Patent ID: 12257548

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a system and device for moving water vertically (such as up a column) or generally vertically to achieve a higher water pressure. The systems herein are generally referred to as “water pumping” systems, although many of the exemplary systems do not contain a traditional pump. “Water pumping systems,” therefore, mean any system that, overall, moves water against gravity (such systems can contain portions of the system that allow water to move with the forces of gravity).

As used herein, “proximal” refers to a portion of the system or device that is closer to a reverse osmosis filter, and “distal” refers to a portion of the system or device that is farther from the reverse osmosis filter. For example, the systems and methods herein may have an intake on a distal end and an exit on a proximal end, with the proximal end in fluid communication with a reverse osmosis filter.

Referring toFIGS.1-3, an exemplary system and method of moving water up a vertical column comprises a system10with an inner, deformable hose15suspended within an outer, rigid water column20. The hose15is deformable (i.e., compressible or contractible), and can alternate between a first configuration that is rigid or expanded and a second configuration that is flaccid or contracted. In general, the hose15may be expanded to a first, rigid configuration to allow salt water to enter into the hose15and fill the hose15. Water is moved up the column to utilize the high pressure found at the bottom of the water column to reduce or eliminate the energy necessary to pressurize salt water to be driven across a reverse osmosis membrane.

A one-way valve24at the base or distal end28of the hose is used in some examples to ensure that water enters at the base or distal end28of the hose15but does not exit through the distal end28. After the hose15is filled with salt water (either entirely or partially), one or more clamps33are clamped to the base or distal end28of the hose15. InFIG.1, clamps33are in an opened position, that is, not clamped onto hose15.

Clamp(s)33are attached to a buoyancy support37that can selectively rise up or proximally within the rigid column20. In other configurations, the buoyancy support37is not located within the column20. After clamps33are secured in a closed position around the inner hose15(FIG.2), buoyancy support37can begin to inflate and rise in the outer, rigid column20. As clamp(s)33rises (FIG.3), it compresses the deformable hose15and pushes up the salt water located within the hose15above the clamp(s) within the hose15. The buoyancy support37with its attached clamp(s)33continues to rise, raising the salt water within the hose15proximally, until the salt water within the hose15reaches a predetermined vertical height.FIG.3shows clamps33rising along an inner hose15within an outer water column20. For clarity,FIG.4shows clamps33rising along an inner hose15without an outer water column20.

At a predetermined vertical height, the hose15has a proximal end with an outlet42. The salt water within hose15exits the hose at the predetermined height through the outlet at the predetermined vertical height. The outlet could be at the proximal end of the hose15such that water spills into the outer column20, or the outlet could be an effluent pipe34, seeFIG.5. In some examples, when the salt water within the hose reaches the predetermined vertical height, the water has pressure to pass through a reverse osmosis filter. In other examples, the predetermined vertical height can be calculated based on other factors or desires.

After all water within the hose15is lifted to the predetermined height and exits the hose, the buoyancy support system37is deflated, and the roller(s)33is/are unclamped from the hose15. The roller(s)33fall to the bottom of the water column20. The compressible hose15is expanded, and water is again allowed to enter the hose. Once the hose is full of salt water, the roller clamp(s)33are clamped to the base of the hose and the process is repeated of lifting salt water to the predetermined vertical height with a sufficiently high pressure to overcome a reverse osmosis filter.

FIGS.6-7show top views of an open clamp configuration and closed clamp configuration, respectively. In this exemplary configuration, two clamps33are connected to the buoyancy support system37via a platform40. The exemplary ballast of the buoyancy support37is a torus-shaped and raises the platform40, and the clamps33are connected to the platform and therefore raise with the platform and buoyancy support system37. Swinging or rotatable arms39connect the clamps33to the platform40. Arms39can rotate to move the clamps33from the open configuration (FIG.6) with hose15in its rigid configuration, to the closed configuration (FIG.7) with hose15in its deformable configuration. Because hose is deformable, clamps33can fully close the hose15. As clamps33rise with the platform40and connected buoyancy support37, water within the hose15similarly rises.

