WATER PUMP SYSTEM

Abstract

A water pump system with water pumps each having a water inlet. The system is configured with an oil separator, a water filter and a control unit and a sensor system. The water pump is placed in a cavity such as an elevator shaft. The sensor system is controlled by the control unit for detecting water in the cavity. The control unit activates the water pumps when a water level threshold is surpassed. The control unit deactivates the water pumps when the water level is below said threshold. An alarm system may be configured, as well as multiple sensors of different types to detect a flooding of the cavity and to rule out false negative and false positive alarms.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to water pumps. More particular the invention relates to water pumps for use in areas and buildings which are difficult to access, but run a risk of getting flooded. The invention is especially of use in cavities, such as elevator shafts. BACKGROUND Currently, more and more buildings, are exposed to the results of climate change which results in heavy rainfall, flooding of rivers. This may cause flooding of these buildings. A problem arises when cellars or elevator shafts are flooded without the residents becoming aware of that, only when the flooding has visible effects in the living spaces. The infiow of water, when undetected may damage and erode the building structure, which may lead to dangerous situations and even collapsing of the building. Besides flooding often being undetectable, it is often difficult to get rid of the excess water. Usually, no water pumps are built in a building, as the future floodings were not foreseen. When flooding is detected, the building owner or responsible usually takes mitigation actions like mopping, bailing out water and taking measure for preventing more water coming in. The next step is to order and install a water pump, whereas installing of water pumps is often not possible. Sometimes the building occupants need to be evacuated and ultimately the building needs to be abandoned and is declared unhabitable. It is clear that each step taken is costly with the tear down of the building being the least desirable. In the case that a water pump may be employed, hereinafter as background information some of these water pumps and their working are explained briefly. When dealing with flooding, the effectiveness of water pumps depends on factors such as the volume of water, the location, and the specific needs of the situation. Here are some types of water pumps that are commonly used for managing floodwaters: Submersible pumps are designed to be submerged in water, making them ideal for flood situations. These pumps may be effective for pumping out basements or areas where the pump can be placed directly in the water. Trash Pumps are designed to handle water with debris and solids up to a certain size and are more effective for areas with muddy or debris-filled water. Centrifugal Pumps use an impeller to move water, typically used for larger volumes of water and are suitable for high-volume water removal. High-Pressure Pumps are designed for situations where water needs to be moved over long distances or up significant heights. They are effective for transferring water from one location to another when dealing with elevation changes. Diaphragm Pumps use a diaphragm to pump water, can handle muddy or sandy water and are good for removing water with a lot of sediment. Utility Pumps are general-purpose pumps that are versatile portable and easy to use for various small to medium flood situations. Factors to Consider are: Flow Rate (GPM / HP): Higher flow rates are needed for large volumes of water. Head Height: Maximum height the pump can lift water; important for elevation changes. Debris Handling: Ability to handle solids and debris in the water. Portability: Ease of moving the pump to the desired location. Power Source: For indoor use electric-powered are often preferred. A disadvantage of the current art solutions is that flooding is difficult to identify and mitigation of flooding is often impossible or very difficult. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a system which is suitable for placement in areas which are difficult to access and monitored in the case of possible of real flooding. 30 The object is realized and summarized by the following clauses and further embodiments. In an aspect of the present invention a is disclosed comprising one or more water pumps having a water inlet, configured for pumping up water, an outlet for draining the pumped up water, a filter for filtering the pumped up water, and a control unit, wherein the one or more water pumps are configured for installation in a cavity such as an elevator shaft, the system further comprising a sensor system configured for being controlled by the control unit and configured for detecting a water level in the cavity, the control unit configured for activating the water pump when a predetermined maximum threshold of water level in the cavity, as measured by the sensor system, is surpassed, and the control unit configured for deactivating the water pump when the water level, as measured by the sensor system, is below said threshold. A first embodiment of the invention comprises that the system comprises units of the group: the water inlet configured for being positioned of a floor of the cavity and provided with a grate for blocking debris; an inlet water pump of the one or more water pumps configured for pumping up water through the water inlet; an oil separator configured for receiving