

In the first stage of the pumping cycle of the pump 1, shown in figure 3, the air flow control valve 42 simultaneously allows air to flow from the air supply pipe 16 into the air pipe 4 and prevents air flow from the air supply pipe 16 Into the vent pipe 17. In the second stage of the pumping cycle of the pump 1, shown In figure 4, the air flow control valve 42 simultaneously allows venting of air from the pump chamber 3, via the air pipe 4, into the vent pipe 17 and prevents air flow from the air supply pipe 16 into the air pipe 4.

As an alternative, or in addition to, the compressor 24 being powered by the windmill 32, the compressor 24 may be solar-powered. In the case of the compressor being solarpowered, the operation of the sensor 34 will be analogous to its operation, as previously hereinbefore described, when the windmill 32 is used to power the compressor 24.

Thus, when the compressor 24 is solar-powered and there is insufficient solar energy to power the compressor 24, e.g. due to cloud cover, there will be insufficient compressed air flowing into the pump chamber 3 to pump liquid therefrom. In this situation, the sensor 34 ensures that current stops flowing from the battery 36, to thereby save battery power, in the same way as previously hereinbefore described with reference to the compressor 24 being powered by the windmill 32.

Similarly, when solar power is used to power the compressor 24 and the auxiliary compressor 38 is used, if there is insufficient solar energy to power the compressor 24 COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by IP Australia: Time 20:05 Date 2004-02-20 20.FEB.2004 17:16 20. FE. 20017:16WRAY ASSOCIATESNO636 P 1/2 NO.6636 P. 15/26 for an extended period of time, then the auxiliary compreSsor 38 May be used to supply air into the air supply pipe 16 for supply to the pump chamber 3.

Solar collection cells (not shown) may be used to collect solar energy to solar power the compressor 24. This May be done in conventional manner which will be readily apparent to the skilled addressee and is therefore not described further herein.

it is also possible to power the compressor 24 by both a windmill 32 and solar power.

Using both of these power sources increases the total period of time during which sufficient energy should be available to power the compressor 24 for operation of the pump- Again, In situations where there is neither sufficient wind power nor solar power to power the compressor 24, the auxiliary compressor 38 may be used.

In use, the pump I is first suspended from ground level 12 to its operating position below the water line 102 in a born 100.

When the pump 1 is first lowered into the water in the bore 100, the water in the bore 100 forces the balls 14 and 8 off their respective seats at the openings 13 and 7. This allows water to enter the pump chamber 3 and the lower region 10 of the delivery pipe 2 via the openings 13 and 7.

The pumping cycle of the pump I commences with the first stage. The windmill 32, and or solar power. or the auxiliary compressor 38, operates to power the compressor 24 which supplies compressed air to the supply line 16 via the pipe 26, compressed air supply tank 28 and pipe 30. The compressed air then flows through the open first air flow control valve 6a and via the air pipe 4 Into the pump chamber 3.

During this first stage of the pumping cycle, control unit 20 controls operation of the first and second air flow control valves 69aend 6b such that they allow air flow from the supply line 16, into the air pipe 4 and into the pump chamber 3.

In this first stage of the pumping cycle, the compressed air being supplied to the pump chamber 3 exerts pressure (shown by arrows P in figure 1) on the surface 23 of the water in the pump chamber 3. This pressure causes the ball 14 to seat on the opening 13 to prevent further entry of water from the bore 100 into the pump chamber 3. The air pressure acting on the surface 23 of the water in the pump chamber 3 also acts to push COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by IP Australia: Time 20:05 Date 200.4-02-20 20.FED.2004 17:16 20. FB. 2041716 RAY ASSOCIATESNO636 F1/2 NO, 6636 P. 16/26 11 water from the pump chamber 3 into the delivery pipe 2 (shown by arrows W In figure 1) by causing the bail 8 to unseat from the opening 7. In this way, water enters the delivery pipe 2. Water is then pushed up and along the delivery pipe 2 by the compressed air. The water travels up and along the delivery pipe 2 as a single quantity of water followed by the compressed air, as shown by arrows U. The water exits the delivery pipe 2 via the opening 11, at the end of the portion 2a of the delivery pipe 2, where the water canl be collected (not shown).

The sensor 18 is able to sense when the single quantity of water, traveling in the delivery pipe 2 has -gone past the location of the sensor 18. The compressed air pushes the water up and along the delivery pipe 2, and the water will pass into the portion 2a and exit at the outlet 11. As the water enters the portion 28, there will be less water in the delivery pipe 2 that is being pushed by the compressed air traveling behind it in the delivery pipe 2. This continues until the point where substantially all of the water has been pushed 'into the portion 2a and out of the outlet 11 and there Is an upward burst of compressed air that hits the sensor 18. The sensor 18 is sensitive to pressure and senses the force of the burst of compressed air thereon. The sensor 18 then sends a signal to the control unit 203. Upon receipt of this signal, the control until 20 switches the first and second air flow control valves Ga and 6b from their first mode of operation (shown in figure 1) to their second mode of operation (shown in figure 2) such that the pumping cycle switches from the first stage to the second stage. At the time of switching to the second stage, the delivery pipe 2 Is substantially empty of water. At the same time, the timer 22 receives a signal and resets operation. The timer 22 then counts down the preset time for the duration of the second stage of the pumping cycle.

