Drain cleaner device

Abstract

A drain cleaner device for dispensing a cleaning composition into a condensate drain of an air handler of an air conditioning system includes a device outlet in fluid communication with an exterior of the drain cleaner device, a dispenser apparatus configured to be actuated to selectively dispense an amount of the cleaning composition through the device outlet, a connector interface, a dispenser apparatus, and a controller. The connector interface is detachably connectable with a complementary connector interface, the connector having a cartridge container configured to store the cleaning composition to establish fluid communication from the cartridge container to the dispenser apparatus. The dispenser apparatus is positioned between the connector interface and the device outlet. The dispenser apparatus is actuatable to selectively dispense an amount of the cleaning composition from the cartridge container through the device outlet. The controller can actuate the dispenser apparatus without human intervention.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application is a partial continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 723,795, filed April 19, 2022, with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which claims priority and interest in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 277,323, filed November 9, 2021, with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The entire contents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] field

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to air conditioning systems, and more particularly to providing cleaner chemicals to the condensate drain pipes of an air handling unit in an air conditioning system without human intervention.

[0005] Description of related technologies

[0006] Air conditioning systems may include air handlers, also known as air handling units (AHUs), which circulate and cool air within a space and / or structure. An air handler moves air by operating an air mover (such as a blower or fan), causing it to exchange heat with a heat exchanger (such as an air coil). The air handler may circulate refrigerant through the heat exchanger to absorb (e.g., remove) heat from the airflow, thereby cooling the air, and the air conditioning system may circulate refrigerant through the heat exchanger to release the absorbed heat to a radiator (e.g., the surrounding environment).

[0007] In some cases, the cooling of air by the heat exchanger absorbing heat from the air can cause moisture (e.g., condensate) to condense from the cooled air at the heat exchanger. This condensate can be collected and discharged from the air handler via a condensate drain duct. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to some exemplary embodiments, a drain cleaner device for dispensing a cleaning composition into the condensate drain pipe of an air processor in an air conditioning system may include a device outlet in fluid communication with the outside of the drain cleaner device, a dispenser device configured to be driven to selectively dispense a quantity of the cleaning composition through the device outlet, and a connector interface configured to be detachably connected to a complementary connector interface having a cylindrical container configured to hold the cleaning composition. This establishes fluid communication from the cylindrical container to the dispenser device, such that the dispenser device is located between the connector interface and the device outlet, and the dispenser device is configured to be driven to selectively dispense an amount of the cleaning composition from the cylindrical container through the device outlet, and a controller is configured to drive the dispenser device to dispense an amount of the cleaning composition through the device outlet without manual intervention.

[0009] The connector interface of the drain cleaner device or the complementary connector interface of the tubular container may include a one-way valve configured to open in response to connection between the connector interface of the drain cleaner device and the complementary connector interface of the tubular container to establish fluid communication between the tubular container and the dispenser device.

[0010] The dispenser device may include at least one valve configured to selectively open based on a control signal generated by a controller to establish a flow path through the at least one valve to a device outlet. The drain cleaner device may include a dispenser container located between a check valve and at least one valve, such that a connector interface is configured to detachably connect to a complementary connector interface of a cylindrical container to establish fluid communication from the cylindrical container to the dispenser container, and the dispenser device is configured to be driven to selectively dispense an amount of cleaning composition from the dispenser container through the device outlet. The controller may be configured to drive the dispenser device based on opening the flow path with at least one valve to allow at least a portion of the cleaning composition contained in the dispenser container to flow from the dispenser container to the device outlet.

[0011] The drain cleaner device may further include a structural connector configured to be detachably connected to the housing of the drain cleaner device, the structural connector being configured to connect the drain cleaner device to an external structure to at least partially secure the drain cleaner device relative to the opening of the condensate drain pipe.

[0012] The structural connector may include a magnet configured to magnetically attach the structural connector to a metal surface of an external structure.

[0013] The controller can be configured to drive the distributor device in response to the passage of a specific time period.

[0014] The controller can be configured to repeatedly actuate the dispenser device within a fixed time interval that is a specific time period, based on monitoring a timer that increments its value at a fixed frequency, actuating the dispenser device in response to the timer value reaching a specific time value corresponding to the elapsed time of the specific time period, and resetting the timer value to the initial timer value in response to actuating the dispenser device.

[0015] The controller can be configured to monitor a counter that increments its value in response to each drive of the dispenser device and to generate a depletion signal in response to the counter value reaching a specific counter value corresponding to at least partial wear of the fixed reservoir of the cleaning composition.

[0016] The controller can be configured to determine the volume of the cylindrical container in response to receiving a command signal indicating the volume of the cylindrical container, and to adjust a specific count value based on the determination of the volume of the cylindrical container.

[0017] The drain cleaner device may further include a network communication interface device configured to establish a network communication connection with a remote computing device. The controller may be configured to transmit a depletion signal to the remote computing device via the network communication connection.

[0018] The drain cleaner device may further include a network communication interface device configured to establish a network communication connection with a remote computing device. The controller may be configured to reset the counter value to an initial counter value in response to receiving a reset signal from the remote computing device via the network communication connection.

[0019] The drain cleaner device may further include a network communication interface device configured to establish a network communication connection with a remote computing device. The controller may be configured to shut down the air conditioning system in response to receiving a shutdown command signal from the remote computing device via the network communication connection.

[0020] The drain cleaner device can be configured to cause at least a partial shutdown of the air conditioning system in response to receiving a signal generated by a float switch device.

[0021] The drain cleaner device can be configured to actuate the air processor float switch so that at least part of the air conditioning system shuts down in response to receiving a signal generated by the float switch device.

[0022] The drain cleaner device can be configured to drive an actuator to actuate the floating switch of the air processor.

[0023] According to some exemplary embodiments, a system can be configured to control the distribution of a cleaning composition to a condensate drain pipe of an air handling unit in an air conditioning system, wherein the air handling unit includes an air handling unit float switch, and the air handling unit is configured to shut down in response to actuation of the air handling unit float switch. The system may include a drain pipe cleaner device and a float switch device configured to connect to the condensate drain pipe. The float switch device may be configured to enable the drain pipe cleaner device to provide a cleaning composition to the condensate drain pipe. The float switch device may include a drain pipe cleaner float switch. The drain pipe cleaner float switch may be configured to be electrically connected to the drain pipe cleaner device such that the drain pipe cleaner float switch is configured to transmit a float switch signal to the drain pipe cleaner device in response to the state of the fluid in the condensate drain pipe. A controller for the drain pipe cleaner device may be configured to transmit an electrical signal to the air handling unit to shut down at least a portion of the air conditioning system in response to receiving a float switch signal from the drain pipe cleaner device float switch.

[0024] According to some exemplary embodiments, a system may be configured to control the distribution of a cleaning composition to a condensate drain duct of an air handler in an air conditioning system, wherein the air handler includes an air handler float switch, and the air handler is configured to shut off in response to actuation of the air handler float switch. The system may include a drain cleaner device and an actuator device configured to be electrically connected to the drain cleaner device. The actuator device may include an actuator. The actuator device may be configured to connect the air handler float switch to the actuator, such that the actuator is configured to actuate the air handler float switch upon receiving an actuator control signal from the drain cleaner device. A controller for the drain cleaner device may be configured to transmit an actuator command signal to the actuator device to actuate the air handler float switch.

[0025] The system may further include a float switch device configured to connect to a condensate drain pipe. The float switch device may be configured to cause the drain cleaner device to provide a cleaning composition to the condensate drain pipe. The float switch device may include a drain cleaner float switch. The drain cleaner float switch may be configured to be electrically connected to the drain cleaner device such that it is configured to transmit a float switch signal to the drain cleaner device in response to the state of the fluid in the condensate drain pipe. The controller of the drain cleaner device may be configured to transmit an actuator control signal to the actuator device such that the actuator actuates the air processor float switch in response to receiving a float switch signal from the drain cleaner device float switch.

