Automated fluid transfer system
OwnerRuben James Stugart, Donnis Lynn Stugartinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An automated fluid transfer system and method allows a person to pour fluid, such as used motor oil, into a collection pan which automatically pumps the fluid to a bulk storage tank, without secondary containment in the collection pan. The system utilizes an air powered pump, thereby eliminating the use of electricity which creates fire and explosion hazards. A float rises and falls in response to fluid in the pan, so as to automatically turn on and turn off the pump. An alternative manual mode is provided to allow fluid to be sucked by the pump from a container directly into the bulk storage tank, while bypassing the collection pan.
Claims16
A fluid transfer system for transferring fluid, comprising:
- a collection pan;
- an air powered pump in the collection pan;
- a float in the collection pan operatively connected to the pump whereby introduction of fluid into the collection pan raises the float so as to automatically actuate the pump to transfer the fluid out of the collection pan to a bulk storage container;
- and
- the system being free from usage of electricity;
- an auxiliary inlet line plumbed to the pump to transfer fluid from a secondary container to the bulk storage container while bypassing the collection pan;
- and
- a first valve to shut off automatic operation of the pump and a second valve for manual operation of the pump.
A non-electric system for transferring fluid between first and second containers, comprising:
- a pan having a sloped bottom wall;
- a fluid discharge line connected to the pan to deliver fluid from the pan to the second container;
- an air-powered pump in the pan and being operable in a first state to transfer fluid from the pan to the second container and operable in a second state to suck fluid from the first container to the pump;
- a float in the pan to actuate the pump in the first state.
A method of transferring fluid from a first container to a second container, comprising:
- pouring fluid from the first container into an empty collection pan;
- automatically starting an air-powered pump in the collection pan to transfer fluid from the collection pan to the second container;
- then
- automatically stopping the pump when the pan is substantially empty of fluid, without storing fluid in the pan;
- the pan directs fluid to a sump and an inlet for the pump;
- deactivating the automatic operation of the pump, and turning a valve to a manual mode, whereby the pump can suction fluid from a third container for transfer to the second container and
- the method being free from use of electricity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.