the pumped up water from the inlet water pump, and for separating oil and oily substances from the pumped up water a water filter configured for receiving the pumped up water from the oil separator or from the inlet water pump, and for filtering the pumped up water from contamination; an outlet water pump configured for receiving the pumped up water from the water filter or from the oil separator, and for pumping out water to the water outlet; the outlet for receiving the pumped up water and for draining the pumped up water out of the cavity. A second embodiment of the invention comprises that the system comprises an internal transceiver controlled by the control unit, and configured for two-way communication with an external transceiver comprised in the system, said external transceiver configured for communicating parameters of the group: a level of detected water level in the cavity; a surpassing of the threshold, optionally accompanied with activation of an audio- and / or visual alerting system configured in the building and / or at the external transceiver; a status of the water pump i.e. activated or deactivated; a log of activations and deactivations of the water pump; a running time; a progress of the lifecycle of the system and / or its elements, in particular the water pump and / or the filter; an indication when maintenance and / or replacement of the system and / or in particular the water pump and / or the filter is required or due; a flow rate of the water pump when activated. A third embodiment of the invention comprises that the system comprises multiple water pumps, each configured with internal transceivers controlled by a central control unit or a collocated control unit per water pump, said water pumps configured for communicating with each other directly through their transceivers or through the centra! control unit and / or the external transceiver. A fourth embodiment of the invention comprises that the sensor system comprises one or more sensors of the group: - A humidity sensor configured for detecting humidity; - an image sensor or a video camera configured for capturing images and for being connected to a microprocessor or computer for analyzing images, using image recognition software; an audio sensor configured for listening to abnormal changes in sound in the cavity, especially in relation to sounds typical for in seeping water and / or flooding; a heat or Infrared sensor. configured for detecting abnormal temperature change in the cavity, indicating a flooding. A fifth embodiment of the invention comprises that the system further comprises an alarm system comprising an alarm unit and at least one sensor of the one or more sensors, and configured for activating an alarm by the alarm unit. A sixth embodiment of the invention comprises that the alarm unit is configured for activating an alarm of the group: - a visual alarm; an audible alarm; an notification to an external service provider or operator, whereby the alarm unit is configured with communication system for sending said alarm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The figures show views of embodiments in accordance with the present invention. FIGURE 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a part of a building, such as an elevator shaft with the invented installed FIGURE 2 shows a diagram of a water pump and its elements in accordance with the invention. FIGURE 3 shows a diagram of a control unit as comprised in the of figure 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention is now described by the following aspects and embodiments, with reference to the figures. To facilitate ease of reading of the figures the following is a list of references and short descriptions as used in the figures. 100 Invented 101 Water pump 102 Oil separator 103 Filter unit 104 Water pump 105 Outlet 25 107 Enclosure 110 Water inlet 200 Control System 201 Power Source 202a,b Pump Controller 203a,b Water level sensor 205 Alarm unit 206 Water level sensor 300 Cavity, such as an elevator shaft 301 Bottom floor of cavity 302 Wall of cavity 303 Cavity for outlet, such as a crawling space 1001 (Dirty) water inlet direction 1002 Water conduit from inlet to pump 1003 Water conduit from pump to oil separator 1004 Water conduit from oil separator to filter 1005 Water conduit from filter to pump 1006 Water conduit from pump to outlet 1007 Water out direction 1008 Water conduit to outside cavity 1010 Power cable Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a part of a building, such as an elevator shaft with the invented 100 installed. The elevator shaft comprises a cavity 300 which is surrounded by walls 302 and a bottom floor 301. Bottom floor 301 is usually positioned underground to facilitate an elevator to lower sufficiently for people to enter on the ground floor. As bottom floor 301 is underground, this cause two major issues. The first problem being that the lowest point in the building may be bottom floor 301, which increases the risk that flooding is directed to and concentrated in cavity 300. Flooding may be caused by heavy rainfall or a high groundwater level which may have all kinds of causes. The second problem being that an elevator cavity 300 is difficult to reach. Access should be secured to prevent users of the elevator to fall into cavity 300, therefore only access by qualified maintenance personnel is allowed and possible. There is no easy visual inspection of cavity 300 possible, so whenever a flooding occurs, this may not be detected until it shows by flooding of the building floor, or by deterioration of the cavity walls or malfunction of the elevator because of moist and water. Being difficult to access, this makes it very difficult to install a water pump when a flooding is detected. When a water pump is required to be installed, the water pump should be readily available, or ordered as soon as possible. Installation of a water pump after flooding is detected, may therefore become too late and cause damage or at least set the elevator out of order for the time needed to install a pump. The invention proposes to install a more or less permanent in an elevator or comparable locations which are difficult to inspect and / or to access. 