Abstract:
This (Portable Fluid Transfer System) is designed to displace a volume of water that will satisfy a small residence under normal or abnormal conditions. This unit has a unique feature described as an ECU which will balance (float) the battery charge when necessary, allowing the battery to be charged from various sources and operating the pump while charging is in effect. This component also sustains the battery life by not allowing the battery to overcharge. Although float circuitry is not new, it is unique within portable electric pump systems. This amendment contains no new matter.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims benefit of Provisional Application No. 61/397,979 filed on Jun. 18, 2010 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       [0002]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a transfer system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the instant invention; 
         [0003]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of a coupler useful in connection with the fluid transfer system; 
         [0004]      FIG. 3  is a front elevation view; 
         [0005]      FIG. 4  is the left end elevation view; 
         [0006]      FIG. 5  is the right end elevation view; 
         [0007]      FIG. 6  is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 3 ; 
         [0008]      FIG. 7  is a front elevation view having a fragmentary section removed; 
         [0009]      FIG. 8  is a vertical sectional view taken along the line  8 - 8  in.  FIG. 6 ; and 
         [0010]      FIG. 9  is a vertical sectional view taken along the line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0011]      FIG. 10  is an internal schematic view as seen in  FIG. 7 ; 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0012]    Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to  FIG. 1  in which is seen a fluid transfer system embodying the principles of the present invention and generally designated by the character  20 . Fluid transfer system  20  includes container  21  having base unit  22  and lid  23 . Base  22 , includes front panel  24 , rear panel  25  and left end panel  26  and right end panel  27 . Although not specifically seen in  FIG. 1 , it is understood that base unit  22  also includes a bottom panel. Lid  23  includes convex top panel  28 , left end panel  29  and right end panel  30 . 
         [0013]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , it is seen that plate  31  carried within lid  23  and affixed to spaced apart segments of convex top panel  28  defines storage space  32  couplers  33  are carried by left end panel  26 . System assembly  34  resides within base unit  22 . System assembly  34  is seen a pump  35 , pump connecter kit  36 , tube  37  and filter kit  38  along with fan  39  and power supply  40 . 
         [0014]    Referring now to  FIG. 2  is seen that each coupler  33 , includes mounting plate  42  having openings  43  for receiving a mechanical fastening device, such as a rivet or a screw, for attachment to left end panel  26 . Nipple  44  is carried by mounting plate  33 . It is noted that left end panel  26  is recessed in order to shield couplers  33 . 
         [0015]    The front view in  FIG. 3  is seen base unit  22  connecting lid  23  with latches  45 . Also mounted on plate  24  is seen receptacle  47  with openings  48  allowing for a mechanical connection as described in  FIG. 2 . Continuing along  FIG. 3 , is seen the front view of a handle  49  connected to the top of convex plate  28  at handle ends  50  with openings  52  for mechanical connectors as depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0016]    As shown in the left end elevation  FIG. 4  is plate  26  affixed with couplers  33 , on/off switch  53  and light  54 . The lid  23  is shown in the open position viewing left lid panel  29 , latch  45 , handle  49 , handle left end  50  and left side view of hinge  55  connecting lid  23  and base unit  22 . Also affixed to base unit  22  is latch  45 . 
         [0017]    Right end elevation  FIG. 5  is shown with lid closed. Panel  27 , of base unit  22 , panel  30  of lid  23 , handle  49  and right handle end  52  are seen. Connecting base  22  with lid  23  is seen hinge  55  and latch  45  both in closed position. 
         [0018]    Proceeding now to sectional view  FIG. 6 , the system assembly  34  becomes readily visible. Following the top arrow, now described as fluid inlet  58  which gives a direction of fluid flow and allows the interior side of coupler  33  to be seen with nipple  57  supplied with filter kit  38  such as model 254 from Shurflo pumps. Continuing along this direction is a flexible tube  37  tied to Shurflo elbow such as 84-920-02 denoted by  36 , which connects to a pump such as Shurflo model 5.7 pump  35 . 
         [0019]    At this time the direction of flow is reversed leaving pump  35  through another elbow  36 , flexible tube  37  and ending at coupler  33  on left end plate  26  and outlet direction arrow  59 . 