[0026] The outlet of the drain cleaner device can be connected to a first end of a distributor pipe, which has a second end in fluid communication with the condensate drain pipe, so that the outlet of the drain cleaner device is in fluid communication with the condensate drain pipe at least through the distributor pipe.

[0027] The floating switch device may include a support housing configured to connect to an opening in a condensate drain pipe. A supply pipe extends through the support housing, a first end of which is configured to connect to a second end of a distributor pipe, and the second end of the supply pipe is configured to be in fluid communication with the condensate drain pipe. Thus, the supply pipe is configured to establish fluid communication between the device outlet of the drain cleaner device and the condensate drain pipe via the distributor pipe and the supply pipe. The floating switch of the drain cleaner device may be connected to the support housing. The drain cleaner floating switch and the supply pipe may be offset from the central axis of the support housing.

[0028] The actuator may include an actuator piston and a servo motor configured to move the actuator piston along a first axis. The actuator device may be configured to hold the air processor float switch in place relative to the actuator piston. The actuator device may be configured to actuate the air processor float switch by moving the float of the air processor float switch relative to the remainder of the air processor float switch based on the movement of the actuator piston along the first axis.

[0029] The actuator device may include a cup-shaped structure connected to the actuator and further configured to engage with a float of an air processor float switch to move the float along the first axis based on movement of the actuator piston along the first axis.

[0030] The actuator device may include a conduit structure having an inner surface defining a conduit space extending along a first axis and having opposing first and second openings, the conduit structure being configured to receive an air processor float switch into the conduit space through the first opening, and the conduit structure being further configured to receive at least an annular structure into the conduit space through the second opening.

[0031] The controller of the drain cleaner device can be configured to transmit actuator control signals to the actuator device to actuate the air processor float switch based on the processing of signals received from a remote computing device through the network communication interface of the drain cleaner device.

[0032] According to some exemplary embodiments, an actuator device may be configured to actuate an air processor float switch of an air processor in an air conditioning system. The actuator device may include an actuator and one or more support structures configured to position the air processor float switch relative to the actuator, such that the actuator device is configured to cause the actuator to actuate the air processor float switch based on moving at least one float of the air processor float switch relative to the remainder of the air processor float switch.

[0033] The actuator may include an actuator piston and a servo motor configured to move the actuator piston along a first axis. The actuator device may be configured to hold the air processor float switch in place relative to the actuator piston. The actuator device may be configured to actuate the air processor float switch by moving a float of the air processor float switch relative to the remainder of the air processor float switch based on the movement of the actuator piston along the first axis.

[0034] The actuator device may include a cup-shaped structure connected to the actuator and further configured to engage with a float of an air processor float switch to move the float along the first axis based on movement of the actuator piston along the first axis.

[0035] One or more support structures may include a duct structure having an inner surface defining a duct space extending along a first axis and having opposing first and second openings, the duct structure being configured to receive an air processor float switch into the duct space through the first opening, and the duct structure being further configured to receive at least an annular structure into the duct space through the second opening.

[0036] According to some exemplary embodiments, a floating switch device configured to connect to a condensate drain pipe of an air conditioning system may include a support housing configured to connect to an opening in the condensate drain pipe, a drain cleaner floating switch connected to the support housing such that the drain cleaner floating switch is configured to be positioned in the condensate drain pipe in response to the connection between the support housing and the opening in the condensate drain pipe, and the drain cleaner floating switch is configured to be actuated in response to the presence of fluid in the condensate drain pipe to transmit a floating switch signal. A supply pipe extending through the support housing is also included, with a first end configured to be in fluid communication with the device outlet of the drain cleaner device and a second end configured to be in fluid communication with the condensate drain pipe. Thus, the supply pipe is configured to establish fluid communication between the device outlet of the drain cleaner device and the condensate drain pipe at least through the supply pipe, allowing a cleaning composition to be supplied from the drain cleaner device to the condensate drain pipe via the floating switch device. The floating switch and supply pipe of the drain cleaner device may be offset from the central axis of the support housing. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments described herein may become more apparent upon examination of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale. Various dimensions in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0039] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of a drain cleaner device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0040] Figure 3A and 3B This is a schematic diagram of a drain cleaner device and a cylindrical object according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a drain cleaner device including a distributor device according to some exemplary embodiments, the distributor device further including a first valve and a second valve, and a distributor container.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a drain cleaner device including a moisture sensor, according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a drain cleaner device including a structural connector, according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a drain cleaner device and a remote computing device communicatively connected via a network communication connection, according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of a drain cleaner device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0046] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of a drain cleaner device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0047] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a computing device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0048] Figure 11A This is a perspective top-front-right view of a drain cleaner device system according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0049] Figure 11BThis is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 11A Perspective bottom-back-left view of a drain cleaner system.

[0050] Figure 11C This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 11A A perspective cross-sectional view of the drain cleaner system along the cross-sectional view line XIC-XIC'.

[0051] Figure 11D It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 11A The cross-sectional view of the drain cleaner device system along line XIC-XIC'.

[0052] Figure 11E It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 11A A perspective view of the drain cleaner device system along the cross-sectional view line XIE-XIE'.

[0053] Figure 11F It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 11A The plan view of the drain cleaner device system along the cross-sectional view line XIE-XIE'.

[0054] Figure 12A This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 11A The drain cleaner device shown is shown in a top-front-right perspective view.

[0055] Figure 12B It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 12A The plan view of the drain cleaner device along the XIIB-XIIB' section view.

[0056] Figure 12C It is along Figure 12A A cross-sectional view of the drain cleaner device along line XIIC-XIIC'.

[0057] Figure 12D This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 12A A top-plan view of the drain cleaner device.

[0058] Figure 13A This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 11A The top-front-right perspective view of the tube shown.

[0059] Figure 13B This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 13A Perspective bottom-rear-left view of the cylindrical object shown.

[0060] Figure 13CIt is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 13A The cross-sectional view of the cylindrical structure along line XIIIC-XIIIC'.

[0061] Figure 13D It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 13A A cross-sectional view of the cylindrical object with lines XIIID-XIIID'.

[0062] Figure 14A This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 11A The structural connector shown is a perspective bottom-back-left view.

[0063] Figure 14B This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 14A The structural connector shown is a perspective top-front-right view.

[0064] Figure 14C This is a perspective view of a drain cleaner device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0065] Figure 14D This is a bottom plan view of a drain cleaner device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0066] Figure 15A This is a schematic diagram of a system according to some exemplary embodiments, the system including a drain cleaner device system, a float switch device, and an actuator device.

[0067] Figure 15B This is a schematic diagram of a system including a drain cleaner device system and a float switch device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0068] Figure 16A This is a perspective top-front-right view of a floating switch device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0069] Figure 16B This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 16A Perspective bottom-rear-left view of the floating switch device.

[0070] Figure 16C It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 16A A perspective cross-sectional view of the floating switch device with cross-sectional view lines XVIC-XVIC'.

[0071] Figure 16D It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 16A A planar cross-sectional view of the floating switch device with lines XVIC-XVIC'.

[0072] Figure 16EThis is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 16A A top-plan view of the floating switch device.

[0073] Figure 17A This is a perspective top-front-right view of an actuator device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0074] Figure 17B This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 17A Perspective bottom-rear-left view of the actuator device.

[0075] Figure 17C This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 17A Perspective bottom-rear-right view of the actuator device.

[0076] Figure 18A This is a perspective top-front-right view of an actuator device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0077] Figure 18B It is according to some exemplary embodiments along Figure 18A A perspective cross-sectional view of the actuator device along lines XVIIIB-XVIIIB'.

[0078] Figure 18C It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 18A A planar cross-sectional view of the actuator device along lines XVIIIB-XVIIIB'.

