NZ264979A - Two reservoir fluid pump; pressure applied to fluid in reservoirs by way of valve and change over device - Google Patents

Description

264979 PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $260.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 264979 Dated: 23 November 1994 James & Wells Ref: 11438/8 PUMP I John Matthew Berkers, a New Zealand citizen of R D 5, 804 Limeworks Loop Road , Hamilton, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which I/We pray that a patent may be granted to me/us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: '?*** o'*-.

N 1*22 NOV 1995 «/ 264979 PUMP technical field This invention relates to a pump.

In particular, it is envisaged that the pump will be used for supplying a 5 continuous supply of bore water from a bore which may typically be located a long distance from a readily accessible power supply.

However, the pump may have applications outside this field, such as where a continuous supply of any fluid is required. background art A range of pumps for pumping fluids have been known or are currently available.

Many such pumps are often complex apparatus incorporating a number of moving parts which require regular repair and/or maintenance to ensure that the pump continues to operate efficiently and effectively.

Accordingly, repair and maintenance of many existing pumps may. become costly, time consuming, labour intensive. Depending on the complexity, age and type of pump, repair and maintenance may also be frequently required.

On a farm or rural property, the many demands involved in operating 20 such a property mean that there is often a dependency on the smooth and efficient operation of equipment on the property. 2 264979 Further, the demands for a continuous and copious supply of water on a farm or rural property mean that there is a particular dependency on the smooth and efficient operation of a pump which supplies the property with water. Therefore, it is preferable to use pumps on farms and rural properties which do not require frequent, costly and labour intensive repair and maintenance.

Further, on a farm, or rural property, a bore for supplying water to the property is commonly situated in an area where the water table is highest. Invariably, this location is in a low-lying part of the property.

Conversely, a dwelling on the property is usually located in an elevated position, in order to enjoy a view.

Accordingly, the dwelling and the bore may be separated by a significant distance, such as 1-2 kilometres.

Often, a pump used to pump water from the bore is powered by an electricity supply. As the dwelling is typically the site of the power supply, it may be expensive to take a power supply from the dwelling to an electric pump at a bore which is a significant distance from the dwelling.

In addition, the combination of electricity and water is potentially hazardous. Accordingly, during installation, operation and repair and maintenance of any equipment which incorporates the use of electricity and water in close proximity, the installer, operator or repairer of such equipment is exposed to a potential risk of physical harm.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. 264979 Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparsii*" from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

Disclosure of Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a pumping assembly for pumping a fluid from a fluid source to a fluid delivery site including: a) at least two immersible reservoirs; and b) an outlet conduit connectible to the immersible reservoirs extending from the fluid source to the fluid delivery site; and c) an inlet conduit extending from the fluid delivery site to the fluid source, capable of supplying a pressure source to the fluid source; and d) valve means capable of redirecting the pressure source from one reservoir and into the other reservoir and vice versa; and e) a change-over means capable of actuating the valve means; the pumping assembly characterised by the ability of the pumping assembly to empty one reservoir as another reservoir refills using the above componentry. 264979 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a pumping assembly substantially as described above wherein the pumping assembly includes: a) a single reservoir capable of use in a fluid storage tank; and b) an inlet conduit capable of supplying a pressure souce from a fluid delivery site to a fluid storage tank; and c) valve means capable of redirecting the pressure source into the reservoir, or to the atmosphere; and d) changeover means capable of actuating the valve means; the pumping assembly characterised by the ability of the pumping assembly to empty fluid in a storage tank during the refill period of the reservoir, using the above componentry.

For ease of reference the pumping assembly, the fluid and the fluid source shall now be referred to as a pump, water and a bore respectively. 15 Although, it should be appreciated that use of these terms is not intended to be limiting.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the pump is used to pump water from a bore or a water storage tank located some distance from a dwelling to which the water is to be supplied, and/or some 20 distance from a power source.

However, in other embodiments of the present invention the pump may be used to pump any fluid, such as beverages, liquid chemicals (including fertilises, insecticides, herbicides), and so forth, from any fluid source to a delivery site. 264979 In preferred embodiments of the present invention bores with which the pump is used, are sunken to ensure optimum water supply from surrounding ground water to the reservoirs of the pump. Alternately, the pump may be used with water storage tanks, or other fluid collecting 5 containers, and so forth, provided the fluid supply in the container is preferably maintained.

