Impeller trap

Abstract

A water cooling system of a marine engine includes a water line and a water pump. An impeller trap for the water cooling system includes a cylindrical line section having a wall and a pair of ends. A fitting is disposed on each end of the line section for mating with a corresponding portion of the water line of the water cooling system. The line section is connected to the water line of the water cooling system downstream of the water pump. A screen is disposed in the line section and is secured to an inner surface of the wall of the line section. The screen captures pieces of a water pump impeller in the event that the impeller breaks or shears.

1 . An impeller trap for a water cooling system for a marine engine, comprising:
 a cylindrical line section having a wall and a pair of ends;   a fitting disposed on each one of said ends of said line section, for mating with a corresponding portion of a water line of said water cooling system; and   a screen disposed in said line section and secured to an inner surface of said wall of the line section, whereby said screen captures pieces of a water pump impeller in the event of breakage of said impeller.   
   
   
       2 . The impeller trap of  claim 1 , wherein said impeller trap is a discrete unit that is selectively removable from said water line of said water cooling system. 
   
   
       3 . The impeller trap of  claim 1 , wherein said line section is connected to said water line of said water cooling system downstream of a water pump of said water cooling system and upstream of a heat exchanger of the water cooling system. 
   
   
       4 . The impeller trap of  claim 1 , wherein said screen is secured to said inner surface of said line section wall by means selected from the group consisting of a weld, shoulders, rings, mechanical fasteners, an adhesive, and an interference fit. 
   
   
       5 . The impeller trap of  claim 1 , wherein said screen is a heavy-duty screen. 
   
   
       6 . The impeller trap of  claim 1 , wherein said screen includes mesh openings that are one-half the size of the smallest opening in said water cooling system downstream of a water pump. 
   
   
       7 . The impeller trap of  claim 1 , wherein said line section is formed of a corrosion-resistant material. 
   
   
       8 . The impeller trap of  claim 7 , wherein said corrosion-resistant material is selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, an aluminum alloy, rubber, and plastic. 
   
   
       9 . The impeller trap of  claim 1 , wherein said line section is from about six inches to about 8 inches long. 
   
   
       10 . The impeller trap of  claim 1 , wherein said line section is straight. 
   
   
       11 . The impeller trap of  claim 1 , wherein said line section is angled. 
   
   
       12 . The impeller trap of  claim 1 , wherein said fittings are selected from the group consisting of threaded connectors, quick disconnect couplers, and hose clamps. 
   
   
       13 . The impeller trap of  claim 1 , further comprising a pressure port formed in said wall of said line section upstream of said screen for receiving a pressure gauge. 
   
   
       14 . The impeller trap of  claim 13 , wherein said pressure port is formed with threads to accept mating threads that are formed on said pressure gauge.