SUMP pump systems, controllers, and methods for operating thereof

Abstract

A sump pump system includes a central unit having a water accumulation reservoir, a vacuum / compressor system, a water discharge port, and a controller. The reservoir includes a first port adjacent its lower end, a second port above the first port in fluid communication with one or more water intake assemblies, and a third port above the second port in fluid communication with the vacuum / compressor system. The vacuum / compressor system operates alternately in a vacuum mode to aspirate water or air into the reservoir and in a pressure mode to discharge accumulated water through the water discharge port. The controller activates the system on a predetermined time schedule without user intervention, achieving water removal and air ventilation to produce complete dryness of the surface being drained. In a multi-compartment boat embodiment, individual water intake assemblies are placed in respective isolated hull compartments and connected to the central unit through sequentially activated solenoid valves controlled by the controller.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE DATA

[0001] This US Patent Application is a continuation-in-part of the co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 637,416 entitled SUMP PUMP SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THEREOF, filed on Apr. 16, 2024, now U.S. Pat. No. 12,624,688, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with sump pumps. More particularly, the invention describes an automatic sump pump that can be used in a variety of circumstances.

[0003] Sump pumps are predominantly employed in areas susceptible to water accumulation and flooding, serving as a critical component in safeguarding these environments. Basements, being the lowest points in a building, are the most common sites for sump pump installations to prevent water ingress and the consequent damage. Similarly, crawl spaces, which are close to ground level, also benefit from sump pumps to deter moisture buildup, mold growth, and structural deterioration. Garages, especially those that are below grade or have flat surfaces, use sump pumps to avoid water damage to vehicles and stored items. In commercial settings, such as buildings with extensive basement areas or subterranean levels, sump pumps are essential for water management and flood prevention. They are equally vital in regions with high water tables or during heavy rainfall, where they prevent groundwater from encroaching into buildings. Moreover, in industrial and agricultural contexts, sump pumps play a key role in controlling water levels, thereby protecting equipment, processes, and livestock from the adverse effects of excessive water.

[0004] One significant limitation of a sump pump is that it does not fully remove water, leaving the floor wet or damp. This limitation has the potential to extend water damage and facilitate mold growth. Even small amounts of standing water can seep into the floor and walls, weakening the structure over time and causing wood to rot or concrete to erode. This residual moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew to flourish, which can lead to unpleasant odors, health issues, and the deterioration of indoor air quality.

[0005] Moreover, incomplete water removal can attract pests such as insects and rodents that seek out damp areas. This situation can become particularly problematic in spaces like basements or crawl spaces, where unchecked moisture can go unnoticed for extended periods, leading to extensive and costly damage.

[0006] Another limitation is the potential for the pump's sensors or switch mechanism to malfunction. If the pump does not activate until a certain water level is reached, or if it shuts off before all the water is removed, it may not be effective in preventing flooding or water damage during heavy rain or in high water table areas.

[0007] Finally, the continuous presence of water can also lead to premature corrosion and failure of the sump pump itself, as well as other mechanical and electrical systems in the area. This not only necessitates more frequent maintenance and replacement but also increases the risk of failure when the system is most needed.

[0008] For small boats, sump pumps are an essential device for managing water accumulation. They play a critical role in ensuring safety and operational efficiency. In the confined spaces of a small boat, water can accumulate rapidly due to various sources such as rain, waves splashing into the boat, or leaks from the hull or other onboard systems. This accumulation, if left unchecked, can lead to increased weight and instability, potentially causing the boat to sit lower in the water or, in extreme cases, to capsize. The sump pump generally addresses this issue by automatically detecting and removing excess water from the boat's bilge, which is the lowest compartment inside the hull. It is especially crucial in maintaining buoyancy and balance during harsh marine conditions when water ingress is more pronounced. Furthermore, in small boats, where space is at a premium and manual bailing is not always feasible or efficient, a sump pump offers a reliable and automatic solution to prevent water accumulation. By keeping the bilge dry, the pump not only helps maintain the structural integrity of the boat but also prevents the growth of mold and mildew, which can damage the boat's interior and equipment over time.

[0009] In larger boats, the interior of the hull may be subdivided by one or more water-impermeable partitions, also known as bulkheads or hull dividers, into a plurality of structurally and hydraulically isolated compartments. Such partitions serve important structural and safety functions, including limiting the spread of flooding to a single compartment in the event of a hull breach and providing rigidity to the hull structure. Each compartment formed by these partitions communicates with the others only through deliberate openings such as hatches, doors, or wiring passages, but is otherwise sealed against the flow of water from one compartment to another. As a result, water that accumulates in one compartment—whether from rain, wave splash, condensation, or a slow leak—does not drain into adjacent compartments and remains isolated therein. This characteristic presents a significant challenge for conventional single-intake sump pump systems, which are capable of servicing only the compartment in which the single water intake assembly is placed. Water accumulating in any other isolated compartment of the hull goes undetected and unaddressed by the single-intake system. The need, therefore, exists for a sump pump system having a plurality of water intake assemblies, each deployable into a respective isolated compartment of a multi-compartment hull, and operable from a single central unit, so that all compartments may be systematically serviced without installing a separate pump in each one.

[0010] The need exists, therefore, for a sump pump system that addresses the deficiencies of the current designs and achieves the state of complete dryness of the surface that it is designed to protect.SUMMARY

[0011] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome these and other drawbacks of the prior art by providing a novel sump pump system configured to improve water removal from an area at risk for water accumulation.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a sump pump system configured for both water removal and air ventilation of the area prone for water accumulation.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of removal of standing water capable of preventing residual amounts of water from remaining in place and reducing the risk of mold formation as a result thereof.

[0014] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide methods of reducing the risk of water damage to the area prone to water accumulation.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sump pump system having a single central pumping unit operatively connected to a plurality of individual water intake assemblies, each deployable into a respective isolated compartment of a multi-compartment structure, such as the hull of a larger boat, wherein the central unit is configured to service each compartment sequentially during a primary operating cycle. This configuration eliminates the need for a separate pump installation in each compartment while ensuring that every isolated compartment of the hull is periodically drained and dried.