Clamps can also be any other suitable type of compression device capable of closing the hose15. As used herein, “clamp” means any type of compression device. This may be a roller or another type of compression device. Any device capable of compressing or otherwise selectively closing the hose15is considered a “clamp” for purposes of this disclosure. In some examples, a clamp is not used.

For example, the hose15may be selectively inflated and deflated along sections of the hose to drive water within the hose15upward vertically or generally vertically within the hose. In this example a roller clamp is not needed as the hose itself also acts as the compression device. Another exemplary configuration used to drive water upwardly includes a one-way valve to let water enter hose15at the base or distal end28, and a one-way valve to allow water to exit the hose15at the proximal end. The hose15can first be made rigid and allowed to fill with water, and then be made flaccid. The water pressure exerted on the hose15from the water within the outer column20will compress hose15and will force water upward through the one-way exit valve at the proximal end. This example also does not require a clamp or compression device, as the water in the outer column20provides the pressure on hose15to drive water upwardly.

Rigid column20can be any suitable rigid pipe. In some examples, rigid column20is formed by drilling a hole into a mountain peak or hillside with a suitable elevation and the column20is located within the formed hole. In other configurations, a structure may be built to support the rigid column. Or rigid column20could be located within the ocean or another body of water. In applications where the pumping system is used within the ocean, a rigid outer pipe is not necessary.

Column20can have any suitable height. In some configurations, the column20has the height needed for water at the bottom of the column to have sufficient pressure to overcome a reverse osmosis filter. Or column can have a height that is needed for water at the bottom of an effluent pipe coming off the column to have sufficient pressure to overcome a reverse osmosis filter. The height can also be more or less depending on the desired application.

For example, for every 33 feet of depth, pressure increases by 1 atmosphere or 14.7 psi. The formula for pressure at depth is P=density of fluid gravity depth. Because the density of water and gravity are both constant it is a linear relationship between the pressure of water and depth (or in our case height) of water. In one exemplary configuration, the column20can be located in a mountain with a height of about 3,000 feet above sea level. If 1,200 feet above sea level is the minimum depth of the column, the column has around 1,800 feet of water. The pressure at the bottom of the column, then, is about 800 psi. If 750 feet above sea level is the maximum depth, the column has around 2,250 feet of water and the pressure at the bottom of the column is then around 1,000 psi. Depending on the pressure needs, the column height/depth can be adjusted.

With reference toFIGS.8-11, there are several variations for inner, deformable hose15. Inner hose15includes a distal end28for receiving water (i.e., an intake) and a proximal end26to allow water to exit (i.e., an outlet42). At the distal end28, a one-way valve24(shown inFIG.1) can be provided to ensure water only enters the hose15. A one-way valve can also be provided at the proximal end26to ensure water only exits the proximal end26. In other configurations, one-way valves are not used.

Deformable hose15can have a first, rigid, or filled position, and a second, flaccid, compressible, or unfilled position. These two positions can allow water to enter the distal end28of the hose15when the hose15becomes rigid in the first position, and once the hose15is flaccid again the hose15can be compressed with one or more clamps attached to buoyancy supports to raise the water in the inner hose15.

Hose15can alternate between the first, rigid position and the second, flaccid position in several ways. In one example, the hose15includes a series of air channels54that can be selectively filled to inflate the hose into the first, rigid position. Air channels can be filled with air, gas, water, or any other suitable liquid or gas to inflate the hose15. Air channels54can be selectively filled with air to inflate the hose15into the first, rigid position. In other examples water channels54can be used and selectively filled with water to inflate the hose15into the first, rigid position. Other configurations for water and/or air channels are possible. In one example, the air and/or water channels extend vertically in straight columns around the entire circumference of the hose15, or in another configuration the air and/or water channels extend vertically in straight columns around part of the circumference of the hose. Or, the hose15can be formed of rigid and semi-rigid materials to alternate between the first, rigid position and the second, flaccid position.

