Motor, motor bracket and impeller assembly removal from inline close-coupled pumps without disturbing piping arrangements

Abstract

A system for raising / lowering a motor / pump assembly having a motor for driving a pump with an impeller in relation to a frame structure having features one or more motor / pump guide rails coupled to the frame structure, and also coupled to a first motor / pump mounting assembly of a motor / pump assembly; and a motor / pump lifting assembly having a mounting bracket coupled to the frame structure, having a motor / pump lifting mechanism coupled to a second motor / pump mounting assembly of the motor / pump assembly, and configured to move the motor / pump assembly along the one or more motor / pump guide rails upwardly to raise the motor / pump assembly away from a body of the pump to expose an impeller of the pump for performing pump maintenance, or downwardly to lower the motor / pump assembly back into the body of the pump after completing the pump maintenance

Description

[0001] MOTOR, MOTOR BRACKET AND IMPELLER ASSEMBLY REMOVAL FROM INLINE CLOSE-COUPLED PUMPS

[0002] WITHOUT DISTURBING PIPING ARRANGEMENTS

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0004] This application claims benefit to provisional patent application serial no. 63 / 443,098, filed 3 February 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] 1. Field of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a system for raising and lowering a motor / pump assembly, and more particularly relates to a system for raising and lowering a motor / pump assembly using either a manual or automatic operation.

[0008] 2. Brief Description of Related Art

[0009] Within centrifugal pump packages, in order to perform maintenance on seals or rotating elements the motor / pump assembly must be separated from the pump body. When the motor / pump assembly is in a vertical orientation, this would require an external lifting device. For example, it may require either an overhead crane or often a lifting device incorporated with a fork truck. An alternative is detaching and lowering the pump body away from the motor / pump assembly in the event the entire pump and motor unit are suspended. Shortcomings of Known Devices

[0010] Shortcomings of the known devices include the following:

[0011] It is not always practical to locate the pump package within the footprint of an overhead crane. Even if an overhead crane is available, there are inherent dangers in manipulating the motor / pump assembly into alignment with the pump body. Rigging incorporating a fork truck also introduces inherent dangers to the process and creates layout constraints for the equipment and adds additional time to maintenance tasks. When the motor / pump assembly is elevated and there is an ability to lower the pump body from it, this also creates additional safety challenges in supporting the weight of the pump body and additional maintenance time in disconnecting piping.

[0012] Considering the aforementioned points, there is a need in the industry for an enhanced solution to elevate motor / pump assembly for performing maintenance.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In summary, the goal of the present invention is to utilize a new system to raise the motor and motor bracket away from the pump body to expose the impeller for removal and maintenance of seals. By way of example, the motor of a motor / pump assembly is secured to a set of rails that facilitate the elevation. There is a lock on the rails to secure the motor / pump assembly into lowered and elevated positions. When the lock is triggered, the motor is disabled. This feature system should be integrated with a main control panel which controls the locking and the removal of power from the motor / Electric Actuator. Operation of the linear motor / Electric Actuator is done within view of the pump and motor unit for safety purposes. Specific Embodiment

[0015] According to some embodiments, and by way of example, the present invention may include, or take the form of, a system for raising and lowering a motor / pump assembly having a motor for driving a pump with an impeller in relation to a frame structure, the system featuring one or more motor / pump guide rails and a motor / pump lifting assembly.

[0016] The one or more motor / pump guide rails may be configured to couple to the frame structure and may also be configured to couple to a first motor / pump mounting assembly of a motor / pump assembly.

[0017] The motor / pump lifting assembly may include a mounting bracket configured to couple to the frame structure and may also include a motor / pump lifting mechanism configure to couple to a second motor / pump lifting assembly of the motor / pump assembly.

[0018] In operation, the motor / pump lifting assembly may be configured to move the motor / pump lifting mechanism and the motor / pump assembly along the one or more motor / pump guide rails upwardly to raise the motor / pump assembly away from a body of the pump to expose an impeller of the pump for performing pump maintenance, or downwardly to lower the motor / pump assembly back into the body of the pump after completing the pump maintenance. According to some embodiments, the present invention may also include one or more of the following features:

[0019] Manual Operation

[0020] The motor / pump lifting assembly may include a bevel gear screw jacking arrangement for implementing a manual operation for moving the motor / pump assembly upwardly and downwardly along pump / motor guide rails.

