The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 26, 2008
Filed:
Aug. 19, 2004
Thomas M. Scott, Lucas, OH (US);
Thomas M. Scott, Lucas, OH (US);
The Gorman-Rupp Company, Mansfield, OH (US);
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.