[0016] The sump pump system of the invention includes a water intake port, a water accumulation reservoir, a water discharge pump, and a vacuum pump. The water accumulation reservoir, in turn, may include a first port, a second port in fluid communication with the water intake port and positioned above the first port, and a third port positioned above the second port. The water discharge pump may be assembled to be in fluid communication with the first port of the water accumulation reservoir. A water discharge port may also be provided to be in fluid communication with the water discharge pump and configured, upon activation thereof, to direct water to discharge from the water accumulation reservoir. The vacuum pump of the system may be fluidly attached to the third port and configured, when activated, to decrease air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir below atmospheric pressure. Once the pressure is reduced, the water is forced to flow from the water intake port through the second port into the water accumulation reservoir. When the vacuum pump is activated and no water is present, it causes air ventilation in the vicinity of the water intake port, which improves a state of dryness and eliminates any small amounts of water that may still be present.

[0017] Alternative configurations of the air pump and vacuum pump and connections / attachments thereof are also described.

[0018] One advantage of the present system is the periodic activation of the vacuum pump to cause air ventilation even if water is not detected to be present. This activation on a predetermined schedule assures a better state of dryness of the area prone to water accumulation, as compared to the present sump pump systems.

[0019] Novel methods of operating a sump pump system are also described and may include the following steps:

[0020] a. providing a sump pump system, which may include a water intake port and a water accumulation reservoir with three ports:

[0021] i. a first port in fluid communication with a water discharge port,

[0022] ii. a second port in fluid communication with the water intake port, wherein the second port is positioned above the first port, and

[0023] iii. a third port in fluid communication with an air pump assembly, the third port positioned above the second port,

[0024] b. activating the air pump assembly on a periodic schedule basis to decrease air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir below atmospheric pressure. The presence of negative pressure causes water to flow from the water intake port through the second port into the water accumulation reservoir. Once all water is removed, negative pressure causes air ventilation in the vicinity of the water intake port, and

[0025] c. causing water to discharge from the water accumulation reservoir through the first port and through the water discharge port on a predetermined time schedule. This, in turn may be achieved by:

[0026] i. activating a water discharge pump fluidly connected in line between the first port and the water discharge port, while venting the water accumulation reservoir to atmospheric pressure, or

[0027] ii. activating the air pump assembly to increase air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir above atmospheric pressure.

[0028] In other embodiments, step (c) may further include a step of detecting a water level reaching a predetermined height above the second port and below the third port, followed by the step of causing water to discharge from the first port of the water accumulation reservoir.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 is a general schematic view of the system of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a general diagram of the same showing the state of water intake;

[0032] FIG. 3 is a general diagram of the same showing the state of water discharge;

[0033] FIG. 4 is a general diagram of the an alternative system configuration showing the state of water intake;

[0034] FIG. 5 is a general diagram of the same as in FIG. 4 showing the state of water discharge;

[0035] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the sump pump system of the present invention configured for deployment in a larger boat having a plurality of isolated bilge compartments separated by water-impermeable partitions, wherein a single central sump pump unit is connected by individual flexible hoses and corresponding solenoid valves to a plurality of water intake assemblies, each placed in a respective isolated compartment, and wherein a controller is configured to service the compartments sequentially during a primary operating cycle; and; and

[0036] FIG. 7 is a logic flow diagram illustrating the sequence of operations performed by the controller during a primary operating cycle in the embodiment of FIG. 6, including sequential activation of individual solenoid valves through respective sub-cycles, interruption of each sub-cycle upon detection of a full water accumulation reservoir, transitioning of the vacuum / compressor system from vacuum mode to pressure mode for water discharge, resumption of the interrupted sub-cycle, and return to idle state upon completion of the primary operating cycle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The following description sets forth various examples along with specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that claimed subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific details disclosed herein. Further, in some circumstances, well-known methods, procedures, systems, components and / or circuits have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring claimed subject matter. In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of the sump pump system 100 of the present invention. In broad terms, system 100 may include a sump pump 130 attached to a water intake assembly 110. The water intake assembly 110 may be located closely or adjacent to the sump pump 130 or, in some cases, may be positioned remotely from the sump pump 130. When positioned at some distance from the sump pump 130, the water intake assembly may be fluidly connected to the sump pump 130 via a flexible hose 116. The flexible hose 116 may be selected to be kink-resistant and equipped with quick-connect couplings on one or both ends thereof. This may be advantageous to facilitate the replacement of the hose 116 and the repositioning of the water intake assembly 110 to a different spot in the area prone to flooding or water accumulation.

[0039] The water intake assembly 130 may include a water inlet positioned at the bottom of a weighted base 114 configured to maintain the water intake assembly 130 in a vertical or another preferred orientation, facilitating maximal water intake from the lowest point of the surface on which the weighted base 114 is located. The weight of the weighted base may be selected to be sufficient to keep the water intake assembly at the same position and orientation throughout the cycles of removing water and ventilating the surrounding area. In embodiments, the weight of the weighted base 114 may be selected to be from about 0.5 lbs to about 5 lbs, such as at least 0.5 lbs, at least 1 lb, at least 1.5 lbs, at least 2 lbs, at least 3 lbs, at least 4 lbs, or about 5 lbs. The size of the weighted base, such as its diameter in case of a round or cylindrical shape, or any of the dimensions of the width and length may be selected to assure a stable positioning of the water intake assembly on the surface underneath thereof. Exemplary sizes or diameters may be from about 2 inches to about 10 inches, such as at least 2 inches, at least 3 inches, at least 4 inches, at least 5 inches, at least 7 inches, or up to about 10 inches. In other embodiments, the size and the weight of the weighted base may be selected to be different from the above-mentioned examples, as may be dictated by specific circumstances of the use of the sump pump system 100 of the present invention.

[0040] Furthermore, the lower surface of the weighted base 114 may include a screen or mesh 115 as well as one or more grooves to facilitate water or air flow to proceed into the water intake assembly from the areas surrounding the weighted base 114. One suitable example of such an arrangement is a plurality of radial grooves leading to the center of the weighted base 114, where the water intake opening may be located. The screen 115 may be used to prevent large pieces of debris from entering the sump pump system of the present invention.

