Submersible pump with external slicer
An exemplary pump apparatus ( 10 ) includes a housing ( 12 ) that houses a motor ( 34 ) and includes a pump chamber ( 40 ). A drive shaft ( 36 ) is in operative connection with the motor and rotates an impeller ( 42 ) positioned in the pump chamber and a slicer ( 30 ) that is positioned in outwardly overlying relation of a slicer plate ( 54 ). The slicer plate includes a plurality of fluid openings ( 78 ) through which liquid flows to reach the pump chamber. The slicer includes a plurality of blade edges ( 102 ) that are enabled to be precisely positioned a desired clearance distance away from a generally planar slicer face ( 80 ). The clearance distance is accurately set without having to disassemble the pump, by an adjustment mechanism including adjusting screws ( 114 ). The slicer plate is readily replaceable and the fluid openings therethrough have a configuration that provides efficient slicing action by the slicer of solid material suspended in the liquid entering the pump.
1 . A pump apparatus comprising:
a housing,
a motor, wherein the motor is in operative connection with the housing,
wherein the motor is in operative connection with a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft extends along an axis,
a pump chamber, wherein the pump chamber is positioned within the housing,
wherein the pump chamber includes an axially extending inlet opening configured to enable liquid to flow into the pump chamber, and an outlet opening configured to enable liquid to flow out of the pump chamber,
an impeller, wherein the impeller is rotatably positioned in the pump chamber,
wherein the impeller is in operative connection with the drive shaft and is rotatable about the axis,
a slicer plate, wherein the slicer plate extends in axially disposed outward overlying relation of the inlet opening,
wherein the slicer plate includes
a planar slicer face, wherein the slicer face is in a facing direction away from the inlet opening,
an axially aligned slicer drive opening, wherein the drive opening extends through the slicer plate,
at least one slicer plate fluid opening, wherein the at least one slicer plate fluid opening extends through the slicer plate at a location disposed radially away from the slicer drive opening,
a plurality of rotatable adjusting screws, wherein each respective adjusting screw
is in operative connection with the slicer plate and the housing,
wherein rotational movement of each adjusting screw is operative to axially position the slicer plate relative to the housing,
a slicer, wherein the slicer
extends in outwardly overlying relation of the slicer face,
is in operatively engaged fixed rotational connection with the drive shaft, whereby the slicer is in operative connection with the drive shaft through the slicer drive opening,
includes at least one blade edge, wherein the at least one blade edge extends radially outward from the axis and is positioned in immediately adjacent relation to the slicer face,
wherein rotation of the adjusting screws is operative to selectively adjust a clearance distance between the slicer face and the at least one blade edge in a clearance direction perpendicular to the slicer face,
wherein rotation of the drive shaft responsive to the motor is operative to cause rotation of the impeller and the slicer, whereby the impeller is operative to cause liquid flow from outside the housing, through the at least one slicer plate fluid opening, through the inlet opening and the pump chamber, and outward through the outlet opening while the at least one blade edge of the slicer is operative to slice solid material that extends in the at least one fluid opening.
2 . The apparatus according to claim 1
and further comprising an annular mounting plate,
wherein the mounting plate is in fixed operative connection with the housing,
wherein the slicer plate is in releasably fixed connection with the mounting plate, whereby the slicer plate is replaceable.
3 . The apparatus according to claim 1
and further comprising an annular mounting plate,
wherein the mounting plate is in fixed operative connection with the housing,
wherein the mounting plate includes an axially extending slicer plate recess,
wherein the slicer plate recess is bounded axially inwardly by a generally continuous radially inward extending annular ledge,
wherein the slicer plate
is in releasably fixed connection with the mounting plate, and
in an operative position of the slicer plate, an inner slicer plate surface opposed of the slicer face is in engaged abutting relation with the annular ledge,
at least one releasable fastener, wherein in the at least one releasable fastener is operative to hold the slicer plate in the operative position.
4 . The apparatus according to claim 1
wherein the housing includes a generally continuous radially extending annular land surface,
wherein the adjusting screws are angularly spaced from one another,
wherein rotation of the adjusting screws is operative to cause the slicer face plate to be selectively axially and angularly positioned relative to the land surface.