5 100 comprises an enclosure 107 with electronics and elements / units as described in figure 2. An inlet, preferably positioned at the lowest point of floor 301 is configure for letting water in the pump system and transport it through water conduit 1002 to pump 101 (see figure 2). Inlet 110 is preferably provided with a grate and / or filter to prevent debris or other contamination to enter inlet 110. Pumped up water is preferably cleaned form debris and directed outwards of the elevator shaft through water conduit 1008, of which a section may be led through a wall for example. 100 may be powered by mains power through power cable 1010. Alternatively or additionally, 100 may be powered by a battery as back-up power or for autonomous operation in areas where there is no mains power available. Figure 2 shows a diagram of a 100 and its elements / units in accordance with the invention. The system 100 comprises at least one water pump, but other supporting units may be added optionally, such as described in the following preferred embodiment. Water, which is usually dirty, is collected at bottom floor 301 and pumped up and directed 1001 into water inlet 110. Water conduit 1002 directs the water to water pump 101. After that, the still contaminated water is led to oil separator 102 through water conduit 1003. After oil has been separated from water, the oil free water is led through water conduit 1004 to filter unit 103 and then led through water conduit 1005 to water pump 104. Water pump 104 leads the filtered water through water conduit 1006 to water outlet 105 in outward direction 1007 and through water conduit 1008 through wall 302 into outside cavity 303. All units 101,102,103,104,105,110 are configured for receiving and guiding out water. All, or at least some of the units may therefore be configured with one or more inlet and / or outlet valves. These valves may be regulated by control unit 200. Control unit 200 may therefore be electrically connected with electric wiring to the mentioned units. The electric wiring is configured for receiving control signals from control unit 200. The wiring may also be configured for sending data to control unit 200, for example for sending information on a status or status change of the connected unit. The units may be powered individually and be individually switched on and off by control unit 200, or the system may be switched on and off as a whole or in sections of units. Based on status information of a unit, control unit 200 may calculate the running time, and derivate aging of said unit and for example limit the working of said unit and / or send a message to an external receiver stating that maintenance of the is due or required. When one or more of the water conduits 1002,1003,1004,1005,1006,1008 is obstructed, this may be detected by a diminished working or stress in one or more units. This will lead to control unit 200 to send a message to the external receiver for maintenance for example. A filter may be clogged, or debris is blocking inlet 110 for example. The system 100 is configured to prevent these obstructions as much as possible, such as by a grate in front of inlet 110 and various filters in the units. Control unit 200 may be configured with separate pump controllers for water pump 101 and 104 respectively. These controllers may be controlled by a central unit or control unit 200. Various sensors may be configured to detect presence of water on the bottom floor 301 as further described in figure 3. Figure 3 shows a diagram of a control unit 200 as comprised in the 100 of figure 2. The lines between units indicate an electrical connection for power and / or data communication. An autonomous power source 201 may be configured, and / or a connection to mains power may be configured as power source. Power source 201 provides electrical power to pump controllers 202a,b. Pump controllers may be directly connected to water level; sensors 203a,b. Detecting water by any one of these sensors 2023a,b may directly activate pump 101, 104 respectively. Alternatively, the sensor data of sensors 203a,b may be communicated to a single controller (this configuration is not shown in figure 2). Based on both sensor data, said central controller may decide if the pump system should be activated and act accordingly by switching both or just one pump on or off and optionally setting / regulating a pump speed of said pumps. Optionally, an alarm system is configured which comprises an alarm unit 205 and a water level sensor 206. As soon as water level sensor 206 detects water above a threshold, alarm unit 205 is triggered to activate an alarm. This alarm may be an audible and / or visual alarm and / or a notification to a service organization with an external operator for example. The threshold may be zero, so every moist or water will trigger the alarm, or only humidity or water level above a certain predetermined level will trigger an alarm. Water level sensor 206 may be expanded with