WO2009114001A1

WO2009114001A1 - Integrated pump priming system

Info

Publication number: WO2009114001A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/056378
Authority: WO
Inventors: John J. Alberts, Iii; James D. Jakubos
Original assignee: Rexair Llc
Priority date: 2008-03-10
Filing date: 2008-03-10
Publication date: 2009-09-17
Also published as: US20110318196A1

Abstract

A vacuum accessory (100) and a pump motor assembly (200) are disclosed. An exemplary pump motor assembly (200) includes a motor having a housing (202). The motor drives a pump impeller (206). The pump motor assembly (200) further includes a primer assembly (208) secured to the motor, the primer assembly (208) defining an impeller cavity (210) receiving the pump impeller (206). The primer assembly (208) includes a primer cavity (212) in fluid communication with the impeller cavity (210), and a fluid inlet (214) in fluid communication with the primer cavity (212). The fluid inlet (214) is configured to receive fluid from a fluid reservoir (104), and the pump impeller (206) is configured to pump the fluid from the impeller cavity (210) when the motor is driven.

Description

INTEGRATED PUMP PRIMING SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

[0001] Industrial and commercial vacuums typically are available with a variety of accessories that have specialized uses. These may include smaller attachments for the vacuum, such as nozzles or brushes of various shapes and sizes, for providing a specific suction power and cleaning ability for a particular use. Larger, more complex accessories may also be provided such as a floor cleaner accessory. The floor cleaner accessory generally is secured to the main vacuum in order to employ the suction power of the vacuum to draw debris away from the floor surface. Typically, the floor cleaner accessory provides moving bristles or other devices which physically interact with the floor surface to remove or sweep up debris into a flow of air generated by the main vacuum that draws the debris into the housing of the main vacuum.

[0002] Some floor cleaning accessories for vacuums may apply a cleaning solution or other liquid, e.g., water, to the floor surface to enhance the ability of the accessory to clean a particular floor surface. For example, a cleaning solution may be applied to a carpet surface, which is then vacuumed with the accessory, thereby drawing debris away and also the cleaning solution. Cleaning solutions in various forms may treat stains in the carpet, providing a more thorough cleaning of the carpet or other floor surface.

[0003] Floor cleaning accessories that employ a cleaning solution are generally complex, as the accessories must not only be capable of drawing away moisture in the form of cleaning solutions and water, as examples, but must also be equipped with a pumping mechanism to apply a liquid, e.g., the cleaning solution, to the floor surface prior to vacuuming. Floor cleaning accessories that employ cleaning solutions in a pre-treating step are therefore relatively expensive to design and manufacture. Further, known mechanisms for pumping cleaning solutions take up a relatively large amount of space within and add significant weight to the floor cleaning accessory itself, making the floor cleaning accessories less user-friendly.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a simplified pumping mechanism capable of pumping liquids to a remote site, while allowing for a compact layout that is relatively lightweight, thereby improving the ease of use of an accessory employing the pumping mechanism. SUMMARY

[0005] Various exemplary illustrations of a vacuum accessory and a pump motor assembly are disclosed. An exemplary vacuum accessory includes a pump motor assembly, a vacuum line configured to supply a vacuum pressure to the pump motor assembly, and a fluid reservoir configured to supply a fluid to the pump motor assembly. An exemplary pump motor assembly includes a motor having a housing. The motor drives a pump impeller. The pump motor assembly further includes a primer assembly secured to the motor, the primer assembly defining an impeller cavity receiving the pump impeller. The primer assembly includes a primer cavity in fluid communication with the impeller cavity and a fluid inlet that is in fluid communication with the primer cavity. The fluid inlet is configured to receive fluid from a fluid reservoir, and the pump impeller is configured to pump the fluid from the impeller cavity when the motor is driven.