5 . The apparatus according to claim 1
wherein the housing includes a generally continuous radially extending annular land surface,
wherein liquid that has passed through the at least one slicer plate fluid opening passes radially inwardly of the land surface and axially toward the inlet opening,
and further comprising:
a plurality of threaded openings, wherein each threaded opening is angularly spaced from each other threaded opening and is in fixed operative connection with the slicer plate,
wherein each adjusting screw is
in threaded engaged relation with a respective threaded opening, and
is in abutting relation with the land surface,
wherein rotation of the adjusting screws is operative to cause the slicer face to be selectively axially and angularly positioned relative to the land surface and the at least one slicer blade edge.
6 . The apparatus according to claim 1
wherein the slicer plate includes a plurality of angularly spaced slicer plate fluid openings,
wherein the at least one blade edge extends across no more than one slicer plate fluid opening in any rotational position of the slicer.
7 . The apparatus according to claim 1
wherein the slicer plate includes a plurality of angularly and radially spaced slicer plate fluid openings,
wherein the slicer includes a plurality of blade edges,
wherein no more than one slicer blade edge extends across a slicer plate fluid opening in any rotational position of the slicer.
8 . The apparatus according to claim 1
wherein the slicer plate includes a plurality of angularly and radially spaced slicer plate fluid openings,
wherein the slicer includes
a central hub,
a plurality of angularly spaced blade edges,
wherein each blade edge extends
radially outward from the central hub,
in a common blade edge plane with each other blade edge, and
arcuately such that the blade edge is further set back in a direction opposed of a slicer rotation direction with increased radial distance outward from the hub,
wherein no more than one slicer blade edge extends across a slicer plate fluid opening in any rotational position of the slicer.
9 . The apparatus according to claim 1
wherein in radially transverse cross-section each at least one blade edge includes
a cut point,
a first blade face that extends from the cut point generally parallel to the slicer face, and
a second blade face that extends from the cut point and at an acute angle to the slicer face.
10 . The apparatus according to claim 1
wherein rotation of the adjusting screws is operative to selectively angularly position the slicer face relative a radial direction from the axis in any one of a plurality of angular positions.
11 . A pump apparatus comprising:
a motor,
a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft
is in operative connection with the motor, and
extends along an axis
a housing, wherein the housing includes a pump chamber,
wherein the pump chamber
includes an axially extending inlet opening configured to enable liquid to axially flow into the pump chamber, and
an outlet opening configured to enable liquid to flow out of the pump chamber,
an impeller, wherein the impeller
is positioned in the pump chamber,
is in operative connection with the drive shaft, and
is rotatable about the axis,
a slicer plate, wherein the slicer plate
extends in axially disposed outward overlying relation of the inlet opening,
includes at least one slicer plate fluid opening therethrough, wherein the at least one slicer plate fluid opening
is radially disposed away from the axis, and
configured to enable liquid to pass therethrough in a direction parallel to the axis,
includes a generally planar slicer face, wherein the slicer face
extends perpendicular to the axis,
includes the at least one slicer plate fluid opening therein, and
extends in a facing direction away from the inlet opening,
is movably mounted in operative connection with the housing, wherein the slicer face is selectively axially positionable in each of a plurality of axial positions relative to the housing and held in fixed engagement with the housing in each of the plurality of axial positions,
a slicer, wherein the slicer
extends in outwardly overlying relation of the slicer plate,
is in operatively engaged connection with the drive shaft,
includes at least one blade edge, wherein the at least one blade edge
extends radially outward from the axis,
is positioned in immediately adjacent relation to the slicer face, and
is disposed a clearance distance from the slicer face in a direction parallel to the axis, wherein selectively axially positioning of the slicer face relative to the housing is operative to selectively vary the clearance distance,
of the impeller and the slicer, whereby the impeller is operative to cause liquid flow from outside the housing, through the at least one slicer plate fluid opening, through the inlet opening and the pump chamber, and outward through the outlet opening while the at least one blade edge of the slicer is operative to slice solid material that extends in the at least one fluid opening.