[0041] In further embodiments, the water intake assembly 110 may be secured to another item located in the target area for water removal, such as a piece or railing, a pipe, a bracket, etc., as a further method to secure the water intake assembly in place.

[0042] In embodiments, the water intake assembly 110 may include an optional water intake check valve 112 positioned in line with the water flow and configured to direct the flow of water or air only from the water intake assembly 110 toward the water accumulation reservoir 170. The check valve 112 may be selected to have any of the commonly used principles, such as a spring-loaded ball, a duck bill, or other check valve designs, as the invention is not limited in this regard. The presence of the water intake check valve 112 may help to prevent the backflow of water once the sump pump 130 is turned off.

[0043] The sump pump 130 may include a housing 140 equipped with a display and control panel 142 and an electronic controller 144. The display and control panel 142 may be configured to facilitate the programming of various timed events that would define the operational schedule for the sump pump 130. The display and control panel 142 may also be used to communicate various system states, indicate the presence or absence of electrical power, and for other utility purposes. The housing 140 may be made from water-resistant materials, such as plastic, metal, or composite materials.

[0044] The water accumulation reservoir 170 may be attached to or positioned within housing 140 and configured for vertical orientation so that multiple ports inside thereof maintain a vertical presence and relationship to each other, as described below. The water reservoir 170 may be made from water-resistant materials, similar to that of the housing 140. In embodiments, it may have a removable cover 174 that may be sealingly placed on top of the accumulation reservoir 170. The cover 174 may be provided to allow access and maintenance of the sensor component inside thereof and for other repair and maintenance purposes.

[0045] The water accumulation reservoir 170 may have a plurality of ports spaced apart vertically and arranged in the following manner: a first port 171, a second port 172, which may be in fluid communication with the water intake port 146, the second port 172 may be positioned above the first port 171, and a third port 173 positioned above the second port 172, and, of course, above the first port 171. The water accumulation reservoir 170 may be sealed and configured to not change its shape (such as by buckling or collapsing) when operational air pressure or vacuum levels are present inside thereof, as described below in greater detail. Vertical spacing of the ports may be adjusted based on the required volume and height of the water accumulation reservoir 170. In alternative embodiments, the first port 171 may be formed at or near the bottom of the water accumulation reservoir 170, while the third port 173 may be formed in or near the cover thereof.

[0046] In alternative embodiments, two of the three ports of the water accumulation reservoir 170 may be combined into a single shared reservoir opening formed in the wall of the reservoir 170, with individual fluid connectors extending from the shared opening to accommodate respective flexible hoses or other fluid conduits. For example, the first port 171 and the second port 172 may share a common opening, with individual connectors and one-way valves distinguishing between fluid communication toward the water discharge port 145 and from the water intake port 146. In such embodiments, a manifold or fitting block may be attached to the shared reservoir opening and configured to maintain the distinct fluid pathways required for independent operation of the water intake function, the water discharge function, and the vacuum / compressor function, as the invention is not limited in this regard. This combined-port arrangement may reduce the number of penetrations through the wall of the water accumulation reservoir 170, simplify assembly, and reduce the potential for leakage, while maintaining the functional independence of each fluid pathway.

[0047] A water level sensor 176 may be positioned above the second port 172 (or above the combined-port arrangement) and below the third port 173 and configured to detect a water level reaching a predetermined height inside the water accumulation reservoir 170. Various types of water level sensors may be used for this purpose, including a floater-activated sensor, an electrically activated sensor, and other sensors, as the invention is not limited in this regard.

[0048] In further embodiments, the water accumulation reservoir 170 may have a side observation window at or along the outside portion of the external wall to facilitate understanding of the water level inside thereof.

[0049] The remaining parts of the sump pump 130 are now described with reference to FIG. 1. The housing 140 may have a water intake port 146, a water discharge port 145, and an air vent port 147. The water intake port 146 may be fluidly connected to the second port 172 of the water accumulation reservoir 170. In embodiments, the water intake port 146 and / or the water discharge port 145 may include a connection fitting configured to allow rapid disconnect of the hoses and tubing attached thereto and replacement thereof. The water discharge port 145 may be fluidly connected to the water discharge outlet 118, which may be routed to a suitable drain that may be selected to be capable of accepting the expected volume of water from the water accumulation reservoir 170. In the case of using the sump pump system 100 on a boat, a simple water discharge overboard may be sufficient for this purpose. In other situations, a collection volume for accepting discharged water may be provided, for example, in circumstances where discharge overboard is not allowed.

[0050] A vacuum pump 154 may be placed in the line between the air vent port 147 and the third port 173 of the water accumulation reservoir 170. The vacuum pump 154 may be electrically connected to the controller 144 to activate and deactivate thereof based on the signals from the controller 144. When the vacuum pump is activated by the controller 144, air is withdrawn from the water accumulation reservoir 170. This action causes a decrease in air pressure inside the water accumulation reservoir 170 below atmospheric pressure. If water is present around the water intake assembly 110, low air pressure may be sufficient to urge water to flow from the water intake assembly 110 through the second port 172 and into the water accumulation reservoir 170. If no water is present, the same action would cause air to flow through the same water intake pathway, which causes air ventilation in the vicinity of the water intake assembly 110.

[0051] Depending on the design of the vacuum pump 154, turning it off may cause the line between the air vent port 147 and the third port 173 to be sealed. To allow air venting of the water accumulation reservoir 170 during the water discharge part of its operation (as described below in greater detail), an electrically activated valve 155 may be positioned in parallel to the vacuum pump 154. This may be the case when a diaphragm pump is used as a vacuum pump 154. In other cases, when turning off the vacuum pump 154 does not seal the line to the air vent port 147 off, there may be no need for the presence of the electrically activated valve 155 in the sump pump 130. This may be the case when a centrifugal or another rotary air pump is used as the vacuum pump 154.

