Patent Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a pump and motor assembly assembled in a waterproof enclosure with external threaded connections for pump suction and discharge. The motor can be directly connected to a flexible coupling to a bi-rotational internal gear pump, having self-adjusting mechanical seals and cast iron housing. The pump and motor assembly can be mounted on a sliding base for easy access. Flex hoses can be used to connect pump suction and discharge to couplings attached to the pump enclosure. A discriminating leak detector can be installed at the low point of the pump enclosure to detect and annunciate the presence of oil and/or water.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 61/947,059 filed Mar. 3, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention generally relates to waterproof pump enclosures, and more particularly to a waterproof pump enclosure and system including the same for pumping fuel oil from below history flood levels. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    When Hurricane Sandy hit New York City in October 2012 many of the basements in lower Manhattan were flooded by seawater. New York City basements typically house the boilers, emergency generators, and their diesel fueling systems. Most of the hospitals in Manhattan lost grid power, lost emergency back-up power, and had to be evacuated. For example, Bellevue Hospital had emergency generators above the Sandy flood line, but the fueling system for the generators was in the basement and was incapacitated by flooding. 
         [0006]    One option for overcoming these difficulties is to install new pumps above the flood line, but this solution is not practical for all locations. For example, in New York City most of the oil tanks are in the basements of the buildings, and there is not sufficient room to relocate the tanks to location on or within the buildings that would be above the flood line. Pumps cannot be elevated without raising the tanks because positive displacement gear pumps are limited by the amount of suction they can generate to pull oil out of tanks. Positive displacement pumps can generally only pull oil up 12-15 feet. Furthermore, alternatives, such as submersible pumps located in the oil tanks may not be approved for use in all locations. 
         [0007]    In addition, there are also problems associated with a system in which submersible pumps are used to pump oil out of the tanks to positive displacement pumps that would supply enough pressure to push oil up many stories to where boilers and diesel generators are sometimes located. Submersible pumps also do not generate enough head pressure to push oil above two or three stories. Additionally, submersible pump-positive displacement pump systems are difficult to control, risk over-pressuring the inlet of the positive displacement pumps, and are at increased risk of causing a fuel oil spill. 
         [0008]    Therefore, what is needed is a means for installing positive displacement pumps in their usual location in the basements at the same level as the oil tanks to prevent suction lift problems, and then having pump accessories such as gauges, pressure relief valves, flow switches, and pump controls could be located above the flood level. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is designed to overcome the above noted limitations that are attendant upon the use of conventional pumps and, toward this end, it contemplates the provision of a novel waterproof pump enclosure and system including the same. 
         [0010]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a positive displacement fuel oil pump in a waterproof enclosure. 
         [0011]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a discriminating leak detector to indicate the presence of oil or water in the interior of the enclosure. 
         [0012]    It is another object of the present invention to provide flexible stainless steel hoses with unions to connect the supply and suction sides of the pump to waterproof bulkhead fittings welded to the pump enclosure. 
         [0013]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a sliding tray to allow the oil pump and motor to be slid partially out of the enclosure for maintenance. 
         [0014]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide waterproof conduit connections for the pump motor leads and the leak detector wires. 
         [0015]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a heavy duty gasketed manhole cover to provide a waterproof seal when tightened down, and access to the interior of the pump enclosure when opened up. 
         [0016]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a pump enclosure for applications were fuel oil pumps cannot be installed above historic flood levels due to suction lift constraints. 
         [0017]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pump enclosure that is designed to withstand seawater inundation, and continue supplying fuel, for example diesel fuel, to critical generators and boilers. 
         [0018]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a pump enclosure that shows only negligible temperature rise inside the enclosure when the pumps are under load. 
         [0019]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a pump enclosure that allows for pump accessories, such as pump control panels, motor starters, strainers, gauges and switches. 
         [0020]    It has now been found that the foregoing and related objects can be readily attained in an oil pump and motor assembly assembled in an epoxy enamel-coated carbon steel waterproof enclosure with external threaded connections for pump suction and discharge. The base-mounted motor can be directly connected to a flexible coupling to a bi-rotational internal gear pump, having self-adjusting mechanical seals and cast iron housing. The pump and motor assembly can be mounted on a sliding steel base for easy access. Stainless steel flex hoses can be used to connect pump suction and discharge to coupling welded to the pump enclosure. A discriminating leak detector can be installed at the low point of the pump enclosure to detect and annunciate the presence of oil and/or water. Electrical connections can include sealed conduit and wire pigtails for termination above expected high water and/or flood levels. Pump and motor assemblies can be any suitable pump and motor assemblies available from Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corp. of Danbury, Conn. that are suitable for No. 2 fuel oil, No. 4 fuel oil and or diesel fuel. 