12 . The apparatus according to claim 11
and further comprising a plurality of angularly spaced, rotatable adjusting screws,
wherein each rotatable adjusting screw is in operative connection with the slicer plate and the housing,
wherein rotational movement of the adjusting screws is operative to selectively adjust the clearance distance and an angle of the slicer face relative to a radial direction from the axis.
13 . The apparatus according to claim 11
wherein the slicer plate includes
an axially aligned slicer drive opening that extends through the slicer plate,
wherein the slicer is in operative connection with the drive shaft through the slicer drive opening,
wherein each of the at least one slicer plate fluid openings is radially disposed away from the slicer drive opening.
14 . The apparatus according to claim 11
wherein the slicer plate is releasably mounted in operative connection with the housing,
whereby the slicer plate is replaceable.
15 . A pump apparatus comprising:
a housing,
a motor, wherein the motor is in operative connection with the housing,
wherein the motor is in operative connection with a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft extends along an axis,
a pump chamber, wherein the pump chamber is positioned within the housing,
wherein the pump chamber includes an axially extending inlet opening configured to enable liquid to flow into the pump chamber, and an outlet opening configured to enable liquid to flow out of the pump chamber,
an impeller, wherein the impeller is rotatably positioned in the pump chamber,
wherein the impeller is in operative connection with the drive shaft and is rotatable about the axis,
a slicer plate, wherein the slicer plate extends in axially disposed outward overlying relation of the inlet opening,
wherein the slicer plate includes
a planar slicer face, wherein the slicer face is in a facing direction away from the inlet opening,
an axially aligned slicer drive opening, wherein the drive opening extends through the slicer plate,
at least one slicer plate fluid opening, wherein the at least one slicer plate fluid opening extends through the slicer plate at a location disposed radially away from the slicer drive opening,
an annular mounting plate,
wherein the mounting plate is in fixed operative connection with the housing,
wherein the mounting plate includes
a slicer plate recess, wherein the slicer plate is releasably positioned in the slicer plate recess,
at least one fastener, wherein the at least one fastener is releasably engageable with the mounting plate,
wherein the at least one fastener is in operative connection with an overlying portion, wherein in a holding position of the at least one fastener the overlying portion is in overlying relation of an outer peripheral portion of the slicer face,
wherein the slicer plate is held in releasably fixed connection with the mounting by the overlying portion,
a plurality of rotatable adjusting screws, wherein each respective adjusting screw
is in operative connection with the slicer plate and the housing,
wherein rotational movement of each adjusting screw is operative to selectively axially position the slicer plate relative to the housing,
a slicer, wherein the slicer
extends in outwardly overlying relation of the slicer face,
is in operatively engaged fixed rotational connection with the drive shaft, whereby the slicer is in operative connection with the drive shaft through the slicer drive opening,
includes at least one blade edge, wherein the at least one blade edge extends radially outward from the axis and is positioned in immediately adjacent relation to the slicer face,
wherein rotation of the adjusting screws is operative to selectively adjust a clearance distance between the slicer face and the at least one blade edge in a clearance direction perpendicular to the slicer face,
wherein rotation of the drive shaft responsive to the motor is operative to cause rotation of the impeller and the slicer, whereby the impeller is operative to cause liquid flow from outside the housing, through the at least one slicer plate fluid opening, through the inlet opening and the pump chamber, and outward through the outlet opening while the at least one blade edge of the slicer is operative to slice solid material that extends in the at least one fluid opening.