[0006] According to a first exemplary illustration, an exemplary pump motor assembly may include a pump impeller that is fixed to a shaft of the motor for rotation therewith, the shaft disposed partially within the housing and extending out of the housing. According to a second exemplary illustration, a pump motor assembly may include at least two fluid passages extending between the primer cavity and the impeller cavity, each of the fluid passages allowing fluid communication between the primer cavity and the impeller cavity. According to a third exemplary illustration, a pump motor assembly may include a primer assembly having a float ball disposed within the primer cavity, and a vacuum port configured to receive a vacuum pressure, thereby drawing fluid from the fluid inlet into at least one of the impeller cavity and the primer cavity. The float ball may be configured to prevent fluid from freely flowing out of the vacuum port when the primer cavity is filled with fluid. Additionally, the float ball and the vacuum port may cooperate to allow air from the primer cavity to purge through an interface between the float ball and the vacuum port when the primer cavity contains an amount of fluid sufficient to push the float ball against the vacuum port.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] While the claims are not limited to the illustrated embodiments, an appreciation of various aspects is best gained through a discussion of various examples thereof. Referring now to the drawings, illustrative embodiments are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent the embodiments, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an embodiment. Further, the embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limiting or restricting to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail by referring to the drawings as follows.

[0008] FIG. 1 is an exploded front perspective view of a floor cleaning vacuum accessory;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a cutaway rear perspective view of a pump motor assembly in a main housing of the vacuum accessory;

[0010] FIG. 3 A is an exploded front perspective view of the pump motor assembly of FIG. 2;

[001 IJ FIG. 3B is a section view of the pump motor assembly of FIG. 2, taken along lines 3B-3B of FIG. 3 A;

[ΘΘ12] FIG. 3C is a closeup view of a portion of FIG. 3B; and

[0013] FIG. 4 is an exemplary process flow diagram.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Reference in the specification to "an exemplary illustration", and "example" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the exemplary approach is included in at least one illustration. The appearances of the phrase "in an illustration" or similar type language in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same illustration or example.

[0015] Turning now to FIG. 1, an exemplary floor cleaning vacuum accessory 100 is shown. Floor cleaning vacuum accessory 100 includes a main body 102 that supports a fluid reservoir 104. Main body 102 may include wheels or any mechanism for allowing main body 102 to be rolled across a floor surface for cleaning. Fluid reservoir 104 may generally contain any type of liquid used for cleaning floor surfaces, e.g., water, a cleaning solution, or the like. Floor cleaning vacuum accessory 100 may further include a suction wand 106 which extends away from the main body 102. Suction wand 106 generally provides an attachment for a power cord 108 and an accessory attachment hose 110. Accessory attachment hose 110 is configured to be attached to a main vacuum (not shown) in order to supply suction and/or electrical power, via power cord 108, to floor cleaning vacuum accessory 100 and/or main body 102. Suction wand 106 is in fluid communication with attachment hose 110 and main body 102, thereby generally providing vacuum pressure or suction from the main vacuum (not shown) to main body 102. Suction wand 106 may be generally rigid, and further may be pivotable or otherwise moveable relative to main body 102 Io allow for main body 102 to be manipulated or translated across floor surfaces for cleaning.

[0016] Turning now to FIG. 2, which is a rear perspective cutaway view of the main body 102 shown in FIG. I₅ a pump motor assembly 200 is illustrated. Pump motor assembly 200 is generally housed within or supported by main body 102, and is configured to pump liquid from the fluid reservoir 104 (not shown in FIG. 2) to the floor surface for cleaning. For example, pump motor assembly 200 may apply a cleaning solution to the floor surface immediately prior to passing main body 102 over the floor surface, thereby allowing the cleaning solution to generally dissolve or break up debris, stains, etc. prior to application of vacuum suction with main body 102, thereby enhancing the cleaning power of floor cleaning vacuum accessory 100. Pump motor 200 is in fluid communication with reservoir 104 via a fluid inlet 214, and pumps fluid out of a fluid outlet 222, as will be further described below. A vacuum port 216 is provided on pump motor assembly 200, which is in fluid communication with suction wand 106, such that a vacuum pressure from a main vacuum may be selectively applied to the vacuum port 216. Each of fluid inlet 214, fluid outlet 222, and vacuum port 216 may be provided with hoses (not shown) to allow each of fluid inlet 214, fluid outlet 222, and vacuum port 216 to be in fluid communication with various other parts of vacuum accessory 100, e.g., fluid reservoir 104, an exit port (not shown) of main body 102 that applies cleaning solution to a floor surface, or suction wand 106, merely as examples. Pump motor assembly 200 may also drive any belts or spindles that may in turn drive a brush or other device to scrub a floor surface, as will be further described below.

