Patent Application
20070248469
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
One aspect of this invention is to manufacture a shallow well jet pump 10 that has a simple, externally accessible, user-changeable nozzle system.
The jet pump 10 comprises an impeller 14, a fluid inlet port 15, a venturi tube 20 having an inlet opening 20a and an outlet opening 20b. The venturi tube 20 is disposed between the fluid inlet port 15 and the impeller 14. The jet pump 10 further includes a fluid outlet port 22, a pump cavity 24 disposed between the impeller 14 and the fluid outlet port 22, a return cavity 26, and an externally accessible retaining system 28 disposed between the return cavity 26 and the venturi tube 20. The retaining system 28 is adapted to receive any of a plurality of nozzles 16 of differing orifice dimensions. One nozzle can be removed and another nozzle installed without disassembly of the pump 10 and/or any piping (not shown) associated with the pump 10. Each of the plurality of nozzles 16 provides a pump output according to one of a respective plurality of pump performance curves.
In a preferred embodiment, the retaining system 28 is threaded to receive cooperatively threaded nozzles 16. Additionally the jet pump 10 includes a nozzle access hole 30 to permit access for removing and installing the respective nozzles 16. The jet pump 10 further includes a removable plug 32 for removably plugging the nozzle access hole 30.
The nozzle 16 has a configuration allowing it to be interchanged with a different size nozzle without disassembly of the pump 10. If the nozzle 16 is changed from a standard diameter orifice to a second nozzle 16′ having a larger diameter, the performance curve would become steeper. This would lend itself to be a better performing pump for someone drawing water from a deeper well. If the nozzle 16 is changed from a standard diameter orifice to a smaller diameter, the performance curve would become shallower. This would lend itself to be a better performing pump for someone boosting city water pressure.
The end user will be able to purchase a pump that can be easily modified to meet their specific application. The jet pump 10 can be supplied with one standard nozzle installed and a plurality of others of a different size in the pump box. The nozzle 16 includes an internal drive so that it can easily be removed and replaced with a tool having a conventional toolhead (i.e., allen, star, philips, or the like) without dismantling the pump 10. The fact that the nozzle 16 has an internal drive for ease of installation and removal is another unique feature of this pump. Alternatively the nozzle 16 could have an external drive.
While the preferred embodiment contemplates a threaded retaining system 28, the nozzle 16 could be retained such as by a snap ring, a press fit, an adhesive, or the lbike.
It is also contemplated that there could be a single, adjustable nozzle in the same case.
From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
This application claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/795,213, filed Apr. 25, 2006.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60795213 | Apr 2006 | US |