[0021] For example, the motor / pump lifting assembly may include a handle attached to a bevel gear mechanism having a lead screw rotationally coupled to the motor / pump lifting mechanism; and the handle may be configured to rotate so the bevel gear mechanism rotates the lead screw to move the travelling nut to slide up and down which moves the motor / pump assembly upwardly and downwardly along the pump / motor guide rails.

[0022] The mounting bracket may include a sheet metal bracket configured to attach the motor / pump lifting assembly to the second mounting part of the frame structure.

[0023] The motor / pump lifting mechanism may include a traveling nut coupled to the lead screw and configured to slide up and down as the lead screw rotates for providing a lifting and lowering action.

[0024] The motor / pump lifting mechanism may include metal strips attached to the traveling nut and configured to retain the motor / pump assembly therein. Automatic Operation

[0025] The motor / pump lifting assembly may include electrically operated arrangements for implementing an automatic operation for moving the motor / pump assembly upwardly and downwardly along the one or more pump / motor guide rails, e.g., such as an electrically operated lifting mechanism configured to response to a control signal and move the motor / pump assembly upwardly and downwardly along the pump / motor guide rails.

[0026] Moreover, in such electrically operated arrangements, the one or more motor / pump guide rails may include guide rails having a lock configured to secure the motor / pump assembly into lowered and elevated locking positions; and the system may include a controller configured to provide the control signal to lock and secure the motor / pump assembly into the lowered and elevated locking positions and remove power provided to the motor of the motor / pump assembly.

[0027] Electric Cylindrical Actuator

[0028] The motor / pump lifting assembly may include an electric cylindrical actuator arrangement for implementing an automatic operation for moving the motor / pump assembly upwardly and downwardly along pump / motor guide rails, e.g., having an electric cylindrical actuator with an actuator rod attached to the motor / pump lifting mounting assembly and configured to move upwardly and downwardly within a stroke length along the pump / motor guide rails. Electric Cylindrical Actuator with LM Guide Rails

[0029] The one or more motor / pump guide rails may include linear motion (LM) guide rails. The second motor / pump mounting assembly of the motor / pump assembly may include a mounting bed configured to couple to the LM guide rails. The electrically operated lifting mechanism may include an electric cylindrical actuator having an actuator rod configured to attach to the mounting bed and to move the motor / pump assembly upwardly and downwardly within a stroke length along the pump / motor guide rails.

[0030] Ball Screw Actuator

[0031] The motor / pump lifting assembly may include a ball screw actuator arrangement for implementing an automatic operation for moving the motor / pump assembly upwardly and downwardly along the one or more pump / motor guide rails, e.g., having a gear motor with a motor shaft coupled to a ball screw with the help of a flexible coupling. The second motor / pump mounting assembly of the motor / pump assembly may include a mounting bed that attaches to the motor and may also include a traveling nut configured to couple to the ball screw that is configured to rotate and translate the traveling nut and mounting bed upwardly and downwardly along the one or more pump / motor guide rails.

[0032] Chain Hoist

[0033] The motor / pump lifting assembly may include a chain hoist arrangement for implementing an automatic operation for moving the motor / pump assembly upwardly and downwardly along pump / motor guide rails, e.g., having a chain hoist configured to couple to the motor / pump assembly and pull and move the motor / pump assembly upwardly and downwardly along the pump / motor guide rails.

[0034] The motor / pump lifting mounting assembly may include an I-beam support to couple the chain hoist to the second mounting part of the frame structure; and the chain hoist may have an I-beam support coupling configured to slidably couple to the I-beam support.

[0035] The Method

[0036] According to some embodiments, the present invention may take the form of a method for raising and lowering a motor / pump assembly having a motor for driving a pump with an impeller in relation to a frame structure, comprising: coupling one or more motor / pump guide rails to the frame structure; coupling a first motor / pump mounting assembly of a motor / pump assembly to the motor / pump guide rails; coupling a mounting bracket of a motor / pump lifting assembly to the frame structure; coupling a motor / pump lifting mechanism of the motor / pump lifting assembly to the motor / pump assembly; and moving the motor / pump lifting mechanism and the motor / pump assembly along the one or more motor / pump guide rails upwardly to raise the motor / pump assembly away from a body of the pump to expose an impeller of the pump for performing pump maintenance, or downwardly to lower the motor / pump assembly back into the body of the pump after completing the pump maintenance. : The method may also include one or more of the features set forth herein.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0038] The drawing, which is not necessarily drawn to scale, includes the following Figures:

[0039] Figure 1 shows a system having a bevel gear screw jacking arrangement for providing a manual operation for raising and lowering a motor / pump assembly in relation to a frame structure, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a system having an electric cylindrical actuator arrangement for providing an automatic operation for raising and lowering a motor / pump assembly in relation to a frame structure, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a system having an electric cylindrical actuator with linear motion (LM) guide rails for providing an automatic operation for raising and lowering a motor / pump assembly in relation to a frame structure, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a system having a ball screw actuator arrangement for providing an automatic operation for raising and lowering a motor / pump assembly in relation to a frame structure, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 shows a system having a chain hoist arrangement for providing an automatic operation for raising and lowering a motor / pump assembly in relation to a frame structure, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6 shows a controller for providing a control signal to an electrically operated lifting mechanism for providing an automatic operation for raising and lowering a motor / pump assembly in relation to a frame structure, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] Similar parts in Figures are labeled with similar reference numerals and labels for consistency. Every lead line and associated reference label for every element is not included in every Figure of the drawing to reduce clutter in the drawing as a whole.

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] In summary, there are different types of motor / pump assemblies known in the art having different weights. For performing pump maintenance, e.g., including maintenance of mechanical seal(s) or other rotating element(s), there is a need to lift the motor / pump assembly to separate it from the pump's body. The inventors have designed several new and unique mechanisms which can serve the purpose with the least efforts as set forth below, which include arrangements using:

[0048] 1 . Bevel Gear Screw Jacking (Figure 1 )

[0049] 2. Electric Cylindrical Actuator (Figure 2)

[0050] 3. Electric Cylindrical Actuator with LM guide rails (Figure 3)

[0051] 4. Ball Screw Actuator (Figure 4)

[0052] 5. Chain Hoist (Figure 5)

[0053] The Basic Invention

[0054] According to some embodiments, the present invention may include, or take the form of, a system generally indicated as 10 as shown Figs. 1 -5 for raising and lowering a motor / pump assembly generally indicated as 20 that includes a motor 22 for driving a pump 24 with an impeller (not shown) in relation to a frame structure generally indicated as 30 having mounting parts like elements 32, 34.

[0055] By way of example, and consistent with that shown in Figure 1 , the system 10 may include one or more motor / pump guide rails like element 40 in combination with a motor / pump lifting assembly generally indicated by element 50.

[0056] The one or more motor / pump guide rails 40 may be configured to couple to the frame structure 30 and may also be configured to couple to a first motor / pump mounting assembly like element 26 of the motor / pump assembly 20.

[0057] The motor / pump lifting assembly 50 may include a mounting bracket like element 52 configured to couple to the frame structure 30 and may also include a motor / pump lifting mechanism like element 54 configure to couple to a second motor / pump mounting assembly like element 28 of the motor / pump assembly 20.

[0058] In operation, the motor / pump lifting assembly 50 may be configured to move the motor / pump lifting mechanism 54 coupled to the motor / pump assembly 20 along the one or more motor / pump guide rails 40 upwardly to raise the motor / pump assembly 20 away from a body of the pump 24 to expose an impeller (not shown) of the pump 24 for performing pump maintenance, or downwardly to lower the motor / pump assembly 20 back into the body of the pump 24 after completing the pump maintenance. The present invention will now be described in detail in relation to the specific embodiments shown in Figures 1 -5, as follows:

[0059] Figure 1 : Bevel Gear Screw Jacking - Manual operation

[0060] Figure 1 shows the system 10 having the motor / pump lifting assembly 50 in the form of a bevel gear screw jacking arrangement or mechanism for providing a manual operation for raising and lowering the motor / pump assembly 20 in relation to the frame structure 30. In Figure 1 , the bevel gear screw jacking arrangement 50 includes a mounting bracket 52, a lead screw 54, a traveling nut 28a, a handle 56 and a bevel gear screw mechanism 58, which combine to allows one to lift the motor / pump assembly 20 with minimum effort.