         [0021]    The pump enclosures may be installed in any building, for example high rise buildings, that are located in low-lying areas and/or areas prone to flooding. Such buildings may include hospitals, government buildings, and private buildings housing financial, high-tech, or other critical systems that typically have emergency diesel generators, but require fuel for the generators to run. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an exemplary system in which an exemplary embodiment of a waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention may be used; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2  of the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention, with the front cover plate shown transparently; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4  of the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the other exemplary embodiment of the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention, shown transparently to show internal components; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the other exemplary embodiment of the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention, shown transparently to show internal components; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7  of the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9A  is a front view of a cover assembly for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9B  is a side view of the cover assembly for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10A  is a top plan view of a mounting plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 10B  is a side view of the mounting plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11A  is a top plan view of a sliding plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 11B  is a side view of the sliding plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 12A  is a front view of the waterproof pump enclosure with the cover assembly removed and without internal components; 
           [0038]      FIG. 12B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  12 B- 12 B in  FIG. 12A ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 12C  is an enlarged view of Section  12 C from  FIG. 12B ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 13A  is a front view of an exemplary flange for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 13B  is a side view of the exemplary flange for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 14A  is a front view of an exemplary mounting bracket for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 14B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  14 B- 14 B in  FIG. 14A  of the exemplary mounting bracket for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 14C  is a top plan view of the exemplary mounting bracket for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 15A  is a front view of an exemplary back cover plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 15B  is a side view of the exemplary back cover plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary body pipe for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 17A  is a front view of an exemplary flange gasket for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 17B  is a side view of the exemplary flange gasket for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 18  is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention, with the front cover plate shown transparently; 
           [0051]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  19 - 19  in  FIG. 18  of the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 20  is a top plan view of the other exemplary embodiment of the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention, shown transparently to show internal components; 
           [0053]      FIG. 21  is a front view of the other exemplary embodiment of the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention, shown transparently to show internal components; 
           [0054]      FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  22 - 22  in  FIG. 21  of the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 23A  is a front view of a cover assembly for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 23B  is a side view of the cover assembly for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 24A  is a top plan view of a mounting plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 24B  is a side view of the mounting plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 25A  is a top plan view of a sliding plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0060]      FIG. 25B  is a side view of the sliding plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 26A  is a front view of the waterproof pump enclosure with the cover assembly removed and without internal components; 
           [0062]      FIG. 26B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  26 B- 26 B in  FIG. 26A ; 
           [0063]      FIG. 26C  is an enlarged view of Section  26 C from  FIG. 26B ; 
           [0064]      FIG. 27A  is a front view of an exemplary flange for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0065]      FIG. 27B  is a side view of the exemplary flange for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0066]      FIG. 28A  is a front view of an exemplary mounting bracket for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0067]      FIG. 28B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  28 B- 28 B in  FIG. 28A  of the exemplary mounting bracket for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0068]      FIG. 28C  is a top plan view of the exemplary mounting bracket for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0069]      FIG. 29A  is a front view of an exemplary back cover plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0070]      FIG. 29B  is a side view of the exemplary back cover plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0071]      FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary body pipe for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0072]      FIG. 31A  is a front view of an exemplary flange gasket for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0073]      FIG. 31B  is a side view of the exemplary flange gasket for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0074]      FIG. 32  is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention, with the front cover plate shown transparently; 
           [0075]      FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  33 - 3  in  FIG. 32  of the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0076]      FIG. 34  is a top plan view of the other exemplary embodiment of the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention, shown transparently to show internal components; 
           [0077]      FIG. 35  is a front view of the other exemplary embodiment of the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention, shown transparently to show internal components; 
           [0078]      FIG. 36  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  36 - 36  in  FIG. 35  of the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0079]      FIG. 37A  is a front view of a cover assembly for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0080]      FIG. 37B  is a side view of the cover assembly for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0081]      FIG. 38A  is a top plan view of a mounting plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0082]      FIG. 38B  is a side view of the mounting plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0083]      FIG. 39A  is a top plan view of a sliding plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0084]      FIG. 39B  is a side view of the sliding plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0085]      FIG. 40A  is a front view of the waterproof pump enclosure with the cover assembly removed and without internal components; 
           [0086]      FIG. 40B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  40 B- 40 B in  FIG. 40A ; 
           [0087]      FIG. 40C  is an enlarged view of Section  40 C from  FIG. 40B ; 
           [0088]      FIG. 41A  is a front view of an exemplary flange for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0089]      FIG. 41B  is a side view of the exemplary flange for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0090]      FIG. 42A  is a front view of an exemplary mounting bracket for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0091]      FIG. 42B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  42 B- 42 B in  FIG. 42A  of the exemplary mounting bracket for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0092]      FIG. 42C  is a top plan view of the exemplary mounting bracket for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0093]      FIG. 43A  is a front view of an exemplary back cover plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0094]      FIG. 43B  is a side view of the exemplary back cover plate for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0095]      FIG. 44  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary body pipe for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; 
           [0096]      FIG. 45A  is a front view of an exemplary flange gasket for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention; and 
           [0097]      FIG. 45B  is a side view of the exemplary flange gasket for the waterproof pump enclosure according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0098]    The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. 
         [0099]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a general schematic diagram of a system in which a pump enclosure  10  according to the present invention may be employed is shown. The pump enclosure  10  may contain a suitable pump  50 , for example a light oil pump, and the pump enclosure  10  may be constructed to be substantially waterproof so that the pump enclosure  10  may be installed in a building (not shown) below the anticipated flood level. The pump enclosure  10  is connected by a suction line  30  to a tank (not shown), for example an oil tank, containing the fluid to be transported by the pump  50 , and is further connected to generators (not shown), for example emergency backup generators, and/or boilers (not shown), for example heating boilers, by a discharge line  25  so that the fluid to be transported, for example oil, can be transported by the pump  50  from the tank positioned above the anticipated flood level of the building to the generators and/or boilers positioned above the anticipated flood level of the building. The pump enclosure  10  may also be connected to a pump control panel  70  by one or more sealed electrical conduits  20  that are coupled to the pump enclosure  10  by one or more potting eyes  15  to provide for a watertight connection between the electrical conduits  20  and the pump enclosure  10 . 
