Fluidic pumping systems with control means responsive to liquid level

Claim 1

A fluidic pumping system comprising a vessel for a liquid to be pumped, a reverse flow diverter positioned at a level below the level of the liquid to be pumped to receive liquid from the vessel, a charge vessel, a delivery pipe, said reverse flow diverter operatively positioned between the charge vessel and the delivery pipe, compressed gas supply means for the system, and control means connected to the gas supply means for effecting alternate pressurizing and venting of the charge vessel to effect pumping of the liquid, the control means including a conduit communicating with the charge vessel, pressure-responsive means for detecting the liquid level at at least one position in the operating cycle of the pump system, valve means operable in response to signals generated by the pressure-responsive means for effecting said alternate pressurizing and venting of the charge vessel, the control means further comprising a primary controller having an air drive pump connected to the conduit and a suction pump connected to the vessel for liquid to be pumped, and a secondary controller comprising the valve means and the pressure-responsive means, the primary controller, charge vessel, reverse flow diverter, and vessel for liquid to be pumped being located within a shield.