US20230358227A1 - Bi-directional bilge pump - Google Patents
Bi-directional bilge pump Download PDFInfo
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- US20230358227A1 US20230358227A1 US18/222,816 US202318222816A US2023358227A1 US 20230358227 A1 US20230358227 A1 US 20230358227A1 US 202318222816 A US202318222816 A US 202318222816A US 2023358227 A1 US2023358227 A1 US 2023358227A1
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- chamber
- pump
- inlet
- outer housing
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- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 91
- 230000026058 directional locomotion Effects 0.000 claims description 17
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000014509 gene expression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- DHKHKXVYLBGOIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N acetaldehyde Diethyl Acetal Natural products CCOC(C)OCC DHKHKXVYLBGOIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000002777 acetyl group Chemical class [H]C([H])([H])C(*)=O 0.000 description 1
- 239000004676 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003973 irrigation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002262 irrigation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002825 nitriles Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003031 santoprene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B53/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B23/00 or F04B39/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B53/10—Valves; Arrangement of valves
- F04B53/1002—Ball valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B15/00—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B19/00—Machines or pumps having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B17/00
- F04B19/20—Other positive-displacement pumps
- F04B19/22—Other positive-displacement pumps of reciprocating-piston type
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B53/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B23/00 or F04B39/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B53/10—Valves; Arrangement of valves
- F04B53/1002—Ball valves
- F04B53/101—Ball valves having means for limiting the opening height
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B53/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B23/00 or F04B39/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B53/14—Pistons, piston-rods or piston-rod connections
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B53/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B23/00 or F04B39/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B53/16—Casings; Cylinders; Cylinder liners or heads; Fluid connections
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B9/00—Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members
- F04B9/14—Pumps characterised by muscle-power operation
Definitions
- Bilge pumps which are used to remove the accumulated water from within the watercraft. Bilge pumps therefore help to both keep watercraft dry and prevent them from sinking. They may also be helpful in other applications in which fluid has accumulated and needs to be removed, such as in plumbing and irrigation situations.
- fluid is drawn into a pump through an inlet by retracting a plunger within a pump chamber and an outlet that expels the fluid from the watercraft when the plunger is pulled up into the pump chamber.
- the inlet has a valve that ensures that fluid does not flow back out through the inlet when the plunger is pushed down into the chamber.
- the plunger also includes a plunger valve with a flexible flap that only allows fluid to pass as the plunger is pushed down, and prevents fluid to pass as the plunger is pulled up. Fluid is only expelled through the outlet as the plunger is retracted and thereby pulled up the pump chamber.
- Bilge fluid often includes other solid and semi-solid debris, such as sticks and leaves, which frequently plug up traditional pumps. If debris is drawn into the inlet as the plunger is retracted, the debris accumulates around the plunger valve and thereby prevents fluid from passing through the valve as the plunger is pushed down. Such pumps are also frequently not capable of being taken apart to allow for removal of the accumulated debris.
- a better bilge pump mechanism is needed to avoid the problem of current bilge pumps, which are constructed with easily clogged valves, thereby inhibiting bilge removal over time.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the pump from a position above the pump.
- FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the pump from a position below the pump.
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the pump in a first operative position.
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the pump in a second operative position.
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the pump in a third operative position.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a portion of the pump.
- Traditional bilge pumps are ineffective because they are easily clogged with debris drawn into a pump.
- Existing pumps have inlet and plunger valves that each only allow fluid to pass in one direction.
- the plunger valve is often a small flexible flap constructed to only provide passage for fluid and separates a lower and upper compartment of the pump.
- fluid is drawn into a traditional pump through an inlet valve as a plunger is pulled up into the pump body, by reducing the pressure within the pump body.
- the plunger is pushed back into the pump body, whereby the pressure in the pump body is increased and thus opens the plunger valve and forces fluid into the upper compartment of the pump.
- the inventor realized that pressures at the inlet and the outlet could be isolated from each other by designing a secondary chamber within the pump by which fluid first is drawn into the pump into a first chamber, then into the secondary chamber, which is isolated from the inlet. Then the fluid is pumped out and flows from the secondary chamber and out of the pump through the outlet. In so designing, fluid is pumped out of the outlet during both the upward and downward strokes of the pumping action.
- the device may include two ball valves, one between the pump inlet and the first chamber, and one that separates the first chamber with the secondary chamber.