[0079] Figure 18D It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 18A A perspective view of the actuator device along the cross-sectional view line XVIIID-XVIIID'.

[0080] Figure 18E It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 18A A planar cross-sectional view of the actuator device along lines XVIIID-XVIIID'.

[0081] Figure 19A This is a perspective top-front-right view of an actuator device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0082] Figure 19B It is according to some exemplary embodiments along Figure 19A A perspective cross-sectional view of the actuator device along the cross-sectional view line XIXB-XIXB'.

[0083] Figure 19C It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 19A A perspective view of the actuator device along the cross-sectional view line XIXC-XIXC'.

[0084] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of elements of an actuator device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0085] Figure 21A This is a perspective view of a containment apparatus according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0086] Figure 21B It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 21A A perspective view of the containment apparatus along the cross-sectional view of line XXIB-XXIB'.

[0087] Figure 21C It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 21A A perspective cross-sectional view of the containment apparatus along the XXIC-XXIC' cross-sectional view.

[0088] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the housing and hinge connection of a containment apparatus according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0089] Figure 23A This is a perspective view of the conduit structure of a containment apparatus according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0090] Figure 23B It is according to some exemplary embodiments along Figure 23A A perspective view of the pipe fitting structure along the cross-sectional view lines XXIIIB-XXIIB'.

[0091] Figure 24A This is a perspective view of the containing device's sleeve structure according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0092] Figure 24B It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 24A A perspective view of the pipe fitting structure along the cross-sectional view line XXIVB-XXIVB'.

[0093] Figure 25A It is along the actuator device Figure 18A A cross-sectional view along lines XVIIIB-XVIIIB', in which the air processor float switch is positioned according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0094] Figure 25B It is the actuator device along Figure 18AA planar cross-sectional view along lines XVIIID-XVIIID', in which the air processor floating switch is positioned according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0095] Figure 26A This is a perspective top-front-left view of a drain cleaner device system according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0096] Figure 26B This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 26A Perspective bottom-rear-left view of the drain cleaner device system.

[0097] Figure 26C This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 26A Perspective bottom-back-left view of a drain cleaner system.

[0098] Figure 26D This is a perspective view of an actuator holster according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0099] Figure 26E It is according to some exemplary embodiments along Figure 26D A perspective view of the actuator sheath (holster) along the cross-sectional view line XXVIE-XXVIE'.

[0100] Figure 27 This is a perspective top-front-right view of a drain cleaner device system according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0101] Figure 28 This is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a system according to some exemplary embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0102] Some detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments. Exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

[0103] Therefore, while various modifications and alternatives are possible to the exemplary embodiments, the exemplary embodiments are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the exemplary embodiments to the specific forms disclosed; rather, the exemplary embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0104] In describing exemplary embodiments, reference is made to cross-sectional views, which are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the exemplary embodiments. Therefore, variations in the illustrated shapes are expected due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Thus, the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the areas illustrated herein, but rather include, for example, shape deviations resulting from manufacturing processes.

[0105] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Terms, including those defined in common dictionaries, shall be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the relevant technical context and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0106] It can be understood that an element and / or its properties (e.g., structure, surface, orientation, or the like) may be described as "perpendicular," "parallel," "aligned," or the like relative to other elements and / or their properties (e.g., structure, surface, orientation, or the like). A structure, surface, orientation, or the like can be "perpendicular," "parallel," "aligned," or the like, or can be "substantially perpendicular," "substantially parallel," or "substantially aligned," respectively, with respect to other elements and / or their properties.

[0107] An element and / or its properties that are "substantially perpendicular" to other elements and / or their properties (e.g., structure, surface, orientation, or the like) will be understood as being "perpendicular" to other elements and / or their properties within the range of manufacturing and / or material tolerances, and / or having a deviation in size and / or angle equal to or less than 10% relative to other elements and / or their properties (e.g., ±10% tolerance).

[0108] Elements and / or properties that are "substantially parallel" to other elements and / or properties (e.g., structure, surface, orientation, or the like) will be understood as being "parallel" to other elements and / or properties within manufacturing and / or material tolerances, and / or having a magnitude and / or angular deviation of equal to or less than 10% (e.g., ±10% tolerance) relative to other elements and / or properties.

[0109] An element and / or its property that is "substantially flush" with other elements and / or its properties will be understood as being "flush" with other elements and / or its properties within manufacturing tolerances and / or material tolerances, and / or having a deviation from "flush" or similar (e.g., ±10% tolerance) of 10% or less with respect to other elements and / or its properties.

[0110] It is understood that elements and / or their properties may be described herein as "identical" or "equal" to other elements, and it will be further understood that elements and / or their properties described herein as "identical," "equal," or "equal" to other elements may be "identical," "equal," or "substantially identical" or "substantially equivalent" to other elements and / or their properties. Elements and / or properties described herein as "substantially identical," "substantially identical," or "substantially equivalent" to other elements and / or properties will be understood to include elements and / or properties that are identical, identical, or equal to other elements and / or properties within manufacturing tolerances and / or material tolerances. Elements and / or properties that are identical or substantially identical to other elements and / or properties may be structurally identical or substantially identical, functionally identical or substantially identical, and / or compositionally identical or substantially identical.

[0111] It is understood that elements and / or properties described herein as "substantially" identical and / or identical include elements and / or properties whose relative differences are equal to or less than 10%. Furthermore, regardless of whether an element and / or its properties are modified to be "substantially", it is to be understood that such elements and / or its properties should be understood to include manufacturing or operational tolerances (e.g., ±10%) surrounding said elements and / or its properties.

[0112] When the terms "approximately" or "substantially" are used in connection with numerical values ​​in this specification, it is intended that the relevant numerical value includes a tolerance of ±10% around the value. When a range is specified, the range includes all values ​​within that range, such as increments of 0.1%.

[0113] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system 100 according to some exemplary embodiments. The air conditioning system 100, interchangeably referred to as an air conditioning system, air conditioner, or the like, may be configured to provide air cooling within the structure 1 and may be located at least partially within the structure 1, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The air conditioning system 100 may be included as part of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and in some exemplary embodiments, the air conditioning system 100 may be separate from any heating system.

[0114] Reference Figure 1The air conditioning system 100 may include an air processor 102 and a condenser assembly 104, configured to draw in return air 106 from the interior of structure 1, cool (e.g., absorb heat) the drawn-in return air 106 into conditioned air 114, and discharge (e.g., supply) the conditioned air 114 back into the interior of structure 1. The air processor 102 may include, within a housing 101 at least partially composed of metal (e.g., steel), an air inlet 103, an air filter 105, an air mover 108 (e.g., a fan, blower, etc.), a heat exchanger 110 (e.g., an evaporator coil), an expansion valve 111, a drip tray 122, a condensate drain line 124 (also referred to herein as a condensate drain line, condensate drain pipe, etc.), a controller 140, a float switch 160, and an air outlet 112. The condenser assembly 104 may include a compressor 150, a second heat exchanger 152 (e.g., a condenser coil), and an air mover 154 (e.g., a fan, blower, etc.).

[0115] It is understood that exemplary embodiments of air conditioning systems, air handlers, condenser assemblies, or similar devices may have different device arrangements and may omit or add certain elements. Figure 1 The above-described elements of the air conditioning system 100 are shown. For example, it is understood that elements shown as included in the air handler 102 may be located in the condenser assembly 104 in some exemplary embodiments (e.g., the controller 140 may be located in the condenser assembly 104 instead of the air handler 102). As shown, the condenser assembly 104 may be located outside the structure 1, while the air handler 102 may be located inside the structure 1, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0116] In some exemplary embodiments, the air conditioning system 100 may draw return air 106 into the air processor 102 through air inlet 103 and air filter 105, wherein the air filter 105 may be any known air filter configured to remove some substance (e.g., particulate matter, including dust) from the return air 106. An air mover 108 (e.g., a blower) may cause air to flow into, through, and out of the air processor 102. The air mover 108 may cause the return air 106 to be drawn into the air filter 105 to remove some substance and may cause the return air 106 to move (e.g., blow) through the air mover 108 and the heat exchanger 110. The return air 106 may be thermally communicated with one or more coils of the heat exchanger 110 (e.g., in contact with an outer surface) to remove heat from the return air 106, cooling the return air 106 to condition air 114. The air processor 102 may remove the conditioned air 114 out of the air processor 102 and return it to the interior space of structure 1 through air outlet 112.

