Priming apparatus for a centrifugal pump
US7334600B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 26, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87016
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vacuum assisted priming system for a fluid pump including a housing defining a hopper that communicates with a pump inlet. The housing mounts a first port that communicates with the source of vacuum and a second port that communicates with atmosphere. A check valve allows atmospheric air to flow into the housing under certain operating conditions but inhibits reverse flow. A valve member pivotally mounted within a valve chamber carries first and second sealing elements that are engageable with first and second seats. The lever arm is operatively connected to a float via a lost motion connection. When the fluid level in the hopper rises to a predetermined level, an actuating rod moves the lever arm to a first sealing position. When the fluid level falls to a predetermined level, the actuating rod moves the lever arm to a second sealing position. A baffle located at an inlet to the hopper reduces surging and turbulence in the hopper and defines a circuitous path through which the fluid must flow in order to enter the hopper.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.