Patent ID: 7284963

Claim:
A zero maintenance pump comprising: a motor having a motor housing and a motor drive shaft rotatably mounted in the motor housing; a shaft extension coupled to said motor drive shaft distal from said motor housing; a coupling element having a body with a first end and a second end opposite said first end, said body including a body wall defining an interior and an exterior, at least one slot is formed in said body wall, said coupling element including a flange coupled to said body wall proximate said first end, said coupling element being coupled to said motor housing at said flange proximate said motor drive shaft and said coupling element being disposed over said shaft extension; at least one sealing disc within said interior coupled to said coupling element and disposed over said shaft extension; a mesh element coupled to said body wall at said exterior, said mesh element configured to prevent debris from entering said interior; and a pump coupled to said coupling element proximate said second end.