[0017] Turning now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, pump motor assembly 200 is shown in further detail. Pump motor assembly 200 generally includes a housing 202 that may include a first half 202a and a second half 202b. The first and second halves of housing 202 may generally enclose a shaft 204, such that shaft 204 is disposed generally within the housing 202. Further, shaft 204 may extend out of the housing 202 to allow attachment of any mechanism desired to be rotated by shaft 204. For example, the shaft 204 may generally drive a pump impeller and/or auxiliary cleaning devices, e.g., a rotating brush, of the floor cleaning vacuum accessory 100, as will be described further below. The shaft 204 may be fixed to or formed with an electromagnet or any other mechanism for generally turning shaft 204 about its axis. Accordingly, pump motor assembly 200 may generally be an electric motor mechanism that runs on electrical power, for example by power supplied by a main vacuum (not shown) through attachment cord 110 and/or power cord 108.

[0018] Pump motor assembly 200 further includes a pump primer assembly 208. Pump primer assembly 208 generally includes a main housing 209 and a cap 21 1. Primer assembly 208 generally houses a pump impeller 206. The pump impeller 206 may secured to an end of shaft 204 and fixed for rotation therewith, such that the pump motor assembly 200 selectively drives the pump impeller 206 directly by the shaft 204. Alternatively, shaft 204 may be used to drive ancillary mechanisms, e.g., additional shafts, gears, etc., that in turn rotate a pump impeller 206. In other words, pump impeller 206 need not be directly fixed to shaft 204. Pump impeller 206 is received in an impeller cavity 210 of primer assembly 208, and thus rotates within impeller cavity 210 according to the rotation of shaft 204. Pump impeller 206 may be a centrifugal pump impeller, such that pump impeller 206 generally forces fluid inside impeller cavity 210 against outer walls of the impeller cavity, thereby creating an elevated pressure in the fluid and driving the fluid out of the impeller cavity 210, such as through fluid outlet 222.

[0019] Primer assembly 208 further includes a primer cavity 212 that provides a pump priming function generally to the pump motor assembly 200, e.g., to pump impeller 206 in the impeller cavity 210. For example, primer cavity 212 may generally be in fluid communication with impeller cavity 210 via one or more passages 220 that extend between primer cavity 212 and impeller cavity 210. As shown in FIG. 3B, passages 220 may include two passages 220a and 220b. The provision of at least two passages generally prevents vapor lock that may occur during fluid exchange between impeller cavity 210 and primer cavity 212, such as when either of impeller cavity 210 or primer cavity 212 are being filled with liquid, or when air bubbles may accumulate within either impeller cavity 210 or primer cavity 212, as further described below. Additionally, the provision of multiple passages generally increases the speed with which impeller cavity 210 and/or primer cavity 212 may be filled with liquid. In other words, multiple passages extending between impeller cavity 210 and primer cavity 212 generally increase the speed at which the pump motor assembly 200 may be primed, and also generally prevent vapor lock between the primer cavity 212 and the impeller cavity 210, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the pump motor assembly 200 in supplying cleaning fluid from fluid reservoir 104 to a desired cleaning site. The upper passage 220a generally allows fluid communication between primer cavity 212 and an upper portion of impeller cavity 210. The lower passage 220b generally communicates between a lower portion of primer cavity 212 and a lower portion of impeller cavity 210. Accordingly, whenever the primer cavity 212 is generally filled with fluid, fluid will be drawn or run into impeller cavity 210 through passages 220a,b such that whenever primer cavity 212 is filled with liquid, impeller cavity 210 will therefore also be filled with liquid. Primer cavity 212 thus generally maintains a level of fluid within impeller cavity 210 sufficient to allow effective pumping of a fluid from the impeller cavity 210. Accordingly, when the primer cavity 212 is generally filled with liquid, the pump priming assembly 208 will generally be in a "primed" state wherein fluid may be pumped from the fluid reservoir 104 to the desired cleaning site.