other sensors such as a humidity sensor, an image sensor, an audio sensor or a heat or Infrared sensor. A humidity sensor is configured for detecting humidity, for example as a result of a flooding. When humidity exceeds a certain predetermined level, the alarm unit may be activated. An image sensor, or a video camera may be installed and be used for remote monitoring of the cavity, but it may also be connected to a microprocessor or computer 10 for analyzing images, using image recognition software. When the image sensor software detects a water level rise, alarm unit 205 may be triggered. Based on human analysis of images or video captured by the image sensor i.e. camera, a remote operator may also activate alarm unit 205 and / or instruct control unit 200 to activate 100. An audio sensor may be configured to listen to abnormal changes in sound in the cavity, especially in relation to sounds typical for in seeping water and / or flooding. The procedures when such sounds are detected are similar to the procedures of other sensors. An heat- or Infrared sensor may be configured for detecting abnormal temperature change of bottom floor 301, which may indicate a flooding with cold water for example. Procedures are as described above. These and other sensors may be configured as a single sensor or as part of a set of multiple sensors positioned at different locations in the cavity. Having water level sensors placed at different areas of bottom floor 301, for example, may be advantageous to detect flooding sooner. A mix of different types of sensors may also be configured. Having multiple sensor data with different parameters being measured, may prevent false negative or false positive alarms, thereby offering a more secure determination of a flooding for control unit 200 or for a remote operator. Some general remarks and variations comprise the following. Instead of a wired connection between units, some or all units may be wirelessly connected to control unit 200, with the wireless units being configured with a receiver or transceiver and the control unit being configured wit a transceiver. All sensors may be configured to wirelessly communicate sensor data to other units. Sensor data of a first cavity, such as an elevator shaft equipped with the invented 100, may also be communicated to other elevator shafts. This has as advantage that pump systems in other elevator shafts may prepare to be activated, or prevent false negatives, when a flooding in the first elevator shaft is detected and this is confirmed by sensor data of a second elevator shaft. Combining various sensor data of various elevator shafts may on the one hand lead to a better assessment and preparation of all s in a building, but may also help to prioritize emergency measures, if it is determined that one elevator is more flooded than another elevator for example. To assess the sense of urgency, it is furthermore important to know if the elevator is still operable despite of a flooding while there are people in the elevator. A non- operable elevator with people stuck inside and a flooding in the shaft requires direct attention, whereas a non-occupied and operable elevator, which has a flooded shaft, may have less urgency. Gathering and combining all these data may be done by control unit 200 and communicated to an external operator as well. Summing up the advantages of the invented 100: The system: may be configured in a small format; is easy to install; is minimally invasive, without substantial adaptations to a building; may be placed in an elevator shaft, before the building or after the building the elevator and the elevator shaft; may work automatically and autonomously; is also effective for mitigating even the lowest water levels and floodings, but is also suitable for dealing with large floodings; does not require large building pits to be created on location; filters ejected water within regulations into a safe location, e.g. a crawl space; regulates water level automatically. All in all, the is a self-sustaining system which is durable and robust and prevents damage by floodings in areas which are difficult to visually monitor. Besides application in an elevator shaft, multiple other cavities, areas, buildings and installations are envisioned to be equipped with the invented system. Examples are: - Basements; Natural caves; Mines; Ships, such as large container ships; Crawl space of homes; - Underground storage space; - Sewage systems (which run a risk of leakage or flooding); - All kinds of piping systems for transport of liquids; Tunnels and viaducts. It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that a person skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The article "the" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A water pump system comprising one or more water pumps with a water inlet, designed for pumping water, an outlet for discharging of the pumped water, a filter for filtering the pumped water, and a control unit, with the characteristic that, the one or more water pumps are configured for installation in a hollow space such as an elevator shaft, where the system further includes a sensor system that is configured to be controlled by the control unit and is configured for detecting a water level in the cavity, where The control unit is configured to activate the water pump. when a predetermined maximum threshold of the water level in the hollow space, as measured by the sensor system, is exceeded, and the control unit configured to deactivate the water pump when the water level, as measured by the sensor system, is lower than stated threshold.