Fluid sprinkling – spraying – and diffusing – Including supply holder for material – Including handle or handgrip for supply container and...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-15
2001-02-20
Hook, James (Department: 3752)
Fluid sprinkling, spraying, and diffusing
Including supply holder for material
Including handle or handgrip for supply container and...
C239S525000, C239SDIG003
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189811
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to pumping systems, and more particularly to portable, battery-powered pumps that include solar-cells for photovoltaic recharging and water-proof cases suitable for use around a boat.
2. Description of Related Art
Water pumping and pressurized water are often needed far away from any available source of utility power. So it has become quite common for water pumps to be operated by gasoline motors, generators, and even batteries. Recent advances in photovoltaic device technology have also made it possible for rather modest solar arrays to affordably keep a bank of storage batteries fully charged for water pumping. Many water pumping applications do not require continual pumping, so batteries are used to supply the peak electrical demands and solar panels are used to charge them over the long-run. Such systems are very common in remote homes and aboard off-shore sailboats. A few, light-duty portable water pumping systems have even been marketed, but these generally do not provide the water pressures needed to scour a boat clean, or the volumes needed for other washing applications boaters may have. High pressure systems are needed to clean off-road vehicles and race cars before and after use.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,104, issued Jul. 19, 1994, to David Marcus, describes and illustrates a portable outdoor mister that is housed in a box 12 with solar panels 50 on a lid 14. A battery 46 inside has a switch 66 to interrupt power from the solar panel 50 and another switch 64 to control a water pump motor 44. A suction line 18 draws-in water to a pump 42 inside the housing 12. An output hose 26 provides high pressure water.
FIG. 1
of Marcus shows the system on-board a boat with the suction line drawing water from the body of water the -boat is floating on.
U.S. Pat. 5,569,998, issued Oct. 29, 1996, to Thomas Cowan, describes a solar water pumping system that uses 50-60 watt 12-volt photovoltaic panels. A storage battery 15 is connected through to a pump 18. A diode sensor 12 prevents back voltage flow from the battery to the solar panel 10 when there is no light. The battery is described as being preferably a lead-acid gel-type, and for a 10-watt photovoltaic panel 10, a 7-amp hour battery is appropriate. The motor and panels are sized so that the pump can run continuously during the day while sunlight is available. A DC-switcher type power supply 17 is used to deliver a constant 12-13.5 volts to the pump, no matter how discharged the battery becomes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a portable water-pumping system.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable pressure washer suitable for washing boats.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a portable water-pumping system with a recharging system that can operate in the field far away from common utility power.
Briefly, a portable water-pumping system embodiment of the present invention comprises a water-tight case with a hinged lid. A deep recess in the lid allows a photovoltaic array to be nested inside in a protected position. A gel-cell battery operates a high-pressure water pump and both are carried inside the case. A trigger-operated water nozzle and a pressure switch allow automatic functioning of the water pump. A non-collapsible water-suction hose includes a strainer to prevent clogging of the pump. A cigarette-lighter power cord allows near-continuous and heavy use when a source of 12VDC power is available from a car, boat, plane, or other vehicle.
An advantage of the present invention is that a portable water-pumping system is provided that is rugged and suitable for use on a pleasure boat or while camping.
Another advantage of the present invention is that a portable pumping system is provided that can serve multiple uses in the pumping of liquids during emergencies or in routine use in the field.
A still further advantage of the present invention is that a portable pumping system is provided that can serve as a backup sump or bilge pump.
The above and still further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of specific embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3760982 (1973-09-01), Haase
patent: 3904116 (1975-09-01), Jones et al.
patent: 4563727 (1986-01-01), Curiel
patent: 4810169 (1989-03-01), Kranzle
patent: 4878359 (1989-11-01), Mandell
patent: 5100058 (1992-03-01), Wei
patent: 5220269 (1993-06-01), Chen et al.
patent: 5330104 (1994-07-01), Marcus
patent: 5344075 (1994-09-01), Springer et al.
patent: 5395052 (1995-03-01), Schneider et al.
patent: 5569998 (1996-10-01), Cowan
patent: 5814906 (1998-09-01), Spencer et al.
patent: 5975423 (1999-11-01), Rice et al.
Bocaregra Jorge
Hook James
Main Richard B.
LandOfFree
Portable water-pumping system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Portable water-pumping system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Portable water-pumping system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2594877