[0020] Fluid inlet 214, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3A, may generally receive fluid from fluid reservoir 104 by way of a flexible hose or tubing, or any other mechanism for conveying fluid from the fluid reservoir 104 to the fluid inlet 214. Vacuum port 216 generally receives a vacuum pressure from the main vacuum (not shown). For example, suction wand 106 may be placed in fluid communication with vacuum port 216 and the interior of attachment hose 110, thereby providing suction received from a main vacuum (not shown) to the vacuum port 216. When the vacuum port 216 is in communication with a vacuum pressure, fluid from the fluid reservoir 104 is drawn into the impeller cavity 21O₅ through the passages 220, and into the primer cavity 212 by the vacuum pressure, generally filling each of the impeller cavity 210 and the primer cavity 212 with the fluid. Passages 220 generally allow fluid communication between impeller cavity 210 and primer cavity 212, thereby priming the pump mechanism by maintaining a level of fluid within impeller cavity 210 sufficient to allow pump impeller 206 to expel liquid from the impeller cavity 210 when the pump impeller 206 is driven by the motor assembly 200. Further, passages 220 allow air bubbles that may propagate within the impeller cavity 210 to be drawn into the primer cavity 212, thereby maintaining a level of fluid sufficient to allow pump impeller 206 to effectively draw fluid from the fluid reservoir 104 and expel fluid out of the impeller cavity 210. Accordingly, fluid may be effectively and continuously pumped from the fluid reservoir 104 and/or impeller cavity 210 to the desired cleaning site, despite propagation of air bubbles within any part of vacuum accessory 100, such as when fluid reservoir 104 is nearly emptied, or when vacuum accessory 100 is jostled, merely as examples.

[0021] Primer assembly 208 further includes a float ball 218 that is disposed within the primer cavity 212. Float ball 218 may be formed of any generally bouyant material, such that float ball 218 generally rises and falls according to the amount of fluid contained within primer cavity 212. In one known example, float ball 218 is formed of a hard plastic material, e.g., a polypropylene material. Float ball 218 is generally sized to rise and fall within the primer cavity 212, and generally obstruct the flow of fluid, particularly of water or other cleaning solutions, out of primer cavity 212 when the float ball 218 rises to an upper portion of the primer cavity 212. For example, float ball 218 generally may abut against or otherwise obstruct vacuum port 216, thereby preventing the vacuum pressure applied to vacuum port 216 from drawing significant amounts of water or cleaning fluid out of primer cavity 212, as further described below. Accordingly, float ball 218 generally prevents fluid from freely flowing out of the vacuum port 216 when the primer cavity 212 is filled with fluid. As shown in FIG. 3 B, float ball 218 generally rises to an upper portion of end cap 211, thereby generally obstructing vacuum port 216 and preventing fluid from being drawn out of primer cavity 212 by the vacuum pressure. Float ball 218 may be configured to releasably seal against vacuum port 216, or allow for at least a small amount of fluid to escape between the float ball 218 and the vacuum port 216, and into the suction wand 106 and/or attachment hose 110. In other words, float ball 218 generally nearly entirely prevents fluid from flowing out of vacuum port 216, but may preferably does not absolutely prevent fluid from flowing out of vacuum port 216. A perfect vacuum seal that allows no fluid whatsoever to escape between the float ball 218 and the vacuum port 216 may not be desirable because air bubbles contained within primer cavity 212 would not be allowed to escape. Air could then accumulate within primer cavity 212, reducing the effectiveness of the primer assembly 208 at maintaining pump motor assembly 200 in a primed state where it may effectively draw fluid from reservoir 104 and expel fluid from impeller cavity 210.