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system units includes of the group: - the water inlet that is configured to be on a floor of the hollow space installed and is equipped with a grate to keep out dirt; - an inlet water pump of the one or more water pumps designed for the pumping water through the water inlet; - an oil separator designed to collect the pumped water from the inlet water pump, and for separating oil and oily substances from the pumped water; - a water filter designed to collect the water pumped from the oil separator or from the inlet water pump, and for filtering the pumped water water against pollution; - an outlet water pump designed for receiving the pumped water from the water filter or from the oil separator, and for pumping water away to the water outlet; - the outlet for receiving the pumped water and for discharging the pumped water from the hollow space.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system has an internal transceiver comprises which is controlled by the control unit and is configured for two-way communication with an external transceiver that forms part of the system, where the external transceiver is configured for communicating group parameters: - a level of detected water level in the hollow space; - a threshold crossing, possibly accompanied by the activation of a audio and / or visual warning system configured in the building and / or on the external transceiver; - a status of the water pump, i.e. activated or deactivated; - a logbook of activations and deactivations of the water pump; - a term; - a progression of the life cycle of the system and / or its elements, in the in particular the water pump and / or the filter; - an indication when maintenance and / or replacement of the system and / or with name the water pump and / or the filter is needed or necessary; - a flow rate of the water pump if activated. 25 4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system multiple includes water pumps, each configured with internal transceivers that are controlled by a central control unit or one added per water pump control unit, where the water pumps are configured to directly to communicate with each other via their transceivers or via the exchange control unit and / or the external transceiver.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor system is one or includes more sensors from the group: - a humidity sensor configured to detect humidity; - an image sensor or a video camera configured for capturing of images and to be connected to a microprocessor or computer for analyzing images using image recognition software; - an audio sensor configured to listen for abnormal changes in sound in the cavity, especially with regard to sounds that be typical of seepage water and / or floods; - a heat or infrared sensor configured to detect abnormal temperature changes in the cavity, indicating a flood.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system is further a alarm system comprises an alarm unit and at least one sensor of the one or more sensors, and configured for activating an alarm by the alarm unit.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that the alarm unit is configured to trigger a group alarm: - a visual alarm; - an audible alarm; - a notification to an external service provider or operator, where the alarm unit is configured with a communication system for sending the mentioned alarm. 1 / 2 300 -----Z----- .-----Z------ ,-, 100 1010 107 / \ 1008 301 G 302 1002 110 Fig. 1 100 1004 \ / \ 200 1005 105 1007 1 101 2 J 100 ----\-N 1006 104 r- 103 A\ N , lio 'N 107 102 1001 1003 Fig. 2 201 200 tn 202a 202b r\, / 2 / 2 I205 101 203a 206 203b 104 Fig.3 PORT CONCERNING RESEARCH INTO THE STATE OF THE ART Patent application 1044963 1 1 classification of the subject : Investigated areas of technology : D15 / 02; F04B49 / 02 F04D; F04B; F04C PC files: Scope of the investigation: DOC, WPI Full um of the investigated conclusions: Uninvestigated conclusions: October 2024 - Relevant literature 2 Citation of literature with indication, where necessary, of relevance to gory conclusion(s) of text passages or figures of particular importance X US 2009 / 0123296 A (H2O GONE LLC) May 14, 2009 1, 2, 6 Y * figure 1; paragraphs [0013], [0016] - [0025], [0031], 5 [0032] * – – – X US 2020 / 0132068 A (RUPP CHARLES E et al.) 30 april 2020 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 * figures 1, 2, 7; paragraphs [0014]-[0017], [0019], [0022], [0029] – [0034] * – – – X US 2012 / 0251333 A (IRWIN DAVID LEONARD et al.) 1, 3, 6, 7 Y October 4, 2012 5 * figure 1; paragraphs [0029] – [0033], [0039] - [0040] * – – – – – Date on which the investigation was completed: The competent official: February 2025 ir. P. Gratessolle Netherlands Patent Office part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency See explanation on the next page. direction: welding areas of engineering: defined according to International Patent Classification (IPC). Generosity of the cited literature: p state of T being of particular importance in itself: literature on theory or not published in time the technical principle underlying the invention in conjunction with other cited literature E: patent literature published on or after the filing a state of the art of particular importance date of the present application and of which the submission date or the priority date is before the something of importance belonging to category X or Y submission date of the present application being state of the art D: mentioned in the application referring to an unrecorded