• A reservoir is preferably placed at, or towards, the bottom of a bore, dam or other body of water, at a depth which will enable the reservoir to fill with water at a rate comparable to the rate of draw of the water at the 10 dwelling, or outlet, to which the water is supplied.

Preferably, a separate bore is used for each reservoir. Having a separate bore for each reservoir improves the availability of ground water to efficiently and effectively fill each reservoir. However, in other embodiments it is possible to place more than one reservoir in a single 15 bore. This option may be particularly relevant where the ground is suitably pervious to enable sufficient water to be available for filling the reservoirs when required.

The reservoirs used to supply a domestic installation preferably have a 1-100 litres capacity. However, larger reservoirs with increased volume 20 capacity, or multiple installations may be required in situations where there may be a larger draw on the fluid supply, for example in a motel situation.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the reservoirs are made of metal. Metal is strong, durable, can be cut, welded or moulded to 25 ony shape. Further, metal is a heavy material, which is necessary to ensure that the reservoirs do not float within the bore. In addition, the 6 264979 reservoirs are required to be made of suitably strong and thick material in order to conform with health and safety regulatory requirements for pressurised containers.

However, in other embodiments of the present invention the reservoirs may be made of other suitable materials, such as thermoplastic material, fibreglass and so forth. The choice of material used to make the reservoirs may depend upon the location in which the reservoirs are placed, and the fluid to be held in the reservoirs. However, where lightweight materials are used, it may be necessary to incorporate a weight into the reservoir, to ensure that the reservoir does not float.

Water from the ground supply or other fluid source is able to enter the reservoirs preferably via a uni-directional, entry-only valve. Preferably, the uni-directional, entry-only valve is located in the base of the reservoir. However, in other embodiments the uni-directional, entry-only valve may be located elsewhere in the reservoir.

For ease of reference the pressure source shall now be referred to as compressed air. However, it should be appreciated that use of this term is not to be seen as limiting.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention compressed air is piped from the site of production of the compressed air to the bore site and water from the bore is piped in the opposite direction from the bore site to a dwelling or other outlet.

However, in other embodiments other pressure sources may be used, and other fluids may be pumped from a fluid source to an outlet for use. 264379 In preferred embodiments of the present invention the compressed air $ which drives the pump is preferably supplied by a compressor, or other suitable source. The use of compressed air to drive the pump obviates problems associated with having to otherwise have a power source at the 5 water source. Such problems include the costs of laying electric cable over a long distance, and the potential hazards which exist when electricity is used in close conjunction with water. Accordingly, the use of compressed air is a cheaper and safer option than having an electric power supply installed at, or to the water source.

Preferably, the compressor is powered by electricity. However, the compressor may be located in the vicinity of a dwelling in order t/> be close to a convenient power supply. Alternately, in other embodiments, the compressor may be fuel driven, or may be cattery driven, and so forth. These latter options may be preferable in the absence of an electrical 15 power outlet, and would also enable the pump to be used in a greater range of locations.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the size of the compressor used is related to the output (in horsepower, HP) of the compressor and the corresponding air pressure produced which is 20 necessary to produce the water pressure required from the pump. The air pressure is directly related to the water pressure required. Accordingly, a compressor of 1HP is capable of generating 100 psi air pressure, which in turn directly relates to a water pressure of 100 psi. Therefore, for a domestic water supply, a compressor of 1HP suffices to 25 generate 60 - 100 psi air pressure, and correspondingly 60 - 100 psi water pressure. 4 8 264979 Further, air volume is directly related to water volume. Therefore, one litre of compressed air is capable of delivering one litre of water. In a domestic situation, a typical delivery of 3,000 litres per hour at 75 psi may be generated from a 12 cubic foot compressor.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the inlet conduit which carries compressed air to the bore site is preferably made of thermoplastic materials, such as alkathene pipe. Thermoplastic materials, such as alkathene, are relatively cheap to purchase, may be purchased in varying lengths, may be easily joined and sealed to prevent 10 leaking, do not rust, and are lightweight and easy to handle. However, in other embodiments other suitable materials may be used for the inlet conduit, such as rubber, fibreglass, or metal.

Preferably, 15mm alkathene pipe is used for distances between a dwelling and a bore of about 500 metres. However, where longer distances between 15 the dwelling and the bore occur, a larger diameter pipe may be used.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the valve means is a shuttle valve, or another suitable mechanical equivalent. A valve means such as a shuttle valve enables the compressed air, or other pressure source, to be easily directed through alternate pathways, when 20 required. Such a valve avoids the necessity of incorporating complex systems which may detract from the simplicity of the pump and which may increase the need for regular repair and maintenance.

