Patent Publication Number: US-10323646-B2

Title: Low profile pump with the ability to be mounted in various configurations

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional application of, and claims benefit to, patent application Ser. No. 14/219,508, filed 19 Mar. 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,810,241, which claims benefit to provisional patent application no. 61/803,265, filed 9 Mar. 2013, as well as provisional patent application no. 61/824,151, filed 16 May 2013, which are all hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a pump or pumping system, including a bilge pump for mounting in a vessel. 
     2. Brief Description of Related Art 
     Pumps are known and used to move bilge water or work in confined areas with hoses attached for directing the water to a desired exit point or area. A mechanical or electronic switching method is typically used to turn the pump on/off. 
     Known pumping devices are limited in the angles or flexibility in the discharge outlet of the pump reducing the overall attractiveness and fit for the purpose that they are intended to achieve. Another limitation is in the switching options that are available. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In summary, the present invention provides a low profile pump having the ability to be mounted in various configurations, utilizing several methods of power switching, and having discharge angle flexibility with multiple versions and discharge outputs. The ability to be mounted in various configurations is characterized by a new and unique cooperation between a pump chamber and a mounting base that allows a full 360° rotation of the pump chamber in relation to the mounting base. 
     The Basic Invention 
     By way of example, and according to some embodiments, the present invention may take the form of a pumping system featuring a pump chamber in combination with a mounting base. The pump chamber may be configured with a central portion having an outlet, including a tangential outlet, and also configured with a tubular coupling end portion having inwardly flexible portions, each with a respective outwardly extending raised rim; and the mounting base may include a circular portion having an inner circumferential wall with an inner circumferential recess configured therein to receive and engage the outwardly extending raised rims of the inwardly flexible portions of the tubular coupling portion of the pump chamber, so that the pumping chamber is rotationally coupled to the mounting base for 360° rotation. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may also include one or more of the following features: 
     The pumping system may include a pickup nozzle or scoop having a tubular coupling and axial outlet end; and the pump chamber may be configured with a tubular coupling and axial inlet end portion on another side to couple to the tubular coupling and axial outlet end of the pickup nozzle or scoop. The coupling between the pickup nozzle or scoop and the pump chamber may include, or take the form of, rotational or fixed coupling, depending on the particular application of the pumping system. 
     The mounting base may include one or more lower mounting legs with apertures formed therein and may be configured to be mounted to a surface or workpiece, including via a fastener. 
     The pumping system may include a motor, pump and electronics assembly having an impeller; and the mounting base and the motor, pump and electronics assembly may be coupled together using a detent and slot arrangement so that the impeller extends into the pumping chamber. 
     The motor, pump and electronics assembly may include a housing configured with at least one outwardly extending detent; and the mounting base may include a circumferential wall configured with at least one inwardly extending slot for receiving the at least one outwardly extending detent of the housing for coupling together the mounting base and motor, pump and electronics assembly. 
     The circumferential wall may take the form of an inner circumferential wall having at least one recessed slot formed therein for receiving the at least one outwardly extending detent of the housing for coupling together the mounting base and motor, pump and electronics assembly. 
     The circumferential wall may be configured with at least one slotted opening formed therein for receiving the at least one outwardly extending detent of the housing for coupling together the mounting base and motor, pump and electronics assembly. 
     The pumping system is, or forms part of, a bilge pump. 
     The pumping system may also include a switching assembly having a printed circuit board assembly with a water level sensor configured to respond to a water level and turn a motor in the motor, pump and electronics assembly on and off, the switching assembly arranged in a housing part of the motor, pump and electronics assembly; the at least one outwardly extending detent may include two diametrically opposed outwardly extending detents formed or configured thereon; and the at least one inwardly extending slot may include two diametrically opposed inwardly extending slots for receiving the two diametrically opposed outwardly extending detents of the housing for coupling together the mounting base and motor, pump and electronics assembly in at least two rotational orientations that differ by about 180°, including
         a first rotational orientation so that the water level sensor is located at a higher height in the housing part for providing a higher water level sensing setting, and   a second rotational orientation so that the water level sensor is located at a lower height in the housing part for providing a lower water level sensing setting.       