In some configurations, air channels54form a lattice.FIG.8shows a cross-sectional view of a hose15in the first, rigid position, with the air channels54filled.FIG.9Ashows a perspective view of a hose15with an air channel54that has a helical shape extending around an exterior surface56of the hose15.FIG.9Bshows a perspective view of a hose15with an air channel54formed of vertically joined “X” shapes extending around an exterior surface58of the hose15.FIG.10shows another configuration of the air channel54forming a lattice around the exterior surface of the hose15.FIG.11shows a similar configuration, with the lattice air channel54facing an interior lumen60of the hose15. Many other configurations can be used for the air channels54including rings, bars, connecting rings at an angle, two layers of hose quilted together, etc. Air channels54can be provided on hose15in any suitable configuration.

Air channels54can be in fluid communication with an air supply hose58for selectively inflating air channels54. An air release valve63can allow air to be removed from air channels54as needed and desired.FIGS.10-11show a configuration of hose15with an effluent pipe34for outlet on proximal end26. Effluent pipe34can be rigid, or deformable, or it can be formed in a similar manner to the hose15and have the ability to alternate between a first, rigid position and a second, deformable or flaccid position. Effluent pipe34can be oriented vertically, horizontally, or any other direction as desired.FIGS.10-11also illustrate that the inner hose15can be oriented horizontally, vertically, or any other direction as desired and depending on the particular application.

In use, the air channels54can be inflated by providing air through the air supply hose58. As the air channels54are inflated, the inner lumen the hose15can fill with salt water. Once the hose15has filled with the desired amount of salt water, the air channels54can be deflated through one or more air release valve(s)63. This would allow clamp(s)33to push the flaccid hose15inwardly and rise water within the flaccid hose15. Clamp(s)33can also roll or slide upwardly. In some examples, the air channels fill below the clamps or other compression means, and as the air channels fill from below, it also urges the clamps upwardly (and allows water to fill the hose below the clamps).

Water can enter the distal end47of the hose15several different ways. For example, a vacuum process can be used to fill the hose, or a density difference, or filling the hose with air. Negative pressure from a rising roller clamp assembly or a pump could be used to fill the first end or distal end47of the hose, as described in more detail below. If the hose15is in fluid communication with the saline water source (such as the ocean), the pressure from the source should raise the level of water within the hose15to the level of the source. If the hose15is in fluid communication with the ocean, the pressure from the ocean raises the level of water within the hose to sea level.

As the inner lumen60of the hose15takes on a negative pressure, it can draw water into the lumen60. When the inner lumen60is filled to the desired amount, air release valves63can be opened to move the hose15from the first, rigid position to the second, deformable position. As the hose15is collapsed, water can exit the proximal end (either spilling over the proximal end26, or through an effluent pipe34or other outlet on proximal end26).

Depending on the length of any individual segment of the hose15, the hose15can be used as a negative pressure chamber to aid in drawing water through a filter, or drawing water for transport. The length of the hose15can be adjusted depending on the particular needs for the application. For example, longer segments could be used for water transport over a longer distance or elevation/height.

FIG.12illustrates an exemplary vertical hose15used to transport water vertically up the hose15. A one-way valve24is provided on the distal end to allow water to enter the hose15. A one-way valve24is also provided on the proximal end to ensure water can only exit the hose15and not enter. Buoyancy support37, rather than being located in the same water column as hose15, is instead in connection with the clamps33through a pulley system65.

FIGS.13through20illustrate various exemplary methods of filling the hose15. In these examples, the hose15is in fluid communication with the ocean, and sea level is indicated by the horizontal dashed line70. While these methods are described as discrete solutions for clarity, a combination of the methods can be used to effectively draw water into the hose15, and other methods can also be used.

FIG.13illustrates that the incoming water will rise within the hose15to the sea level70.FIG.14illustrates an expansion of the inner lumen of the hose15. This expansion creates a negative pressure within the hose15and draws water upwardly within hose15.FIG.15shows clamps33clamping hose15and rising, creating a negative pressure to draw water upwardly within hose15.

FIGS.16-17show another exemplary configuration with a pump74formed of a portion of tubing or bag that has an expanded (FIG.16) and a contracted (FIG.17) position. One-way valves can be provided before and after pump74such that water can only enter the pump74on the distal end and only exit on the proximal end. The pump can achieve the expanded and contracted positions by various methods, such as inflating, or expansion through the use of specialized materials.

