Patent ID: 6473004
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
A bilge pump monitor and alert system for use in a vessel having a plurality of bilge compartments, said system comprising:a plurality of bilge pumps constructed for operation within vessel bilge compartments, said bilge pumps each having means for producing a pump active signal when operating; a plurality of high water switches constructed for operation within vessel bilge compartments, said high water switches each having means for producing a high water level signal when actuated; a control unit coupled to said plurality of bilge pumps and said high water switches receiving pump active signals and said high water level signals; a display unit coupled to said control unit and including a control panel having a plurality of bilge pump buttons, a numeric display, a pump set button and a time set button, said display unit having means for illuminating buttons when pressed; and at least one alarm device, said control unit having means for accumulating and storing the number of times each of said bilge pumps are activated as pump count numbers and for measuring the length of time each of said pumps activate as pump time numbers and means for establishing a maximum pump count number for each of said bilge pumps and means for establishing a maximum pump time number for each of said bilge pumps and having means for activating said at least one alarm device when one of said pump count numbers equals or exceeds said maximum pump count number or one of said pump time numbers equal or exceeds said maximum pump time number, said control unit further including means for displaying said pump count number on said numeric display for a selected bilge pump when its bilge pump button is pressed.