[0117] Air conditioning system 100 may circulate a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant, including known R22, R410A, or any known refrigerant) between heat exchangers 110 and 152 to remove heat from return air 106 as it flows in thermal communication (e.g., through and / or in contact with one or more coils of heat exchanger 110). Heat exchanger 110 may include any known heat exchanger for air conditioning systems, such as an evaporator coil exchanger comprising one or more coils of one or more tubes through which the working fluid flows (e.g., as a cooling fluid). When return air 106 is made to flow through (e.g., in contact with one or more coils, through thermal communication, etc.) one or more coils, heat exchanger 110 may transfer heat from return air 106 to the working fluid, thereby causing the working fluid to become heated (e.g., heated to a low-pressure gas). The heated working fluid may be drawn into condenser assembly 104 through fluid conduit 116 (e.g., fluid conduit, pipe, etc.).

[0118] The air conditioning system 100 may include a compressor 150 (which may be any known compressor) in a condenser assembly 104, which causes a working fluid to flow through the air conditioning system 100. The compressor 150 may draw heated working fluid from fluid conduit 118 and may compress the heated working fluid into a high-pressure gas. The heated working fluid may be transferred (e.g., flow) from the compressor 150 to a heat exchanger 152 (which may be any known heat exchanger, and may be referred to as a condenser coil), for example, as a high-pressure gas. An air mover 154 may draw ambient air 192 from the environment 190 through (e.g., in thermal communication with one or more tubes of the heat exchanger 152) to remove heat from the heated working fluid passing through one or more tubes of the heat exchanger 152, thereby discharging the heat initially removed from the return air 106 to the environment 190, which serves as a radiator for the air conditioning system 100. Thus, the working fluid passing through the heat exchanger 152 can be cooled into a fluid state. The working fluid can then return to the air processor 102 via fluid line 118 (e.g., flow, circulation, etc.), where the working fluid can be cooled by expansion valve 111 (which may be any known expansion valve), and then the working fluid enters heat exchanger 110 to remove additional heat from the return air 106.

[0119] As described above, the circulation of the working fluid through heat exchangers 110, 152, fluid lines 116 and 118, and expansion valve 111 can be caused by the operation of compressor 150.

[0120] As further shown, the air conditioning system 100 may include a controller 140 configured to control elements of the air conditioning system 100, including, for example, controlling the operation of the air handler 102, the condenser assembly 104, or any part thereof. As described below, the controller 140 may be implemented by a computing device, including a memory storing instruction programs and a processor configured to execute the instruction programs. Although the controller 140 is shown as being included within the housing 101 of the air handler 102, it will be understood that the controller 140 may be located outside the housing 101, and in some exemplary embodiments, may be located within the condenser assembly 104, or may be connected to the outside of the air handler 102 for manual access.

[0121] Still referencing Figure 1 When heat is removed from the return air 106 via thermal communication with the heat exchanger 110, water can condense from the cooled return air as condensate 120 at the heat exchanger 110. The air processor 102 may include a drip tray 122 located below the heat exchanger 110, into which the condensate 120 can fall under gravity and be collected. The air processor 102 may further include a condensate drain pipe 124 having an inlet opening 128 connected to the drip tray 122 (e.g., the drip tray 122 has an inclined surface that slopes toward the inlet opening 128 of the condensate drain pipe 124) and an outlet opening 130, as shown, which is external to the structure 1 and opens to the surrounding environment 190. The condensate 120 collected in the drip tray 122 can be transferred to the inlet opening 128 of the condensate drain pipe 124 under the action of gravity, and the condensate drain pipe 124 can guide the condensate 120 out of the air processor 102 and out of the structure 1 to the environment 190 through the outlet opening 130 of the condensate drain pipe 124.

[0122] In some exemplary embodiments, the condensate drain pipe 124 may become clogged due to the accumulation of various substances within it. Such substances may include, for example, mold, algae, mildew, bacteria, and / or fungi. When the condensate drain pipe is clogged, condensate 120 may backflow and / or overflow from the condensate drain pipe 124. For example, due to the blockage, condensate 120 may accumulate in the drip tray 122 and eventually overflow from both sides of the drip tray 122. Such overflow of condensate 120 from the drip tray 122 may cause damage to the air handler 102 and / or structure 1, including water damage to the structural components of structure 1, water damage to the elements of air handler 102, flooding of structure 1 and / or air handler 102, or similar situations.

[0123] like Figure 1As shown, the air conditioning system 100 may include a float switch 160 located in the drip tray 122 and / or condensate drain pipe 124 (as shown). The float switch 160 may be a switch configured to be actuated by backflow and / or overflow of condensate 120 in the condensate drain pipe 124. For example, the float switch 160 may be any known float switch and may be configured to close or open (e.g., actuate) based on the accumulation of condensate 120 in the drip tray 122 to at least one threshold volume. The float switch 160 may be communicatively (e.g., electrically) connected to a controller 140, and the controller 140 may be configured to shut down part or all of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., shut down air mover 108, compressor 150, and / or air mover 154) in response to the actuation of the float switch 160, thereby reducing or preventing damage to the structure and / or air conditioning system 100 due to the accumulation of condensate 120.

[0124] Still referencing Figure 1 In some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 may be connected to the condensate drain 124 at an opening 125 (e.g., a cleaning opening for the condensate drain 124) into the condensate drain 124, wherein the drain cleaner device 200 is configured to dispense a cleaning composition into the condensate drain 124. As described herein, the drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to dispense a cleaning composition into the condensate drain 124 to reduce, remove, and / or prevent clogging of the condensate drain 124 due to the presence of various potential clogging substances (e.g., mold, algae, mildew, bacteria, and / or fungi).

[0125] In some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to dispense a cleaning composition into the condensate drain 124 without human intervention (e.g., automatically), such as dispensing a discrete amount (e.g., a specific amount, which may be a specific volume and / or a specific mass) of the cleaning composition, thereby reducing or preventing clogging of the condensate drain 124 due to the presence of various potential clogging substances (e.g., mold, algae, mildew, bacteria, and / or fungi), while minimizing or reducing the human intervention and / or effort required to perform the dispensing. Because the drain cleaner device 200 is configured to dispense the cleaning composition without human intervention (e.g., repeatedly at fixed time intervals), the accumulation of potential clogging substances (e.g., mold, algae, mildew, bacteria, and / or fungi) in the condensate drain 124 can be reduced, removed, or prevented. This can therefore reduce or prevent the possibility of condensate 120 overflow and / or spillage, which could otherwise lead to at least the shutdown of air handler 102 and / or air conditioning system 100, water damage to air handler 102 and / or structure 1, or similar situations. Because no human intervention is required to dispense the cleaning composition, especially repeated dispensing at fixed time intervals, the possibility of condensate drain pipe 124 becoming clogged due to the operator missing or forgetting to manually dispense the cleaning composition is reduced or prevented, thereby improving the operational performance of air conditioning system 100 and reducing the workload of the operator.

[0126] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of a drain cleaner device 200 according to some exemplary embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 1 of Figure 2A and Figure 2B The drain cleaner device 200 is configured to dispense the cleaning composition 230 to Figure 1 In the condensate drain pipe 124 of the air processor 102 shown.