In some configurations, only a pump74can be used, and an expandable hose with a buoyancy support may not be needed. For example, pump74could be used in circumstances where the water column is higher than the discharge level. With reference toFIGS.18-19, a configuration with only a pump74is used. The pump is expanded to fill with water (FIG.18), and then contracts (FIG.19) to pump water from distal end of the pump to proximal end of the pump. The outlet which water is being pumped into comprises a hose or pipe77that is external from water column20in these configurations.

FIG.20shows a configuration with the hose and/or pipe77where water is rising can be internal to the water column20. For example, pipe77can be located on a side of the water column20as shown inFIG.20, or pipe77can be located in the center or any other positioned as desired for the particular configuration.

In configurations with rollers to move water up the hose15, various configurations of rollers are possible. For example, one roller may be used, or two or more rollers clamped together can be used.FIGS.21-22illustrates a configuration with one roller used. Hose15is positioned towards one side of column20, such that when roller33presses hose15when hose15is in the second, compressible configuration, the hose15collapses towards the side of the column20. Clamp33is attached to the buoyancy support.

With reference toFIGS.23-24, a configuration with two roller clamps33is shown. The roller clamps33are mounted on a frame80. The buoyancy support37can also be mounted to the frame80or otherwise connected to the clamps33. The roller clamps33are able to move laterally on frame80. The roller clamps33have a first, unclamped position (FIG.23) in which the hose15can be filled and the rollers are located towards the outer edge of the frame80. After the hose15is filled, the roller clamps33move to the second, clamped position toward the middle of the frame80(FIG.24).

Movement of the roller clamps from the first position towards the outer edge of the frame80, to the second position towards the middle of the frame80, can be achieved in multiple ways. For example, the roller clamps can be mechanically actuated with a motor, the rollers may be electromagnets which are attracted to each other and selectively activated, the rollers can be activated with an air driven piston, the rollers can be inflatable etc. In some embodiments the rollers are configured to move along a track. Or, the clamps33need not be rollers but can be mounted clamps33or other compression devices having other shapes and capable of closing and moving along the hose15, or simply capable of opening and closing. A series of clamps positioned along the length of the hose could move water proximally within hose15by opening and closing in a particular order.

Buoyancy support37can be attached to the frame80. One or more buoyancy supports can be used.FIGS.23-24show an exemplary buoyancy support that is torus-shaped. The buoyancy support can be selectively filled and has an unfilled configuration (FIG.23) and a filled configuration (FIG.24). In other configurations, the buoyancy support can have other shapes and sizes, and multiple buoyancy supports can be used as needed to provide the necessary lift to raise the water within hose15. When the buoyancy support has raised the water to the desired predetermined height, the buoyancy support37can be deflated, to allow the frame80with clamps33to lower relative to the hose15. Air release valves can be provided on the upper or top side of the buoyancy support. Air release valves can release air as needed to allow the buoyancy support37to deflated, and also release small amounts of air as the buoyancy support rises, because as the buoyancy support rises, the air within the buoyancy support expands.

Various configurations can be used to lift water up a hose15within a column20. In some configurations, a single water-raising device85(consisting of clamp(s)33with a buoyancy support37) can be used. In other configurations, sets of water-raising devices85can be used in conjunction to effectively move water up the hose15within column20. With reference toFIGS.25-29, an exemplary configuration of water being raised up a column is shown, with use of two water-rising devices. An upper water-raising device85aand a lower water raising device85bboth work in conjunction along hose15within column20. As explained in more detail below, the upper device85alowers as the lower device85braises, and the upper device85araises as the lower device85blowers.

Buoyancy supports37generally work as ballasts and are selectively inflated to increase the buoyancy of the clamps (and therefore raise water) or deflated to decrease the buoyancy of the clamps (and therefore drop the clamps). Other methods can also be used to raise water or other liquids within the system. Examples include Venturi tubs, varying sizes of alternating flaccid and rigid bags and hoses, etc., could be used. Or, in another example, the hose15itself can have sections that are alternately inflated and deflated to drive water upwardly within the hose15. A separate clamp/compression device with a buoyance support is not required in this example.