     In effect, the pump according to the present invention has the unique ability to pump a liquid utilizing a pickup scoop or nozzle and with a more flexible arrangement of a discharge port than has been achieved in other pumps of this nature known in the art. The flexible rotational nature of the discharge port that has full rotation and with the additional port adapters of various angles available can rotate into many positions on multiple axes. This has not been achieved by other pumps of this nature known in the art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       The drawing includes the following Figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale: 
         FIG. 1  shows a top down perspective view of an assembled low profile pump, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a bottom up perspective view of the assembled low profile pump shown in  FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded side view of a low profile pump, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a further exploded side view of the low profile pump in  FIG. 3 , according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a mounting base that forms part of the low profile pump, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded top perspective side view of a low profile pump having a motor housing without a switch included, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6 a    is an exploded view of part of the mounting bracket showing a corresponding detent and slot arrangement or mechanism. 
         FIG. 7  is an assembled perspective view of a low profile pump shown having a motor housing with a switch included, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  includes  FIGS. 8 a  and 8 b   , where  FIG. 8 a    shows the low profile pump having a motor/pump/electronics assembly configured so that a water level sensor on a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) is located for a higher water level sensing setting, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and where  FIG. 8 b    shows the low profile pump having the motor/pump/electronics assembly configured so that the water level sensor on the PCBA is located for a lower water level sensing setting, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
       FIGS. 1-8  are described herein using accompanying reference numerals and lead lines. To reduce clutter in the drawing, similar elements in different Figures are not all labeled with reference labels. Moreover, the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-5  and  FIGS. 6-7  contain many similar elements. In view of this, elements in  FIGS. 6-7  that correspond to similar elements shown in  FIGS. 1-5  are labeled with similar reference numerals with the addition of  100 . 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1-5  show a low profile pumping system according to some embodiments of the present invention generally indicated as  10 , having four basic parts or components, including a pickup nozzle/scoop generally indicated as  20 , a pumping chamber generally indicated as  30 , a mounting base generally indicated as  40 , a motor/pump/electronics assembly generally indicated as  50  and a switch assembly, circuit or arrangement generally indicated as  60 . The low profile pump  10  may take the form of a bilge pump for mounting in the bilge of a boat or vessel for pumping water from the bilge out of the boat or vessel. In  FIGS. 1-2 , the pump  10  is shown with an optional adapter  12  in dashed lines that may be configured on a discharge port or outlet  34  of the pumping chamber  30  depending on the particular application. For example, the adapter  12  may be configured with suitable hosing (not shown) for use as a conduit for providing the fluid being pumped, e.g., out of the boat or vessel. The mounting base  40  (e.g., see also  FIG. 5 ) may be configured so the pump  10  is mounted or affixed to some surface, e.g., in the bilge of the boat or vessel. 
     According to some embodiments of the present invention, the pumping system  10  may include a new and unique combination of a pump chamber  30  and a mounting base  40 . The pump chamber  30  may be configured with a central portion  32  having the outlet  34 , and also configured with a tubular coupling end portion  36  having inwardly flexible portions  38 , each with a respective outwardly extending raised rim  38   a;  and the mounting base  40  may include a circular portion  42  having one or more inner circumferential rims or walls  42   a ′,  42   a ″ with an inner circumferential recess  42   c ′″ formed therein and configured to receive and engage the outwardly extension raised rims  38   a  of the inwardly flexible rim portions  38  of the tubular coupling portion  36  of the pump chamber  30 , e.g., when the tubular coupling end portion  36  of the pump chamber  30  is pushed into the circular portion  42  of the mounting base  40 , so that the pumping chamber  30  is rotationally coupled to the mounting base  40  for 360° rotation. 
     The pumping system shown in  FIGS. 6-7  includes a similar new and unique combination of a pump chamber  130  and a mounting base  140 . 