[0127] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B The drain cleaner device 200 may include a device container 202 configured to hold a cleaning composition 230, a device outlet 206 (e.g., an opening), and a dispenser device 204 configured to be driven (e.g., operated) to selectively dispense a quantity (e.g., a specific amount, which may be a specific volume and / or a specific mass) of the cleaning composition 230 from the device container 202 and through the device outlet 206. The drain cleaner device 200 may further include a connector interface 208 configured to connect to a condensate drain pipe 124 such that the device outlet 206 of the drain cleaner device 200 is in fluid communication (e.g., open-ended) with an opening 125 (e.g., a cleaning opening) of the condensate drain pipe 124.

[0128] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the device container 202 may include an inner surface 202S with a predefined internal volume space, wherein the cleaning composition 230 may be stored within the housing 201 of the drain cleaner device 200. The device container 202 may further include an outlet 202A configured to be in fluid communication with a dispenser device 204 to allow the cleaning composition 230 to flow from the device container 202 to the dispenser device 204. The device container 202 may further include a cover 203 (e.g., a hatch) that can be opened or removed to allow the device container 202 to be filled or refilled with the cleaning composition 230. However, it will be understood that in some exemplary embodiments, the cleaning composition 230 may be provided within a cylindrical container (e.g., a "cylinder") that may be received within and stored in the device container 202, rather than being poured directly into the device container 202 from the outside of the drain cleaner device 200.

[0129] Still referencing Figure 2A and Figure 2B Dispenser device 204 is a device that can be actuated (e.g., operated, based on an electrical control signal) to selectively open or close at least one fluid path from device container 202 (e.g., through outlet 202A) to device outlet 206, so that at least a certain amount of cleaning composition 230 is dispensed through device outlet 206.

[0130] Dispenser device 204 may be configured to dispense a specific amount of cleaning composition 230 (e.g., a specific volume, a specific mass, etc.) so that drain cleaner device 200 may dispense a specific amount of cleaning composition 230 (e.g., repeatedly at fixed time intervals). For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the specific amount of cleaning composition 230 dispensed when dispenser device 204 is actuated once may be 3 ounces of cleaning composition 230, and dispenser device 204 may be configured to be actuated to dispensing a specific amount of cleaning composition 230 from device container 202 to device outlet 206.

[0131] Connector interface 208 is configured to connect drain cleaner device 200 to condensate drain pipe 124 (e.g., removable connection, detachable connection, reversible connection, etc.) such that device outlet 206 is in fluid communication with opening 125 into condensate drain pipe 124, for example as... Figure 2BAs shown, connector interface 208 is configured to connect to the open end of condensate drain pipe 124, such that device outlet 206 is directly adjacent to and directly open to the opening 125 leading into condensate drain pipe 124, thereby actuating dispenser device 204 to dispense a quantity of cleaning composition 230 from device container 202 to device outlet 206, further causing a quantity of cleaning composition 230 to flow into condensate drain pipe 124 through device outlet 206 and the opening 125 leading into condensate drain pipe 124.

[0132] In some exemplary embodiments, connector interface 208 may be any connector configured to connect at least the housing 201 of drain cleaner device 200 to condensate drain pipe 124. In some exemplary embodiments, connector interface 208 may be a friction-fit connector interface including an inner surface having an outer diameter corresponding to the open end of condensate drain pipe 124, such that connector interface 208 is configured to establish a friction-fit connection with opening 125. Connector interface 208 may further include a seal, O-ring, or the like along the inner surface of connector interface 208 to further establish connection with opening 125. In some exemplary embodiments, connector interface 208 includes a threaded connector, snap-fit, or the like, configured to connect to a complementary connector interface of condensate drain pipe 124 (e.g., a threaded connector, snap-fit, or the like at opening 125 of condensate drain pipe 124). In some exemplary embodiments, the connector interface 208 may include an adapter (e.g., a connector with a variable inner diameter) configured to connect the drain cleaner device 200 to various condensate drain pipes 124 having different outer diameters. In some exemplary embodiments, the connector interface 208 is configured to at least partially transfer the structural load (e.g., weight) of the drain cleaner device 200 to the condensate drain pipe 124, such that the drain cleaner device 200 is configured to be at least partially structurally supported on the condensate drain pipe 124.

[0133] In some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 includes a structural connector 220 configured to connect the drain cleaner device 200 to an external structure (e.g., the housing 101 of the air processor 102 as shown) to at least partially secure the drain cleaner device 200 in place relative to an opening 125 of the condensate drain pipe 124 (e.g., at least partially structurally supporting the drain cleaner device 200 at the opening 125). As further described herein, the structural connector 220 can have various structures. For example, the structural connector 220 may include an adhesive connector, a magnet, or the like for connection to the housing 101 of the air processor 102.

[0134] In some exemplary embodiments, the dispenser device 204 may include at least one valve configured to be actuated based on a control signal generated by the controller 210 to selectively open (e.g., selectively open a flow path 204A through the at least one valve) to establish a flow path 204A through which the cleaning composition 230 can flow (e.g., the flow path 204A from the device reservoir 202 to the device outlet 206). For example, the valve of the dispenser device 204 described herein may include an electromechanically operated valve, including a solenoid valve, which may be selectively actuated based on a control signal from the controller 210.

[0135] In some exemplary embodiments, the dispenser device 204 may include a pump (e.g., any known positive displacement pump) configured to operate over a specific time period to move a quantity of cleaning composition 230 from the device container 202 to the device outlet 206 based on a control signal generated by the controller 210.

[0136] As described herein, cleaning composition 230 can be any known chemical composition (e.g., solution, fluid, etc.) configured to clean (e.g., remove) potential blockages (e.g., mold, algae, mildew, bacteria, and / or fungi) from the inner surface of condensate drain 124. In some exemplary embodiments, cleaning composition 230 can be a chemical substance that is or includes a chelating agent (e.g., a chelate), including, for example, sodium hexametaphosphate, configured to remove potential blockages from the inner surface of the condensate drain based on chelation upon contact with the potential blockage. For example, cleaning composition 230 can be a fluid solution comprising 3%-7% sodium hexametaphosphate by weight of the total weight of cleaning composition 230. Based on the drain cleaner device 200 being configured to dispense cleaning composition 230 through device outlet 206, wherein the cleaning composition 230 is dispensed into condensate drain pipe 124, the drain cleaner device 200 can be configured to remove potential clogging substances (e.g., mold, algae, mildew, bacteria and / or fungi) from the inner surface of condensate drain pipe 124 by the cleaning composition 230, which can therefore reduce or prevent backflow and / or overflow of condensate drain pipe 124 due to blockage.

[0137] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the drain cleaner device 200 may include a power supply 212 configured to supply power to devices included therein, including a controller 210, a distributor device 204, a network communication interface 224, and sensors (in... Figure 2A and Figure 2B Not shown in the image, in Figure 5 (as shown in the figure) or similar devices. As shown, power source 212 may include battery 214, which may include any known rechargeable battery (e.g., lithium-ion battery). As further shown, in some exemplary embodiments, power source 212 may include a wired power connection 216, which may be configured to connect to a power outlet provided in structure 1 and / or air processor 102. Power source 212 may further include charging circuitry 218, which may be configured to charge battery 214 from wired power connection 216, and may be configured to enable battery 214 to provide power to operate drain cleaner device 200 in the absence of power received through wired power connection 216.

[0138] like Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown, controller 210 can be configured to actuate dispenser device 204 to dispense a specific amount of cleaning composition 230 from device container 202 and through device outlet 206 without manual intervention. For example, controller 210 can be configured to cause the generation of an electrical signal and transmit it to dispenser device 204 to actuate dispenser device 204, selectively opening or closing the flow channel 204A therethrough, thereby causing a specific amount of cleaning composition 230 to be dispensed.