[0061] As shown, the bevel gear screw jacking arrangement or mechanism 50 with the lead screw 54 is designed as a single unit that will be attached to the frame structure 30 with the help of the mounting bracket 52, e.g., which may take the form of a sheet metal bracket 52. By way of example, the second motor / pump mounting assembly 28 of the motor / pump assembly 20 may include a traveling nut 28a that will slide up and down as the lead screw 54 rotates for providing a lifting or lowering action. The second motor / pump mounting assembly 28 may also include metal strips 28b attached to the traveling nut 28a on one end and attached to the motor 22 on the other end, which help support and lift the motor 22 and the motor / pump assembly 20. The lead screw 54 serves or functions at least in part as the motor / pump lifting mechanism of the bevel gear screw jacking arrangement or mechanism. In operation, when the handle 56 is rotated, it will turn the lead screw 54 with the help of the bevel gear screw mechanism 58 arranged inside a housing. Due to the rotation of the lead screw 54, the traveling nut 28a will travel through the length of the lead screw 54 and it will lift the motor / pump assembly 20 since the metal strips 28b are tied or attached to the motor 22. The lead screw 54 has a diameter and pitch, the handle 56 has a diameter, and the bevel gear screw mechanism 58 has a bevel gear ratio, e.g., which all may be configured and designed in such a way that only one person can easily lift the motor / pump assembly 20, e.g., with the help of a rope or chain.

[0062] Figures 2-5: Automatic Operation Embodiments

[0063] Figure 1 shows a manual operation embodiment, while Figures 2-5 shows automatic operation embodiments.

[0064] For example, the motor / pump lifting assembly 50 may include, or take the form of, an electrically operated lifting mechanism 150, 250, 350, as shown in Figures 2-5 configured to response to a control signal (Fig. 6) and move the motor / pump assembly 20 upwardly and downwardly along the one or more pump / motor guide rails 40, 140, 240.

[0065] Figure 2: Electric Cylindrical Actuator - Automatic operation

[0066] By way of example, Figure 2 shows the system 10 having the motor / pump lifting assembly 50 as an electrically operated mechanism in the form of an electric cylinder actuator generally indicated as 150, e.g., having an actuator motor 151 for driving an actuator rod 154. As shown, the electric cylinder actuator 150 is attached to a part 32 of the frame structure 30 with the help of a bracketry system 152, and the bottom end of the actuator rod 154 will be attached to the second motor / pump mounting assembly 28 the motor / pump assembly 20, e.g., with the help of a rope or chain. The actuator rod 154 serves or functions at least in part as the motor / pump lifting mechanism of the electric cylinder actuator.

[0067] When power is supplied to the electric cylinder actuator 150, the actuator motor 151 will reciprocate the electric actuator rod 154 (i.e. , move upwardly or downwardly) within a predefined stroke length. This will produce enough force to lift, e.g., the biggest sized or heaviest motor / pump assembly 20, e.g., with help of the rope or chain, along the pump / motor guide rails 40.

[0068] Figure 3: Electric Cylindrical Actuator with LM guide rails - Automatic operation Consistent with that shown in Figure 2, Figure 3 shows the system 10 having the electric cylindrical actuator 150 that can be used as a driving part and attached to a part 34 of the frame structure 30 using a bracket 152'. The electric cylindrical actuator 150 has the actuator rod 154, and the second motor / pump mounting assembly 28 (Fig. 1 ) includes or take the form of a mounting bed 126. The mounting bed 126 will be assembled and attached at an end of an actuator rod 154, e.g., using a bracket (not shown). The motor / pump guide rails 40 will include, or take the form of, LM guide rails 140. The mounting bed 126 includes slidably brackets 126a and is configured to slidably couple to the LM guide rails 140 and will be guided in a vertical direction through and along the LM guide rails 140. The motor / pump assembly 20 will be directly mounted on the mounting bed 126, as shown. When power is supplied to the electric cylindrical actuator 150, reciprocation of the actuator rod 154 will lift the motor / pump assembly 20 mounted on the mounting bed 126 along the LM guide rails 140.