state of affairs e technique L: literature mentioned for other reasons literature published between priority and &: member of the same patent family; corresponding literature submission date APPENDIX Accompanying the Report on the State of the Art Survey Patent application 1044963 The appendix contains a list of patent applications or patents published elsewhere (so-called and of the same patent family), which correspond to patent specifications mentioned in the report. The statement has been compiled based on data from the computer file of the European insurance agency as of February 12, 2025. The accuracy and completeness of this statement are neither guaranteed by the European Patent Office, nor guaranteed by the Netherlands Patent Office; the data are Provided for informational purposes. In the report mentioned Date of Corresponding Date of patent specification publication of patent specifications publication US 2009123296 A1 14-05-2009 US 8043069 B2 25-10-2011 US 2020132068 A1 30-04-2020 US 11193481 B2 07-12-2021 US 2012251333 A1 04-10-2012 US 9052226 B2 09-06-2015 WRITTEN OPINION Patent application 1044963 Opening date: Priority date: October 2024 - 1 Applicant: classification of the subject : 4D15 / 02; F04B49 / 02 UVOLUTIONX Patent BV The written opinion contains an explanation of the following sections: Part I Part II Part III Part IV Part V Part VI Part VII Part VIII The competent official: ir. P. Gratessolle Netherlands Patent Office part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency Defined according to International Patent Classification (IPC). Written Opinion Patent application 1044963 Part I Basis of the written opinion The written opinion was prepared on the basis of the conclusions submitted on 4 October 2024. Part V Reasoned statement regarding novelty and inventiveness and industrial applicability Declaration Yourness Yes: conclusion(s) 2 – 5, 7 No: conclusion(s) 1, 6 ventivity Yes: conclusion(s) - No: conclusion(s) 2 – 5, 7 Industrial applicability Yes: conclusion(s) 1 - 7 No: conclusion(s) - Literature and commentary the report concerning the state of the art study become the following publications names: 1: US 2009 / 0123296 A (H2O GONE LLC) May 14, 2009 2: US 2020 / 0132068 A (RUPP CHARLES E et al.) April 30, 2020 3: US 2012 / 0251333 A (IRWIN DAVID LEONARD et al.) October 4, 2012 1 Independent conclusion 1 discloses a water pump system (“water removal system 10”, see Figure 1, as well as paragraphs 013], [0016] - [0025]) comprising a water pump (assembly of “pump assembly 30” and parator pump 60”) with a water inlet, designed for pumping water (via “sump basket ” and “pump inlet tube 32”), an outlet for discharging the pumped water (see in Figure 1 outlet pipe to the right of “separator pump 60”), a filter (“sump lid 24”) suitable for filtration to the pumped water (see paragraphs [0016] - [0017]), and a control unit (“pressure nsor switch 52”). The water pump is configured for installation in a hollow space (“elevator pit”). ”). The system further includes a sensor system (“water level sensor”) that is configured to are controlled by the control unit and are configured to detect a water level in the hollow space (see sections [0024] - [0025]). The control unit is configured to activate the water pump when a predetermined maximum threshold is reached the water level in the hollow space, as measured by the sensor system, is exceeded, for deactivating the water pump when the water level, as measured by the nsor system, is lower than the stated threshold (see paragraph [0032]). Written Opinion Patent application 1044963 Conclusion 1 is therefore not new compared to what is known from D1. also reveals a water pump system (“sump pump system 10”, see figure 1, as well as aragraphs [0014]-[0017]) comprising a water pump (“sump pumps 24, 26, 28”) with a water inlet, designed for pumping water (implicit part of a water pump), a outlet for discharging the pumped water (“outlet 36”), and a control unit microprocessors 14, 16”). The water pump is configured for installation in a hollow space (“a ck 12 provided in a floor 30 of a basement”). The system further includes a sensor system water level sensors 18, 20, 22”) that is configured to be controlled by the control unit (see section [0019]) and is configured to detect a water level in the hollow space (see section [0016]). The control unit is configured for Activating the water pump when a predetermined maximum water level threshold is reached the void space, as measured by the sensor system, is exceeded, and for the activate the water pump when the water level, as measured by the sensor system, there is then the said threshold (see paragraph [0022]). The water pump system according to conclusion 1 differs from the familiar from D2 because the system further includes a filter suitable for the decomposition of the pumped water. Conclusion 1 and its dependent conclusions 2–7 are therefore your compared to the known from D2. The use of a filter suitable for filtering pumped water, for example upstream of the pump in order to avoid that pumped However, it is common in the field of water pump systems (see for example D1 where such a filter “sump lid 24” is used). Conclusion 1 therefore shows no inventive activity with respect to what is known from D2 in combination with general professional knowledge. also reveals a water pump system (“autonomous sump pump (ASP) system”, see figure as well as paragraphs [0030] - [0031]) comprising a water pump (“sump pump 103”) with a water inlet, designed for pumping water (implicit part of a water pump), a outlet for discharging the pumped water (“outlet pipe 124”), and a control unit control box 121”). The water pump is configured for installation in a hollow space (“sump well”). 