[0022] Accordingly, a generally imperfect or releasable seal between float ball 218 and vacuum port 216 generally may increase the effectiveness of primer assembly 208 at maintaining the pump motor assembly 200 in a primed state. A generally imperfect or releasable seal between float ball 218 and vacuum port 216 may be thought of as allowing a small amount of fluid to escape from primer cavity 212, at least to the extent that air bubbles that propagate within primer cavity 212 are generally drawn out of the primer cavity 212 by a vacuum pressure applied to vacuum port 216, and do not accumulate to the extent that the pump motor assembly 200 reaches an "unprimed" state where it does not effectively expel fluid from impeller cavity 210. Such an imperfect or releasable seal between the vacuum port 216 and the float ball 218 may be provided, merely as one example, by shaping the float ball 218 and or the vacuum port 216 to allow air bubbles accumulating within primer cavity 212 to be drawn out of vacuum port 216. For example, a surface detail, such as a graining pattern or a groove, on either vacuum port 216 or float ball 218, or both, will generally allow air bubbles to slip between the float ball 218 and the vacuum port 216, and be drawn into the suction wand 106 and/or attachment hose 1 10. In other words, a minimal amount of fluid communication may occur between primer cavity 212 and suction wand 106 and/or attachment hose 110, and ultimately a main vacuum (not shown), through grooves, undulations, or any other features formed in, merely as examples, an outer surface of float ball 218 or vacuum port 216. Further, this fluid communication may include not only air bubbles that propagate within primer cavity 212, but also an amount of cleaning fluid or water contained within primer cavity 212. While it is generally not desirable to draw significant amounts of cleaning fluid or water out of primer cavity 212, as the cleaning fluid or water may interfere with the operation of the vacuum accessory 100 and/or main vacuum by fouling or damaging internal components thereof, a small or otherwise insignificant amount may nonetheless be drawn out of primer cavity 212 along with air bubbles within primer cavity 212. Generally an amount of fluid drawn out of primer cavity 212 should be minimized to the extent it can be prevented while not interfering with the primary function of the primer cavity 212 in allowing air bubbles to be drawn out of the primer cavity 212. Accordingly, a balance may be struck between maximizing the general effectiveness of the primer assembly 208 in maintaining a pump motor assembly 200 in a primed state, and minimizing durability risks resulting from cleaning fluid or water that is drawn out of primer assembly 212 and into suction wand 106 and/or attachment hose 1 10.

[0023] Turning now to FIG. 3 C, an example of an imperfect seal between float ball 218 and vacuum port 216 is illustrated where a groove 219 is provided on float ball 218, such that air bubbles may be drawn from a lower portion of primer cavity 212 and into vacuum port 216. While groove 219 is shown in exaggerated form as being visible in FIG. 3C for the purposes of illustration, one or more very small grooves, graining patterns, or slight misalignments between float ball 218 and vacuum port 216 may be provided, even to such a degree that the grooves, graining patters, or misalignments are not visible to the naked eye, that will allow air bubbles to be drawn away to effectively maintain pump motor assembly 200 in a primed state. Accordingly, a groove 219 need not be as large as shown in FIG. 3 C, or even visible to the naked eye, in order to properly allow air bubbles to flow from the primer cavity 212 and through the vacuum port 216. [0024J Primer assembly 208 may be configured to generally allow fluid to drain out of pump motor assembly and/or primer assembly 208 when vacuum pressure is removed from vacuum port 216. For example, primer cavity may be disposed generally above outlet port 222, such that fluid drains out of primer cavity 212 by way of outlet port 222. Outlet port 222 generally provides an outlet for fluid that is pumped by the impeller 206, e.g., Io a floor surface that is being cleaned by vacuum accessory 100. Outlet port 222 may include a check valve or one-way flow valve (not shown) that generally allows fluid to flow out of the outlet port 222, while preventing fluid from flowing back into the primer cavity 212 and/or impeller cavity 210.