         [0100]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , therein illustrated is an exemplary embodiment of the pump enclosure, generally indicated by reference numeral  10 , according to the present invention. The pump enclosure  10  includes a substantially cylindrical body pipe  19  that forms a hollow enclosure. The body pipe  19  may be formed from Schedule 40 pipe, or any other suitable substantially cylindrical material. The pump enclosure  10  further includes a cover plate  22  that may be removably affixed to the body pipe  19 , and a back plate  23  that may be welded to the body pipe  19 . It is understood that the cover plate  22  and the back plate  23  should be attached to the body pipe  19  so as to provide a substantially watertight hollow enclosure of the pump enclosure  10  for housing the pump  50 . The pump  50  may be supported within the hollow enclosure of the body pipe  19  by a mounting plate  27 , to which the pump  50  may be secured by one or more fasteners. The pump enclosure  10  may also include a supply inlet  14  that may be connected to a line from a tank (not shown in  FIGS. 2 &amp; 3 ), and to a flexible hose  12  that is connected to the pump  50 . The pump enclosure  10  may further include a discharge outlet  17  that is connected to a discharge line (not shown) connected to a generator and/or boiler and a flexible hose  12  (in  FIG. 2 ) that is connected to the pump  50 . The supply inlet  14  and discharge outlet  17  provide for passageways through the body pipe  19 , but provide for watertight connections between the lines running to the pump enclosure  10  and the flexible hoses  12  within the pump enclosure  10  connected to the pump  50 . The pump enclosure  10  may also include one or more potting eyes  15  that provide for connection between the pump enclosure  10  and electrical wiring (not shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) running to the pump control panel (not shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) that may be positioned above the anticipated flood level of a building. The pump enclosure  10  may also include one or more mounting brackets  29  for securing mounting the pump enclosure  10  to a surface (not shown) by either welding and/or mechanical fasteners (not shown). It is understood that the pump enclosure  10  should be securely mounted to the surface so that in the event that the area surrounding the pump enclosure is inundated with water, the force of the water will not cause the pump enclosure  10  to move from its fixed position within the building. 
         [0101]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4-8 , another exemplary embodiment of a pump enclosure, generally indicated by reference numeral  110 , according to the present invention is shown. The pump enclosure  110  may include a substantially circular body pipe  119  that may be formed from epoxy-enamel painted carbon steel to form a hollow enclosure. The exemplary body pipe  119  that may be used with the pump enclosure  110  is shown by itself in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0102]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4-8 ,  12 A- 12 C and  13 A- 13 B, the pump enclosure  110  may also include a flange  140  formed on one end of the body pipe  119 . As shown by  FIGS. 12A and 12C , the flange  140  may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the body pipe  119  so that the flange  140  provides a mounting surface for the body pipe  119 . The flange  140  may be integrally formed with the body pipe  119 , or constructed of a separate component, for example as shown in  FIGS. 13A and 13B , and affixed to the body pipe  119  through suitable welding and/or adhesive. As shown in  FIG. 13B , the flange  140  includes a plurality of bores  141  formed there through and positioned around the circumference of the flange  140 . The bores  141  may be positioned in any pattern or formation around the flange  140 , and it may be preferable that the bores  141  are positioned so that any fastening device as discussed below used on the flange  140  provides a substantially equal clamping pressure around the circumference of the flange  140 . 
         [0103]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4-8 ,  9 A- 9 B and  17 A- 17 B, the pump enclosure  110  may also include a cover plate  122  that is configured to be secured to the flange  140  by one or more suitable fasteners, such as a bolt  153  and nut  154  combination. It is understood that any suitable fastener may be used to secure the cover plate  122  to the flange  140 , but it is preferable that the fasteners are capable of releasing the cover plate  122  from the flange  140  through appropriate removable mechanisms and/or tools so that access to the interior of the pump enclosure  110  can be gained without substantial effort or difficulty. While a bolt  153  and nut  154  combination is provided as an example of a suitable fastener, it is understood that such combination is merely exemplary and that the fasteners may also include screws that engage with threads within the bores  141  of the flange  140 . A gasket  152 , as shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 17A-17B , for example a gasket made from neoprene rubber, may be placed between the cover plate  122  and flange  140  so as to provide a water tight connection between the cover plate  122  and the flange  140  so as to seal the pump enclosure  110 . The gasket  152  may include one or more bores  155  positioned around the circumference of the gasket  152  so that the fasteners  153 ,  154  may be inserted through the cover plate  122 , gasket  152  and flange  140 . Preferably, the bores  155  formed through the gasket  152  are positioned for alignment with the bores  141  formed in the flange  140  and preferably the same number of bores  141  formed in the flange  140  are present in the gasket  152 . However, it is understood that additional bores  155  may be formed in the gasket  152  than those formed in the flange  140  so that alignment and installation of the gasket  152  on the flange  140  may be facilitated. Referring now more particularly to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , cover plate  122  may include one or more handles  147  to facilitate removal and installation of the cover plate  122 , and may also include one or more bores  125  positioned around the circumference of the cover plate  122  so that the fasteners  153 ,  154  may be inserted through the cover plate  122 , gasket  153  and flange  140 . The handles  147  may be formed from substantially U-shaped or C-shaped rod or bar, and securely affixed to the cover plate  122 . The one or more bores  125  are positioned around the cover plate  122  so that when the cover plate  122  is applied to the flange  140  the bores  141  on the flange  140  substantially align with the bores  125  on the cover plate  122  so that the fasteners  153 ,  154  can secure the cover plate  122  to the flange  140 . It is understood that the bores  125  on the cover plate  122  may be the same number as the bores  141  on the flange  140  or may be greater or lesser in number depending upon the desired application. 