6”). The system further includes a sensor system (“upper level float 115” and “lower level float 9”) that is configured to be controlled by the control unit and is configured or detecting a water level in the hollow space (see section [0031]). The The control unit is configured to activate the water pump when a preset peaked maximum threshold of the water level in the hollow space, as measured by the sensor system, is exceeded, and for deactivating the water pump when the water level, as measured by the sensor system, is lower than the stated threshold (see paragraph 031]). The water pump system according to conclusion 1 differs from the one known from D3 because it furthermore includes a filter suitable for filtering the pumped water. Conclusion 1 and Her dependent conclusions 2–7 are therefore new compared to what is known from D3. The use of a filter suitable for filtering pumped water, for example upstream and the pump in order to prevent pumped debris from damaging the pump, is Written Opinion Patent application 1044963 common practice in the field of water pump systems (see for example D1 where such a where “sump member 24” is used). Conclusion 1 therefore shows no inventive activity with respect to what is known from D3 in combination with general professional knowledge. 2 Conclusions 2 – 7 depending on conclusion 1 Conclusion 2 depends on conclusion 1. Conclusion 2 describes the system according to conclusion 1, whereby the system “includes units of the group” subsequent measures. It is unclear the conclusion thereby attempts to protect a system in which all mentioned subsequent measures are present, or in which only one or more of the following mentioned measures are in place. Given the interdependence of the units of the group mentioned subsequent measures, it is assumed that the conclusion attempts to a system screens containing all mentioned subsequent measures. D1 discloses the system comprising units of the group of conclusion 2 that: • the water inlet is configured to be placed on a floor of the hollow space (see figure 1) and is equipped with a grate (“sump lid 24”) to retain debris (see paragraphs [0016] – [0017]); • an inlet water pump (“pump assembly 30”) of the one or more water pumps is configured for pumping water through the water inlet (see paragraph [0019]); • an oil separator (“separator sump 40”) is designed to collect the pumped water from the inlet water pump, and for separating oil and oily substances from the pumped water (see paragraph [0022]); • an outlet water pump (“separator pump 60”) is configured to receive the water pumped from the oil separator (40), and for pumping water away to the water outlet (see paragraph [0023]); • the outlet is designed for receiving the pumped water and for discharging the water pumped out of the hollow space (see sections [0022] - [0023]). The water pump system according to conclusion 2 differs from the one known from D1 because a water filter is device for collecting the pumped water from the oil separator or from the Hot water pump, and for filtering the pumped water against contamination. In D1 there is indeed a provided for a similar water filter (“sump lid 24”) for filtering the pumped water before the the inlet water pump comes, in order to avoid pumped debris to the inlet water pump damage (see paragraphs [0016] – [0017]), and there is an oil separator after the inlet water pump equipped with a separator sump 40“) that can also filter other water contaminants, for example or deposition (see paragraph [0022]). However, D1 does not disclose in a direct and unambiguous manner you state that a water filter is provided after the inlet water pump (so not before the inlet water pump), before or after the oil separator (so not together with the oil separator). Conclusion 2 in The dependency of claim 1 is therefore novel. The technical effect of this differentiation measure is equipped with an extra water filter next to the one of the oil separator. For an average professional in the field of water pump systems, it stands to reason to have such an additional water filter Written Opinion Patent application 1044963 or oversee, for example by providing two instances of the placed one after the other placed parator sump 40”. Conclusion 2, in dependence on conclusion 1, therefore shows no finder activity in relation to the known from D1 in combination with the general knowledge Conclusion 3 depends on conclusion 1. The water pump system according to conclusion 3 differs from known from D1 because the system includes an internal transceiver that is controlled by the control unit and is configured for two-way communication with an external transceiver forms part of the system. Conclusion 3 regarding dependency is therefore new. D2 and D3 do indeed demonstrate the additional measures of claim 3 that the system an internal includes the end receiver which is controlled by the control unit and is configured for Two-way communication with an external transceiver (D2: “enabled device 76, such as a mobile house”; D3: ”nearby building owner”) which is part of the system (D2: see figure 7, as well as paragraphs [0029] – [0033]; D3: see paragraphs [0039] - [0040]). Conclusion 3 further describes that the The transceiver is configured to communicate “group parameters” successive parameters. It is unclear whether the conclusion thereby attempts to establish a system screens in which all parameters mentioned in conclusion 3 are present, or in