     The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-5 and 6-7  are now described in further detail. 
     FIGS.  1 - 5   
     In  FIGS. 3-4 , the pickup nozzle or scoop  20  forms a first part of the overall pumping system  10  and may include a nozzle or scoop portion  22  and a sliding strainer  24  that can be easily removed for cleaning. In addition to the removable strainer screen  24 , the entire pick-up nozzle or scoop portion  22  and its supporting structure can be fully rotated through 360 degrees. The pickup nozzle or scoop  20  also includes an outlet portion  26  that may be coupled to the pumping chamber  30  so that when the pumping chamber  30  is rotated 360° in relation to the mounting base  40 , the pickup nozzle or scoop  20  may similarly rotate 360° in relation to the mounting base  40 . Alternatively, embodiments are envisioned in which the outlet portion  26  is coupled to the pumping chamber  30  so that when the pumping chamber  30  is rotated 360° in relation to the mounting base  40 , the pickup nozzle or scoop  20  does not rotate in relation to the mounting base  40 . 
     The pumping chamber  30  forms a second part of the overall pumping system  10  and includes the central portion  32  having the outlet  34  as shown, a tubular coupling and axial inlet end portion  33  on its left side as shown to rotationally couple to the outlet portion  26  of the pickup nozzle or scoop  20 , and also the tubular coupling end portion  36  having the inwardly flexible portions  38  with the raised rims  38   a  on its right side as shown. In  FIGS. 3-4 , the tubular coupling end portion  36  is shown having eight inwardly flexible portions  38 , each with a respective raised rims  38   a  on its right side as shown. ( FIGS. 3-4  show one side of the pumping system  10 , and four of the eight inwardly flexible portions  38 .) However, embodiments are envisioned, and the scope of the invention is intended to include, using fewer than eight inwardly flexible portions  38 , or using more than eight inwardly flexible portions  38 , within the scope and spirit on the present invention. In effect, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the number of inwardly flexible portions  38  or raised rims  38   a . The tubular coupling and axial inlet end portion  33  may form part of a volute portion  39  configured to form part of the pumping chamber  30 . By way of example, the tubular coupling and axial inlet end portion  33  of the pumping chamber  30  may be rotationally coupled to the outlet portion  26  of the pickup nozzle or scoop  20  using one or more O-rings (not shown). In addition, the tubular coupling and axial inlet end portion  33  of the pumping chamber  30  may include a raised portion, e.g. similar to the raised rim of the inwardly flexible portions  38 , for engaging a corresponding rim or recess portion associated with, or configured in, the outlet portion  26  of the pickup nozzle or scoop  20 , e.g., similar to the inner circumferential recess  42   c ′″ of the mounting base  40 . 
     The mounting base  40  forms a third part of the overall pumping system  10  that is best shown in  FIG. 5 . The inner circumferential rim or wall  42   a ′ may be configured with at least two recessed coupling portions  42   b  formed or configured therein, as shown, each for receiving a respective outwardly extending, detent, tab or protrusion  54   a  of a motor housing  54 . By way of example, the at least two recessed coupling portions  42   b  include four recessed coupling portions  42   b  arranged at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°, consistent with that shown in  FIG. 5 . Each recessed coupling portion  42   b  may include a first recessed portion  42   b ′, a second recessed portion  42   b ″, and a third recessed portion  42   b ′″, consistent with that shown in  FIG. 5 . In operation, the respective outwardly extending tab or protrusion  54   a  may be received by the first recessed portion  42   b ′, rotated clockwise into a position so as to be received by the second recessed portion  42   b ″, pushed axially into the second recessed portion  42   b ″ so as to be received by the third recessed portion  42   b ′″, and rotated clockwise and then pushed axially back into the third recessed portion  42   b ′″ so as to couple the motor housing  54  to the mounting base  40 . 