[0139] Controller 210 may include memory (e.g., a solid-state drive, or SSD) storing instruction programs, and controller 210 may include a processor (e.g., a central processing unit, or CPU) configured to execute instruction programs to implement any function of controller 210 according to any exemplary embodiment. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may include circuitry configured to implement timer circuitry (e.g., a clock, a timer, or any combination thereof) and configured to generate a signal to actuate distributor device 204 based on the timer circuitry counting specific time intervals.

[0140] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 is configured to actuate dispenser device 204 (e.g., actuate at least one valve, pump, or the like) to dispense a quantity of cleaning composition 230 into condensate drain 124 via device outlet 206. In some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may be configured to generate a signal to operate at least a portion of dispenser device 204 (e.g., valve, pump, etc.) for a specific time period (e.g., opening a valve, running a pump), which at controller 210 is associated with dispensing a specific quantity of cleaning composition 230 by dispenser device 204. Controller 210 may cause the specific quantity of cleaning composition 230 to be dispensed based on accessing a lookup table stored in controller 210's memory, wherein the lookup table is generated empirically and associates the actuation time period of at least a portion of the dispenser device (e.g., the time period for generating the control signal) with the dispensing of the corresponding quantity of cleaning composition 230 by dispenser device 204. The controller 210 can determine a specific amount of cleaning composition 230 to be dispensed, access a lookup table to determine the corresponding duration or period of the control signal applied to the dispenser device 204, and then generate a control signal to be transmitted to the dispenser device 204 so that at least a portion of the dispenser device 204 is driven during the corresponding duration or period.

[0141] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 is configured to actuate dispenser device 204 to result in the dispensing of a certain amount of cleaning composition 230 (e.g., 3 ounces) as a specific time period (e.g., 7 days, or 168 hours) elapses. Controller 210 may be configured to drive dispenser device 204 as a specific time period (which may be referred to as a "fixed time interval," e.g., a fixed time interval of 7 days) repeatedly elapses. In some exemplary embodiments, device container 202 may be configured to hold a total volume of 36 ounces, so drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to dispense 3 ounces of cleaning composition 230 every 7 days over a period of 12 weeks (84 days).

[0142] The controller 210 can be configured to repeatedly actuate the dispenser device 204 at fixed time intervals (e.g., 7 days), based on monitoring a timer that increments its value at a fixed frequency, actuating the dispenser device 204 in response to the timer value reaching a specific time value corresponding to the elapsed time of a specific time period, and resetting the timer value to an initial timer value (e.g., 0 days) in response to actuating the dispenser device 204. For example, controller 210 may include and / or implement a clock and / or timer that calculates the time period elapsed from an initial timer value at a fixed frequency (e.g., in increments of 0 days, in days, hours, minutes, and / or seconds). In response to determining that a threshold timer value has been reached (e.g., a timer value corresponding to a specific time period of 7 days and / or a fixed time interval), controller 210 may generate a signal to actuate dispenser device 204 to dispense a certain amount of cleaning composition 230 through device outlet 206, and further reset the timer value so that controller 210 may subsequently dispense another amount of cleaning composition 230 when the specific time period expires again. Controller 210 may be configured to repeatedly perform the process as long as power is supplied to controller 210 (e.g., from power source 212) so that the process can be performed without human intervention (e.g., repeatedly within fixed time intervals). In some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 is configured to implement a counter that increments a counter value starting from an initial value (e.g., 0) in response to each actuation of dispenser device 204. Thus, when controller 210 repeatedly actuates dispenser device 204 at fixed time intervals, controller 210 can track the amount (e.g., quantity) of cleaning composition 230 dispensed over time (e.g., the number of actuations of dispenser device 204). Therefore, when drain cleaner device 200 is configured to hold a specific total amount of cleaning composition 230 (e.g., 36 ounces), controller 210 can track the counter value to determine when the total amount of dispensable cleaning composition 230 is about to be consumed or has been consumed, and can generate a signal (e.g., depletion signal) in response to the counter value reaching a value corresponding to partial or complete (e.g., all, finally, etc.) consumption of the cleaning composition 230 held by drain cleaner device 200.

[0143] For example, in a drain cleaner device 200 configured to hold a specific total amount of cleaning composition 230, i.e., 36 ounces, and a controller 210 configured to cause a dispenser device 204 to dispense a certain amount of cleaning composition 230 in 3-ounce increments at fixed time intervals of 7 days, the total amount of cleaning composition 230 may be depleted after 12 dispensings. The controller 210 may store 10, 11, or 12 threshold counters corresponding to partial depletion, near depletion, or complete depletion of the total amount of cleaning composition 230 held in the drain cleaner device 200. The controller 210 may implement and / or monitor a counter that increments in response to each drive of the dispenser device 204 and generates a depletion signal in response to the counter value reaching a specific counter value corresponding to at least partial depletion of the cleaning composition in a fixed storage (e.g., 10, 11, or 12). As described herein, controller 210 may transmit a depletion signal to a display interface (e.g., an LED, an audio speaker), which may be included in the drain cleaner device 200 or in a remote computing device, to provide a depletion warning. Controller 210 may be further or alternatively configured to send the depletion signal to the remote computing device (e.g., via network communication interface 224 described herein) to notify a remote human user, supported by the remote computing device, of partial or complete depletion (e.g., final depletion) of the total amount of cleaning composition 230 held in the drain cleaner device 200. The human user can then be informed of the partial or complete depletion, enabling them to take action to replenish the cleaning composition held in the drain cleaner device 200.

[0144] Additionally, the drain cleaner device 200 may include a counter reset interface 222 (e.g., a button) configured to reset the counter value to an initial counter value (e.g., 0) in response to an interaction between a person and the counter reset interface 222 (e.g., in response to a user pressing the button after replenishing the total amount of cleaning composition 230 held in the drain cleaner device 200).

[0145] Still referencing Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe drain cleaner device 200 may include a network communication interface 224 communicatively connected to the controller 210. It is understood that the network communication interface 224 may be separate from the controller 210, as shown, or may be included in and / or implemented by the controller 210. The network communication interface 224 may be any known network transceiver, including wireless network transceivers such as Wi-Fi transceivers, 5G cellular network transceivers, and ad-hoc network transceivers such as Bluetooth transceivers. (transceiver), any combination thereof, or similar.

[0146] The controller 210 can be configured to establish a network communication connection with the remote computing device described herein (which may be a wired network communication connection, a wireless network communication connection, an ad hoc wireless network communication connection, or the like), and can communicate with the remote computing device in one-way or two-way via the network communication connection.

[0147] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 210 may communicate signals indicative of its operation (e.g., actuation of the distributor device 204 at a specific point in time, current timer value, current counter value, etc.) via a network communication connection. In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 210 may also communicate a depletion signal (generated in response to a counter value reaching a threshold) to a remote computing device via a network communication connection.

[0148] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may be configured to perform an operation in response to receiving a signal from a remote computing device via a network communication connection. For example, controller 210 may be configured to reset a counter value to an initial counter value (e.g., 0) in response to receiving a reset signal from a remote computing device via a network communication connection (which may be transmitted by the remote computing device in response to a user replenishing the total amount of cleaning composition 230 held in the drain cleaner device 200).

[0149] Figure 3A and 3B This is a schematic diagram of a drain cleaner apparatus 200 and a cylindrical container 300 according to some exemplary embodiments, which may also be interchangeably referred to as a "cleaner container," a "cleaning composition container," or the like. (See also...) Figure 1 In Figure 3A and 3B The drain cleaner device 200 is configured to dispense the cleaning composition 230 to Figure 1 In the condensate drain pipe 124 of the air processor 102 shown. Figure 3A and 3BThe drain cleaner device 200 shown may include some or all of the same elements as the drain cleaner device of any exemplary embodiment.