During the second stage of the pumping cycle (shown in figure the control unit controls operation of the first and second air flow control valves Ga and Ob such that they prevent compressed air being directed by the supply pipe 16 Into the air pipe 4.

Instead, air Is able to vent from the pump chamber 3 via the air pipe 4 (as shown at arrow through the open second air control valve 6b and out through the vent pipe 17 as shown at arrow V. Compressed air from the compressor 24 collects in the compressed air supply tank 28- When the time set by the timer 22 for duration of the second stage of the pumping cycle has elapsed, the control unit 20 operates the first and second air flow control valves 6a and 6b to switch from the second stage (shown in figure 2) to the first stage (shown in COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by IP Australia: Time 20:05 Date 2004-02-20 FEB. 2004C17:17WAY&ASCAENO636 P 1/2 WRAY ASSOCIATES NO, 6636 P, 17/26 -12figure 1) of the pumping cycle. The pump I then operates in the first stage of the pumping cycle previously described, with compressed air that has collected In the compressed air supply tank 28 being directed into the air supply pipe '16 via the pipe Since compressed air has collected in the compressed air supply tank 28 during the second stage of the pumping cycle, at the commneen8ft of the first stage of the pumping cycle, there is a rush of compressed air from the compressed air supply tank 28 through the first air control valve Ga and down the air pipe 4 into the pump chamber 3. In this way, the compressed air produced by the compressor 24 during the second stage of the pumping cycle is not wasted, and instead, is available at the commencemeflt of the first stage of the pumping cycle.

The two stage cycle described above is continuously repeated (provided compressed air is suppled to the pump 1) such that water is pushed up the delivery pipe 2 to the outlet 11 for collection.

Thus, during the first stage of the pumping cycle, the pressure in the pump chamber 3 and in the delivery pipe 2 increases due to the compressed air being supplied by the compressor 24 via the supply pipe 16 and air pipe 4. When the pumping cycle enters the second stage, the air In the pump chamber 3 (still being at a higher pressure) will vent Via the air pipe 4 and vent pipe 17 as just described. As the pressure in the pump Chamber 3 decreases during this second stage, the point is meachod where the pressure in the pump chamber 3 drops to a level below the pressure of the water in the bore 100 outside the pump 1. At this point, the pressure of the water in the bore 100 wili be sufficient to lift the ball 14 off the seat of the opening 13 so that water from the bore 100 can enter Via the opening 13- This is shown by arrows D in figure 2. Water will enter the pump chamber 3 in this way whilst the control unit 20 holds the first and second air flow control valves 5a and Oh) in their second mode of operation which allows venting of air from the pump chamber 3.

In the second stage of the pumping cycle, the back pressure exerted by the compressed air that is in the delivery pipe 2 acts on the ball 8 (as shown by arrow BP in figure 2) to seat the ball 8 against the opening 7 such that the second valve 9 is closed.

Since there is substantially no water remaining in the delivery pipe 2 at the end of each first stage of the pumping cycle, less pressure is required to push water Into the delivery pipe 2 from the pump chamber 3, at the commencement of the next first stage, than COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by IP Australia: Time 20:05 Date 2004-02-20 20.FEB.2004 17:17 WRAY ASSOCIATES NO. 6636 P. 18/26 -13would have been required if the delivery pipe 2 did still contain some water. This means that the pump 1 is able to operate even when the compressor 24 does not supply a constant level of compressed air, as happens when the compressor 24 is powered by a windmill 32 and or solar power.

In the case that a single air flow control valve 42 is used, the pump 1 operates in a manner similar to that previously hereinbefore described with reference to the operation of the airflow control valve 42.

The duration for which the second stage of the pumping cycle is set by the timer 22 Is dependent upon factors such as the depth of the pump 1 in the bore 100 and the size of the pump chamber 3. Thus, typically, the second stage of the pumping cycle may be approximately 5 to 10 seconds duration. The longer duration of the second stage may, for example, be used with a pump chamber 3 having a relatively large volume, e.g.

about 20 litres.

Typically, the pump chamber 3 may have a volume of approximately 10 to 20 litres. The volume of the pump chamber 3 will depend upon the pumping situation. If the pump 1 is to be used with a plentiful water supply in a relatively windy location, then a relatively large pump chamber 3 may be used. Conversely, if the water supply is not as plentiful or the winds at the location are lighter, a smaller pump chamber 3 may be used.

The pump I of the present invention may operate in relatively shallow water depths.

Thus, the pump 1 may operate in bores having a water depth as low as approximately

I

metre. However, the pump 1 may be used in bores down to a depth of approximately 125 metres.

