Liquid purification or separation – Structural installation – Closed circulating system
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-02
2001-09-18
Simmons, David A. (Department: 1724)
Liquid purification or separation
Structural installation
Closed circulating system
C210S170050, C210S416200, C210S483000, C210S767000, C119S259000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06290844
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to systems and methods for filtering water in pond water pump systems and, more specifically, to filter systems and methods for filtering pond water entering a pump housing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Residential and commercial gardens often include ponds as part of the landscaping. These ponds are designed and constructed to look as natural as possible, but often are placed at locations where natural conditions for supporting a healthy pond are not found. Accordingly, pumps, filters, aerators, and the like are employed to support the healthy functioning of the pond. This type of pond will be referred to herein as an “artificial pond”.
Commonly, artificial ponds include a pump housing or vault that is arranged adjacent to the pond such that water flows by gravity from the pond into the pump vault. A pump is located in the pump vault to pump water within the pump vault into an aerator, such as waterfall or fountain, that reintroduces the water back into the pond. The constant circulation of the water by the pump through the aerator promotes a healthy environment in the pond.
Often, filters are arranged within the pump vault to filter leaves and other debris from the water entering the pump vault. Conventionally, these filters are supported on ledges or the like within the pump vault such that water flowing through the pump vault first passes through the filter before entering the pump.
The present invention relates to improved systems and methods for filtering water flowing through a pump vault.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A filter system for a pond system comprising a pump vault arranged such that unfiltered water in a pond flows into the pump vault, a pump, and a pump vault cover. The filter system comprises filter material adapted to remove impurities from unfiltered water to obtain filtered water and a frame structure connected to the pump vault cover for suspending the filter material within the pump vault. With this arrangement, unfiltered water first passes through the filter material before entering the pump. The filter material is removed from the pump vault for replacement and/or cleaning by removing the pump vault cover from the pump vault.
The present invention may also be implemented as a method of filtering water in a pond. This method would comprise the steps of arranging a pump vault adjacent to the pond such that unfiltered water within the pond enters the pump vault. A pump vault cover is provided, and a pump is arranged within the pump vault. A frame structure is attached to the pump vault cover. The pump is connected to an aerator. Filter material adapted to remove debris from unfiltered water to obtain filtered water is arranged within the frame structure. The pump vault is covered with the pump vault cover such that the filter material is suspended within the pump vault and the unfiltered water passes through the filter material to obtain filtered water that enters the pump. The pump is operated such that the filtered water is reintroduced into the pond through the aerator. The filter material is removed for cleaning and/or replacement from the pump vault by lifting the pump vault cover and the frame structure attached thereto from the pump vault.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3662889 (1972-05-01), Takarabe
patent: 4684462 (1987-08-01), Augustyniak
patent: 5306421 (1994-04-01), Weinstein
patent: 5584991 (1996-12-01), Wittstock et al.
patent: 5849198 (1998-12-01), Sharpless
patent: 6054045 (2000-04-01), Wittstock et al.
patent: 3228205 A (1984-02-01), None
patent: 57-201508 A (1982-12-01), None
patent: WO 9940781 A1 (1999-08-01), None
Hughes & Schacht, PLLC
Lawrence Frank M.
Schacht Michael R.
Simmons David A.
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