The shuttle valve means preferably directs incoming compressed air into one or other of the reservoirs and opens the empty reservoir to the 25 atmosphere. Accordingly, as the compressed air entering one reservoir 9 264979 causes that reservoir to be emptied of water, another reservoir in the system devoid of the compressed air pressure is able to be refilled with water from the ground water supply.

In embodiments which comprise a single reservoir used in conjunction 5 with a storage tank, the capacity provided by the storage tank is able to provide a source of water supply while the single reservoir is refilling.

In the above preferred embodiment of the present invention movement of the shuttle valve is actuated by movement of change-over means.

Preferably, the change-over means which triggers movement of the valve 10 means is in turn actuated by a portion of the purged water from one of the reservoirs, or air redirected to the change-over means from a second reservoir, as the reservoirs are emptying.

Where a portion of the water is purged from the emptying reservoir this water is preferably directed to the change-over means via a bleed valve 15 incorporated into the pump. The portion of the water purged from the emptying reservoir directed via the bleed valve collects in a chamber of the change-over means.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the change-over means is capable of pivoting in a see-saw movement. Pivoting of the 20 chamber is accomplished by a pivotal connection at the centre of the longitudinal axis of the chamber. However, in other embodiments pivoting of the chamber may be accomplished by incorporation of other suitable means, such as via springs and so forth, located at the centre of the longitudinal axis of the chamber, or at other locations along the 25 chamber. 2649 Pivoting of the chamber occurs in response to the weight of any purged water in the chamber, which causes the chamber to tilt. Accordingly, the tilting motion of the chamber of the change-over means serves to actuate the shuttle valve.

A mass is also preferably incorporated into one end of the chamber. Accordingly, as a portion of purged water directed into the chamber exceeds the weight of the mass, the chamber tilts in the direction of the water. When the portion of purged water in the chamber decreases, the weight of the mass results in the chamber tilting in the direction of the mass.

Changes in the amount of water in the chamber at any point in time is dependent on which reservoir is emptying. When a first reservoir is emptying, compressed air is directed to the chamber of the change-over means which results in water in the chamber being forced out. Accordingly, the chamber of the change-over means then is capable of tilting in the direction of the mass-weighted end.

This movement actuates the shuttle valve to redirect compressed air into a second reservoir. As water in that second reservoir is forced out by the compressed air, a portion of the water is directed into the chamber, and the chamber tilts in the direction of the water. The shuttle valve then is actuated to redirect compressed air into the first reservoir again and enables the cycle to be repeated.

Preferably, the shuttle valve means is connected to the change-over means via linkage means. Accordingly, movement of the change-over means is translated via the linkage means and results in movement of the shuttle valve. 11 264979 The linkage means between the change-over means and the shuttle valve is preferably a piece of rod or wire, made of a suitable material. However, in other embodiments any suitable linkage means may be used.

Alternately, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention a sensing means may be incorporated into the reservoir. Incorporation of a sensing means enables the pump to operate with even fewer moving parts, may be cheaper to manufacture, may produce more even pumping of water from each reservoir and operation of the pump, and obviates the need for a bleed valve (which has the potential for blocking).

Operation of the sensing means is such that when the water level in thp reservoir is lowered to a point registered by a sensing means, then the compressed air supply to that reservoir is cut off and is diverted to another reservoir, via a control valve.

The water in the second reservoir is then also expelled from that reservoir until the water level is again lowered to a level registered by a second sensing means, at which time the control valve is again actuated to divert the compressed air to the first reservoir again. While water is being discharged from one reservoir, the other is refilling with water.

However, in other embodiments the pump may incorporate other suitable air logic circuits.

When water is pumped from the reservoirs, it is preferably carried to a water delivery site, such as a dwelling or other location, via a water outlet conduit. 12 264979 In preferred embodiments of the present invention the water outlet conduit is also made of suitable thermoplastic materials, such as alkathene pipe of a diameter necessary for carrying the required volume of water of a required water pressure to the water delivery site for use.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the water outlet conduit from one or more reservoirs may incorporate a check valve. The check valve(s) is capable of ensuring an orderly flow of water from the reservoir(s) to the point of discharge at a water delivery site.