         [0104]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4-8  and  15 A- 15 B, the pump enclosure  110  may also include a welded rear cover  123  positioned on an end of the body pipe  119  opposite the cover plate  122  and flange  140 . The rear cover  123  may be welded onto the body pipe  119  to form a substantially watertight and/or waterproof seal, and it is understood that additional waterproofing may be applied to the joint between the rear cover  123  and the body pipe  119  in order to ensure that there is a watertight and/or waterproof seal so that the interior region of the pump enclosure  110  is at least substantially leak proof. As shown in  FIG. 15A , the rear cover  123  may include one or more openings  124  that are configured and dimensioned to allow connections between the interior region of the pump enclosure  110  and items on the exterior of the pump enclosure. 
         [0105]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4-8 ,  10 A- 10 B and  11 A- 11 B, the pump enclosure  110  is configured to contain a pump and motor assembly  150 , which may be light oil pumps model numbers LO-203, LO-204, LO-205 or LO-206 available from Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corp. of Danbury, Conn. The pump and motor assembly  150  may be mounted within the pump enclosure  110  on a mounting plate  127  that is secured to the body pipe  119 . The mounting plate  127  may be secured to the body pipe  119  through welds and/or adhesives, or may be attached to the body pipe  119  by suitable brackets (not shown). The mounting plate  127  may be installed in the interior region of the pump enclosure  110  so that it forms a chord of the circle formed by the body pipe  119 . It is preferable that the mounting plate  127  is installed in the body pipe  119  so that the mounting plate  127  is substantially level relative to a surface on which the pump enclosure  110  may be installed. As shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the mounting plate  127  may include one or more captive nuts  162 , that may be used to secure fasteners to the mounting plate  127 . While pump and motor assembly  150  may be attached directly to the mounting plate  127 , the pump and motor assembly  150  may alternatively be attached to a sliding plate  128  that is movable relative to the mounting plate  127  so that the pump and motor assembly  150  may be at least partially removed from the pump enclosure  110  for service and/or maintenance. As shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the sliding plate  128  may include side notches  139  in which the width of the sliding plate  128  is decreased over at least a portion of the sliding plate  128 . In this manner, the sliding plate  128  can be retained between fasteners  156  installed into the captive nuts  162  of the mounting plate  127  in order to keep the sliding plate  128  in the appropriate alignment within the interior region of the pump enclosure  110 . The sliding plate  128  may also include one or more bores  149 , so that the fasteners  156  can be used to secure the sliding plate  128  to the mounting plate  127  when it is not desirable for the sliding plate  128  to move relative to the mounting plate  127 . When it is desired to move the sliding plate  128  relative to the mounting plate  127 , for example for service and/or maintenance of the pump and motor assembly  150 , the fasteners  156  installed through the bores  149  can be removed so that the sliding plate  128  is movable relative to the mounting plate  127 . Suitable lubricants and/or gliding mechanisms (not shown) can be installed between the sliding plate  128  and the mounting plate  127  to ensure smooth operation of the sliding plate  128  relative to the mounting plate  127 . 
         [0106]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4-6 , the pump enclosure  110  may also include a leak detector switch  138  that is configured to detect the presence of oil and/or water within the pump enclosure  110 , and provide an indication as to their presence. The pump enclosure  110  may also include a disconnect switch  134  mounted to a disconnect bracket  142 . The pump enclosure  110  may further include a supply inlet  114 , and a discharge outlet  117  that provide passageways through the pump enclosure  110 , but also provide for watertight connections between the flexible hose  112 , which may be braided stainless steel over a Teflon core with carbon steel fittings, and an oil supply and an oil discharge lines (not shown). The supple inlet  114  and the discharge outlet  117  may be inserted through the openings  124  in the rear cover  123 , or any other suitable openings made in the pump enclosure  110 . The flexible hose  112  may be connected to the pump and motor assembly  150  by one or more nipples  145  and unions  132  in order to provide a substantially leak tight connection between the supply inlet  114 , discharge outlet  117  and the pump and motor assembly  150 . The pump enclosure  110  may also include one or more nipples  121  connected to the body pipe  119  and attached to the body pipe  119  so as to provide water tight connections between electrical conduit  120  running to the pump enclosure  110 . The electrical conduit  120  may contain wiring for distributing power to the pump and motor assembly  150 , as well as wiring for the leak sensor  138 . The pump enclosure  110  may further include a lifting lug  136  attached to the body pipe  119  in order to facilitate installation of the pump enclosure  110 . 