Whilst the pump of the present Invention has been hereinbefore described with particular reference to its use in pumping water from a bore, the pump of the present invention is also suitable for pumping other liquids. Accordingly, it is to be understood that reference to the pump of the present invention being used to pump water in this specification does not restrict the invention to use solely for pumping water.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by IP Australia: Time 20:05 Date 2004-02-20 FEB. 20 04 1:1 WRAY ASSOCIATES NO. 6636 P. 19/26 -14- Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word 'comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by IP Australia: Time 20:05 Date 2004-02-20

Claims (4)

1. A pump comprising: pump chamber arranged to receive liquid to be pumped and air, delivery pipe means for delivery of the liquid by the air to a location remote from said pump chamber, air pipe means for flow of air to and from said pump chamber, said delivery pipe means and said pump chamber in fluid communication, said air pipe means and said pump chamber in fluid communication, air flow control means to control flow of air via said air pipe means during first and second stages of a pumping cycle of the pump, timer means to set the duration of said second stage of said pumping cycle, first sensor means to sense passage of liquid at a location in said delivery pipe means, and first valve means to allow, in use, liquid to enter said pump chamber, wherein in said first stage of said pumping cycle of the pump, said air flow control means allows air to be directed via said air pipe means to said pump chamber to cause liquid to be pushed from said pump chamber into said delivery pipe means by the air to travel along said delivery pipe means to said location, and in said second stage of said pumping cycle said air flow control means allows air to vent from said pump chamber via said air pipe means for a selected period of time controlled by said timer means and said first valve means allows liquid to enter said pump chamber.

2. A pump according to claim 1, wherein second valve means is provided to allow water to enter the delivery pipe means from the pump chamber during the first stage of the pumping cycle. COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by IP Australia: Time 20:05 Date 2004-02-20

20.FEB.2004 17:18 WRAY ASSOCIATES 20. EB.20017:8 WAY ASOCITESNO. 6636 P. 2 1/26 -16- 3. A pump according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein air supply pipe means is provided to supply the air that is directed by said air flow control means via said air pipe means to said pump chamber in said first stage of the pumping cycle of the pump. 4. A pump according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in said first stage of said pumping cycle said air directed via said air pipe means to said pump chamber closes said first valve means to prevent liquid entering said pump chamber. A pump according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein control means is provided to control the operation of said air flow control moans. 6. A pump according to claim 5, wherein said control means controls the operation of said air flow control means such that said air flow control means allows air to vent from said pump chamber via said air pipe means during said second stage of said pumping cycle for a period of time set by said timer means. 7. A pump according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first sensor means is located at substan'tially the highest location of said delivery pipe means In proximity to a branch portion thereof leading to an outlet of said delivery pipe means- 8. A pump according to any one of thei preceding claims, wherein a source of compressed air is provided to produce the compressed air which is supplied by said air supply pipe means. 9. A pump according to claim 8, wherein a compressed air supply tank is provided between said source of compressed air and said air supply pipe means such that during said second stage of said pumping cycle, compressed air produced by said source of compressed air collects in said compressed air supply tank. 10. A pump according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein said air flow control means comprises first and second air flow control valves to control flow of air via said air pipe means during said first and second stages of said pumping cycle. COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by IP Australia: rime 20:05 Date 2004-02-20 20.FEB.2004 17:18 WRAY ASSOCIATES 211 FE. 204 7:1 WRY &ASSCIAESNO.566 P. 22/25 -17- 11. A pump according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said air flow control means comnpries a single valve to control the flow of air via said air pipe means during said first and second stages of said pumping cycle. 12. A pump according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein second sensor means is provided to sense the pressure of the compressed air supplied via said air supply pipe means and said sensor means is arranged to send a signal to stop supply of power to said control means and said timer means when the pressure sensed by said sensor is below a selected level. 13. A pump according to claim 12, wherein an auxiliary source of compressed air is '0 provided to produce compressed air when said source of compressed air is unable to. 14. A method of pumping liquid method of pumping liquid using a pump compriing in a first stage of a pumping cycle, directing air from air supply means to a pump chamber of said pump to cause liquid to be pushed into a delivery pipe means of said pump by the air, delivering the liquid by the air via said delivery pipe means to a location remote from said pump chamber, and sensing the passage of liquid at a location in said delivery pipe means. switching from said first stage of said pumping cycle to a second stage of said pumping cycle, in said second stage of said pumping cycle, allowing air to vent from said pump chamber and allowing liquid to enter said pump chamber, and terminating said second stage of said pumping cycle after a selected period of time, A method according to claim 14, further comprising switching from said second stage of said pumping cycle to said first stage of said pumping cycle after terminating said second stage of said pumping cycle. 16. A method according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising preventing liquid entering said pump chamber during said first stage of said pumping cycle. COMS ID No: SMSI-00629848 Received by IP Australia: Time 20:05 Date 2004-02-20 S 20. FEB. 2004-17:18 WRAY ASSOCIATES NO. 6636 P, 23/26 -18- 17. A pump substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 18. A method of pumping liquid using a pump substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this Twentieth day of February

2004. Ferene Koosis and Maxwell Bruce McKay Applicants Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant(s) COMS ID No: SMBI-00629848 Received by IP Australia: Time 20:05 Date 2004-02-20