- an embodiment of the present invention provides for expelling fluid both as a piston is pulled away from the inlet and as it is pushed toward the inlet, whereas traditional bilge pumps only expel fluid as the piston is pulled away from the inlet.
- a volume of bilge fluid can be pumped in less time and with less physical expenditure by the user than if a traditional bilge pump were used.
- this device relates to a pump with an outer housing defining an enclosure, an inlet for admitting fluid into the outer housing and an outlet for expelling fluid from the outer housing, a piston for selectively modulating a first fluid pressure, such that the first fluid pressure is associated with a location proximate said inlet, and a member that selectively isolates a second pressure associated with a location proximate the outlet from said first fluid pressure.
- this device in another embodiment, relates to a pump with an outer housing defining an enclosure, a first chamber within the outer housing for receiving fluid admitted into the pump from an ambient environment and through an inlet to said pump, a second chamber within the outer housing for receiving fluid from the first chamber, and a piston that both (i) selectively controls the flow of fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber and (ii) selectively expels said fluid from the second chamber into the ambient environment.
- this device relates to a pump with an outer housing defining an enclosure, an inlet for admitting fluid into the outer housing and an outlet for expelling fluid from the outer housing, and a piston capable of a first directional movement and a second directional movement different than the first directional movement, where the fluid is admitted into the outer housing and expelled from the outer housing during said first directional movement, and the fluid is expelled from the outer housing but not admitted into the outer housing during the second directional movement.
- an exemplarily pump 10 may include an outer housing 12 , which defines an enclosure 14 .
- FIGS. 1 and 2 show one embodiment of the pump 10 , where the outer housing 12 takes the form of an elongate chamber 16 having a first end 18 and a second end 20 .
- the elongate chamber 16 has a cylindrical shape.
- Materials that may be used to manufacture the pump include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), santoprene, acetal, and nitrile.
- the enclosure 14 is bounded by an inner wall 24 and the first and second ends 18 , 20 of the enclosure 14 or the elongate chamber 16 .
- the second end 20 may be sealed with a top 22 , configured to both seal the second end 20 and provide a moveable seal with a piston stem 52 , as will be later described in more detail.
- an inlet 26 for admitting fluid into the outer housing 12 from the ambient environment 28 is located at the first end 18 of the elongate chamber 16 .
- the inlet has a circular shape and is part of a pump stand 27 .
- the inlet may take the form of any shape and may not be associated with a pump stand 27 .
- the stand 27 may be included to aid in stable and upright storage of the pump 10 .
- the inlet 26 may be a group of smaller inlets, used to prevent larger items from entering the inlet 26 from the ambient environment 28 .
- the inlet 26 is a single opening to permit passage of potential debris.
- the pump stand 27 is structurally associated with the primary check valve 32 or 34 .
- the pump 10 may also include an outlet 30 for expelling fluid from the outer housing 12 .
- the outlet 30 is located proximate the second end of the elongate chamber 22 .
- the outlet 30 may be a hole in the side of the elongate chamber 16 .
- the outlet 30 may be of sufficient size to reduce the accumulation of debris at the outlet 30 , or to otherwise reduce resistance to pumping out fluid.
- the outlet 30 is configured with an additional spout 31 , which may aid in directing expelled fluid away from the pump 10 .
- a primary check valve 32 is located adjacent the inlet 26 and associated with the pump stand 27 , such that any fluid and possible debris that enters the inlet 26 from the ambient environment 28 enters the enclosure 14 through the primary check valve 32 .
- the primary check valve 32 is a ball valve.
- other types of check valves may be used as the primary check valve 32 .
- the primary check valve is a relief valve 34 .
- a benefit of using a ball valve 32 is that when open, a ball valve provides both a flexible and large opening for the passage, and therefore pumping, of debris.
- the ball portion of a ball valve 32 is able to adjust its position to allow for the passage of debris. This advantage avoids the problem of clogs in other bilge pumps because such debris is pumped through the bilge pump along with the fluid. Also, when open, ball valves provide less resistance to the pumping of fluid, allowing a user to pump fluid more easily.
- a function of the primary check valve 32 is to allow fluid to enter through the inlet 26 , past the primary check valve 32 , and into the enclosure 14 , while preventing any fluid from exiting the enclosure 14 though the inlet 26 .