         [0107]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4-8  and  14 A- 14 C, the pump enclosure  110  may also include one or more mounting brackets  129  attached to an underside of the body pipe  119 . It is understood that underside is merely used for reference, and the positioning of the mounting brackets  129  are not limited to any particular location on the pump enclosure  110 . However, it is preferable that the mounting brackets  129  are positioned substantially parallel with the mounting plate  127  so that the mounting plate  127  may be substantially level with the surface on which the pump enclosure  110  may be installed. As shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 14A-14C , the mounting brackets  129  include a cutout portion  165  to provide cradle for the body pipe  119  to rest in on the mounting bracket  129 . It is understood that the cutout portion  165  should have substantially the same radius as the body pipe  119  so that as much of the body pipe  119  will be in contact with the mounting bracket  129  as possible. It is further understood that the body pipe  119  may be affixed to the mounting brackets  129  through any suitable welding and/or adhesive mechanism. The mounting brackets  129  may also include one or more bores  167  through which fasteners (not shown), such as bolts, screws, nails, pins, stakes, any combination thereof or the like may be inserted in order to attach the pump enclosure  110  to the surface on which it will be mounted. 
         [0108]    Referring now to  FIGS. 18-22 , another exemplary embodiment of a pump enclosure, generally indicated by reference numeral  210 , according to the present invention is shown. The pump enclosure  210  may include a substantially circular body pipe  219  that may be formed from epoxy-enamel painted carbon steel to form a hollow enclosure. The exemplary body pipe  219  that may be used with the pump enclosure  210  is shown by itself in  FIG. 30 . It is understood that while the body pipe  219  is shown with a substantially cylindrical configuration, the body pipe  219  may have any suitable shape and/or configuration in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0109]    Referring now to  FIGS. 18-22 ,  26 A- 26 C and  27 A- 27 B, the pump enclosure  210  may also include a flange  240  formed on one end of the body pipe  219 . As shown by  FIGS. 26B and 26C , the flange  240  may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the body pipe  219  so that the flange  240  provides a mounting surface for the body pipe  219 . The flange  240  may be integrally formed with the body pipe  219 , or constructed of a separate component, for example as shown in  FIGS. 27A and 27B , and affixed to the body pipe  219  through suitable welding and/or adhesive. As shown in  FIG. 27A , the flange  240  includes a plurality of bores  241  formed there through and positioned around the circumference of the flange  240 . The bores  241  may be positioned in any pattern or formation around the flange  240 , and it may be preferable that the bores  241  are positioned so that any fastening device, as discussed below, used on the flange  240  provides a substantially equal clamping pressure around the circumference of the flange  240 . 
         [0110]    Referring now to  FIGS. 18-22 ,  23 A- 23 B and  31 A- 31 B, the pump enclosure  210  may also include a cover plate  222  that is configured to be secured to the flange  240  by one or more suitable fasteners, such as a bolt  253  and nut  254  combination. It is understood that any suitable fastener may be used to secure the cover plate  222  to the flange  240 , but it is preferable that the fasteners are capable of releasing the cover plate  222  from the flange  240  through appropriate removable mechanisms and/or tools so that access to the interior of the pump enclosure  210  can be gained without substantial effort or difficulty. While a bolt  253  and nut  254  combination is provided as an example of a suitable fastener, it is understood that such combination is merely exemplary and that the fasteners may also include screws that engage with threads within the bores  241  of the flange  240 . A gasket  252 , as shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 31A-31B , for example a gasket made from neoprene rubber, may be placed between the cover plate  222  and flange  240  so as to provide a water tight connection between the cover plate  222  and the flange  240  so as to seal the pump enclosure  210 . The gasket  252  may include one or more bores  255  positioned around the circumference of the gasket  252  so that the fasteners  253 ,  254  may be inserted through the cover plate  222 , gasket  252  and flange  240 . Preferably, the bores  255  formed through the gasket  252  are positioned for alignment with the bores  241  formed in the flange  240 , and preferably the same number of bores  241  formed in the flange  240  are present in the gasket  252 . However, it is understood that additional bores  255  may be formed in the gasket  252  than those formed in the flange  240  so that alignment and installation of the gasket  252  on the flange  240  may be facilitated. Referring now more particularly to  FIGS. 23A and 23B , cover plate  222  may include one or more handles  247  to facilitate removal and installation of the cover plate  222 , and may also include one or more bores  225  positioned around the circumference of the cover plate  222  so that the fasteners  253 ,  254  may be inserted through the cover plate  222 , gasket  253  and flange  240 . The handles  247  may be formed from substantially U-shaped or C-shaped rod or bar, and securely affixed to the cover plate  222 . The one or more bores  225  are positioned around the cover plate  222  so that when the cover plate  222  is applied to the flange  240  the bores  241  on the flange  240  substantially align with the bores  225  on the cover plate  222  so that the fasteners  253 ,  254  can secure the cover plate  222  to the flange  240 . It is understood that the bores  225  on the cover plate  222  may be the same number as the bores  241  on the flange  240  or may be greater or lesser in number depending upon the desired application. 