[0069] Figure 4: Ball Screw Actuator - Automatic operation

[0070] Figure 4 shows the system 10 having the motor / pump lifting assembly 50 as an electrically operated mechanism in the form of a ball screw actuator 250 using a gear motor 251 as the driving force. The ball screw actuator 250 includes a ball screw 254 having a designed diameter and pitch that will be attached to a motor shaft 255, e.g., using a flexible coupling. The the motor / pump lifting assembly 50 includes a mounting bed 226 having a traveling nut and being attached to the motor / pump assembly 20. On the ball screw 254, the traveling nut and the mounting bed 226 will be coupled and attached so that the mounting bed 226 can travel linearly with the rotation of the ball screw 254. The motor 22 of the motor / pump assembly 20 will be directly mounted on the mounting bed 226, as shown. This entire unit 250, including its gear motor 251 , its mounting bracket 252 and rail 240, may be be attached to the vertical frame structure 30, e.g., with the help of suitable bolting. The ball screw 254 serves or functions at least in part as the motor / pump lifting mechanism of the ball screw actuator.

[0071] When power is supplied to the gear motor 251 , the ball screw 254 will rotate at a certain speed (RPM). Due to rotation of the ball screw 254, the traveling nut and mounting bed 226 will translate vertically. Since the motor 22 of the motor / pump assembly 20 is directly bolted to the mounting bed 226, it will be lifted upwards or downwards depending on the direction of rotations of the ball screw 254. Figure 5: Chain Hoist - Automatic operation

[0072] Figure 5 shows the system 10 having the motor / pump lifting assembly 50 as an electrically operated mechanism in the form of a chain hoist 350 that can be used to lift the motor / pump assembly 20. The chain hoist 350 may include a chain hoist motor 351 and may also be an electrically operated remote-control mechanism, . The chain hoist 350 may include a chain hoist coupling member 352 that can be slidably attached to an I-beam structural steel support 370, on which it can slide. The I-beam structural steel support 370 may include an I-beam section 370a that can be bolted to the second part 34 of the frame structure 30.

[0073] By way of example, the motor / pump assembly 20 may be slidably coupled to the motor / pump guide rails 40 similar to that shown in Figure 1 .

[0074] While Figure 5 does not show a chain, or a coupling of a chain between the chain hoist motor 351 and the motor / pump assembly 20, one skilled in the art would appreciate how to couple the same together without undue experimentation, e.g., consistent with that shown in Figures 1 -4 herein as well as that known in the art. The chain would serve or functions at least in part as the motor / pump lifting mechanism of the chain hoist.

[0075] As one skilled in the art would appreciate, the chain hoist 350 may not be suitable for motor / pump assemblies like element 20 that are larger and heavier because the chain hoist becomes too large of a unit and the space that the mechanism uses for upward movement of the motor / pump assembly maybe limited. When power is supplied to the chain hoist 350, it will pull the motor / pump assembly 20 in an upward direction which will be attached to the motor 22 of the motor / pump assembly 20 directly.

[0076] Locking Embodiments

[0077] Consistent with that shown in Figure 3, embodiments are envisioned where the motor / pump guide rails 40 may include LM guide rails 140 having a lock or locking mechanism configured to secure the motor / pump assembly 20 into lowered and elevated locking positions. The system 10 may include a controller 100 (Fig. 6) configured to provide a control signal to the lock and secure the motor / pump assembly 20 into the lowered and elevated locking positions and removal of power from the motor 22 of the motor / pump assembly 20.

[0078] Figure 6: Controller 100

[0079] Figure 6 shows a controller 100 for controlling the operation of the electrically operated actuators shown in Figures 2-5.

[0080] The functionality of a controller 100 may be implemented in whole or in part using one or more signal processor or processing modules 102 that may be configured using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, although the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular embodiment thereof. In a typical software implementation, a signal processor or processing module, e.g., like element 102 (Figure 6), may take the form of one or more microprocessor-based architectures having a processor or microprocessor, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), where the RAM and ROM together form at least part of a memory for storing a computer program code, input / output devices and control, data and address buses connecting the same. A person skilled in the art would be able to program such a microprocessor-based implementation with the computer program code to perform the functionality described herein without undue experimentation. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular implementation using technology either now known or later developed in the future. Moreover, the scope of the invention is intended to include the signal processor or processing module being a stand-alone module, or in some combination with other circuitry for implementing another module. Moreover still, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind of signal processor or processing module used to perform the signal processing functionality, or the manner in which the computer program code is programmed or implemented in order to make the signal processor operate.

