Sta-rite Industries Inc.

Pentair Flow Technologies, LLC

Patrick A Bear

Matthew A Cottrell

David G Vensland

Michael L Linsdau

Embodiments of the invention provide a pump including an inlet port, an outlet port, a pumping chamber, and a porting system. The porting system includes an inlet tube including a trap in which a first volume of fluid can be collected. The porting system includes a reservoir with a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a partial port wall. The second chamber receives fluid directed over the partial port wall from the pumping chamber. The reservoir collects a second volume of fluid substantially equal to the first volume of fluid. The first volume of fluid and second volume of fluid provide enough fluid trapped inside the pump to allow the pump to temporarily operate when substantially no fluid is flowing into the inlet port.

Dry run porting system

Embodiments of the invention provide a pump with a housing including a pump chamber and an impeller positioned within the pump chamber. The pump also includes a socket with a wear plate, an inner ring, and an outer ring. The wear plate at least partially defines the pump chamber. The impeller is in contact with the wear plate. An outer surface of the outer ring is coupled to the housing. An inner surface of the outer ring receives a bearing. The inner ring receives a seal. A portion of the housing is molded over an end of the socket.

Socket with bearing bore and integrated wear plate

Embodiments of the invention provide an impeller assembly having a flexible impeller and a method of replacing a removable drive mechanism. The impeller assembly includes an impeller having an outer portion defining a substantially cylindrical shape, at least one flexible blade extending radially outward from the outer portion, and a first bore extending a first axial length. The impeller assembly also includes a tubular insert supported at least partially within the first bore. The tubular insert has a second bore defining a substantially cylindrical shape with a first radial distance from an axis passing through the center of the impeller, and a key portion radially extending from the second bore. The key portion defines a second radial distance from the axis larger than the first radial distance.

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Richfield, MN, United States of America

Patrick A Bear