The entry valves and check valves of the present invention are preferably one-way valves to ensure uni-directional flow of water, and to prevent seepage backwards, which may otherwise reduce the efficiency of the pump.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the pump has minimal moving parts. Accordingly, the fewer moving parts, the less maintenance is required to replace or repair component parts. Accordingly, the simplicity of pump contributes to its cost effectiveness. brief Description of Drawings Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side view of the water pumping assembly in which the left hand reservoir is filling, and the right hand reservoir is emptying in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and 13 264979 Figure 2 is a diagrammatic side view of the water pumping assembly in which the left hand reservoir is emptying and the right hand reservoir is filling, and which therefore illustrates the reverse operations of Figure 1, in accordance with one 5 embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a diagrammatic schematic view of the water pumping assembly incorporating sensors, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Best Modes for Carrying out the Invention With reference to the diagrams by way of example only, there is provided a pumping assembly generally indicated by arrow 1, capable of pumping a fluid (such as water) from a source (such as a bore).

The pumping assembly 1 includes immersible reservoirs 2 and 3, which are installed at a bore site.

The immersible reservoirs 2 and 3 are connectable to a common outlet conduit 4, which extends from the bore site to a fluid delivery site.

An inlet conduit 5 extends from the water delivery site to the bore site, for supplying a pressure source (such as compressed air) to the bore site.

Valve means 6 is capable of redirecting compressed air from one 20 reservoir 2 and into a second reservoir 3, and vice versa, to purge the reservoirs 2and 3 of water.

Purged water 7 from the reservoirs 2 and 3 is capable of actuating a change-over means 8. 14 264979 The actuated change-over means 8 is similarly capable of actuating the valve means 6.

The pumping assembly 1 is characterised by the ability of the pump 1 to empty one reservoir 2, while a second reservoir 3 is able to refill.

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side view of the water pumping assembly 1 according to one preferred embodiment.

Two bores 9 are sunk into the water table. The bores 9 are approximately 900 mm in diameter. However, the bore 9 may be smaller where smaller reservoirs 2 and 3 are to be used.

A pair of moulded 50 litre metal reservoirs 2 and 3 are submerged into the bores 9. The reservoirs 2 and 3 are able to be any shape and size, provided the reservoirs 2 and 3 are able to incorporate the required componentry of the pump 1. Accordingly, the reservoir 2 or 3 may be made to fit into a smaller bore 9 of 750mm.

Each reservoir 2 and 3 incorporates a uni-directional, entry-only valve 10. Accordingly, immersion pressure of the surrounding ground water 11 enables the water to pass through the uni-directional, entry-only valves 10 to fill the reservoirs 2 and 3.

The reservoirs 2 and 3 are pressurised using compressed air supplied via 20 the inlet conduit 5 to the reservoirs 2 and 3 via inlet tubes 12 and 13, respectively. 2649 The compressed air is supplied via a compressor (not shown) which is typically located at a dwelling some distance from the bores 9. A 1HP compressor may be used to provide compressed air to a pump 1 which supplies a domestic dwelling.

The inlet conduit 5 which carries the compressed air, is also connected to the valve means 6. In one preferred embodiment, the valve means 6 is preferably a shuttle valve 6. In another preferred embodiment, the valve means 6 is a cut-off means associated with a sensor.

Water in the reservoirs 2 or 3 is able to be emptied from the reservoirs 2 10 and 3 via an outlet tube 15 or 16, respectively.

In one preferred embodiment, when compressed air is directed into the left hand reservoir 2 (of Figure 1 and 2), water is discharged from reservoir 2 via the outlet tube 15. Discharged water 7 from the reservoir 2 collects in the chamber 17 of the change-over means 8. The weight of the 15 purged water 7 causes the change-over means 8 to tilt in the direction of the water.

Tilting of the change-over means 8 is achieved via a pivoting point 14 located at the centre of the longitudinal axis of the chamber 17 of the change-over means 8.

The chamber 17 also incorporates a mass 18 which counterpoises the chamber 17. Accordingly, when reservoir 2 is emptied, any purged water 7 is forced out of the chamber 17 by the compressed air, and the mass 18 causes the change-over means 8 to tilt in the direction of the mass 18. 16 264979 Water from reservoir 2 and purged water 7 collecting in the chamber 17 is purged by the compressed air and forced out via the outlet conduit 4. The outlet conduit 4 ultimately carries water from' the reservoirs 2 and 3 from the bores 9, to a dwelling or other water delivery site, up to 2km from 5 the bores 9.

A one-way check valve 21 ensures that pumped water from reservoir 2 progresses in one direction only, through the outlet conduit 4 towards the water delivery site.