[0052] The remaining portion of the sump pump 130 is the water discharge line connecting the first port 171 of the water accumulation reservoir 170 to the water discharge port 145. A water discharge pump 152 may be placed to have its inlet in fluid communication with the first port 171 of the water accumulation reservoir 170. The outlet of the water discharge pump 152 may be configured to direct water flow to the water discharge port 145. Depending on the type of water discharge pump 152, a check valve 153 may be placed in the water discharge line to prevent the backflow of water into the water accumulation reservoir 170. This may be the case when a rotary pump is used as a water discharge pump 152. The check valve assures that no water or air would flow back into the water accumulation reservoir when the air pressure inside thereof is below atmospheric pressure. In case the water discharge pump 152 is selected to be able to seal off the water discharge line when it is not in use, there may be no need for the check valve 153 if there is no backflow expected to pass through the water discharge pump 152.

[0053] The controller 144 may be operatively connected to the water level sensor 176, the water discharge pump 152, the vacuum pump 154, and the electrically activated valve 155. Controller 144 may be programmed or otherwise configured to activate the vacuum pump 154 on a predetermined time schedule. In some embodiments, the controller 144 may be configured for a wireless Internet connection, a wireless local connection to a secondary control panel, or a Bluetooth wireless connection to a paired mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. In this case, the operation and programming of controller 144 may be done remotely, for example, using a corresponding smartphone app, as the invention is not limited in this regard. The smartphone app may be configured to display the current system state, including which solenoid valve and corresponding water intake assembly is presently active, the remaining activation time of the current sub-cycle, and whether the primary operating cycle is in a vacuum mode or pressure mode. The app may also allow the user to adjust the primary operating cycle schedule, the individual solenoid valve activation times, and the value Y of the rotary switch, and may display notifications upon completion of a water discharge event or upon detection of any system fault. In this case, the operation and programming of controller 144 may be done remotely, for example, using a corresponding smartphone app, as the invention is not limited in this regard.

[0054] In some embodiments of the drainage pump system, the display and control panel 142 may be omitted from the system; in this variant, the controller 144 may include a rotary switch integrated directly into the controller itself.

[0055] The rotary switch may be configured to allow the user to select a value Y, expressed in whole number of hours, which defines the interval between successive initiations of the primary operating cycle within a twenty-four-hour period. The number of times X the primary operating cycle is initiated within a twenty-four-hour period may be determined according to the formula X=24 / Y, where Y is the selected interval in hours and X is the resulting number of initiations per day. For example, selecting Y=6 on the rotary switch causes the controller 144 to initiate the primary operating cycle four times per day at equal six-hour intervals. Other values of Y may be selected on the rotary switch, such as Y=2 (twelve initiations per day), Y=4 (six initiations per day), Y=8 (three initiations per day), or Y=12 (two initiations per day), as the invention is not limited in this regard. Once powered, the controller 144 may begin the first primary operating cycle immediately and then initiate each subsequent cycle at equal intervals of X hours as set by the rotary switch, without further user intervention. This configuration provides a simple, single-motion adjustment of the operating schedule that is particularly suitable for marine environments where touchscreen or keypad input may be impractical.

[0056] Activation of the vacuum pump 154 (see FIG. 2) may lead to a decrease in air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir 170, thereby causing either (i) water to flow from the water intake assembly 110 through the second port 172 into the water accumulation reservoir 170, or (ii) air ventilation in the vicinity of the water intake assembly 110. The timing of the beginning and end of the vacuum pump 154 activations may be set using the display and control panel 142. In one example, the vacuum pump may be turned ON once or twice per day for a duration of 5 to 10 minutes. Other suitable schedules may be programmed into controller 144 depending on the specific circumstances of the use of the sump pump system 110 of the present invention.

[0057] The controller 144 may be further configured to activate the water discharge pump 152 upon the water level sensor 176 detecting the water level reaching the predetermined height above the second port 172 and below the third port 173 therein, thereby causing water to be discharged from the water accumulation reservoir 170—see FIG. 3.

[0058] In some embodiments of this invention, while the activation of the vacuum pump 154 may be conducted on a timed basis, the activation of the water discharge pump 152 may be conducted only upon detection of the presence of a sufficient volume of water in the water accumulation reservoir 170 to trigger activation of the water level sensor. This arrangement is done for the purposes of not only removing water present in the vicinity of the water intake assembly 110, but also for ventilation of that area once all water is removed therefrom.

[0059] In further embodiments, additional activation of the vacuum pump 154 may be conducted on top of the timed activations as described above, for example, as triggered by additional water sensors located at or near the water intake assembly 110. These additional activations may be helpful to cause immediate water removal to avoid awaiting the next scheduled time when the vacuum pump 154 is to be activated. Such additional sensors may include conventional water sensors, as well as a video camera adapted to detect water presence in the area of observation and in the vicinity of the water intake assembly 110.

[0060] In further embodiments, activation of the water discharge pump 152 may either precede and / or conclude at least some or all occasions of operating the water intake components of the sump pump system of the invention. In this case, the water discharge pump 152 may be turned on for a predetermined amount of time selected to match or exceed the duration of time needed for the water discharge pump 152 to empty the entire water accumulation reservoir 170. This approach may be used to ensure that all water that may partially or fully fill the water accumulation reservoir 170 during a preceding cycle of operating the water intake part of the system is discharged before more water is urged to fill the water accumulation reservoir 170.

[0061] In further embodiments, controller 144 may be configured or programmed to initiate the action of reducing the air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir 170 for a predetermined period of time, which may be selected to match or exceed the duration needed to fill the entire water accumulation 170 with water. If the water level sensor is not triggered to indicate the water level reaching the top of the water accumulation reservoir 170, the vacuum pump may be stopped, as there is no more water to be evacuated into the water accumulation reservoir 170. If the water sensor is triggered to indicate the water level has reached the top of the water accumulation reservoir 170, the vacuum pump 154 may also be stopped, the water discharge pump 152 may be activated for the duration of time needed to fully discharge all the water from the water accumulation reservoir 170, and the vacuum pump 154 may be activated again to continue evacuating water from the water inlet assembly 110. These cycles may continue until the water level sensor 176 is no longer triggered by the presence of water, indicating that there is no more water available to evacuate from the vicinity of the water intake assembly 110.