[0081] The signal processor or processing module, e.g., like element 102, may include one or more other sub-modules for implementing other functionality that is known in the art, but does not form part of the underlying invention per se, and is not described in detail herein. For example, the functionality of the one or more other modules may include the techniques for the receiving signaling, provisioning of signaling for activating, deactivating or controlling the pump based on certain processing control functionality, including providing the signal automatically, providing the signal after a certain time period, etc., that can depend on a particular application for a particular customer. The signal processor or processing module may also be configured to implement the underlying signal processing functionality in combination with other signal processor circuits or components 102, e.g., including input / output modules, memory modules, data, address and control busing architecture, etc.

[0082] Bevel Gear Mechanisms

[0083] Bevel gear mechanisms like that shown in Figure 1 are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind either now known or later developed in the future. By way of example, and as one skilled in the art would appreciate, such bevel gear mechanisms may include a bevel gear for driving / rotating a lead screw. One skilled in the art would also appreciate how to couple such a bevel gear mechanism to a motor / pump assembly like element 20 without undue experimentation to raise the motor / pump assembly away from a body of the pump to expose an impeller of the pump for performing pump maintenance, or downwardly to lower the motor / pump assembly back into the body of the pump after completing the pump maintenance.

[0084] Electrical Cylindrical Actuators

[0085] Electrical cylindrical actuators like that shown in Figures 2-3 are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind either now known or later developed in the future. By way of example, and as one skilled in the art would appreciate, such electrical cylindrical actuators may include an actuator motor 151 for driving an actuator rod like 154. One skilled in the art would also appreciate how to couple such an electrical cylindrical actuator to a motor / pump assembly like element 20 without undue experimentation to raise the motor / pump assembly away from a body of the pump to expose an impeller of the pump for performing pump maintenance, or downwardly to lower the motor / pump assembly back into the body of the pump after completing the pump maintenance.

[0086] Ball Screw Actuators

[0087] Ball screw actuators like that shown in Figure 4 are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind either now known or later developed in the future. By way of example, and one skilled in the art would appreciate, such ball screw actuators may include a ball screw motor 251 for driving a ball screw 254. One skilled in the art would also appreciate how to couple such a ball screw actuator to a motor / pump assembly like element 20 without undue experimentation to raise the motor / pump assembly away from a body of the pump to expose an impeller of the pump for performing pump maintenance, or downwardly to lower the motor / pump assembly back into the body of the pump after completing the pump maintenance.

[0088] Chain Hoist Mechanism

[0089] Chain hoist mechanisms like that shown in Figure 5 are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind either now known or later developed in the future. By way of example, and as one skilled in the art would appreciate, such chain hoist mechanisms may include a chain hoist motor 351 for driving a chain. One skilled in the art would also appreciate how to couple such a chain hoist mechanism to a motor / pump assembly like element 20 without undue experimentation to raise the motor / pump assembly away from a body of the pump to expose an impeller of the pump for performing pump maintenance, or downwardly to lower the motor / pump assembly back into the body of the pump after completing the pump maintenance.

[0090] The Scope of the Invention

[0091] Further still, the embodiments shown and described in detail herein are provided by way of example only; and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular configurations, dimensionalities, and / or design details of these parts or elements included herein. In other words, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that design changes to these embodiments may be made and such that the resulting embodiments would be different than the embodiments disclosed herein but would still be within the overall spirit of the present invention.

[0092] It should be understood that, unless stated otherwise herein, any of the features, characteristics, alternatives or modifications described regarding a particular embodiment herein may also be applied, used, or incorporated with any other embodiment described herein.

[0093] Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, the foregoing and various other additions and omissions may be made therein and thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:1 . A system for raising and lowering a motor / pump assembly having a motor for driving a pump with an impeller in relation to a frame structure, comprising: one or more motor / pump guide rails configured to couple to the frame structure, and also configured to couple to a first motor / pump mounting assembly of a motor / pump assembly; and a motor / pump lifting assembly having a mounting bracket configured to couple to the frame structure, having a motor / pump lifting mechanism configure to couple to a second motor / pump mounting assembly of the motor / pump assembly, the motor / pump lifting assembly configured to move the motor / pump lifting mechanism and the motor / pump assembly along the one or more motor / pump guide rails upwardly to raise the motor / pump assembly away from a body of the pump to expose an impeller of the pump for performing pump maintenance, or downwardly to lower the motor / pump assembly back into the body of the pump after completing the pump maintenance.Manual Operation2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the motor / pump lifting assembly comprises a handle attached to a bevel gear mechanism having a lead screw rotationally coupled to the motor / pump lifting mechanism; and the handle is configured to rotate so that the bevel gear mechanism rotates the lead screw to move the motor / pump assembly upwardly and downwardly along the one or more pump / motor guide rails.