     The present invention is shown having four recessed coupling portions  42   b  for cooperating with four corresponding outwardly extending, detents, tabs or protrusions  54   a;  however, embodiments are envisioned, and the scope of the invention is intended to include, using fewer than four recessed coupling portions  42   b  for cooperating with fewer than four corresponding outwardly extending tab or protrusions  54   a , as well as using more than four recessed coupling portions  42   b  for cooperating with more than four corresponding outwardly extending detents, tabs or protrusions  54   a , within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the present invention is shown having three recessed portions  42   b ′,  42   b ″ and  42   b ′″, however, embodiments are envisioned, and the scope of the invention is intended to include, using fewer than three recessed portions  42   b ′,  42   b ″ and  42   b ′″ for cooperating with the corresponding outwardly extending detents, tabs or protrusions  54   a , as well as using more than three recessed portions  42   b ′,  42   b ″ and  42   b ′″ for cooperating with the corresponding outwardly extending, detents, tabs or protrusions  54   a , within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     The inner circumferential rim or wall  42   a ″ may be configured with one or more wall portions  42   c ′,  42   c ″ formed or configured therein, as shown, each for receiving the outwardly extension raised rims  38   a  of the inwardly flexible rim portions  38  of the tubular coupling portion  36  of the pump chamber  30 . For example, the wall portion  42   c ′ may be configured as an inwardly sloping surface so as to flex or push the inwardly flexible rim portions  38  as they are pushed axially into the central portion  42  of the mounting base  40 . The wall portion  42   c ″ may be configured as a non-sloping surface so as to allow the inwardly flexible rim portions  38  to move towards the inner circumferential recess  42   c ′″. In operation, when the outwardly extending raised rims  38   a  are pushed far enough into the central portion  42  and reach the inner circumferential recess  42   c ′″, then the inwardly flexible rim portions  38  flex back outwardly into the inner circumferential recess  42   c ′″, and the outwardly extending raised rims  38   a  engage the inner circumferential recess  42   c ′″, so that the pump chamber  30  is rotationally coupled to and free to be rotated 360° in relation to the mounting base  40 . Embodiments are envisioned, and the scope of the invention is intended to including, using one wall portions  42   c ′ or  42   c ″. For example, only the wall portion  42   c ′ may be used and configured as the inwardly sloping surface so as to flex or push the inwardly flexible rim portions  38  as they are pushed axially into the central portion  42  of the mounting base  40 , and when the outwardly extension raised rims  38   a  are pushed far enough into the central portion  42  and reach the inner circumferential recess  42   c ′″, then the inwardly flexible rim portions  38  flex back outwardly, and the outwardly extending raised rims  38   a  engage the inner circumferential recess  42   c ′″. Alternatively, only the wall portion  42   c ″ may be used, configured and dimensioned as a non-sloping surface so as to flex or push the inwardly flexible rim portions  38  as they are pushed axially into the central portion  42  of the mounting base  40 , and when the outwardly extending raised rims  38   a  are pushed far enough into the central portion  42  and reach the inner circumferential recess  42   c ′″, then the inwardly flexible rim portions  38  flex back outwardly into the inner circumferential recess  42   c ′″, and the outwardly extending raised rims  38   a  engage the inner circumferential recess  42   c ′″. (In effect, in this embodiment, the diameter of the wall portion  42   c ″ of the central portion  42  would be slightly less than the corresponding diameter of the tubular coupling portion  36  having the inwardly flexible rim portions  38 .) 
     In addition,  FIG. 5  also shows the mounting base  40  having mounting legs  44  and associated apertures  44   a  that are arranged in a coplanar configuration for attaching or fastening the mounting base  40  on a corresponding flat planar surface (not shown). By way of example, the mounting base  40  may be configured with two mounting members or legs  44 , each having an aperture  44   a  formed or configured therein for mounting the mounting base  40  to a surface (not shown), e.g., via a fastener (not shown). Each mounting member or leg  44  may also have a slot  44   b  formed or configured therein for receiving the fastener (not shown), e.g., so as to allow the mounting base  40  to be slidably decoupled from the fastener without having to remove the fastener from the surface. Alternatively, embodiments are envisioned in which the two mounting members or legs  44  are only configured with apertures  44   a , but no slots  44   b , e.g., so the mounting base  40  cannot get free if the fasteners loosen over time. 