[0062] In further embodiments, the controller 144 may be configured to monitor and record the volume of water aspirated from each individual water intake assembly 110 during each sub-cycle of the primary operating cycle. The volume of water collected from each respective compartment may be estimated based on the number of times the water level sensor 176 is triggered during the activation period of each solenoid valve, or alternatively by the duration of time the vacuum / compressor system 161 operates in the vacuum mode before the water level sensor 176 is triggered, or by a dedicated flow meter, as the invention is not limited in this regard. The controller 144 may be configured to compare the water volumes aspirated from each compartment across a plurality of primary operating cycles and to identify the water intake assembly 110 from which the greatest cumulative volume of water has been drawn. The identity of that water intake assembly, and the corresponding isolated compartment it services, may be displayed on the display and control panel 142 and, in embodiments with wireless connectivity, transmitted to a paired mobile device via the corresponding smartphone app. This information may be used to alert the user to address the source of water inflow in that specific compartment, for example, by inspecting for a hull breach, leaking fitting, or defective seal in that area of the boat. In embodiments, the controller 144 may be programmed to generate an alert or audible signal when the water volume aspirated from any single compartment exceeds a predetermined threshold volume within a selected monitoring period, thereby providing early warning of an abnormal rate of water intrusion.

[0063] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the sump pump system 100 of the present invention configured for deployment in a larger boat 200 having a plurality of isolated hull compartments 210a, 210b, 210c separated from one another by water-impermeable partitions, also referred to herein as bulkheads. In this embodiment, a single central sump pump unit 130 is positioned at a convenient central location aboard the boat 200, such as in a main cabin, an equipment bay, or a dedicated utility space. The central unit 130 includes the housing 140, which may include a display and control panel, the electronic controller 144, the water accumulation reservoir 170, the vacuum / compressor system 161, and the water discharge port 145, all as described above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 5. Rather than being limited to a single water intake assembly 110, the central unit 130 in this embodiment is operatively connected to a plurality of individual water intake assemblies 110a, 110b, 110c, each positioned within a respective isolated compartment 210a, 210b, 210c of the boat 200. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, three water intake assemblies 110a, 110b, 110c are provided, corresponding to three isolated compartments 210a, 210b, 210c. However, the invention is not limited in this regard, and any number of two or more water intake assemblies may be deployed, depending on the number of isolated compartments present in the particular vessel.

[0064] Each water intake assembly 110a, 110b, 110c is connected to the central unit 130 via a respective flexible hose 116a, 116b, 116c. Each flexible hose 116a, 116b, 116c may be routed through or alongside the watertight partitions, for example, through a watertight gland or fitting that preserves the water-isolation of each compartment 210a, 210b, 210c. Each flexible hose 116a, 116b, 116c terminates at a respective solenoid valve 180a, 180b, 180c positioned within the central unit 130 or in the fluid line between the flexible hose and the central unit 130. Each solenoid valve 180a, 180b, 180c is electrically connected to and individually actuated by the controller 144. The outlets of all solenoid valves 180a, 180b, 180c are joined at a joint water intake port 146, which is in fluid communication with the second port 172 of the water accumulation reservoir 170 via an inlet one-way valve configured to allow flow only toward the water accumulation reservoir 170. When a given solenoid valve 180a is open and the remaining solenoid valves 180b, 180c are closed, only the water intake assembly 110a associated with the open solenoid valve 180a is in fluid communication with the water accumulation reservoir 170. This arrangement ensures that the vacuum / compressor system 161 draws water or air exclusively from the compartment 210a being actively serviced, without any cross-communication between compartments.

[0065] Each water intake assembly 110a, 110b, 110c may be constructed in the same manner as the water intake assembly 110 described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 5. Each assembly may include a weighted base 114 and a water inlet positioned at or near the lowest point of the respective compartment floor, a screen or mesh 115 to prevent debris ingestion, and a water intake check valve 112 to prevent backflow of water into the compartment when the respective solenoid valve 180a, 180b, or 180c is closed. The flexible hoses 116a, 116b, 116c may be selected to be kink-resistant and equipped with quick-connect couplings on one or both ends to facilitate installation, removal, and replacement. The length of each flexible hose 116a, 116b, 116c may be selected to be sufficient to span the distance from the respective isolated compartment 210a, 210b, 210c to the central unit 130. In embodiments, the flexible hoses may be routed along the interior walls or through structural channels of the boat 200 so as to minimize obstruction to the boat's operational spaces.

[0066] The controller 144 in this embodiment is configured to execute a primary operating cycle in which the solenoid valves 180a, 180b, 180c are activated sequentially, one at a time. At the start of the sub-cycle 1 of the primary operating cycle, the controller 144 opens solenoid valve 180a while keeping solenoid valves 180b and 180c closed. The vacuum / compressor system 161 is simultaneously operated in the vacuum mode, decreasing air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir 170 below atmospheric pressure. If water is present in compartment 210a, it is aspirated through the water intake assembly 110a, through the flexible hose 116a, through the open solenoid valve 180a, and into the water accumulation reservoir 170 via the joint water intake port 146 and the second port 172. If no water is present in compartment 210a, the vacuum / compressor system 161 causes air to flow through the same pathway, producing active air ventilation of the surface to be drained within compartment 210a and of the water intake assembly 110a and flexible hose 116a therein, thereby achieving dryness. The activation time of solenoid valve 180a is equal to the operating time of the vacuum / compressor system in vacuum mode during a sub-cycle.

[0067] Upon expiration of the predetermined activation time for solenoid valve 180a, the controller 144 closes solenoid valve 180a and opens solenoid valve 180b, initiating a sub-cycle 2 for compartment 210b. This sequential activation then proceeds to solenoid valve 180c and compartment 210c. If, at any point during the activation of any solenoid valve, the water level sensor 176 detects that the water level within the water accumulation reservoir 170 has reached the predetermined height, the controller 144 immediately interrupts the current sub-cycle. The controller 144 closes all solenoid valves 180a, 180b, 180c, stops the vacuum mode of operation, and transitions the vacuum / compressor system 161 to the pressure mode. In pressure mode, air is pumped into the water accumulation reservoir 170 above atmospheric pressure, causing accumulated water to discharge through the first port 171 and through the water discharge port 145 to the exterior of the boat 200, such as overboard. Upon completion of water discharge, the controller 144 returns to the vacuum mode and resumes the current sub-cycle, continuing sequential activation of the solenoid valves beginning with the solenoid valve that was active at the time of interruption, or alternatively restarting with the first solenoid valve in the sequence, as the invention is not limited in this regard.