Several devices can be used as a water-raising device and are contemplated. In configurations where a buoyancy support37is used to raise a clamp33or other compression device, rigid buoyancy devices can be used. Rigid buoyancy devices do not change shape as water enters them to make them sink, and air enters them to make them rise. For example, ABS plastic barrel or other rigid materials can be used to form a buoyancy support. Or the buoyancy support can be compressible and/or non-rigid. In one example, the buoyancy support can include a buoyant ball that, when inflated, compresses the inner hose. As the inflated buoyant ball rises, it pushes all of the water in the inner hose15upwardly until it reaches an effluent pipe at the top of the inner hose.

In systems which are positioned in the ocean or other large body of water, a pump can include a large inflated bag that is underwater. When valves are opened to release air from the large inflated bag, it pushes water into a pipe and pumps water upward. Systems in the ocean or other large bodies of water may not include the outer rigid pipe20, because the ocean or large body of water provides the water to create necessary buoyancy.

FIGS.25-29show a schematic of one exemplary application of a water pumping system. Water to be desalinated can begin, for example, in the ocean87(FIG.25). Water can flow slightly downhill, as indicated by the arrows inFIG.25, through a pipe92, until it reaches the base of the water column20. Water column20in this exemplary application is located within a mountain peak or hill. At the base of the water column20, the water begins to rise and fill the hose15(such as by vacuum force, etc.) as shown inFIG.26. A lower water-raising device85bremains in the open configuration until the hose15is at the desired fullness.

Once the hose15is at the desired fullness, the lower water-raising device85bbegins to raise the water within the hose (FIG.27). This is done by the roller clamps33moving from the open position to the closed position, and the buoyancy support37adjusting from a deflated configuration to an inflated configuration. As the buoyancy support37inflates, it raises the frame80and roller clamps33. When the lower water-raising device85breaches the mid-point of the water column20, it meets the upper water-raising device85a. At this point, the upper water-raising device85ais in the open configuration and ready to accept water from the lower water-raising device85b.

After the upper portion of the hose has been filled by the water raised by the lower water-raising device85b, the upper water-raising device85then closes and begins to raise the water within the hose15to the top of the water column (FIG.28). This is done by moving the clamps33of the upper water-raising device from the open position to the closed position, and inflating the buoyancy support37to raise the frame80and the attached roller clamps33. As water reaches the top of the water column20, it exits an effluent pipe34. At the base of the effluent pipe34, a reverse osmosis filter89can be provided. The water at the base of the effluent pipe34can have sufficient pressure to overcome the pressure needed to pass through the reverse osmosis filter89.

In some examples, water spills or exits directly from the inner hose to the outer column20. In other examples, water spills or exits through an effluent pipe that is near or slightly below the water level in the column20. Water exiting through an effluent pipe can allow a reverse osmosis filter to be placed at any convenient location downstream, which can make access easier for maintenance and construction. Additionally, water to be desalinated can also pass through one or more pre-filters before it passes through the reverse osmosis filter.

Several applications of the water pumping systems described herein are possible, and the applications can be varied depending on access to salt water and geography.FIGS.30-34show various other examples of how water pumping systems described herein can be used in a wide variety of applications and settings.FIG.30shows an exemplary application of a water pumping system in the ocean at the surface above with desalination chambers underwater.FIG.31shows an exemplary freestanding tank in which contains water pumping systems and desalination chambers.FIG.32shows an exemplary application of a water pumping system using a column of water inside of a mountain surface, similar toFIGS.25-29above.FIG.33shows an exemplary application of a water pumping system using desalination chambers at the depth under seawater with fresh water raised underground to the surface using the water pumping systems described herein.

FIG.34shows exemplary application of a water pumping system that raises seawater to an artificial seawater reservoir. The bottom of the reservoir contains desalination chambers. Or, the water can first pass through a reverse osmosis filter and then drop to a reservoir. In configurations where the water passes through the reverse osmosis membrane and still needs to fall an additional amount to reach a reservoir, it can also be possible to generate electricity using the potential energy of the water as it falls. There are also many options for use of saline after water passes through a reverse osmosis filter. For example, it can be returned to the sea, or harvested for salt and minerals.