A linkage 20 links the chamber 17 to the shuttle valve 6. The linkage 20 is 10 capable of actuating the shuttle valve 6. Accordingly, as the change-over means 8 pivots, the shuttle valve 6 is actuated to redirect compressed air from the inlet conduit 5 to either reservoir 2 or 3, depending on the tilted position of the chamber 17.

Accordingly, when the chamber 17 is tilted in the direction of the mass 18, 15 the shuttle valve 6 is actuated to enable compressed air via inlet conduit 5 to be redirected into the right hand reservoir 3. The pressure of the compressed air forces the water out of the reservoir 3.

Reservoir 3 is emptied via outlet tube 16 into the outlet conduit 4.

Again, a one way check valve 22 prevents back flow of water via the outlet 20 tube 16 into the reservoir 3.

Although the main flow of water is always from the bores 9 to the water delivery site, such as a dwelling, via outlet conduit 4, some reversed flow is allowed along this outlet conduit 4. This reverse flow is achieved via a bleed valve 23 which allows a portion of the water to bleed back into the 25 chamber 17 of the change-over means 8. This reverse flow enables the 17 264979 chamber 17 to tilt in the direction of the water 7 collecting in the chamber 17, thereby resulting in movement of the linkage 20 which reverses the position of the shuttle valve 6 and restarts the cycle.

When no water is being drawn off at the dwelling or other water delivery 5 site, only reservoir 3 fills. This is because at this time, only reservoir 3 is vented to the atmosphere via the shuttle valve 6.

At this stage, the compressor at the dwelling is switched off. However, the compressor's air tank and its release valve maintain the compressed air in the inlet conduit 5 at working pressure.

The outlet conduit 4 which supplies water to the dwelling is full at this stage.

The tilting chamber 17 is at a lowered position as shown in Figure 1, because the bleed valve 23 ensures that the chamber 17 is partially full (as shown in Figure 1).

When water is drawn in the dwelling, the compressor switches on. Accordingly, the shuttle valve 6 directs purging air from the inlet conduit 5 down the inlet tube 12 and into the reservoir 2.

The reservoir 2 empties into the chamber 17.

Accordingly, as water empties into the chamber 17, water passes from 20 the chamber 17, enters the outlet conduit 4 and travels a water delivery site at a the dwelling.

As the reservoir 2 empties, compressed air rises up in the outlet tube 15 of reservoir 2 and begins to fill the outlet conduit 4. 18 264979 At this stage, the lack; of water in the chamber 17 causes in the mass 18 end of the chamber 17 of the change-over means 8, to pivot downwards (as shown in Figure 2). As the mass 18 descends, the linkage 20 reverses the position of the shuttle valve 6.

Reversal of the shuttle valve 6 vents the reservoir 2 to the atmosphere allowing it to refill from the surrounding ground water 11 (as shown in Figure 2). While the reservoir 2 is refilling from the surrounding ground water 11, movement of the shuttle valve 6 connects the reservoir 3 to the inlet conduit 5, carrying the compressed air.

The air pressure introduced into the reservoir 3 results in the water in the reservoir 3 being directly emptied into the outlet conduit 4. Water in reservoir 3 passes directly to the outlet conduit 4, via outlet tube 16, without passing through the chamber 17.

At the same time as the reservoir 3 is emptying, the bleed valve 23 allows sufficient flow of water to pass back into the chamber 17. As water passes via the bleed valve 23 into the chamber 17, the weight of water 7 in the chamber 17 causes the chamber 17 to pivot back to its original position as shown in Figure 1. The chamber 17 is fully descended to its original position (as shown in Figure 1) by the time the reservoir 3 has emptied.

In this embodiment, reservoir 2 is essentially the lead reservoir, and reservoir 3 is the secondary reservoir which is used when water in reservoir 2 has been depleted.

Alternately, in another preferred embodiment, an air logic circuit, incorporating sensors 24 and 25 may be used to regulate water flow from the reservoirs 2 aud 3 (as shown in Figure 3). 19 264979 Accordingly, as the compressed air pumped into reservoir 2 expels water to a dwelling or other water delivery site, the water level in reservoir 2 is lowered. When the water level in reservoir 2 reaches sensor 24, a control valve 26 is actuated which diverts the compressed air entering the system via inlet conduit 5, into reservoir 3.