[0068] The primary operating cycle is considered complete when all solenoid valves 180a, 180b, 180c have been sequentially activated through their respective predetermined activation times and the water level sensor 176 has not been triggered during the final sub-cycle. Upon completion of the primary operating cycle, the controller 144 closes all solenoid valves, deactivates the vacuum / compressor system 161, and returns to an idle state. The controller 144 then awaits the next scheduled initiation of the primary operating cycle, as defined by the operating schedule set via the rotary switch or display and control panel 142, without requiring any further user intervention.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a logic diagram illustrating one exemplary sequence of operations performed by the controller 144 during a primary operating cycle in the multi-intake embodiment of FIG. 6. Upon application of electrical power to the system, the controller 144 enters an idle state and awaits the next scheduled initiation time as determined by the operating schedule. Upon reaching the scheduled initiation time, the controller 144 initiates the primary operating cycle. In the first sub-cycle (Sub-cycle 1), the controller 144 may optionally activate the vacuum / compressor system 161 in pressure mode for a brief preliminary discharge period, ensuring that any residual water from a prior cycle is cleared from the water accumulation reservoir 170 before water intake begins. The controller 144 then transitions to vacuum mode and opens solenoid valve 180a for the predetermined activation time. If the water level sensor 176 is triggered during this operation, indicating a full reservoir, the controller 144 immediately interrupts water aspiration and either activates water drainage or returns to the beginning of the cycle in order to discharge the accumulated water. The drainage then resumes in vacuum mode. If the water level sensor 176 is not triggered upon expiration of the activation time of this portion of the process, the controller 144 closes solenoid valve 180a and proceeds to the second sub-cycle (Sub-cycle 2), in which the same pressure-then-vacuum sequence is executed with solenoid valve 180b. Upon completion of Sub-cycle 2 without a sensor 176 trigger, the controller 144 proceeds to the third sub-cycle (Sub-cycle 3), in which the sequence is executed with solenoid valve 180c. Upon completion of Sub-cycle 3 without a sensor 176 trigger, the primary operating cycle ends, and the controller 144 returns to the idle state. This logic ensures that each isolated compartment of the boat is drained sufficiently before the system moves to service the next compartment.

[0070] The primary operating cycle may be scheduled to repeat at regular intervals using the rotary switch integrated into the display and control panel 142, or directly entered into the electronic controller 144. By selecting the appropriate position on the rotary switch, the user sets the interval Y in hours between successive initiations of the primary operating cycle, with the number of daily initiations X given by X=24 / Y. This scheduling arrangement is particularly suited to the multi-compartment marine application of FIG. 6, because the duration of a complete primary operating cycle increases with the number of isolated compartments to be serviced. The user may select a value of Y that provides adequate rest time between successive complete cycles while ensuring that each compartment is serviced frequently enough to prevent significant water accumulation. For example, in a three-compartment boat with a total primary operating cycle duration of approximately five minutes, selecting Y=4 provides six complete servicing passes per every twenty-four hours, with the start of each primary operating cycle separated by four hours of idle time.

[0071] In the multi-intake embodiment of FIG. 6, the Bluetooth wireless connection of the controller 144 to a paired mobile device and the corresponding smartphone app, as described above, provides particular operational value. The smartphone app may display a schematic representation of the boat 200 with the positions of compartments 210a, 210b, 210c, and the corresponding water intake assemblies 110a, 110b, 110c labeled therein. The app may indicate in real time which solenoid valve is presently open and which compartment is currently being serviced, the elapsed and remaining activation time for the current sub-cycle, and the current operating mode (vacuum or pressure) of the vacuum / compressor system 161. The app may also display historical data for each compartment, including the number of times the water level sensor 176 was triggered during each sub-cycle and the estimated water volume drawn from each compartment during each primary operating cycle, allowing the user to monitor trends in water intrusion across multiple cycles and across different compartments.

[0072] In the multi-intake embodiment of FIG. 6, the water volume monitoring function described in paragraph 0051 above is of particular diagnostic value. Because each sub-cycle services only one isolated compartment at a time, the number of times the water level sensor 176 is triggered during the sub-cycle of the solenoid valve 180a is a direct measure of the volume of water that accumulated in compartment 210a since the prior servicing. By tracking and comparing these trigger counts—or equivalent flow duration measurements—across all three compartments 210a, 210b, 210c, and across successive primary operating cycles, the controller 144 can identify which compartment is accumulating water at the greatest rate. This compartment is most likely to harbor an active leak, a defective fitting, a failed seal, or another source of water intrusion. The controller 144 may generate an alert on the display and control panel 142 and, via Bluetooth, on the paired smartphone app, identifying the compartment by name or by position on the schematic display and recommending inspection of that area of the boat. In critical cases, such as when the trigger count for a single compartment exceeds a threshold that indicates rapid flooding rather than normal condensation or splash ingress, the controller 144 may also generate an audible alarm.

[0073] In an alternative embodiment of the multi-intake system shown in FIG. 6, the second port 172 of the water accumulation reservoir 170, through which all water intake flow enters the reservoir, may be implemented as a shared reservoir opening fitted with a manifold. The manifold may include individual connector branches, one for each solenoid valve 180a, 180b, 180c, permitting the respective flexible hoses 116a, 116b, 116c to connect directly to the manifold at individual ports, rather than routing all three hoses to a single upstream joint water intake port 146. This arrangement simplifies the external plumbing of the central unit 130 and reduces the number of fittings and potential leak points between the solenoid valves and the water accumulation reservoir 170. The manifold may include the inlet one-way valve on its common outlet side, between the manifold body and the second port 172, to prevent backflow from the reservoir into any of the individual connector branches. Alternatively, a separate one-way valve may be incorporated into each individual connector branch of the manifold.

[0074] FIGS. 4 and 5 show an alternative configuration of the sump pump 130. It may include the water intake port 146 configured to direct water to flow only toward the sump pump system 130. The water accumulation reservoir 170 is also provided with the first port 171, the second port 172, in fluid communication with the water intake port 146, wherein the second port 172 is positioned above the first port 171. Also provided is the third port 173 positioned above the second port 172, and a water level sensor 176 configured to detect a water level reaching a predetermined height above the second port 172 and below the third port 173. The water discharge port 145 is in fluid communication with the first port 171 of the water accumulation reservoir 170.