FIGS.35-38, alternate configurations of the system for moving water are disclosed. For example, inFIGS.35-36, a roller clamp33is also the buoyancy support37. That is, the clamp33and the buoyancy support37are integral. A frame91holds two selectively inflatable buoyancy supports37in close proximity. The frame91can have a width that is generally the same width as the hose15, or slightly smaller or slightly larger. The width of the selectively inflatable buoyancy supports37may be about half the width of the frame, such that the inflatable buoyancy supports touch when they are in the inflated position. As the selectively inflatable buoyancy supports37are inflated (FIG.35), they both rise and also clamp against the hose15. As the buoyancy supports37are deflated (FIG.36), the inner hose15can again fill with water.

FIGS.37-38show alternate configurations for moving water up a column which is not exactly vertical, but is generally vertical. As seen inFIG.37, the column20has a generally sloped, upward rise. As the buoyancy device37(or other method of causing water to rise, such as any of the methods described above), tries to rise in the most vertical direction, it will also move horizontally along the column20to rise vertically. The clamps33can be any of the clamps as described above, or can be buoyancy clamps shown inFIGS.35-36.

FIG.38shows another example of a generally vertical or sloped column20. In this exemplary configuration, the hose15is positioned towards one side of the rigid outer column20. On the side opposite of the hose15, a rigid frame91′ is connected to one or more rollers93that move along the column20. A selectively inflatable and/or retractable compression device95is also attached to the rigid frame91′ to compress the hose15. A buoyancy support37is connected to the frame91′ and can be selectively inflated to cause the frame and connected compression device95to move up the column20.

FIG.39shows another example of a system that can be used above ground, with the roller clamp and buoyancy apparatus37located within an above-ground water reservoir20a. The water reservoir is above a rigid pipe92, with the rigid pipe in connection with a deformable hose15located inside the water reservoir. The rigid pipe may be located, for example, below ground. One or more other aspects described above, such as various types of buoyancy systems, one-way valves, etc., can also be used in combination with this system. In this system, the rigid pipe located underground may be primed to further drive water upward. For example, an electric pump or traditional water pipe may be used to prime the rigid pipe located underground.

FIG.40shows another example of a system that can be used above ground. In this system, a below-ground or generally below-ground rigid pipe92is in connection with a hose15(either a deformable hose or a rigid hose) located inside an above-ground a water reservoir20a, similar to the system shown inFIG.39. But rather than a roller clamp attached to a buoyancy bag, a clamp is raised and lowered along the deformable hose using a lever-driven piston. This can be a piston pump, a plunger pump, etc. The pump is driven by one or more buoyancy bags which are attached to the handle100of the pump and located within the water in the water reservoir20a. The handle100moves in the directions indicated by the arrows inFIG.40.

FIGS.41-47illustrate an exemplary system that uses a bolus pumping, or alternating flaccid and rigid hose15a. The expanding of the alternating flaccid and rigid hose can be accomplished by any suitable means, such as air, water, mechanical expansion, hydraulic fluid, electroshapable materials, magnetorheological fluid, electrorheological fluid, smart fabrics, etc., and all are contemplated. Those with skill in the art of materials engineering will understand that the disclosure is not limited to a particular method of accomplishing an alternating flaccid and rigid hose. The hose15agenerally includes an inner lumen60aand one or more segments that are selectively inflatable and deflatable that are in communication with the inner lumen60a. Inflating and deflating the segments causes the volume of the inner lumen60ato change.

FIGS.41-47illustrate how water can be driven upwards in a hose15aby creating a peristaltic motion by selectively inflating and deflating chambers (labeled a-p, successively, inFIG.41) within the hose15a.FIG.41illustrates a hose15athat has section a deflated. Water is in both the outer lumen and the inner lumen, or in other words, water is present inside the hose and also outside the hose creating pressure on the hose. Outside the hose15a, the water level is above the level of discharge for the water from inside the hose15a. Each segment of the hose15ais able to be independently inflated and deflated (by any suitable means, as discussed above). As segment a is deflated, water enters segment a.

FIG.42illustrates the hose ofFIG.41, now with segment b deflated. As segment b deflates, water moves upwardly from segment a to segment b. Water pressure at segment b is higher outside the hose15athan inside the hose15a. Therefore water pressure at segment b is greater outside the hose than the pressure inside the hose15ain segment c, and water will move upward towards the next successive segment.