     Consistent with that shown in  FIGS. 3-4 . the motor, pump and electronics assembly  50  forms the fourth part of the overall pumping system  10  and may be configured to be mounted in the mounting base  40 , e.g., via the aforementioned detent and slot arrangement, so that its impeller  52  extends into the pumping chamber  30 . The detent and slot arrangement includes a cooperation between the recessed coupling portions  42   b  and the outwardly extending detents, tabs or protrusions  54   a , e.g., consistent with that set forth above, so that the motor housing  54  of the motor, pump and electronics assembly  50  can couple to the mounting base  40  and the impeller  52  can extend into the pumping chamber  30 . In addition, the motor, pump and electronics assembly  50  may include, or take the form of, a two-part housing  54 ,  56 , where the one housing part  54  has the outwardly extending tab or protrusions  54   a  formed or configured thereon. The two-part housing  54 ,  56  is configured to receive and contain a motor  58  having a motor shaft  58   a  for coupling to the impeller  52 , as well as suitable electronics  56  for operating the motor  58 . 
     The motor, pump and electronics assembly  50  also include an assembly  39  for coupling the motor  58  to the housing  54 . 
     By way of example, the outwardly extending detents, tabs or protrusions  54   a  may include four outwardly extending detents, tabs or protrusions  54   a  arranged at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° for cooperating with the four recessed coupling portions  42   b  also arranged at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°, so as to be able to orient the motor, pump and electronics assembly  50  in relation to the mounting base  40  in four rotational orientations. This flexibility allows the user to change the water level sensor setting, consistent with that set forth in relation to  FIG. 8  below. 
     The pump  10  may also be configured with the switch assembly  60  for turning the motor on/off, as well as one or more other mechanisms  70 , e.g., including a level sensor configured to turn the switch on/off depending on some sensed condition. The switch assembly  60  includes a PCBA  62  for controlling the operation of the pump, having a water level sensor circuit  62  configured to sense the high/low water level and turn the pump on/off, consistent with that described in further detail below in relation to  FIG. 8 . The switch assembly  60  and/or the one or more other mechanisms  70  may be configured with switching functionality consistent with that set forth below. 
     FIGS.  6 - 7   
     According to some embodiments, the present invention may take the form of a pumping system generally indicated as  100  as shown in  FIGS. 6-7 . The pumping system  100  includes a similar four-part construction, having a pick-up or nozzle or scoop generally indicated as  120 , a pumping chamber generally indicated as  130 , a mounting base generally indicated as  140  and a motor/pump/electronic assembly  150 , which are similar in their overall functionality to elements  20 ,  30 ,  40  and  50  shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . 
     By way of example, the pick-up nozzle or scoop  120  may include a nozzle or scoop portion  122  and a removable sliding strainer  124  that can be easily removed from the nozzle or scoop portion  122  for cleaning. In addition to the removable strainer screen  124 , the pick-up nozzle or scoop  120  and its associated supporting structure as shown may be configured to be rotated through 360 degrees, consistent with that set forth in relation to the pickup nozzle/scoop  20 . The pick-up or nozzle or scoop  120  may also be configured to contain an anti-airlock device or aperture formed therein that prevents trapped air from affecting the pumping operation. For example, to overcome an air lock condition, the pumping system  100  may be configured to release entrapped air, the air may be allowed to “bleed” out to the atmosphere allowing the water to rise and engage the impeller. By way of example, see a related patent application Ser. No. 14/193,210 (911-17.30-1//M-RLE-X0006), filed on 28 Feb. 2014; see another related patent application Ser. No. 14/193,269 (911-17.31-1//M-RLE-X0007), also filed on 28 Feb. 2014; and see still another patent application Ser. No. 13/917,970, (911-17.28-2//M-RLE-X0005), filed 14 Jun. 2013. All three of the aforementioned patent applications discloses a technique for solving the aforementioned air lock problem, are assigned to the assignee of the present application, and are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     The pumping chamber  130  may include a tangential discharge portion, similar to element  34  shown in  FIGS. 1-4  and is configured to receive a volute portion  139 . By way of example, the pumping system  100  may be configured using a possible centrifugal design that is built with the ability to have various pieces designed so that flexibility and scalability can be achieved by the selection of a specific volute configuration chosen prior to assembly. This feature greatly improves the ability to provide a pump with specific flow characteristics utilizing a larger number of common components to develop a pump family. 