[0025] Primer assembly 208 may include any devices or parts for generally sealing the pump impeller cavity 210 and primer cavity 212, thereby allowing fluid communication between the two, preferably with a minimum of leaking, and also generally preventing fluid from reaching and/or damaging internal components of vacuum accessory 100, e.g., electrical components of pump motor assembly 200. For example, primer assembly may include a rotary pump seal 224, as best seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Rotary pump seal 224 generally provides a water tight seal between pump impeller 206 and the pump motor assembly 200, especially electrical components of the pump motor assembly 200, thereby preventing leakage of fluid from impeller cavity 210. In other words, rotary pump seal 224 generally prevents fouling or contamination of the pump motor assembly 200 with cleaning fluid and/or other liquids that are pumped by pump motor assembly 200. Primer assembly 208 further includes an o-ring seal 226 that generally seals a perimeter of the impeller cavity 210. Accordingly, rotary pump seal 224 and o-ring seal 226 generally cooperate to provide a watertight seal about the entirety of the impeller cavity 210, preventing fluid from leaking out of impeller cavity 210, and increasing the effectiveness of fluid transfer between impeller cavity 210 and primer cavity 212.

[0026] As best seen in FIG. 3B, pump motor assembly 200 further includes a spindle 228 at an end of the shaft generally opposite the pump impeller 206. Spindle 228 may be used to drive a brush, or any other rotary mechanism, to generally scrub the floor surface beneath main body 102. Accordingly, the pump motor assembly 200 may drive both a mechanical cleaning device, such as a brush, pump motor assembly 200 to supply cleaning fluid to a desired cleaning site.

[0027] Turning now to FIG. 4, a process for priming the pump motor assembly is shown. Process 400 begins at step 402, where vacuum pressure is supplied to vacuum port 216. For example, vacuum port 216 may be in fluid communication with a vacuum pressure supplied by a main vacuum (not shown) by way of attachment hose 110. As vacuum port 216 is in fluid communication with fluid reservoir 104 by way of primer cavity 212, impeller cavity 210, and inlet port 214, the vacuum pressure may generally draw fluid from the fluid reservoir 104 into the fluid inlet 214, such that fluid generally fills the impeller cavity 210, and then the primer cavity 212. Further, one, two, or more passages 220 may generally allow fluid communication between the impeller cavity 210 and primer cavity 212, such that the primer cavity 212 maintains a level of fluid within the impeller cavity 210 sufficient to allow effective pumping of fluid from impeller cavity 210, thus fully priming pump motor assembly 200. Process 400 then proceeds to step 404.

[0028] In step 404, float ball 218 is urged to an upper portion of primer cavity 212 by the fluid level rising within primer cavity 212. Float ball 218, as generally described above, may be generally imperfectly sealed to vacuum port 216, such that at least air bubbles that may propagate within impeller cavity 210, primer cavity 212, or within any other component(s) of vacuum accessory 100 where air bubbles may be undesirable, will seep out of vacuum port 216. Additionally, provision of at least two passages 220 may allow effective fluid exchange between primer cavity 212 and impeller cavity 210, such as passage of air bubbles from impeller cavity 210 to primer cavity 212, and/or passage of cleaning solution, water, or any other liquid, from primer cavity 212 to impeller cavity 210. Further, as describe above, the imperfect seal between float ball 218 and vacuum port 216 may allow a small or insignificant amount of cleaning fluid, water, or other liquid, to escape from primer cavity 212. Furthermore, an imperfect seal between float ball 218 and vacuum port 216 may generally allow float ball 218 to fall away from vacuum port 216 when operation of the accessory is generally ceased, e.g., power supplied to vacuum accessory 100 is discontinued. The float ball 218 may thus generally be maintained in a given position according to the fluid level within primer cavity 212 and the vacuum pressure of vacuum port 216. Process 400 then proceeds to step 406.

[0029] In step 406, vacuum pressure is removed from vacuum port 216. Accordingly, the float ball 218 may thus generally fall away from the vacuum port 216, and the fluid within the priming cavity 212 to flow out of the priming cavity 212. Process 400 may then proceed to step 408, or may in the alternative end.

[0030] In step 408, a vacuum pressure is applied to vacuum port 216, generally filling primer cavity 212 with fluid and urging float ball 218 up against vacuum port 216 once again. Accordingly, the imperfect or otherwise releasable seal between the float ball 218 and the vacuum port 216 generally allows the priming feature to be effective.