- the primary check valve 32 responds to changes in surrounding pressure, as will be described in more detail later in the disclosure.
- the piston 36 shown herein has a first end 38 and a second end 40 .
- the first end 38 includes a member 42 that selectively isolates a first chamber 58 , associated with a first fluid pressure 44 , from a second chamber 60 , associated with second fluid pressure 46 .
- the volume of the first chamber 58 changes with respect to the volume of the second chamber 60 , thereby changing the corresponding fluid pressures 44 , 46 .
- the piston 36 includes an elongate stem or handle 52 , which extends out of the second end of the elongate chamber 20 .
- the stem 52 is moveably sealed to the top 22 of the pump 10 .
- the volume of fluid that can be retained in the second chamber 60 when the piston is the position pushed all the way to the end of the chamber, as shown in FIG. 4 in an exemplary embodiment, may be half of the volume of the fluid drawn in during a first directional movement 54 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the piston 36 is pushed all the way down as shown in FIG. 4 , one half of the fluid remains in the second chamber 60 , and the other half is expelled through the outlet, shown by arrow 64 .
- the member 42 includes a secondary check valve 48 and a seal 50 .
- the piston 36 and the seal 50 effectively isolates the first fluid pressure 44 from the second fluid pressure 46 , thereby dividing the enclosure 14 into a first chamber 58 and a second chamber 60 .
- the secondary check valve 48 shown in FIGS. 1 - 5 is a ball valve. However, other types of check valves may be used depending on manufacturer’s preference.
- the piston 36 functions to modulate a first fluid pressure, indicated generally at 44 , such that the first fluid pressure 44 is proximate to the inlet 24 .
- the piston 36 may be moved in a first directional movement 54 and a second directional movement 56 .
- the secondary check valve 48 functions to allow fluid to pass from the first chamber 58 to the second chamber 60 . Therefore, the secondary check valve 48 can be in an open or closed position, depending on the first and second fluid pressures 44 , 46 .
- FIGS. 3 - 5 exemplify how the pump is used such that fluid can be pumped out of the outlet 30 as the piston 36 is moved in both the first directional movement 54 and the second directional movement 56 .
- the first end of the piston 38 Prior to pumping fluid, the first end of the piston 38 should be pushed proximate to the first end of the empty elongate chamber 18 (this configuration is not shown).
- stem 52 may be gripped to pull the piston 36 in the first directional movement 54 . In doing so, the first fluid pressure 44 decreases, which thereby opens the primary check valve 32 and closes the secondary check valve 48 .
- Fluid 62 is admitted from the ambient environment 28 through the inlet 26 , into the first chamber 58 , until the top of the secondary check valve 48 reaches the second end of the elongate chamber 20 , as shown in FIG. 3 . At this point, a volume of fluid has been pumped into the enclosure 14 . At this static condition, the first fluid pressure 44 forces the primary check valve 32 to close, thereby preventing any fluid escape out of the inlet 26 .
- FIG. 5 shows a step following FIG. 4 wherein the piston 36 is urged in the first direction 54 .
- the remaining half of fluid 62 in the second chamber 60 is expelled through the outlet 30 at 64 .
- Fluid 62 is concurrently admitted through the inlet 26 , the same way as described with FIG. 3 .
- the piston 36 is pushed down toward the second end of the elongate chamber 20 , and half of the admitted fluid that is ejected. As such, with each single-direction movement or stroke of the piston 36 , half of the volume of the initially-admitted fluid 62 is ejected.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Details Of Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
- Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
Abstract
A pump with an outer housing defining an enclosure, an inlet for admitting fluid into the outer housing and an outlet for expelling fluid from the outer housing, a piston for selectively modulating a first fluid pressure, such that the first fluid pressure is associated with a location proximate the inlet, and a member that selectively isolates a second pressure associated with a location proximate the outlet from the first fluid pressure. The pump may also include a first chamber within the outer housing for receiving fluid admitted into the pump from an ambient environment and through an inlet to the pump, a second chamber within the outer housing for receiving fluid from the first chamber, and a piston that both (i) selectively controls the flow of fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber and (ii) selectively expels the fluid from the second chamber into the ambient environment.
Description
- The present application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application No. 15/158,244 filed on May 18, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.