     The pumping system  100  may include additional adapters like element  112  that allows the output configuration to be angled through multiple axes. The possibility of using multiple adapters also allows various final output connections to be made that may include any number of rigid, flexible or semi-flexible devices. 
     The discharge or pumping chamber  130  may include an O-ring or other flexible component  137  sealed allowing the unrestricted movement of that joint or a more restricted type movement with the selection of various sealing mechanisms. 
     The mounting portion or base  140  may be configured using a bracket type device that may be oriented in many positions depending upon the vertical or horizontal plane that the pumping system  100  may be attached. Usual mounting hardware of various types may be used to attach the pump including but not limited to rivets, various industrial cements, screws, bolts and other fixing devices. As shown, the mounting bracket  140  may be configured to incorporate a corresponding detent and slot arrangement or mechanism, e.g., having a slot  142   b  and detent  154   a , to orient the pump motor body, e.g., either without a switch (see  FIGS. 6 and 6   a ) or with a switch assembly, circuit or arrangement  160  (see  FIG. 7 ). 
     The switch arrangement  160  may be configured into several possible fixed positions that allow the switching mechanism, if included on the pump motor body, to be oriented as to take advantage of fixed or variable sensor placement, like element  170 , allowing for multiple level sensing capabilities that can be manipulated by the user through methods that may include orientation of the motor pump assembly or possible manipulation of the sensor. This flexibility in implementation allows for a variety of level sensing options. 
     By way of example, the motor, pump and electronics assembly  150  may include an electrical motor, like element  58 , or motor powered by another source of power. The motor pump body may come in various configurations two of which would include the switch arrangement  160  and without the switch arrangement  160  included. The switch arrangement  160  may include the additional mechanisms  170  that may affect the operation of the switch and causing certain functions of the switch to become disabled and replaced by other functions an example of that being a level sense operation of the switch and the possible ability to switch modes by the aforementioned methods to cause a different type of operation such as an automatic turn on timer function that incorporates other power sensing to determine when the pump would continue to operate and when to go back into the cycle of automatic operation repeating the cycle by use of an internal timer or some external trigger. The switch arrangement  160  may include the ability to receive an external trigger that would operate the pump regardless of its primary sense whether that is a timer in the automatic mode or a level sense type feature. Additional tabs  160   a  or exposed areas may include the description of the function that the pump is operating under which may include high or low or automatic or some other description, picture, symbol or phrase that explains in a visual or tactile manner the intended operation at that time. As certain mechanisms are moved, rotated or manipulated in other orientations, the messaging as described above may change or be exposed to explain the current intended operation. 
     Other Features, Including Switching and Level Sensing Options 
     In addition to that set forth above, the pump according to the present invention may include the following: 
     Another ability of this pumping system  100  is the multiple switching options available. In one embodiment, the pump can come as a manual pump utilizing a number of manual or electric or electronic switch arrangements to turn on and off. 
     In another embodiment, the pump can come with an included switching arrangement that is electric or electronic in nature that has the ability to turn the pump on and off detecting multiple levels of liquid. The multiple level sense ability can be chosen by the operator and is achieved by orientation of the housing that incorporates the switching mechanism. If the need for a different level sense is needed at a later time manipulation of the housing can change the level pick up sense. 