         [0111]    Referring now to  FIGS. 18-22  and  29 A- 29 B, the pump enclosure  210  may also include a welded rear cover  223  positioned on an end of the body pipe  219  opposite the cover plate  222  and flange  240 . The rear cover  223  may be welded onto the body pipe  219  to form a substantially watertight and/or waterproof seal, and it is understood that additional waterproofing may be applied to the joint between the rear cover  223  and the body pipe  219  in order to ensure that there is a watertight and/or waterproof seal so that the interior region of the pump enclosure  210  is at least substantially leak proof. As shown in  FIG. 29A , the rear cover  223  may include one or more openings  224  that are configured and dimensioned to allow connections between the interior region of the pump enclosure  210  and items on the exterior of the pump enclosure. 
         [0112]    Referring now to  FIGS. 18-22 ,  24 A- 24 B and  25 A- 25 B, the pump enclosure  210  is configured to contain a pump and motor assembly  250 , such as model numbers LO-101E, LO-102E, LO-103E, LO-104E, LO-105E or LO-106E available from Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corp. of Danbury, Conn. The pump and motor assembly  250  may be mounted within the pump enclosure  210  on a mounting plate  227  that is secured to the body pipe  119 . The mounting plate  227  may be secured to the body pipe  219  through welds and/or adhesives, or may be attached to the body pipe  219  by suitable brackets (not shown). The mounting plate  227  may be installed in the interior region of the pump enclosure  210  so that it forms a chord of the circle formed by the body pipe  219 . It is preferable that the mounting plate  227  is installed in the body pipe  219  so that the mounting plate  227  is substantially level relative to a surface on which the pump enclosure  210  may be installed. As shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 24A and 24B , the mounting plate  227  may include one or more captive nuts  262 , that may be used to secure fasteners to the mounting plate  227 . While pump and motor assembly  250  may be attached directly to the mounting plate  227 , the pump and motor assembly  250  may alternatively be attached to a sliding plate  228  that is movable relative to the mounting plate  227  so that the pump and motor assembly  250  may be at least partially removed from the pump enclosure  210  for service and/or maintenance. As shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 25A and 25B , the sliding plate  228  may include side notches  239  in which the width of the sliding plate  228  is decreased over at least a portion of the sliding plate  228 . In this manner, the sliding plate  228  can be retained between fasteners  256  installed into the captive nuts  262  of the mounting plate  227  in order to keep the sliding plate  228  in the appropriate alignment within the interior region of the pump enclosure  210 . The sliding plate  228  may also include one or more bores  249 , so that the fasteners  256  can be used to secure the sliding plate  228  to the mounting plate  227  when it is not desirable for the sliding plate  228  to move relative to the mounting plate  227 . When it is desired to move the sliding plate  228  relative to the mounting plate  227 , for example for service and/or maintenance of the pump and motor assembly  250 , the fasteners  256  installed through the bores  249  can be removed so that the sliding plate  228  is movable relative to the mounting plate  227 . Suitable lubricants and/or gliding mechanisms (not shown) can be installed between the sliding plate  228  and the mounting plate  227  to ensure smooth operation of the sliding plate  228  relative to the mounting plate  227 . 
         [0113]    Referring now to  FIGS. 18-20 , the pump enclosure  210  may also include a leak detector switch (not shown) that is configured to detect the presence of oil and/or water within the pump enclosure  210 , and provide an indication as to their presence. The pump enclosure  210  may also include a disconnect switch  234  mounted to a disconnect bracket  242 . The pump enclosure  210  may further include a supply inlet  214 , and a discharge outlet  217  that provide passageways through the pump enclosure  210 , but also provide for watertight connections between the flexible hose  212 , which may be braided stainless steel over a Teflon core with carbon steel fittings, and an oil supply and an oil discharge lines (not shown). The supple inlet  214  and the discharge outlet  217  may be inserted through the openings  224  in the rear cover  223 , or any other suitable openings made in the pump enclosure  210 . The flexible hose  212  may be connected to the pump and motor assembly  250  by one or more nipples  245  and unions  232  in order to provide a substantially leak tight connection between the supply inlet  214 , discharge outlet  217  and the pump and motor assembly  250 . The pump enclosure  210  may also include one or more nipples  221  connected to the body pipe  219  and attached to the body pipe  219  so as to provide water tight connections between electrical conduit  220  running to the pump enclosure  210 . The electrical conduit  220  may contain wiring for distributing power to the pump and motor assembly  250 , as well as wiring for the leak sensor (not shown). The pump enclosure  210  may further include a lifting lug  236  attached to the body pipe  219  in order to facilitate installation of the pump enclosure  210 . 
         [0114]    Referring now to  FIGS. 18-22  and  28 A- 28 C, the pump enclosure  210  may also include one or more mounting brackets  229  attached to an underside of the body pipe  219 . It is understood that underside is merely used for reference, and the positioning of the mounting brackets  229  are not limited to any particular location on the pump enclosure  210 . However, it is preferable that the mounting brackets  229  are positioned substantially parallel with the mounting plate  227  so that the mounting plate  227  may be substantially level with the surface on which the pump enclosure  210  may be installed. As shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 28A-28C , the mounting brackets  229  include a cutout portion  265  to provide cradle for the body pipe  219  to rest in on the mounting bracket  229 . It is understood that the cutout portion  265  should have substantially the same radius as the body pipe  219  so that as much of the body pipe  219  will be in contact with the mounting bracket  229  as possible. It is further understood that the body pipe  219  may be affixed to the mounting brackets  229  through any suitable welding and/or adhesive mechanism. The mounting brackets  229  may also include one or more bores  267  through which fasteners (not shown), such as bolts, screws, nails, pins, stakes, any combination thereof or the like may be inserted in order to attach the pump enclosure  210  to the surface on which it will be mounted. 