- Operation of watercraft frequently requires the use of bilge pumps, which are used to remove the accumulated water from within the watercraft. Bilge pumps therefore help to both keep watercraft dry and prevent them from sinking. They may also be helpful in other applications in which fluid has accumulated and needs to be removed, such as in plumbing and irrigation situations.
- In traditional bilge pumps, fluid is drawn into a pump through an inlet by retracting a plunger within a pump chamber and an outlet that expels the fluid from the watercraft when the plunger is pulled up into the pump chamber. Typically, the inlet has a valve that ensures that fluid does not flow back out through the inlet when the plunger is pushed down into the chamber. The plunger also includes a plunger valve with a flexible flap that only allows fluid to pass as the plunger is pushed down, and prevents fluid to pass as the plunger is pulled up. Fluid is only expelled through the outlet as the plunger is retracted and thereby pulled up the pump chamber.
- Bilge fluid often includes other solid and semi-solid debris, such as sticks and leaves, which frequently plug up traditional pumps. If debris is drawn into the inlet as the plunger is retracted, the debris accumulates around the plunger valve and thereby prevents fluid from passing through the valve as the plunger is pushed down. Such pumps are also frequently not capable of being taken apart to allow for removal of the accumulated debris.
- A better bilge pump mechanism is needed to avoid the problem of current bilge pumps, which are constructed with easily clogged valves, thereby inhibiting bilge removal over time.
- The foregoing and other objectives, features, and advantages of the devices and mechanisms disclosed herein will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the devices and mechanisms taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the pump from a position above the pump. -
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the pump from a position below the pump. -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the pump in a first operative position. -
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the pump in a second operative position. -
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the pump in a third operative position. -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a portion of the pump. - Traditional bilge pumps are ineffective because they are easily clogged with debris drawn into a pump. Existing pumps have inlet and plunger valves that each only allow fluid to pass in one direction. The plunger valve is often a small flexible flap constructed to only provide passage for fluid and separates a lower and upper compartment of the pump. In other words, fluid is drawn into a traditional pump through an inlet valve as a plunger is pulled up into the pump body, by reducing the pressure within the pump body. To expel the fluid drawn into the pump, the plunger is pushed back into the pump body, whereby the pressure in the pump body is increased and thus opens the plunger valve and forces fluid into the upper compartment of the pump. Then the plunger is pulled back up, closing the plunger valve expelling the fluid in the upper compartment out of an outlet. Fluid is therefore only expelled when the plunger is pulled upward. When debris comes in through the inlet of a traditional bilge pump, it clogs the plunger valve such that the debris often accumulates and inhibits further pumping.
- The inventor realized that pressures at the inlet and the outlet could be isolated from each other by designing a secondary chamber within the pump by which fluid first is drawn into the pump into a first chamber, then into the secondary chamber, which is isolated from the inlet. Then the fluid is pumped out and flows from the secondary chamber and out of the pump through the outlet. In so designing, fluid is pumped out of the outlet during both the upward and downward strokes of the pumping action. Also, in one embodiment, the device may include two ball valves, one between the pump inlet and the first chamber, and one that separates the first chamber with the secondary chamber.
- Using such ball valves facilitates passage of any withdrawn solid and semi-solid debris because all of the openings or apertures are larger and/or not impeded by structural impedances, wherein such impedances are associated with traditional bilge pumps. Due to the minimized structural impedance, the pumped bilge fluid passes through the pump with decreased resistance therefore requiring less physical effort to pump, as compared to traditional bilge pumps. Also, the mechanism of which will be later described in detail, an embodiment of the present invention provides for expelling fluid both as a piston is pulled away from the inlet and as it is pushed toward the inlet, whereas traditional bilge pumps only expel fluid as the piston is pulled away from the inlet. In an embodiment of the invention, which combines the minimized structural impedance and the bi-directional pumping capability, a volume of bilge fluid can be pumped in less time and with less physical expenditure by the user than if a traditional bilge pump were used.
- In one embodiment, this device relates to a pump with an outer housing defining an enclosure, an inlet for admitting fluid into the outer housing and an outlet for expelling fluid from the outer housing, a piston for selectively modulating a first fluid pressure, such that the first fluid pressure is associated with a location proximate said inlet, and a member that selectively isolates a second pressure associated with a location proximate the outlet from said first fluid pressure.