     The switching mechanism may also include a built-in feature that allows the pump to have an additional mode of operation which is a time dependent turn on and utilizing power detection technology, a determination of the whether the pump should stay on or turn off is achieved. This can continue the timing cycle which involves a set time elapse before a momentary turn on of the pump and the power usage technology determines whether there is sufficient drag on certain components which may include an impeller or other moving device that allows for pumping of liquids. This cycle can continue indefinitely or until the device that is causing the interference or saturation of the switch is moved so that the switch sensor no longer detects that and automatically switches into the level sense mode. In lieu of a so-called saturation switch, embodiments are also envisioned in which suitable switching functionality may be implemented using a combination of a reed switch and magnet, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     Because of the multiple level sense levels that can be achieved, the pumping system according to the present invention is more versatile fitting into various applications that were previously addressed by utilizing different pumps that fit a much more narrow application. Because of the ability to switch between the level sense and the automatic mode, the pumping system according to the present invention may achieve a far broader application schedule and capabilities. 
     FIG.  8   
       FIG. 8 a    shows the low profile pump having the motor/pump/electronics assembly  50  coupled to the mounting base  40  in a first orientation so that a water level sensor  62   a  on a PCBA  62  is located for a higher water level sensing setting. By way of example the higher water level sensing setting may be at about 2.5″ above the surface to which the mounting base  40  may be coupled, although the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular height or dimension. 
     In comparison,  FIG. 8 b    shows the low profile pump having the motor/pump/electronics assembly  50  coupled to the mounting base  40  in a second orientation so that the water level sensor  62   a  on the PCBA  60  is located for a lower water level sensing setting than that shown in  FIG. 8 a   . By way of example the lower water level sensing setting may be at about 1.5″ above the surface to which the mounting base  40  may be coupled, although the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular height or dimension. 
     In operation, the low profile pump  10  affords the user the ability to change the water level sensor setting by removing the motor/pump/electronics assembly  50  from the mounting base  40  consistent with that shown in  FIG. 8 a   , rotating it 180° consistent with that shown in the transition from  FIGS. 8 a  to 8 b   , and re-coupling the motor/pump/electronics assembly  50  back onto the mounting base  40  consistent with that shown in  FIG. 8 b   , so that the water level sensor  62   a  on the PCBA  60  is located for a different water level sensing setting. 
     In  FIGS. 8 a  and 8 b   , for the purpose of describing and visualizing the present invention, the water level sensor  62   a  and the PCBA  62  is being shown in relation to the switch assembly  60 , although the water level sensor  62   a  and the PCBA  62  is understood to be arranged inside the switch assembly. 
     Moreover, it is also understood that the higher water level sensing setting will determine the high/low settings for turning on/off the low profile switch, and that the lower water level sensing setting will also determine the high/low settings for turning on/off the low profile switch, which will be different than the high/low settings determined for the higher water level sensing setting. Based on the examples of height provided above, the difference will be about 1″ based on the higher water level sensing setting of about 2.5″ and the lower water level sensing setting of about 1.5″. 
     List of Some Possible Applications 
     The present invention has many possible applications, e.g., that may include the following: 
     Condensate pumping, 
     Air conditioner water movement, 
     Dehumidifier water movement, 
     Humidifier water movement, 
     Industrial water movement, 
     Low area water removal, 
     Tight quarters water removal, 
     Bilge pumping, 
     Closed compartment water removal, 
     Small boat casual water removal, and 
     Certain sump type pump operations. 
     The Scope of the Invention 
     It should be understood that, unless stated otherwise herein, any of the features, characteristics, alternatives or modifications described regarding a particular embodiment herein may also be applied, used, or incorporated with any other embodiment described herein. Also, the drawings herein are not drawn to scale. 
     Although the present invention is described by way of example in relation to a centrifugal pump, the scope of the invention is intended to include using the same in relation to other types or kinds of pumps either now known or later developed in the future. 
     Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, the foregoing and various other additions and omissions may be made therein and thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.