         [0115]    Referring now to  FIGS. 32-36 , another exemplary embodiment of a pump enclosure, generally indicated by reference numeral  310 , according to the present invention is shown. The pump enclosure  310  may include a substantially circular body pipe  319  that may be formed from epoxy-enamel painted carbon steel to form a hollow enclosure. The exemplary body pipe  319  that may be used with the pump enclosure  310  is shown by itself in  FIG. 44 . It is understood that while the body pipe  319  is shown with a substantially cylindrical configuration, the body pipe  319  may have any suitable shape and/or configuration in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0116]    Referring now to  FIGS. 32-36 ,  40 A- 40 C and  41 A- 41 B, the pump enclosure  310  may also include a flange  340  formed on one end of the body pipe  319 . As shown by  FIGS. 40B and 40C , the flange  340  may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the body pipe  319  so that the flange  340  provides a mounting surface for the body pipe  319 . The flange  340  may be integrally formed with the body pipe  319 , or constructed of a separate component, for example as shown in  FIGS. 41A and 41B , and affixed to the body pipe  319  through suitable welding and/or adhesive. As shown in  FIG. 41A , the flange  340  includes a plurality of bores  341  formed there through and positioned around the circumference of the flange  340 . The bores  341  may be positioned in any pattern or formation around the flange  340 , and it may be preferable that the bores  341  are positioned so that any fastening device, as discussed below, used on the flange  340  provides a substantially equal clamping pressure around the circumference of the flange  340 . 
         [0117]    Referring now to  FIGS. 32-36 ,  37 A- 37 B and  45 A- 45 B, the pump enclosure  310  may also include a cover plate  322  that is configured to be secured to the flange  340  by one or more suitable fasteners, such as a bolt  353  and nut  354  combination. It is understood that any suitable fastener may be used to secure the cover plate  322  to the flange  340 , but it is preferable that the fasteners are capable of releasing the cover plate  322  from the flange  340  through appropriate removable mechanisms and/or tools so that access to the interior of the pump enclosure  310  can be gained without substantial effort or difficulty. While a bolt  353  and nut  354  combination is provided as an example of a suitable fastener, it is understood that such combination is merely exemplary and that the fasteners may also include screws that engage with threads that may be present within the bores  341  of the flange  340 . A gasket  352 , as shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 45A-45B , for example a gasket made from neoprene rubber, may be placed between the cover plate  322  and flange  340  so as to provide a water tight connection between the cover plate  322  and the flange  340  so as to seal the pump enclosure  310 . The gasket  352  may include one or more bores  355  positioned around the circumference of the gasket  352  so that the fasteners  353 ,  354  may be inserted through the cover plate  322 , gasket  352  and flange  340 . Preferably, the bores  355  formed through the gasket  352  are positioned for alignment with the bores  341  formed in the flange  340 , and preferably the same number of bores  341  formed in the flange  340  are present in the gasket  352 . However, it is understood that additional bores  355  may be formed in the gasket  352  than those formed in the flange  340  so that alignment and installation of the gasket  352  on the flange  340  may be facilitated. Referring now more particularly to  FIGS. 37A and 37B , cover plate  322  may include one or more handles  347  to facilitate removal and installation of the cover plate  322 , and may also include one or more bores  325  positioned around the circumference of the cover plate  322  so that the fasteners  353 ,  354  may be inserted through the cover plate  322 , gasket  353  and flange  340 . The handles  347  may be formed from substantially U-shaped or C-shaped rod or bar, and securely affixed to the cover plate  322 . The one or more bores  325  are positioned around the cover plate  322  so that when the cover plate  322  is applied to the flange  340  the bores  341  on the flange  340  substantially align with the bores  325  on the cover plate  322  so that the fasteners  353 ,  354  can secure the cover plate  322  to the flange  340 . It is understood that the bores  325  on the cover plate  322  may be the same number as the bores  341  on the flange  340  or may be greater or lesser in number depending upon the desired application. 
         [0118]    Referring now to  FIGS. 32-36  and  43 A- 43 B, the pump enclosure  310  may also include a welded rear cover  323  positioned on an end of the body pipe  319  opposite the cover plate  322  and flange  340 . The rear cover  323  may be welded onto the body pipe  319  to form a substantially watertight and/or waterproof seal, and it is understood that additional waterproofing may be applied to the joint between the rear cover  323  and the body pipe  319  in order to ensure that there is a watertight and/or waterproof seal so that the interior region of the pump enclosure  310  is at least substantially leak proof. As shown in  FIG. 43A , the rear cover  323  may include one or more openings  324  that are configured and dimensioned to allow connections between the interior region of the pump enclosure  310  and items on the exterior of the pump enclosure. 