[0075] In an alternative to the design of the sump pump described above, this design may include an air vacuum / compressor pump assembly 161 positioned to be in fluid communication with the third port 173. The air vacuum / compressor pump assembly 161 may include an air vacuum / compressor pump 162 and a valve assembly 163 configured to alternate the direction of airflow from the air vacuum / compressor pump 162 between a first direction INTO the water accumulation reservoir 170 and a second direction FROM the water accumulation reservoir 170. The valve assembly 161 may include a 4-way valve or include two or more simpler 3 / 2-way valves, as the invention is not limited in this regard. When air is pumped into the water accumulation reservoir 170, the air pressure inside thereof is increased to a level above atmospheric pressure. When the air is pumped out of the water accumulation 170, the air pressure inside thereof is decreased below the ambient or atmospheric pressure.

[0076] This reverse functionality may be accomplished, in one example, by providing the air vacuum / compressor pump 162 defining an air inlet 167 and an air outlet 168, wherein the valve assembly 163 may be configured to alternate the connection of the air inlet 167 or the air outlet 168 to the third port 173 of the water accumulation reservoir 170 to correspondingly alternate the direction of airflow from and to the water accumulation reservoir 170.

[0077] Upon activation by the controller 144, the air vacuum / compressor pump assembly 161 may, in one case, decrease air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir 170 below atmospheric pressure to cause water to flow from the water intake port 146 through the second port 172 and into the water accumulation reservoir 170, or to cause air ventilation in a vicinity of the water intake assembly 110—see FIG. 4. In this case, the air inlet 167 is connected by the valve assembly 163 to the port 165, which in turn is connected to the third port 173 of the water accumulation reservoir 170. At the same time, air outlet 168 is attached to port 164, leading the airflow toward the air vent port 147.

[0078] The reverse operation is seen in FIG. 5, where the air vacuum / compressor pump assembly 161 is operated by the controller 144 to increase air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir 170 above atmospheric pressure, which causes water to discharge from the water accumulation reservoir 170 through the first port 171 and through the water discharge port 145.

[0079] One advantage of this configuration is that the water discharge pump no longer needs to be present, as both water intake into and water discharge from the water accumulation reservoir 170 is done by changing the air pressure inside thereof.

[0080] It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented with respect to any method of the invention, and vice versa. It will also be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

[0081] All publications and patent applications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Incorporation by reference is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein, no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein, and any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

[0082] The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and / or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,”“at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and / or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and / or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects.

[0083] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. In embodiments of any of the compositions and methods provided herein, “comprising” may be replaced with “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of”. As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of” requires the specified integer(s) or steps as well as those that do not materially affect the character or function of the claimed invention. As used herein, the term “consisting” is used to indicate the presence of the recited integer (e.g., a feature, an element, a characteristic, a property, a method / process step or a limitation) or group of integers (e.g., feature(s), element(s), characteristic(s), property(s), method / process steps or limitation(s)) only.

[0084] The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

[0085] As used herein, words of approximation such as, without limitation, “about”, “substantial” or “substantially” refers to a condition that when so modified is understood to not necessarily be absolute or perfect but would be considered close enough to those of ordinary skill in the art to warrant designating the condition as being present. The extent to which the description may vary will depend on how great a change can be instituted and still have one of ordinary skilled in the art recognize the modified feature as still having the required characteristics and capabilities of the unmodified feature. In general, but subject to the preceding discussion, a numerical value herein that is modified by a word of approximation such as “about” may vary from the stated value by at least ±1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20 or 25%.

[0086] All of the devices and / or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the devices and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the devices and / or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sump pump system comprising:a plurality of water intake assemblies, each water intake assembly comprising a water inlet configured to rest on a surface to be drained and dried within a respective compartment of a multi-compartment structure,a plurality of flexible hoses, each flexible hose connecting one of the plurality of water intake assemblies through a corresponding solenoid valve to a joint water intake port of the sump pump system, wherein each solenoid valve is configured, when open, to establish fluid communication between the corresponding water intake assembly and the joint water intake port;a water accumulation reservoir comprising:a first port located adjacent a lower end of the reservoir,a second port in fluid communication with the joint water intake port via an inlet one-way valve configured to allow water or air to flow only toward the water accumulation reservoir, anda third port,a water discharge port in fluid communication with the first port of the water accumulation reservoir via an outlet one-way valve configured to allow water or air to flow only toward the water discharge port, the water discharge port located outside the water accumulation reservoir;a vacuum / compressor system in fluid communication with the third port and configured, when operated in a vacuum mode, to decrease air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir below atmospheric pressure to cause water or air to flow from a selected one of the plurality of water intake assemblies through the respective solenoid valve and through the second port into the water accumulation reservoir, and when operated in a pressure mode, to increase air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir above atmospheric pressure to cause water to discharge from the first port and through the water discharge port; anda water level sensor configured to detect a water level reaching a predetermined height.

2. The sump pump system of claim 1, wherein the multi-compartment structure is a boat, and the water-impermeable partitions are hull partitions separating a hull interior into a plurality of isolated bilge compartments, each water intake assembly being positioned in a respective isolated bilge compartment.

3. The sump pump system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of water intake assemblies comprises at least two water intake assemblies, the plurality of solenoid valves comprises at least two solenoid valves, and each solenoid valve is designated for a respective one of the two water intake assemblies.

4. The sump pump system of claim 1, wherein at least one water intake assembly further comprises a weighted base configured to maintain the water intake assembly in an orientation facilitating maximal water intake from the lowest point of the surface to be drained, and a water intake check valve arranged between the water inlet and the water accumulation reservoir and configured to allow flow only toward the water accumulation reservoir.

5. The sump pump system of claim 1, wherein the vacuum / compressor system comprises an air vacuum / compressor pump and a valve assembly configured to alternate the direction of airflow from the air vacuum / compressor pump between a first direction into the water accumulation reservoir to increase air pressure therein and a second direction from the water accumulation reservoir to decrease air pressure therein.