[0031] Accordingly, pump motor assembly 200 provides rotary motion by way of shaft 204 for driving both mechanical cleaning devices, e.g., brushes, of the vacuum accessory 100, while also including a self-priming function in a compact design that allowing for a minimum of parts and complexity.

[0032] With regard to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that, although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced with the described steps performed in an order other than the order described herein. It further should be understood that certain steps could be performed simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating certain approaches, examples or embodiments, and should in no way be construed so as to limit the claimed invention.

[0033] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the arts discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In sum, it should be understood that the invention is capable of modification and variation and is limited only by the following claims.

[0034] All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art unless an explicit indication to the contrary in made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as "a," "the," "said," etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A pump motor assembly (200), comprising: a motor having a housing (202), the motor driving a pump impeller (206); and a primer assembly (208) defining an impeller cavity (210) that receives the pump impeller (206), the primer assembly (208) including: a primer cavity (212) in fluid communication with the impeller cavity (210); a fluid inlet (214) in fluid communication with the primer cavity (212), the fluid inlet (214) configured to receive fluid from a fluid reservoir (104); and at least two fluid passages (220) extending between the primer cavity (212) and the impeller cavity (210), each of the at least two fluid passages (220) allowing fluid communication between the primer cavity (212) and the impeller cavity (210); wherein the pump impeller (206) is configured to pump the fluid from the impeller cavity (210) when the motor is driven.

2. The pump motor assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein an upper one (220a) of the at least two fluid passages (220) extends between the primer cavity (212) and an upper portion of the impeller cavity (210), and a lower one (220b) of the at least two fluid passages (220) extends between the primer cavity (212) and a lower portion of the impeller cavity (210).

3. The pump motor assembly (200) of claim 1 , further comprising a shaft (204) driven by the motor, the pump impeller (206) secured to the shaft (204) and fixed for rotation therewith, the shaft (204) disposed partially within the housing (202) and extending out of the housing (202); wherein the primer assembly (208) is secured to the motor assembly (200).

4. The pump motor assembly (200) of claim 1 , wherein the primer cavity (210) includes a vacuum port (216) configured to receive a vacuum pressure, thereby drawing fluid into at least one of the impeller cavity (210) and the primer cavity (212).

5. The pump motor assembly (200) of claim 4, further comprising a float ball (218) disposed within the primer cavity (210), the float ball (218) formed of a buoyant material and configured to prevent fluid from freely flowing out of the vacuum port (216) when the primer cavity (212) is filled with fluid.

6. The pump motor assembly (200) of claim 5, wherein the float ball (218) and the vacuum port (216) cooperate to allow air in the primer cavity (212) to purge through an interface between the float ball (218) and the vacuum port (216) when the primer cavity (212) contains an amount of fluid sufficient to push the float ball (218) against the vacuum port (216).

7. The pump motor assembly (200) of claim 5, wherein one of the float ball (218) and the vacuum port (216) includes one of a groove (219) and a grain pattern.

8. The pump motor assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein the fluid communication between the impeller cavity (210) and the primer cavity (212) generally maintains fluid in the impeller cavity (210) when the primer cavity (212) is filled with fluid.

9. A pump motor assembly (200), comprising: a motor having a housing (202), the motor driving a pump impeller (206); and a primer assembly (208) defining an impeller cavity (210) that receives the pump impeller (206), the primer assembly (208) including: a primer cavity (212) in fluid communication with the impeller cavity (210); a fluid inlet (214) in fluid communication with the primer cavity (212), the fluid inlet (214) configured to receive fluid from a fluid reservoir (104); and a float ball (218) disposed within the primer cavity (212), the float ball (218) formed of a buoyant material; wherein the primer cavity (212) includes a vacuum port (216) configured to receive a vacuum pressure, thereby drawing fluid from the fluid inlet (214) into at least one of the impeller cavity (210) and the primer cavity (212), the float ball (218) configured to prevent fluid from freely flowing out of the vacuum port (216) when the primer cavity (212) is filled with fluid; and wherein the float ball (218) and the vacuum port (216) cooperate to allow air from the primer cavity (212) to purge through an interface between the float ball (218) and the vacuum port (216) when the primer cavity (212) contains an amount of fluid sufficient to push the float ball (218) against the vacuum port (216); wherein the pump impeller (206) is configured to pump the fluid from the impeller cavity (210) when the motor is driven.