         [0119]    Referring now to  FIGS. 32-36 ,  38 A- 38 B and  39 A- 39 B, the pump enclosure  310  is configured to contain a pump and motor assembly  350 , such as model numbers LO-201 or LO-202 available from Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corp. of Danbury, Conn. The pump and motor assembly  350  may be mounted within the pump enclosure  310  on a mounting plate  327  that is secured to the body pipe  319 . The mounting plate  327  may be secured to the body pipe  319  through welds and/or adhesives, or may be attached to the body pipe  319  by suitable brackets (not shown). The mounting plate  327  may be installed in the interior region of the pump enclosure  310  so that it forms a chord of the circle formed by the body pipe  319 . It is preferable that the mounting plate  327  is installed in the body pipe  319  so that the mounting plate  327  is substantially level relative to a surface on which the pump enclosure  310  may be installed. As shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 38A and 38B , the mounting plate  327  may include one or more captive nuts  362 , that may be used to secure fasteners to the mounting plate  327 . While pump and motor assembly  350  may be attached directly to the mounting plate  327 , the pump and motor assembly  350  may alternatively be attached to a sliding plate  328  that is movable relative to the mounting plate  327  so that the pump and motor assembly  350  may be at least partially removed from the pump enclosure  310  for service and/or maintenance. As shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 39A and 39B , the sliding plate  328  may include side notches  339  in which the width of the sliding plate  328  is decreased over at least a portion of the sliding plate  328 . In this manner, the sliding plate  328  can be retained between fasteners  356  installed into the captive nuts  362  of the mounting plate  327  in order to keep the sliding plate  328  in the appropriate alignment within the interior region of the pump enclosure  310 . The sliding plate  328  may also include one or more bores  349 , so that the fasteners  356  can be used to secure the sliding plate  328  to the mounting plate  327  when it is not desirable for the sliding plate  328  to move relative to the mounting plate  327 . When it is desired to move the sliding plate  328  relative to the mounting plate  327 , for example for service and/or maintenance of the pump and motor assembly  350 , the fasteners  356  installed through the bores  349  can be removed so that the sliding plate  328  is movable relative to the mounting plate  327 . Suitable lubricants and/or gliding mechanisms (not shown), e.g, Teflon or nylon strips, can be installed between the sliding plate  328  and the mounting plate  327  to ensure smooth operation of the sliding plate  328  relative to the mounting plate  327 . 
         [0120]    Referring now to  FIG. 3234  the pump enclosure  310  may also include a leak detector switch (not shown) that is configured to detect the presence of oil and/or water within the pump enclosure  310 , and provide an indication as to their presence. The pump enclosure  310  may also include a disconnect switch  334  mounted to a disconnect bracket  342 . The pump enclosure  310  may further include a supply inlet  314 , and a discharge outlet  317  that provide passageways through the pump enclosure  310 , but also provide for watertight connections between the flexible hose  312 , which may be braided stainless steel over a Teflon core with carbon steel fittings, and an oil supply and an oil discharge lines (not shown). The supple inlet  314  and the discharge outlet  317  may be inserted through the openings  324  in the rear cover  323 , or any other suitable openings made in the pump enclosure  310 . The flexible hose  312  may be connected to the pump and motor assembly  350  by one or more nipples  345  and unions  332  in order to provide a substantially leak tight connection between the supply inlet  314 , discharge outlet  317  and the pump and motor assembly  350 . The pump enclosure  310  may also include one or more nipples  321  connected to the body pipe  319  and attached to the body pipe  319  so as to provide water tight connections between electrical conduit  320  running to the pump enclosure  310 . The electrical conduit  320  may contain wiring for distributing power to the pump and motor assembly  350 , as well as wiring for the leak sensor (not shown). The pump enclosure  310  may further include a lifting lug  336  attached to the body pipe  319  in order to facilitate installation of the pump enclosure  310 . 
         [0121]    Referring now to  FIGS. 32-36  and  42 A- 42 C, the pump enclosure  310  may also include one or more mounting brackets  329  attached to an underside of the body pipe  319 . It is understood that underside is merely used for reference, and the positioning of the mounting brackets  329  are not limited to any particular location on the pump enclosure  310 . However, it is preferable that the mounting brackets  329  are positioned substantially parallel with the mounting plate  327  so that the mounting plate  327  may be substantially level with the surface on which the pump enclosure  310  may be installed. As shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 42A-42C , the mounting brackets  329  include a cutout portion  365  to provide cradle for the body pipe  319  to rest in on the mounting bracket  329 . It is understood that the cutout portion  365  should have substantially the same radius as the body pipe  319  so that as much of the body pipe  319  will be in contact with the mounting bracket  329  as possible. It is further understood that the body pipe  319  may be affixed to the mounting brackets  329  through any suitable welding and/or adhesive mechanism. The mounting brackets  329  may also include one or more bores  367  through which fasteners (not shown), such as bolts, screws, nails, pins, stakes, any combination thereof or the like may be inserted in order to attach the pump enclosure  310  to the surface on which it will be mounted. 
         [0122]    It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above article without departing from the scope of this invention, it is intended that all matter contained in this disclosure or shown in the accompanying drawings, shall be interpreted, as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is to be understood that all of the present figures, and the accompanying narrative discussions of corresponding embodiments, do not purport to be completely rigorous treatments of the invention under consideration. It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5