FIG.43shows that now segment c has been deflated, with segment a re-inflated. Water that had filled segments a and b now moves into segment c. As a segment re-inflates, it draws water from below the segment. In the case of segment a, segment a may be below sea level, or the pressure below segment a is at least greater than the relative negative pressure created by the inflation of segment a.

FIG.44shows that segment d is now deflated, allowing water to flow upward from segment c into segment d (and water from segment b into segment c). Segment b is also re-inflated, pushing water upwardly from segment b into segment c.

FIG.45shows segment e now deflated, allowing water to flow upward from segment d into segment e. Segment c is also re-inflated, pushing water upwardly from segment c into segment d.

FIG.46shows segments g and h, and c and d deflated, with segments a and b, and e and f, re-inflated. Boluses of water thus travel upwardly along the hose15aas the segments alternatively inflate and deflated.

FIG.47shows segments a, d and e, and h and i deflated, with segments b and c, and f and g, re-inflated. The boluses of water continue to travel upwardly along the hose15auntil they reach the outlet of the hose (which is below the water level of the water outside hose15a).

The figures show two or more boluses of water traveling up the hose15a, with two or more segments of the hose15abeing selectively inflated and/or deflated in conjunction. In some embodiments, one segment of the hose15ais selectively inflated and/or deflated, two segments of the hose15aare selectively inflated and/or deflated in conjunction, three or more segments may be inflated and/or deflated in conjunction, or any number of segments may be inflated and deflated to achieve the desired movement of water upwardly in the hose15a.

The description is only exemplary of the principles of the disclosure, and should not be viewed as narrowing the scope of the claims which follow, which claims define the full scope of the invention. Various aspects discussed in one drawing may be present and/or used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in another drawing, and each element shown in multiple drawings may be discussed only once. The described features, structures, or characteristics of configurations of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more configurations. In some cases, detailed description of well-known items or repeated description of substantially the same configurations may be omitted to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art by avoiding an unnecessarily redundant description. All statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

Reference in the specification to “one configuration” “one embodiment,” “a configuration” “an example,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the configuration is included in at least one configuration, but is not a requirement that such feature, structure or characteristic be present in any particular configuration unless expressly set forth in the claims as being present. The appearances of the phrase “in one configuration” or “in one example” in various places may not necessarily limit the inclusion of a particular element of the disclosure to a single configuration, rather the element may be included in other or all configurations discussed herein.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, singular forms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” may include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a clamp” may include one or more of such clamps, and reference to “the buoyancy support” may include reference to one or more of such supports.

As used herein, the term “generally” refers to something that is more of the designated adjective than not, or the converse if used in the negative. As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint while still accomplishing the function associated with the range, for example, “about” may be within 10% of the given number or given range. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member.

Numerical data may be expressed in a range format. This range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a numerical range of “about 5 to about 60” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 6, 7, 8, 9, etc., through 60, and sub-ranges such as from 10-20, from 30-40, and from 50-60, etc., as well as each number individually. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described.

While methods are described herein in discrete steps in a particular order for the sake of clarity, the steps do not require a particular order and more than one step may be performed at the same time. For example, a later step may begin before earlier step completes. Or, a later step may be completed before an earlier step is started. Additionally, the word “connected” and “coupled” is used throughout for clarity of the description and can include either a direct connection or an indirect connection.

Although the foregoing disclosure provides many specifics, such as use of the system in pumping water, it will be appreciated that other applications are contemplated and these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the ensuing claims. For example, the system can be used to move water vertically or generally vertically or even horizontally. The system can also be used to move fluids other than water, or to move fresh water. Other applications could include using the pumping system to raise water out of an aquafer. Other embodiments and configurations may be devised which do not depart from the scopes of the claims. Features from different embodiments and configurations may be employed separately or in combination. Accordingly, all additions, deletions and modifications to the disclosed subject matter that fall within the scopes of the claims are to be embraced thereby. The scope of each claim is indicated and limited only by its plain language and the full scope of available legal equivalents to its elements.

Furthermore, if any references have been made to patents and printed publications throughout this disclosure, each of these references and printed publications are individually incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.