16 . A pump apparatus comprising:
a housing,
a motor, wherein the motor is in operative connection with the housing,
wherein the motor is in operative connection with a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft extends along an axis,
a pump chamber, wherein the pump chamber is positioned within the housing,
wherein the pump chamber includes an axially extending inlet opening configured to enable liquid to flow into the pump chamber, and an outlet opening configured to enable liquid to flow out of the pump chamber,
an impeller, wherein the impeller is rotatably positioned in the pump chamber,
wherein the impeller is in operative connection with the drive shaft and is rotatable about the axis,
a slicer plate, wherein the slicer plate extends in axially disposed outward overlying relation of the inlet opening,
wherein the slicer plate includes
a planar slicer face, wherein the slicer face is in a facing direction away from the inlet opening,
an axially aligned slicer drive opening, wherein the drive opening extends through the slicer plate,
at least one slicer plate fluid opening, wherein the at least one slicer plate fluid opening extends through the slicer plate at a location disposed radially away from the slicer drive opening,
wherein the housing includes a generally continuous radially extending annular land surface,
wherein liquid that has passed through the at least one slicer plate fluid opening passes radially inwardly of the land surface and axially toward the inlet opening,
an annular mounting plate, wherein the mounting plate
is in fixed operative connection with the slicer plate,
extends in axially centered relation,
extends in axially outwardly overlying relation with the land surface of the housing, and
includes a plurality of threaded openings, wherein each threaded opening is in fixed operative connection with the slicer plate,
a plurality of rotatable adjusting screws, wherein each respective adjusting screw is
in threaded engaged relation with a respective threaded opening, and
in abutting relation with the land surface,
a slicer, wherein the slicer
extends in outwardly overlying relation of the slicer face,
is in operatively engaged fixed rotational connection with the drive shaft, whereby the slicer is in operative connection with the drive shaft through the slicer drive opening,
includes at least one blade edge, wherein the at least one blade edge extends radially outward from the axis and is positioned in immediately adjacent relation to the slicer face,
wherein rotation of the adjusting screws is operative to cause the slicer plate to be selectively axially positioned relative to the land surface and to selectively adjust a clearance distance between the slicer face and the at least one blade edge in a clearance direction perpendicular to the slicer face,
wherein rotation of the drive shaft responsive to the motor is operative to cause rotation of the impeller and the slicer, whereby the impeller is operative to cause liquid flow from outside the housing, through the at least one slicer plate fluid opening, through the inlet opening and the pump chamber, and outward through the outlet opening while the at least one blade edge of the slicer is operative to slice solid material that extends in the at least one fluid opening.
17 . The apparatus according to claim 16
wherein the annular mounting plate
includes a slicer plate recess, wherein the slicer plate is removably mounted in the slicer plate recess.
18 . The apparatus according to claim 16
wherein the annular mounting plate includes a plurality of fastener openings therethrough,
and further comprising:
a plurality of releasable fasteners,
wherein each of the fastener openings is configured to receive a respective releasable fastener,
wherein each releasable fastener in a fastened condition is operative to hold the mounting plate in fixed operative engagement with the housing, and in a loosened condition is operative to enable axial movement of the mounting plate relative to the housing,
wherein with the plurality of fasteners in a loosened condition, rotation of the adjusting screws is operative to cause the slicer plate to be selectively axially positioned relative to the land surface and the at least one blade edge, whereby the clearance distance is adjusted, and
wherein changing the fasteners from the loosened condition to the fastened condition is operative to cause the clearance distance to be held fixed.
19 . The apparatus according to claim 16
wherein the annular mounting plate
includes an annular inner mounting plate surface that is disposed away from and in axially outwardly overlying relation with the land surface of the housing, and
includes a plurality of fastener openings,
and further comprising:
a plurality of releasable fasteners,
wherein each of the fastener openings is configured to receive a respective releasable fastener therein,
wherein each releasable fastener in a fastened condition is operative to hold the mounting plate in fixed operative engagement with the housing, and in a loosened condition is operative to enable axial movement of the mounting plate relative to the housing,
wherein with the plurality of fasteners in a loosened condition, rotation of the adjusting screws is operative to cause a change in distance between the land surface and the annular inner mounting plate surface wherein the slicer plate is caused to be axially positioned relative to the land surface and the at least one blade edge, whereby the clearance distance is adjusted, and
wherein a change of the fasteners from the loosened condition to the fastened condition is operative to cause the clearance distance to be held fixed.
20 . The apparatus according to claim 16
wherein the annular mounting plate
includes an annular inner mounting plate surface,
wherein the annular inner mounting plate surface is disposed away from and extends in axially outwardly overlying relation with the land surface of the housing,
wherein rotation of the adjusting screws is operative to vary a distance between the annular inner mounting plate surface and the land surface, wherein the slicer face is caused to be axially selectively positioned relative to the at least one blade edge.