- In another embodiment, this device relates to a pump with an outer housing defining an enclosure, a first chamber within the outer housing for receiving fluid admitted into the pump from an ambient environment and through an inlet to said pump, a second chamber within the outer housing for receiving fluid from the first chamber, and a piston that both (i) selectively controls the flow of fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber and (ii) selectively expels said fluid from the second chamber into the ambient environment.
- In yet another embodiment, this device relates to a pump with an outer housing defining an enclosure, an inlet for admitting fluid into the outer housing and an outlet for expelling fluid from the outer housing, and a piston capable of a first directional movement and a second directional movement different than the first directional movement, where the fluid is admitted into the outer housing and expelled from the outer housing during said first directional movement, and the fluid is expelled from the outer housing but not admitted into the outer housing during the second directional movement.
- Referring to the
FIG. 1 , for example, anexemplarily pump 10 may include anouter housing 12, which defines anenclosure 14.FIGS. 1 and 2 show one embodiment of thepump 10, where theouter housing 12 takes the form of anelongate chamber 16 having afirst end 18 and asecond end 20. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , theelongate chamber 16 has a cylindrical shape. However, it may take other forms depending on manufacturing requirements. Materials that may be used to manufacture the pump include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), santoprene, acetal, and nitrile. - The
enclosure 14 is bounded by aninner wall 24 and the first andsecond ends enclosure 14 or theelongate chamber 16. Thesecond end 20 may be sealed with atop 22, configured to both seal thesecond end 20 and provide a moveable seal with apiston stem 52, as will be later described in more detail. - As best viewed in
FIG. 2 , aninlet 26 for admitting fluid into theouter housing 12 from theambient environment 28 is located at thefirst end 18 of theelongate chamber 16. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2 , the inlet has a circular shape and is part of apump stand 27. However, the inlet may take the form of any shape and may not be associated with apump stand 27. Thestand 27 may be included to aid in stable and upright storage of thepump 10. In some embodiments, theinlet 26 may be a group of smaller inlets, used to prevent larger items from entering theinlet 26 from theambient environment 28. In the embodiment shown, theinlet 26 is a single opening to permit passage of potential debris. As viewable inFIGS. 3-6 , thepump stand 27 is structurally associated with theprimary check valve - The
pump 10 may also include anoutlet 30 for expelling fluid from theouter housing 12. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , theoutlet 30 is located proximate the second end of theelongate chamber 22. Theoutlet 30 may be a hole in the side of theelongate chamber 16. Theoutlet 30 may be of sufficient size to reduce the accumulation of debris at theoutlet 30, or to otherwise reduce resistance to pumping out fluid. In the embodiment shown herein, theoutlet 30 is configured with anadditional spout 31, which may aid in directing expelled fluid away from thepump 10. - In one embodiment of the present device, a
primary check valve 32 is located adjacent theinlet 26 and associated with thepump stand 27, such that any fluid and possible debris that enters theinlet 26 from theambient environment 28 enters theenclosure 14 through theprimary check valve 32. In an embodiment of the device shown inFIGS. 1-5 , theprimary check valve 32 is a ball valve. However, other types of check valves may be used as theprimary check valve 32. For example, in the embodiment of a portion of thepump 10 shown inFIG. 6 , the primary check valve is arelief valve 34. A benefit of using aball valve 32, however, is that when open, a ball valve provides both a flexible and large opening for the passage, and therefore pumping, of debris. The ball portion of aball valve 32 is able to adjust its position to allow for the passage of debris. This advantage avoids the problem of clogs in other bilge pumps because such debris is pumped through the bilge pump along with the fluid. Also, when open, ball valves provide less resistance to the pumping of fluid, allowing a user to pump fluid more easily. - A function of the
primary check valve 32 is to allow fluid to enter through theinlet 26, past theprimary check valve 32, and into theenclosure 14, while preventing any fluid from exiting theenclosure 14 though theinlet 26. Theprimary check valve 32 responds to changes in surrounding pressure, as will be described in more detail later in the disclosure. - The