[0150] In some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to receive and connect to a cylindrical container 300 containing (e.g., storing) a cleaning composition 230 within a cylindrical container 304, thereby establishing a flow channel between the cylindrical container 304 and the dispenser device 204. For example, as Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, a cylindrical container 300 can be provided instead of pouring and storing the cleaning composition 230 directly into the device container that contacts the inner surface 202S. Because the cleaning composition 230 is stored in the cylindrical container 300, replenishing the cleaning composition 230 stored in the drain cleaner device 200 can be simplified, as replenishing the total cleaning composition 230 stored in the drain cleaner device 200 may involve replacing the cylindrical container 300 connected to the drain cleaner device 200 and inserted into the device container 202, rather than pouring the cleaning composition 230 directly into the device container 202. This simplification may include reducing or preventing accidental spillage of the cleaning composition 230 during replenishment.

[0151] like Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the cylindrical object 300 may include a cylindrical housing 302 having at least one inner surface 302I defining a cylindrical container 304 in which cleaning composition 230 may be stored. In some exemplary embodiments, the cylindrical container 304 may have a specific volume, such as 36 ounces, and thus may be configured to store a specific volume (e.g., 36 ounces) of cleaning composition 230.

[0152] As further shown, the size and shape of the device container 202 and the cylindrical object 300 allow the cylindrical object 300 to be received at least partially in the device container 202, so as to establish a sliding contact fit between the outer surface 302S of the cylindrical object housing 302 and the inner surface 202S of the device container 202, for example, such that the cylindrical object 300 occupies all or substantially all of the internal volume space of the device container 202 when the cylindrical object 300 is connected to the drain cleaner device 200.

[0153] like Figure 3A and 3BAs shown, the cylindrical object 300 may have a larger volume than the device container 202, and when the cylindrical object 300 is received in the device container 202 and connected to the drain cleaner device 200, it may protrude from the opening 202O of the device container 202. This protrusion of the cylindrical object 300 makes it easier to access and grasp, simplifying the replacement of the cylindrical object 300, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto: in some exemplary embodiments, when the cylindrical object 300 is connected to the drain cleaner device 200, the cylindrical object 300 may be completely located within the device container 202.

[0154] like Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the drain cleaner device 200 may include a device container 202 configured to receive a cylindrical object 300 to connect the cylindrical object 300 to the drain cleaner device 200, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the device container 202 may be completely absent from the drain cleaner device 200, and the cylindrical object 300 may be connected to a port exposed on the outer surface of the housing 201 of the drain cleaner device 200 to allow the cylindrical object container 304 to be in fluid communication with the dispenser device 204.

[0155] As shown in the figure, the cylindrical container 300 may have a cylindrical housing 302 that defines a cylindrical outlet 302A through which the cleaning composition 230 can exit the cylindrical container 304 when a flow channel is established between the cylindrical container 304 and the dispenser device 204.

[0156] The cylindrical outlet 302A may include a connector interface configured to connect with the dispenser device 204, and the dispenser device 204 or device container 202 may further include a complementary connector interface for complementary connection with the cylindrical outlet 300. Such a connector interface may include any known connector interface, such as a friction-fit connector, a threaded connector, a snap-fit ​​connector, any combination thereof, or the like.

[0157] As further shown, at least one of the cylinder 300 or drain cleaner device 200 may include a one-way valve 306 configured to open based on the connection between the drain cleaner device 200 and the cylinder 300 (e.g., in response to the establishment of a threaded connection, snap-fit, friction fit connection, etc. between the drain cleaner device 200 and the cylinder 300). The one-way valve 306 may be configured to actuate in response to the connection between the drain cleaner device 200 and the cylinder 300 to open a flow path between the cylinder container 304 and the device container 202 and / or between the cylinder container 304 and the distributor device 204, so that the cylinder container 304 is in fluid communication with the distributor device 204 through the cylinder outlet 302A.

[0158] Although Figure 3A and 3B In this embodiment, a one-way valve 306 is shown as part of a cylindrical assembly 300, such that the one-way valve 306 is secured to a cylindrical housing 302 (e.g., by adhesive and / or the cylindrical housing 302 is a plastic material (e.g., high-density polyethylene or HDPE) formed to at least partially surround the one-way valve 306), but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the one-way valve 306 may be secured to a device container 202 and / or a dispenser device 204. The check valve 306 may be included in a connector configured to connect to the cylindrical assembly 300 to establish a connection between the drain cleaner device 200 and the cylindrical assembly 300. For example, the check valve 306 may be included in a threaded joint, a bayonet joint, a friction-fit joint, or the like. In another example, the check valve 306 may be detachably (e.g., separably) connected to the device container 202 and / or the dispenser device 204 via a set of complementary connectors (e.g., threaded, bayonet, etc.). (Threads, bayonet, etc.), and the one-way valve 306 can be detached from the drain cleaner device 200 and connected to the cylinder 300 before the drain cleaner device 200 is connected to the cylinder 300, and the one-way valve 306 can be detached from the cylinder 300 after the empty cylinder 300 is removed from the drain cleaner device 200, and then connected to a new full cylinder 300 before the full cylinder 300 is connected to the drain cleaner device 200, so that the one-way valve 306 can be reused between independent cylinders 300.

[0159] Accordingly, in some exemplary embodiments, the device container 202 may be configured to receive a cylindrical object 300 comprising a cylindrical container 304 configured to hold a cleaning composition 230 and a cylindrical outlet 302A, and the drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to connect to the cylindrical object 300 such that the cylindrical container 304 is in fluid communication with the dispenser device 204 through the cylindrical outlet 302A (e.g., through an open channel). Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 or the cylindrical object 300 may include a one-way valve 306 configured to open in response to the connection of the drain cleaner device 200 to the cylindrical object 300 to establish fluid communication between the cylindrical container 304 and the dispenser device 204 through the cylindrical outlet 302A.

[0160] Understandable. Figure 3A and 3B The distributor device 204, controller 210, power supply 212, and / or network communication interface 224 of the drain cleaner device 200 can be configured similarly to those described herein. Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe exemplary embodiments shown illustrate the operation described herein, except that replenishment of the cleaning composition 230 held in the drain cleaner device 200 is achieved by replacing the cylindrical container 300 connected to the drain cleaner device 200 instead of directly pouring the cleaning composition 230 into the device container 202. It will be further understood that the dispenser device 204, controller 210, power supply 212, and / or network communication interface 224 of the drain cleaner device 200 in any exemplary embodiment can be configured to interact with those described herein. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The exemplary embodiments shown are similar in operation to those described.

[0161] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a drain cleaner device including a distributor device 204 according to some exemplary embodiments, the distributor device further including a first valve 402 and a second valve 404, and a distributor container 406. (Refer to...) Figure 1 of Figure 4 The drain cleaner device 200 is configured to dispense the cleaning composition 230 to Figure 1 In the condensate drain pipe 124 of the air processor 102 shown.

[0162] Figure 4 The drain cleaner device 200 shown may include some or all of the same elements as those in any exemplary drain cleaner device. For example, Figure 4 The exemplary embodiment shown includes a device container 202 configured to directly hold the cleaning composition 230, similar to... Figure 2A and Figure 2B The exemplary embodiments shown are as described, but it is understood that... Figure 4 The drain cleaner device 200 shown can be configured to work with Figure 3A and 3B The cylindrical container 300 shown is connected, rather than the cleaning composition 230 being directly stored (e.g., the pouring device container 202 and / or the device container 202 may be completely absent (e.g., in the case where the dispenser device 204 is configured to be connected to the cylindrical container 300 outside the housing 201). Instead, it will be understood that according to any exemplary embodiment (e.g., Figure 2A and 3B The exemplary embodiments shown Figure 3A and 3B The drain cleaner device 200 (as shown in the exemplary embodiments or similar embodiments) may include, for example, Figure 4 The distributor device 204 shown.