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a sheet metal bracket configured to attach the motor / pump lifting assembly to a mounting part of the frame structure.

4. A system according to claim 2, wherein the motor / pump lifting mechanism comprises a traveling nut coupled to the lead screw and configured to slide up and down as the lead screw rotates for providing a lifting and lowering action.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein the motor / pump lifting mechanism comprises metal strips attached to the traveling nut and configured to retain the motor / pump assembly therein.Automatic Operation6. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the motor / pump lifting assembly comprises an electrically operated lifting mechanism configured to response to a control signal and move the motor / pump assembly upwardly and downwardly along the one or more pump / motor guide rails.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the motor / pump guide rails comprises guide rails having a lock configured to secure the motor / pump assembly into lowered and elevated locking positions; and the system comprises a controller configured to provide the control signal to lock and secure the motor / pump assembly into the lowered and elevated locking positions and remove power provided to the motor of the motor / pump assembly.Electric Cylindrical Actuator8. A system according to claim 6, wherein the electrically operated lifting mechanism comprises an electric cylindrical actuator having an actuator rod attached to the motor / pump lifting mounting assembly and configured to move upwardly and downwardly within a strokes length along the one or more pump / motor guide rails.Electric Cylindrical Actuator with LM Guide Rails9. A system according to claim 6, wherein the one or more motor / pump guide rails comprises linear motion guide rails; the second motor / pump mounting assembly of the motor / pump assembly comprises a mounting bed configured to couple to the linear motion guide rails; and the electrically operated lifting mechanism comprises an electric cylindrical actuator having an actuator rod configured to attach to the mounting bed and to move the motor / pump assembly upwardly and downwardly within a stroke length along the pump / motor guide rails.Ball Screw Actuator10. A system according to claim 6, wherein the electrically operated lifting mechanism comprises a gear motor having a motor shaft coupled to a ball screw; and the second motor / pump mounting assembly includes a mounting bed configured to attach to the motor of motor / pump assembly, and also includes a traveling nut configured to couple to the ball screw that is configured to rotate and translate the traveling nut and mounting bed upwardly and downwardly along the one or more pump / motor guide rails.Chain Hoist11 . A system according to claim 6, wherein the electrically operated lifting mechanism comprises a chain hoist configured to couple to the motor / pump assembly and pull the motor / pump assembly upwardly and downwardly along the one or more pump / motor guide rails.

12. A system according to claim 11 , wherein the motor / pump lifting mounting assembly comprises an I-beam support to couple the chain hoist to the second mounting part of the frame structure; and the chain hoist includes an I-beam support coupling configured to slidably couple to the I-beam support.

13. A method for raising and lowering a motor / pump assembly having a motor for driving a pump with an impeller in relation to a frame structure, comprising: coupling one or more motor / pump guide rails to the frame structure; coupling a first motor / pump mounting assembly of a motor / pump assembly to the one or more motor / pump guide rails; coupling a mounting bracket of a motor / pump lifting assembly to the frame structure; attaching a motor / pump lifting mechanism of the motor / pump lifting assembly to a second motor / pump mounting assembly of the motor / pump assembly; and moving the motor / pump lifting mechanism and the motor / pump assembly along the one or more motor / pump guide rails upwardly to raise the motor / pump assembly away from a body of the pump to expose an impeller of the pump for performing pump maintenance, or downwardly to lower the motor / pump assembly back into the body of the pump after completing the pump maintenance.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the method further comprises: configuring the motor / pump lifting assembly as a handle attached to a bevel gear mechanism having a lead screw rotationally coupled to the motor / pump lifting mechanism; and rotating the handle so the bevel gear mechanism rotates the lead screw to move the motor / pump assembly upwardly and downwardly along the one or more pump / motor guide rails.

15. A method according to claim 13, wherein the method further comprises: configuring the motor / pump lifting assembly as an electrically operated lifting mechanism; and configuring the electrically operated lifting mechanism to response to a control signal and move the motor / pump assembly upwardly and downwardly along the one or more pump / motor guide rails.

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