21 . A pump apparatus comprising:
a housing,
a motor, wherein the motor is in operative connection with the housing,
wherein the motor is in operative connection with a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft extends along an axis,
a pump chamber, wherein the pump chamber is positioned within the housing,
wherein the pump chamber includes an axially extending inlet opening configured to enable liquid to flow into the pump chamber, and an outlet opening configured to enable liquid to flow out of the pump chamber,
an impeller, wherein the impeller is rotatably positioned in the pump chamber,
wherein the impeller is in operative connection with the drive shaft and is rotatable about the axis,
a slicer plate, wherein the slicer plate extends in axially disposed outward overlying relation of the inlet opening,
wherein the slicer plate includes
a planar slicer face, wherein the slicer face is in a facing direction away from the inlet opening,
an axially aligned slicer drive opening, wherein the drive opening extends through the slicer plate,
at least one slicer plate fluid opening, wherein the at least one slicer plate fluid opening extends through the slicer plate at a location disposed radially away from the slicer drive opening,
a plurality of rotatable adjusting screws, wherein each respective adjusting screw
is in operative connection with the slicer plate and the housing,
wherein rotational movement of each adjusting screw is operative to axially position the slicer plate relative to the housing,
a slicer, wherein the slicer
extends in outwardly overlying relation of the slicer face,
is in operatively engaged fixed rotational connection with the drive shaft, whereby the slicer is in operative connection with the drive shaft through the slicer drive opening,
includes at least one blade edge, wherein the at least one blade edge extends radially outward from the axis and is positioned in immediately adjacent relation to the slicer face,
wherein rotation of the adjusting screws is operative to selectively adjust a clearance distance between the slicer face and the at least one blade edge in a clearance direction perpendicular to the slicer face,
wherein rotation of the drive shaft responsive to the motor is operative to cause rotation of the impeller and the slicer, whereby the impeller is operative to cause liquid flow from outside the housing, through the at least one slicer plate fluid opening, through the inlet opening and the pump chamber, and outward through the outlet opening while the at least one blade edge of the slicer is operative to slice solid material that extends in the at least one fluid opening,
wherein in radially transverse cross-section each at least one blade edge includes
a cut point,
a first blade face that extends from the cut point generally parallel to the slicer face, and
a second blade face that extends from the cut point and at an acute angle to the slicer face,
wherein the at least one slicer plate fluid opening includes
a first fluid opening, wherein the first fluid opening in radially transverse cross-section includes
a first opening bounding wall portion and a second opening bounding wall portion,
wherein each of the first and second opening bounding wall portions extend within the slicer plate and at least the second opening bounding wall portion extends to the slicer face,
wherein during rotation of the slicer the cut point axially outwardly passes the first opening bounding wall portion before the cut point outwardly passes the second opening bounding wall portion,
wherein the second opening bounding wall portion extends at the slicer face, at an acute angle relative to a portion of the slicer face that the cut point axially outwardly passes immediately after the second opening bounding wall portion.
22 . The apparatus according to claim 21
wherein the second opening bounding wall portion extends
at an obtuse angle relative to the first opening bounding wall.
23 . The apparatus according to claim 21
wherein in radially transverse cross section
the second opening bounding wall portion extends to the slicer face,
and wherein the at least one slicer plate fluid opening further includes
a trough,
wherein the trough extends inwardly in the slicer face from a first trough end to the first opening bounding wall portion,
wherein the cut point axially outwardly passes the first trough end before the first opening bounding wall portion.
24 . The apparatus according to claim 21
wherein
in radially transverse cross-section
the second opening bounding wall portion extends to the slicer face,
wherein the at least one slicer plate fluid opening further includes
a trough,
wherein the trough
extends inwardly in the slicer face from a first trough end to the first opening bounding wall portion,
has as an arcuate shape, and
has a radial width that corresponds to a radial width of the first fluid opening at the slicer face,
wherein the cut point axially outwardly passes the first trough end before the first opening bounding wall portion.