which one or more whether these parameters are present. Given the absence of mutual dependence of the mentioned parameters, it is assumed that the conclusion attempts to protect a system in which one or more of the parameters are present. D2 and D3 reveal that the external The end receiver is configured to communicate the following parameters: • a level of detected water level in the hollow space (D2: see paragraph [0030]; D3: see paragraph [0039]); • a threshold crossing, possibly accompanied by activation of an audio and / or visual warning system configured in the building and / or on the external transceiver (D2: see paragraph [0032]; D3: see paragraph [0039]); • a status of the water pump, i.e. activated or deactivated (D2: see section [0032]; D3: see paragraph [0039]); • a logbook of activations and deactivations of the water pump (D2: see paragraph [0032]); • a term (D2: see paragraph [0032]); • a progression of the life cycle of the system and / or its elements, in particular the water pump and / or the filter (D2: see paragraph [0032]); • an indication when maintenance and / or replacement of the system and / or in particular the water pump and / or the filter is needed or necessary (D2: see paragraph [0032]). Conclusion 3, in dependence on Conclusion 1, therefore shows no inventive activity with respect to insight into what is known from D2 or D3 in combination with general professional knowledge. Conclusion 4 depends on conclusion 1. The water pump system according to conclusion 4 differs from known from D1 because the system comprises multiple water pumps, each configured with external transceivers that are controlled by a central control unit or a per water pump auxiliary control unit, where the water pumps are configured to to communicate directly with each other via their transceivers or via the exchange Written Opinion Patent application 1044963 control unit and / or the external transceiver. Conclusion 4 dependent on conclusion 1 is therefore new. D2 does disclose the additional measures of claim 4 described above. e figure 2), as a result of which claim 4, dependent on claim 1, has no inventive activity demonstrates in relation to what is known from D2 in combination with general professional knowledge. Conclusion 5 depends on conclusion 1. The water pump system according to conclusion 5 differs from known from D1 because the sensor system comprises one or more sensors from the group of sensors listed in conclusion 5. After all, D1 reveals only a hydraulic (pressure) sensor (see paragraph 025]), a pneumatic (pressure) sensor (see paragraph [0030]), an optical sensor (see paragraph 031]) and a floating lever sensor (see paragraph [0034]). Conclusion 5 depending on Conclusion 1 is therefore new. The technical effect of this differentiation measure is the provision of a Alternative sensor for determining the water level in the cavity. The professional, assuming an D1 and faced the objective technical problem of finding an alternative sensor for the piles of the water level in the hollow space, would consult D3 for this purpose. From D3, the craftsman learns A moisture sensor can be used to determine the water level in a hollow space (see paragraph [0039] last sentence). The skilled professional experiences no difficulties when replacing the sensor from D1 with the humidity sensor from D3 in order to a water pump system to be achieved according to claim 5. Claim 5 dependent on claim 1 therefore shows no inventive activity with respect to what is known from D1 in combination the familiar one from D3. Conclusion 6 is dependent on conclusion 1. D1-D3 each disclose the additional measures of conclusion 6 that the system further comprises an alarm system comprising an alarm unit and at at least one sensor of the one or more sensors, and configured to activate an alarm by alarm unit (D1: see paragraph [0032]; D2: see paragraphs [0024] and [0034]; D3: see paragraphs 039] - [0040]). Conclusion 6 dependent on conclusion 1 is therefore not new with respect to to the known from D1 and shows no inventive activity with respect to the known from or D3 in combination with general professional knowledge. Conclusion 7 depends on conclusion 6. The water pump system according to conclusion 7 differs from known from D1 because the alarm system is configured to activate an alarm from group of alarms listed in conclusion 7. Conclusion 7 is therefore new. D2 and D3 do reveal additional measures of claim 7 that the alarm unit is configured to activate an alarm from the group (D2: see paragraph [0024]; D3: see paragraph [0040]): • a visual alarm; • an audible alarm; • a notification to an external service provider or operator with which the alarm unit is configured with a communication system for sending the said alarm. Conclusion 7, in dependence on Conclusion 6, therefore shows no inventive activity with respect to insight into what is known from D2 or D3 in combination with general professional knowledge. Written Opinion Patent application 1044963 Part VIII Other remarks The following remarks are made regarding the clarity of the conclusions: a conclusion that reveals multiple alternative measures, for example, interconnected or “of”, is anticipated by a state of the art document that one of the discloses alternative measures. Sections beginning with the expression "such as" or "possibly" have no limiting influence on scope of protection of the claim in which they are included. Such phrases are why, in assessing the novelty and inventiveness of the relevant claims, outside inspection left.

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