6. The sump pump system of claim 1,wherein the first port and the second port share a common opening in the wall of the water accumulation reservoir, the common opening is fitted with a manifold having individual fluid connectors configured to separately direct fluid communication to respective flexible hoses or other fluid conduits associated with each of the shared ports, while maintaining the functional independence of each fluid pathway.

7. A sump pump system comprising:a plurality of water intake assemblies;a plurality of solenoid valves, wherein each solenoid valve is in fluid communication with a respective water intake assembly and with a water accumulation reservoir;a water accumulation reservoir comprising a first port located adjacent a lower end of the reservoir, a second port in fluid communication with the plurality of solenoid valves, and a third port;a water level sensor configured to detect a water level reaching a predetermined height in the water accumulation reservoir;a water discharge port in fluid communication with the first port;a vacuum / compressor system in fluid communication with the third port and configured to operate in a vacuum mode and a pressure mode; anda controller operatively connected to the vacuum / compressor system, the plurality of solenoid valves, and the water level sensor, the controller being configured to:initiate a primary operating cycle on a predetermined time schedule without user intervention, the primary operating cycle comprising sequential activation of each of the plurality of solenoid valves for a respective predetermined activation time, such that at any given moment only one solenoid valve is open and the remaining solenoid valves are closed, thereby placing only one water intake assembly in fluid communication with the water accumulation reservoir at a time;operate the vacuum / compressor system in the vacuum mode during the primary operating cycle;operate the vacuum / compressor system alternately in the vacuum mode and the pressure mode, and not to operate the vacuum mode and the pressure mode simultaneously; andinterrupt the primary operating cycle and activate the vacuum / compressor system in the pressure mode when the water level sensor detects that the water level has reached the predetermined height, thereby causing a discharge of accumulated water through the water discharge port, and then resume the primary operating cycle of sequential activations of the plurality of solenoid valves.

8. The sump pump system of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to resume the primary operating cycle at the solenoid valve whose activation was interrupted by the water discharge, or alternatively to restart the primary operating cycle from the first solenoid valve in the sequence.

9. The sump pump system of claim 7, wherein the predetermined activation time for each solenoid valve is independently programmable via the controller.

10. The sump pump system of claim 7, wherein the controller comprises a rotary switch, the rotary switch being configured to allow selection of a value Y representing the interval between successive primary operating cycles in hours, such that the number of primary operating cycles X initiated within a twenty-four-hour period is defined by the formula X=24 / Y, and wherein the controller is configured to initiate starting successive primary operating cycles at equal time intervals of Y hours without user intervention.

11. The sump pump system of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured for at least one of a wireless Internet connection, a wireless local connection, or a Bluetooth wireless connection to a paired mobile device, such that the primary operating cycle schedule and the predetermined activation time for each solenoid valve are programmable remotely via a corresponding application running on the paired mobile device, and wherein the application is further configured to display a current operating state of the controller, including an identity of the presently active solenoid valve and a current operating mode of the vacuum / compressor system.

12. The sump pump system of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to monitor and record, for each solenoid valve, a measure of water volume aspirated from the corresponding water intake assembly during each primary operating cycle, to compare the recorded measures across a plurality of primary operating cycles, to identify the water intake assembly from which the greatest cumulative water volume has been aspirated, and to display the identity of that water intake assembly on the display and control panel or transmit it to a paired mobile device to enable a user to address an inflow of water in the corresponding compartment.

13. The sump pump system of claim 7, wherein the primary operating cycle concludes after all solenoid valves in the sequence have been activated and the water level sensor has not detected the water level reaching the predetermined height during the final solenoid valve activation, whereupon the controller returns to an idle state until the next scheduled initiation of the primary operating cycle.

14. A method of operating a sump pump system in a multi-compartment structure, comprising:providing a sump pump system comprising:a plurality of water intake assemblies, each positioned in a respective isolated compartment of the multi-compartment structure;a plurality of solenoid valves, wherein each solenoid valve is in fluid communication with a respective water intake assembly;a water accumulation reservoir comprising a first port located adjacent a lower end of the reservoir, a second port in fluid communication with the plurality of solenoid valves, and a third port;a water level sensor configured to detect a water level reaching a predetermined height in the water accumulation reservoir;a water discharge port in fluid communication with the first port of the water accumulation reservoir; anda vacuum / compressor system in fluid communication with the third port and configured to operate in a vacuum mode and a pressure mode;initiating a primary operating cycle on a predetermined time schedule without user intervention;within the primary operating cycle, serially activating each solenoid valve one at a time for a respective predetermined activation time, such that during activation of each solenoid valve, operating the vacuum / compressor system in the vacuum mode to decrease air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir below atmospheric pressure, thereby aspirating water or air from the respective isolated compartment through the activated solenoid valve and through the second port into the water accumulation reservoir, or causing air ventilation through the water intake assembly within the respective compartment to achieve dryness thereof;upon the water level sensor detecting that the water level has reached the predetermined height, interrupting the serial activation of the solenoid valves and operating the vacuum / compressor system in the pressure mode to increase air pressure in the water accumulation reservoir above atmospheric pressure, thereby discharging accumulated water through the first port and through the water discharge port; andupon completion of water discharge, resuming the serial activation of the same and remaining solenoid valves in the sequence until all compartments have been serviced.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the multi-compartment structure is a boat and the isolated compartments are bilge compartments separated by water-impermeable hull partitions, and the water discharge port directs discharged water overboard or into a dedicated tank.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising, after all solenoid valves have been serially activated and the water level sensor has not detected the water level reaching the predetermined height during the final solenoid valve activation, returning the sump pump system to an idle state until the next scheduled initiation of the primary operating cycle.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the vacuum mode aspirates water from each respective isolated compartment in succession, and wherein after water removal the continued operation in vacuum mode causes active air ventilation through the water intake assembly of each activated compartment, thereby drying the water intake assembly, the flexible hose connecting the water intake assembly to the respective solenoid valve, and the surface to be drained within the respective compartment.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the predetermined activation time for each solenoid valve is selected to be sufficient to aspirate all standing water from the respective isolated compartment and to achieve dryness of the surface to be drained therein.

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