25 . The apparatus according to claim 21
wherein
in radially transverse cross-section
each of the first and second opening bounding wall portions extend to the slicer face, and
wherein when the cut point axially outwardly passes the second opening bounding wall portion, the second blade face and the second opening bounding wall portion are substantially linearly aligned.
26 . The apparatus according to claim 21
wherein the at least one slicer plate fluid opening includes
a plurality of angularly disposed and radially disposed first fluid openings,
wherein in radially transverse cross-section
the first and second opening bounding wall portions of each first fluid opening extend to the slicer face.
27 . A pump apparatus comprising:
a motor,
a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft
is in operative connection with the motor, and
extends along an axis
a housing, wherein the housing includes a pump chamber,
wherein the pump chamber
includes an axially extending inlet opening configured to enable liquid to axially flow into the pump chamber, and
an outlet opening configured to enable liquid to flow out of the pump chamber,
an impeller, wherein the impeller
is positioned in the pump chamber,
is in operative connection with the drive shaft, and
is rotatable about the axis,
a slicer plate, wherein the slicer plate
extends in axially disposed outward overlying relation of the inlet opening,
includes at least one slicer plate fluid opening therethrough, wherein the at least one slicer plate fluid opening
is radially disposed away from the axis, and
configured to enable liquid to pass therethrough in a direction parallel to the axis,
includes a generally planar slicer face, wherein the slicer face
extends perpendicular to the axis,
includes the at least one slicer plate fluid opening therein, and
extends in a facing direction away from the inlet opening,
is movably mounted in operative connection with the housing, wherein the slicer face is selectively axially positionable relative to the housing,
a slicer, wherein the slicer
extends in outwardly overlying relation of the slicer plate,
is in operatively engaged connection with the drive shaft,
includes at least one blade edge, wherein the at least one blade edge
extends radially outward from the axis,
is positioned in immediately adjacent relation to the slicer face, and
is disposed a clearance distance from the slicer face in a direction parallel to the axis, wherein axially positioning of the slicer plate relative to the housing is operative to selectively vary the clearance distance,
wherein rotation of the drive shaft responsive to the motor is operative to cause rotation of the impeller and the slicer, whereby the impeller is operative to cause liquid flow from outside the housing, through the at least one slicer plate fluid opening, through the inlet opening and the pump chamber, and outward through the outlet opening while the at least one blade edge of the slicer is operative to slice solid material that extends in the at least one fluid opening,
wherein in radially transverse cross-section each at least one blade edge includes
a cut point,
a first blade face that extends from the cut point generally parallel to the slicer face, and
a second blade face that extends from the cut point at an acute angle to the slicer face,
wherein each slicer plate fluid opening includes in radially transverse cross-section
a first opening bounding wall portion and the second opening bounding wall portion,
wherein each of the first and second opening bounding wall portions extend within the slicer plate and at least the second opening bounding wall portion extends to the slicer face,
wherein during rotation of the slicer the cut point axially outwardly passes the first opening bounding wall portion before the cut point outwardly passes the second opening bounding wall portion,
wherein the second opening bounding wall portion at the slicer face, extends at an acute angle relative to a portion of the slicer face which the cut point axially outwardly passes immediately after the cut point axially outwardly passes second opening bounding wall portion.
28 . The apparatus according to claim 27
wherein in radially transverse cross-section
each of the first and second opening bounding wall portions extend within the slicer plate and to the slicer face,
wherein the second opening bounding wall portion extends at an acute angle at the slicer face, relative to a portion of the slicer face that the cut point axially outwardly passes immediately after the second opening bounding wall portion.