Similarly, water in reservoir 3 is expelled until the water level reaches sensor 25, which again actuates control valve 26 and the compressed air supply is diverted back to reservoir 2. While water is being discharged from one reservoir, the other reservoir is filling. During refilling of the reservoirs, air is exhausted from reservoirs 2 and 3 via air exhaust tubes 27.

This embodiment incorporates fewer moving parts, does not have a bleed valve 23 which may have the potential to block, and results in more even use of both reservoirs 2 and 3.

With both preferred embodiments, the pump 1 is capable of delivering a continuous supply of water from the bore site 9 to a dwelling or other delivery site.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (25)

264979 WHAT I CLAIM IS:
1. A pumping assembly for pumping a fluid from a fluid source to a fluid delivery site including: a) at least two immersible reservoirs; and b) an outlet conduit connectible to the immersible reservoirs extending from the fluid source to the fluid delivery site; and c) an inlet conduit extending from the fluid delivery site to the fluid source, capable of supplying a pressure source to the flvdd source; and d) valve means capable of redirecting the pressure source from one reservoir and into the other reservoir and vice versa; and e) a change-over means capable of actuating the valve means; the pumping assembly characterised by the ability of the pumping assembly to empty one reservoir as another reservoir refills using said valve means and said changeover means.
2. A pumping assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein a reservoir is located at the bottom of the fluid source.
3. A pumping assembly as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a separate fluid source is used for each reservoir.
4. A pumping assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein more than one reservoir may be located in a single fluid source. 21 264979
5. 5. A pumping assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the capacity of the reservoirs is determined by the supply of fluid required at the fluid delivery site.
6. 6. A pumping assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein flmd from the fluid source is able to enter the reservoirs via a uni-directional entry-only valve.
7. 7. A pumping assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the pressure source is compressed air.
8. 8. A pumping assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein the compressed air is supplied by a compressor, or equivalent.
9. 9. A pumping assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the compressor is located at a distance from the fluid source.
10. 10. A pumping assembly as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the size of the compressor used with the pumping assembly is determined by the output of the compressor and the corresponding air pressure and air volume required to produce the water pressure and water volume required at the fluid delivery site.
11. 11. A pumping assembly as claimed in claims 7 to 10 wherein compressed air is carried to the water site via conduits, wherein the diameter of the conduits is determined by the distance between the fluid source and the fluid delivery site.
12. 12. A pumping assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the valve means capable of admitting the pressure sl . alternately into one reservoir and then the other is a shuttle valuer \ * v* I o/ 22 264979
13. 13. A pumping assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein the valve means is a mechanical equivalent of a shuttle valve.
14. 14. A pumping assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the valve means is a control valve automatically actuated by air sensitive sensors in the reservoirs.
15. 15. A pumping assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein actuation of the valve means is determined by movement of change-over means.
16. 16. A pumping assembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein the valve means is connected to the change-over means via linkage means such that movement of the change-over means is translated via the linkage means and results in movement of the valve means.
17. 17. A pumping assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein actuation of the change-over means is accomplished via a portion of water purged from an emptying reservoir being directed into the change-over means via a backflow bleed valve.
18. 18. A pumping assembly as claimed in claim 17 wherein the portion of water purged from an emptying reservoir collects in a chamber of the changeover means.
19. 19. A pumping assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein the chamber of the change-over means is capable of pivoting in response to the weight of the portion of purged water in the chamber, or in response to a counterpoised mass incorporated into the chamber. 264979
20. 20. A pumping assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein fluid discharged from a reservoir of the pumping assembly is carried via an outlet conduit of the appropriate diameter required for carrying the required volume of water of a required pressure to a fluid delivery site for use.
21. 21. A pumping assembly as claimed in claim 20 wherein the outlet conduits from one or more reservoirs incorporates a check valve capable of ensuring an orderly flow of water from the reservoirs to the point of discharge at a fluid delivery site.
22. 22. A method of pumping fluid from a bore or storage tank located a distance from the site to which the fluid is to be supplied, characterised by the step of using a pumping assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
23. 23. A method of pumping flmd from a bore or water storage tank located some distance from a power source, using a pumping assembly substantially as claimed in the preceding claims
24. 24. A method of pumping a continuous supply of fluid using a pumping assembly substantially as claimed in claims 1 to 21.
25. 25. A method of pumping a fluid from a source located at a distance from a fluid delivery site and/or a power source using a pumping assembly substantially as claimed herein, described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. 24 264979 A pumping assembly substantially as claimed herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. John Matthew Barkers by his Attorneys end of claims 25