         [0020]    Further examination of  FIG. 6  reveals a fan  39  such as Jameco 136143cm partially hidden by pump  35  and a thermostat switch  62  such as Stancor stc-120 attached to the base of pump  35  shown with dashed lines and tied to fan  39  by way of wiring harness  60 . Harness  60  in  FIG. 6  connects the electrical parts together, starting with rechargeable battery  40  connecting at positive pole  62  and negative pole  63 . Leaving battery connections the wires are now connected to on/off switch  53 , light  54  and pump  35 . The same harness is seen connecting the internal charging system  63  and later referred to as the (ECCU), the receptacle  47 , fan  39  and thermal switch  62 . 
         [0021]    Now directing attention to  FIG. 7 , which allows shelf  64  and shelf  65  to be exposed. Also exposed at this angle is slot  6  through which is seen tube  37  passing through in outlet direction  59  and under shelf  64 . Also depicted is coupler  33 , switch  53  and light  54  passing through and connected to plate  26 . The eccu  63  can also be seen and it&#39;s location within container  21  better determined along with battery  40 . 
         [0022]    Turning to  FIG. 8  there is seen a view taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 6  that gives an unobstructed sectional view of tube  37  along fluid inlet direction  58  and tube  37  along fluid outlet direction  59  passing under power supply shelf  64  and above base  22 . Also seen is power supply  40 , vertical front panel  24  and rear panel  25 . 
         [0023]    Maintaining attention on  FIG. 6  along line  9 - 9  gives an unobstructed view of shelf  65  with attached items fan  39 , pump  35 , and eccu  63 . Within  FIG. 9  can be seen elbow connector kit  36  described in  FIG. 6 , flexible tube  37 , wiring harness  60 , and slot  66 . 
         [0024]    Continuing attention on  FIG. 9  views of  63  eccu enclosure assembly containing internal battery charging circuit  FIG. 10 . This circuit  FIG. 10  is intended to quickly bring the installed battery  40  up to full capacity for operation. Battery charging circuit  FIG. 10  consists of a T1 UC3906 (U 1 ) linear lead- acid battery such as MK model M12260 SLD and charging IC (integrated circuit), T1 UC3845AN (U 2 ) (pin dual in-line package) available off the shelf at electronic stores , and PWM IC (pulse width modulation integrated circuit) with regard to DC-DC charging. TI TLE2141 (U 3 ) (low-noise, high speed operational amplifier), and additional components in requirement for the desired operation of the eccu charging functionality. Turning to  FIG. 6  can be seen a 4-pin male connector (P 1 ), which connects to internal wiring harness  60 . Maintaining attention to said connector, voltage input/output and sensing services are provided for charging functionality on pins  1 ,  3 , and  4 . Also seen is an operational LED (light emitting diode) (D 5 ) and a replaceable fuse (F 1 ) with regard to the safe operation of the device. 
         [0025]    The Fluid Transfer Unit constructed in this configuration, but not restricted to can be used to transfer potable water under the most dire of conditions. With minimal changes this unit is designed to transfer various fluids and its complete portability allows it to accommodate many types of needs. It is also capable of maintaining basic and constant household water pressure when connected in series with a clean water supply for several days without recharging. Along the lines of constant household pressure this unit is a capable backup for RV&#39;s, boats, cabins and various disaster situations . Thus it must be concluded that small military applications are not without reasonable consideration due to the rugged design and complete portability. 
         [0026]    This unit with it&#39;s onboard charger and an off the shelf ac-dc charger (supplied) with the sale of the unit allow for any type of charging conditions available. The flexibility and portability of this unit allows for the maximum array of uses. 
         [0027]    This Portable Fluid Transfer System surpasses anything on the market today. It&#39;s ability to operate in full sun with the lid closed at high temperatures or out in the open under rainy conditions gives it an extreme flexibility. Another unique feature is the (ECCU) which is an internal charger that has been specifically designed for this use. The circuitry and connectors allow connections to any 12v power source. Depending on the connections this unit will create a charging source or while operating the system charge the onboard battery. A float circuit is also included to maintain a fully charged system when connected to an a/c source by way of an a/c to d/c charger supplied with the unit. 
         [0028]    Although this particular design is set for potable water it&#39;s off the shelf attitude gives it the ability to transform within minutes to handle various fluids. This flexibility, which can be found in some industries, is nowhere to be found within this industry.