10. The pump motor assembly (200) of claim 9, wherein one of the float ball (218) and the vacuum port (216) includes one of a groove (219) and a grain pattern.

11. The pump motor assembly (200) of claim 9, further comprising a shaft (204) driven by the motor, the pump impeller (206) secured to the shaft (204) and fixed for rotation therewith, the shaft (204) disposed partially within the housing (202) and extending out of the housing (202); wherein the primer assembly (208) is secured to the motor assembly (200).

12. The pump motor assembly (200) of claim 9, wherein the fluid communication between the impeller cavity (210) and the primer cavity (212) generally maintains fluid in the impeller cavity (210) when the primer cavity (212) is filled with fluid.

13. A vacuum accessory ( 100), comprising: a pump motor assembly (200); a suction wand (106) configured to supply a vacuum pressure to the pump motor assembly (200); and a fluid reservoir (104) configured to supply a fluid to the pump motor assembly (200); wherein the pump motor assembly (200) includes: a housing (202); a shaft (204) having a pump impeller (206) secured thereto and fixed for rotation therewith, the shaft (204) disposed partially within the housing (202) and extending out of the housing (202); and a primer assembly (208) secured to the motor assembly (200), the primer assembly (208) defining an impeller cavity (210) receiving the pump impeller (206), the primer assembly (208) including: a primer cavity (212) in fluid communication with the impeller cavity (210); and a fluid inlet (214) in fluid communication with the primer cavity (212), the fluid inlet (214) configured to receive fluid from the fluid reservoir (104); and wherein the pump impeller (206) is configured to pump the fluid from the fluid reservoir (104) when the motor is driven.

14. The vacuum accessory (100) of claim 13, wherein the primer assembly (208) includes a vacuum port (216) disposed adjacent the primer cavity (212), the vacuum port (216) in fluid communication with the suction wand (106) such that fluid is drawn from the fluid reservoir (104) into at least one of the impeller cavity (210) and the primer cavity (212) when the suction wand (106) supplies a vacuum pressure.

15. The vacuum accessory (100) of claim 14, further comprising a float ball (218) disposed within the primer cavity (212), the float ball (218) formed of a buoyant material and configured to prevent fluid from freely flowing out of the vacuum port (216) when the primer cavity (212) is filled with fluid.

16. The vacuum accessory (100) of claim 15, wherein the float ball (218) and the vacuum port (216) cooperate to allow air in the primer cavity (212) to purge through an interface between the float ball (218) and the vacuum port (216) when the primer cavity (212) contains an amount of fluid sufficient to push the float ball (218) against the vacuum port

(216).

17. The vacuum accessory (100) of claim 15, wherein one of the float ball (218) and the vacuum port (216) includes one of a groove (219) and a grain pattern.

18. The vacuum accessory (100) of claim 13, wherein the primer assembly (208) includes at least two fluid passages (220) extending between the primer cavity (212) and the impeller cavity (210), each of the at least two fluid passages (220) allowing fluid communication between the primer cavity (212) and the impeller cavity (210).

19. The vacuum accessory (100) of claim 18, wherein an upper one (220a) of the at least two fluid passages (220) extends between the primer cavity (212) and an upper portion of the impeller cavity (210), and a lower one (220b) of the at least two fluid passages (220) extends between the primer cavity (212) and a lower portion of the impeller cavity (210).

20. The vacuum accessory ( 100) of claim 13 , wherein the impeller cavity (210) and the primer cavity (212) are in fluid communication, such that the primer cavity (212) generally maintains fluid in the impeller cavity (210) when the primer cavity (212) is filled with fluid.