piston 36 shown herein has afirst end 38 and asecond end 40. Thefirst end 38 includes amember 42 that selectively isolates afirst chamber 58, associated with afirst fluid pressure 44, from asecond chamber 60, associated with secondfluid pressure 46. The volume of thefirst chamber 58 changes with respect to the volume of thesecond chamber 60, thereby changing the correspondingfluid pressures - In this embodiment of the present device, the
piston 36 includes an elongate stem or handle 52, which extends out of the second end of theelongate chamber 20. Thestem 52 is moveably sealed to the top 22 of thepump 10. The volume of fluid that can be retained in thesecond chamber 60 when the piston is the position pushed all the way to the end of the chamber, as shown inFIG. 4 , in an exemplary embodiment, may be half of the volume of the fluid drawn in during a firstdirectional movement 54, as shown inFIG. 3 . When thepiston 36 is pushed all the way down as shown inFIG. 4 , one half of the fluid remains in thesecond chamber 60, and the other half is expelled through the outlet, shown byarrow 64. In one embodiment of the device, the inner radius R1 of the elongate chamber and the radius R2 have the following relationship: R1 = [(2*R2 2)½]. Such a relationship may be beneficial to maximize the amount of fluid pumped with each manual stroke. - The
member 42 includes asecondary check valve 48 and aseal 50. Thepiston 36 and theseal 50 effectively isolates thefirst fluid pressure 44 from thesecond fluid pressure 46, thereby dividing theenclosure 14 into afirst chamber 58 and asecond chamber 60. Thesecondary check valve 48 shown inFIGS. 1-5 is a ball valve. However, other types of check valves may be used depending on manufacturer’s preference. Thepiston 36 functions to modulate a first fluid pressure, indicated generally at 44, such that thefirst fluid pressure 44 is proximate to theinlet 24. Thepiston 36 may be moved in a firstdirectional movement 54 and a seconddirectional movement 56. Thesecondary check valve 48 functions to allow fluid to pass from thefirst chamber 58 to thesecond chamber 60. Therefore, thesecondary check valve 48 can be in an open or closed position, depending on the first andsecond fluid pressures -
FIGS. 3-5 exemplify how the pump is used such that fluid can be pumped out of theoutlet 30 as thepiston 36 is moved in both the firstdirectional movement 54 and the seconddirectional movement 56. Prior to pumping fluid, the first end of thepiston 38 should be pushed proximate to the first end of the empty elongate chamber 18 (this configuration is not shown). To begin pumping, stem 52 may be gripped to pull thepiston 36 in the firstdirectional movement 54. In doing so, thefirst fluid pressure 44 decreases, which thereby opens theprimary check valve 32 and closes thesecondary check valve 48.Fluid 62 is admitted from theambient environment 28 through theinlet 26, into thefirst chamber 58, until the top of thesecondary check valve 48 reaches the second end of theelongate chamber 20, as shown inFIG. 3 . At this point, a volume of fluid has been pumped into theenclosure 14. At this static condition, thefirst fluid pressure 44 forces theprimary check valve 32 to close, thereby preventing any fluid escape out of theinlet 26. - When the
piston 36 is urged in the seconddirectional movement 56, as shown inFIG. 4 , thefirst fluid pressure 44 is increased, thereby keeping theprimary check valve 32 closed and opening thesecondary check valve 48. Opensecondary check valve 48 allowsfluid 62 to enter through the valve from thefirst chamber 58 to thesecond chamber 60, thereby reducing the volume of thefirst chamber 58 and maximizing the volume of thesecond chamber 60. Because the volume of thepiston 36 is about half of the volume of theenclosure 14, thepiston 36 displaces about half of the fluid 62, thesecond chamber 60 retains about half of the fluid traveling from thefirst chamber 58 to thesecond chamber 60. The additional half offluid 62 is expelled through theoutlet 30, as demonstrated inFIG. 4 at 64. -
FIG. 5 shows a step followingFIG. 4 wherein thepiston 36 is urged in thefirst direction 54. During this step, the remaining half offluid 62 in thesecond chamber 60 is expelled through theoutlet 30 at 64.Fluid 62 is concurrently admitted through theinlet 26, the same way as described withFIG. 3 . Following this step, thepiston 36 is pushed down toward the second end of theelongate chamber 20, and half of the admitted fluid that is ejected. As such, with each single-direction movement or stroke of thepiston 36, half of the volume of the initially-admittedfluid 62 is ejected. - The terms and expressions that have been employed in the foregoing specification are used therein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the device is defined and limited only by the claims that follow.
