Fluid handling – Systems – Multi-way valve unit
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-29
2001-11-06
Fox, John (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Systems
Multi-way valve unit
C137S874000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311727
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to valve that controls the flow of water to a livewell on a fishing boat. More specifically, the present invention concerns a novel valve that is used in connection with livewells typically found on sport fishing boats to both recirculate water to a livewell and to pump water out of the livewell when desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Currently, recreational fishing boat livewells typically have gravity drains and are therefore slow to empty. It is becoming common for remote control (cable operated) diverter valves to be mounted to the pump outlet so that water can either be recirculated and aerated or diverted to a drain line for rapid pump out. The problem is that valves allowing rapid pump out are relatively expensive to buy and install. Also, they are typically cable operated which adds to the expense and installation complexity. In addition, the fisherman may also desire to lower the water level in the livewell while standing nearby so that a catch may be easily removed. Thus, it would be desirable to control both recirculation and pump out right at the livewell rather than via a controller mounted remotely, as is typically done.
The ideal solution is to provide a valve that is easily accessible and operable at the livewell so that the fisherman can initiate the pump out cycle to lower the level while observing the level as it drops and then quickly return the valve to the recirculate position without leaving the livewell area. The present invention does this by providing a valve having a port defining a first internal passageway and a body portion defining a second internal passageway. Also provided is a first aperture and an opposingly located second aperture which are in communication with the second passageway. The first aperture is adapted to permit water to flow into the livewell for recirculation and the second aperture is adapted to permit water to pump out of the livewell. A diverter is position in the location where the internal passageways merge. The diverter is moveable between first and second positions. In the first position, the diverter directs water flow through the first aperture and prevents water from flowing through the second aperture to effectuate recirculation. In the second position, the diverter directs the flow of water through the second aperture and prevents water from flowing through the first aperture to effectuate pump out of the livewell.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4748765 (1988-06-01), Martin
patent: 5010836 (1991-04-01), Riviezzo
patent: 5236175 (1993-08-01), Campau
Flow-Rite Systems 5—Pump Out.
Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
Fox John
Niro Scavone Haller & Niro
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