29 . A pump apparatus comprising:
a housing,
a motor, wherein the motor is in operative connection with the housing,
wherein the motor is in operative connection with a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft extends along an axis,
a pump chamber, wherein the pump chamber is positioned within the housing,
wherein the pump chamber includes an axially extending inlet opening configured to enable liquid to flow into the pump chamber, and an outlet opening configured to enable liquid to flow out of the pump chamber,
an impeller, wherein the impeller is rotatably positioned in the pump chamber,
wherein the impeller is in operative connection with the drive shaft and is rotatable about the axis,
a slicer plate, wherein the slicer plate extends in axially disposed outward overlying relation of the inlet opening,
wherein the slicer plate includes
a planar slicer face, wherein the slicer face is in a facing direction away from the inlet opening,
an axially aligned slicer drive opening, wherein the drive opening extends through the slicer plate,
at least one slicer plate fluid opening, wherein the at least one slicer plate fluid opening extends through the slicer plate at a location disposed radially away from the slicer drive opening,
a plurality of rotatable adjusting screws, wherein each respective adjusting screw is in operative connection with the slicer plate and the housing,
wherein rotational movement of each adjusting screw is operative to cause the slicer plate
to be selectively axially movable relative to the housing to a plurality of different axial positions, and
to be held fixed relative to the housing in an axial position to which the slicer plate is selectively axially moved,
wherein movement of each adjusting screw in a first rotational direction is operative to cause the slicer plate to move in a first axial direction relative to the housing and movement of each adjusting screw in a second rotational direction opposed of the first rotational direction is operative to cause the slicer plate to move in a second axial direction relative to the housing opposed of the first axial direction,
a slicer, wherein the slicer
extends in outwardly overlying relation of the slicer face,
is in operatively engaged fixed rotational connection with the drive shaft, whereby the slicer is in operative connection with the drive shaft through the slicer drive opening,
includes at least one blade edge, wherein the at least one blade edge extends radially outward from the axis and is positioned in immediately adjacent relation to the slicer face,
wherein rotation of the adjusting screws is operative to selectively set a clearance distance between the slicer face and the at least one blade edge in a clearance direction perpendicular to the slicer face, wherein the adjusting screws after rotation are operative to hold fixed the set clearance distance,
wherein rotation of the drive shaft responsive to the motor is operative to cause rotation of the impeller and the slicer, whereby the impeller is operative to cause liquid flow from outside the housing, through the at least one slicer plate fluid opening, through the inlet opening and the pump chamber, and outward through the outlet opening while the at least one blade edge of the slicer is operative to slice solid material that extends in the at least one fluid opening.
30 . A pump apparatus comprising:
a motor,
a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft
is in operative connection with the motor, and
extends along an axis
a housing, wherein the housing includes a pump chamber,
wherein the pump chamber
includes an axially extending inlet opening configured to enable liquid to axially flow into the pump chamber, and
an outlet opening configured to enable liquid to flow out of the pump chamber,
an impeller, wherein the impeller
is positioned in the pump chamber,
is in operative connection with the drive shaft, and
is rotatable about the axis,
a slicer plate, wherein the slicer plate
extends in axially disposed outward overlying relation of the inlet opening,
includes at least one slicer plate fluid opening therethrough, wherein the at least one slicer plate fluid opening
is radially disposed away from the axis, and
configured to enable liquid to pass therethrough in a direction parallel to the axis,
includes a generally planar slicer face, wherein the slicer face
extends perpendicular to the axis,
includes the at least one slicer plate fluid opening therein, and
extends in a facing direction away from the inlet opening,
is movably mounted in operative connection with the housing, wherein the slicer plate is selectively axially positionable relative to the housing in each of a plurality of disposed axial positions and is selectively held fixed in each of the plurality of axial positions,
a slicer, wherein the slicer
extends in outwardly overlying relation of the slicer plate,
is in operatively engaged connection with the drive shaft,
includes at least one blade edge, wherein the at least one blade edge
extends radially outward from the axis,
is positioned in immediately adjacent relation to the slicer face, and
is disposed a clearance distance from the slicer face in a direction parallel to the axis, wherein selectively axially positioning of the slicer plate relative to the housing is operative to selectively set the clearance distance,
wherein rotation of the drive shaft responsive to the motor is operative to cause rotation of the impeller and the slicer, whereby the impeller is operative to cause liquid flow from outside the housing, through the at least one slicer plate fluid opening, through the inlet opening and the pump chamber, and outward through the outlet opening while the at least one blade edge of the slicer is operative to slice solid material that extends in the at least one fluid opening.