Claims (5)
1. A pump comprising:
(a) an outer housing defining an enclosure;
(b) an inlet for admitting fluid into a first chamber of said outer housing and an outlet for expelling fluid from a second chamber of said outer housing;
(c) a plunger, said plunger selectively isolating said first chamber from said second chamber by operating a ball of a valve having a length defined along the direction of flow of fluid through the valve, the plunger capable of a first directional movement and a second directional movement different than the first directional movement, where said fluid is admitted into said first chamber and expelled from said second chamber and out of the pump during said first directional movement, and said fluid is expelled from said second chamber and out of the pump, but not admitted into said first chamber during said second directional movement; where
(d) the ball is laterally retained over a major portion of its length by at least two support members of the valve and spaced from each other to thereby define an outlet of the valve, where the ball has a diameter that extends beyond the outlet.
2. The pump of claim 1 , wherein said inlet includes a primary check valve.
3. The pump of claim 1 , wherein the volume of said second chamber is approximately half of the volume of said first chamber.
4. The pump of claim 1 , wherein said plunger isolates a first fluid pressure associated with a location proximate to said inlet.
5. The pump of claim 1 , wherein said plunger isolates a second fluid pressure associated with a location proximate said outlet.
Priority Applications (1)
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US18/222,816 US20230358227A1 (en) | 2016-05-18 | 2023-07-17 | Bi-directional bilge pump |
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US15/158,244 US11746776B2 (en) | 2016-05-18 | 2016-05-18 | Bi-directional bilge pump |
US18/222,816 US20230358227A1 (en) | 2016-05-18 | 2023-07-17 | Bi-directional bilge pump |
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US15/158,244 Continuation US11746776B2 (en) | 2016-05-18 | 2016-05-18 | Bi-directional bilge pump |
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US15/158,244 Active 2038-06-06 US11746776B2 (en) | 2016-05-18 | 2016-05-18 | Bi-directional bilge pump |
US18/222,816 Pending US20230358227A1 (en) | 2016-05-18 | 2023-07-17 | Bi-directional bilge pump |
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USD868114S1 (en) * | 2016-10-21 | 2019-11-26 | Performance Pulsation Control, Inc. | Combination gas pulsation dampener, cross and strainer |
CN108361171A (en) * | 2018-03-01 | 2018-08-03 | 中国葛洲坝集团易普力股份有限公司 | Emulsion matrix plunger pump |
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US20040163715A1 (en) * | 2001-08-31 | 2004-08-26 | Marc Hohmann | Non-return valve for a pump |
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US20070221056A1 (en) * | 2006-03-23 | 2007-09-27 | K-Pump | Two-stage hand pump |
-
2016
- 2016-05-18 US US15/158,244 patent/US11746776B2/en active Active
-
2023
- 2023-07-17 US US18/222,816 patent/US20230358227A1/en active Pending
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---|---|---|---|---|
GB138405A (en) * | 1919-01-16 | 1920-02-12 | Thomas Thompson | Improvements in or relating to suction or delivery valves for pumps |
US1834543A (en) * | 1924-02-20 | 1931-12-01 | Hudson Mfg Co H D | Pump and valve structure |
US1746524A (en) * | 1928-08-27 | 1930-02-11 | Esek O Corson | Double-action sprayer |
GB396985A (en) * | 1932-11-25 | 1933-08-17 | Leonard Walter Taylor | Improvements in pumps for the production of artificial cream and the like |
US2137402A (en) * | 1936-12-21 | 1938-11-22 | Hofco Pump Ltd | Pump valve construction |
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US3906845A (en) * | 1974-01-07 | 1975-09-23 | Mcneil Corp | Pump seal |
US4265375A (en) * | 1976-12-20 | 1981-05-05 | Justrite Manufacturing Company | Safety dispensing apparatus for flammable liquids |
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US5593292A (en) * | 1994-05-04 | 1997-01-14 | Ivey; Ray K. | Valve cage for a rod drawn positive displacement pump |
US20040163715A1 (en) * | 2001-08-31 | 2004-08-26 | Marc Hohmann | Non-return valve for a pump |
US20050257927A1 (en) * | 2002-07-22 | 2005-11-24 | Corbin Coyes | Valve cage insert |
US20070221056A1 (en) * | 2006-03-23 | 2007-09-27 | K-Pump | Two-stage hand pump |
Also Published As
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US11746776B2 (en) | 2023-09-05 |
US20170335843A1 (en) | 2017-11-23 |
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