[0163] Reference Figure 4In some exemplary embodiments, the dispenser device 204 may include a dispenser container 406 configured to hold a specific amount of cleaning composition 230 to be dispensed when the dispenser device 204 is actuated. For example, the dispenser reservoir (which may be a container having two openings 406A and 406B, as shown) may have an internal volume of exactly or approximately 3 ounces.

[0164] Distributor device 204 may include a first valve 402 between device container 202 and distributor container 406. Distributor device 204 may further include a second valve 404 between distributor container 406 and device outlet 206. As shown, distributor container 406 may be directly located between the first valve 402 and the second valve 404, wherein a first opening 406A of distributor container 406 is connected to the outlet of the first valve 402, and a second opening 406B of distributor container 406 is connected to the inlet of the second valve 404. The first valve 402 and the second valve 404 may each be any known type of valve, including, for example, a solenoid valve.

[0165] In some exemplary embodiments, a first valve 402 is configured to be actuated (e.g., based on a control signal generated by controller 210) to selectively open or close a first flow channel 402A between device container 202 and dispenser container 406, and a second valve 404 may be configured to be actuated (e.g., based on a separate control signal generated by controller 210) to selectively open or close a second flow channel 404A between dispenser container 406 and device outlet 206.

[0166] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 210 may be configured to actuate the dispenser device 204 based on opening the first flow channel 402A of the first valve 402 for a first time period, so that the dispenser container 406 is filled with a certain amount of cleaning composition 230 from the device container 202. The controller 210 may keep the first valve 402 open for a first time period sufficient to fill the dispenser container 406 from the device container 202 (and / or the cylindrical container 300 in an exemplary embodiment where the drain cleaner device 200 is configured to be connected to the cylindrical container 300), regardless of Figure 3A and 3B The amounts of cleaning composition 230 held in the device container 202 (directly and / or via the cylindrical part 300 connected to the drain cleaner device 200) are not considered, so that the dispenser container 406 holds a volume corresponding to (e.g., matching) the internal volume of the dispenser container 406.

[0167] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 210 may be configured to, in response to the elapsed time of a first period, close the first flow channel 402A of the first valve 402 to isolate the dispenser container 406 from the device container 202, and open the second flow channel 404A of the second valve 404 to allow a certain amount of cleaning composition 230 stored in the dispenser container 406 to flow from the dispenser container 406 to the device outlet 408. As a result, the dispenser device 204 may be configured to control the amount of cleaning composition 230 dispensed in each drive of the dispenser device 204 to a specific amount corresponding to a specific internal volume of the dispenser container 406, thereby configuring the drain cleaner device 200 to improve the uniformity of the amount of cleaning composition 230 dispensed in each drive of the dispenser device 204.

[0168] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a drain cleaner device 200 including a humidity sensor 500, according to some exemplary embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 1 of Figure 5 The drain cleaner device 200 is configured to dispense the cleaning composition 230 to Figure 1 In the condensate drain pipe 124 of the air processor 102 shown.

[0169] Figure 5 The drain cleaner device 200 shown may include some or all of the same elements as those in any exemplary drain cleaner device. For example, Figure 5 The exemplary embodiment shown includes a device container 202 configured to directly hold the cleaning composition 230, similar to... Figure 2A and Figure 2B The exemplary embodiments shown are as described, but it is understood that... Figure 5 The drain cleaner device 200 shown can be configured to work with Figure 3A and 3B The cylindrical container 300 shown is connected, rather than the cleaning composition 230 being directly stored (e.g., the pouring device container 202 and / or the device container 202 may be completely absent (e.g., in the case where the dispenser device 204 is configured to be connected to the cylindrical container 300 outside the housing 201). Furthermore, Figure 5 The drain cleaner device 200 shown may include Figure 4 The dispenser device 204 shown. Conversely, it can be understood that, according to any exemplary embodiment (e.g., Figure 2A and 3B The exemplary embodiments shown Figure 3A and 3B The exemplary embodiments shown Figure 4 The drain cleaner device 200 (as shown in the exemplary embodiment or similar embodiments) may include Figure 5 Some or all of the elements of the drain cleaner device 200 shown.

[0170] refer to Figure 5 In some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 may include a moisture sensor 502 configured to extend through an opening 125 into the condensate drain pipe 124 via a connector interface 208 connected to the condensate drain pipe 124. The moisture sensor 502 may be any known moisture sensor, for example, a sensor device configured to receive power from a power source 212 (directly or via a controller 210, and including a switch that closes in response to contact with a fluid such as water). Therefore, the humidity sensor 502 may be configured to generate a signal based on contact with a condensate backup in the condensate drain pipe 124.

[0171] Such a signal can be used (e.g., processed by controller 210) to determine that backflow and / or overflow of condensate 120 in condensate drain 124 is occurring and / or is about to occur. This signal can be used to cause at least partial shutdown of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least the air handler 102, including shutting down at least one of the air mover 108, compressor 150, and / or air mover 154), which reduces or stops the accumulation of condensate 120 in the drip tray 122 and condensate drain 124. This can thus reduce or prevent damage to the air handler 102 and / or structure 1 that could otherwise be caused by backflow and / or overflow of condensate 120 in the condensate drain 124.

[0172] In some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 may include a bypass device 506 configured to be actuated to cause at least the air processor 102 to shut down based on a signal generated by the humidity sensor 502. Such a bypass device may be a float switch bypass device that generates a signal upon actuation, which is transmitted to the controller 140 of the air conditioning system 100 and bypasses the float switch 160 of the air conditioning system 100 as a float switch signal to cause the controller 140 to shut down part or all of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least the air processor 102), which may include shutting down at least one of the air mover 108, compressor 150, and / or air mover 154.

[0173] exist Figure 5In the exemplary embodiments shown, the bypass device 506 is a separate device connected to the housing 508 of the housing 201 of the drain cleaner device 200, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the bypass device 506 may be included in and / or implemented by the controller 210, such that the controller 210 may generate a signal to cause the controller 140 to shut down part or all of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least the air handler 102), which may include shutting down at least one of the air mover 108, the compressor 150, and / or the air mover 154. In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 210 may be communicatively connected between the humidity sensor 502 and the bypass device 506 (e.g., a switch), and the controller 210 may be configured to activate the bypass device 506 in response to the controller 210 processing the signal generated by the humidity sensor 502 to determine that the bypass device 506 should be activated.

[0174] In some exemplary embodiments, the bypass device 506, controller 210, and / or network communication interface 224 may be communicatively connected to the controller 140 of the air conditioning system to communicate a shutdown signal to the controller 140 in response to a signal generated by the humidity sensor 502. Such a communication connection may be a wired communication connection between the drain cleaner device 200 and the controller 140, or a wireless network communication connection between the drain cleaner device 200 and the controller 140. For example, the air conditioning system 100 may include a network communication interface 142 separate from and included in or implemented by the controller 140, and / or the network communication interface 224 may be communicatively connected to the air conditioning system controller via a network communication connection (e.g., a wireless network communication connection) between the controller 140 of the air conditioning system 100 and the corresponding network communication interface 142 implemented by the controller 140.

[0175] Still referencing Figure 5The drain cleaner device 200 may include a containment tube 504 configured to extend through an opening 125 into the condensate drain pipe 124 via a connector interface 208 connected to it. As shown, a humidity sensor 502 may be located inside the containment tube 504, and the containment tube 504 may have an open end 503 exposed to the interior of the condensate drain pipe 124. Therefore, the containment tube 504 may be configured to isolate the moisture sensor 502 from generating a signal based on the cleaning composition 230 dispensed by the dispenser device 204 through the device outlet 206, thereby reducing or preventing the risk of false positives from the moisture sensor 502. The containment tube 504 may be further configured to expose the moisture sensor 502 to the condensate drain pipe 124 through the open end 503 of the containment tube 504, so that a backup of the condensate 120 in the condensate drain pipe 124 enters the interior of the containment tube 504 to contact the moisture sensor 502, so that the moisture sensor 502 generates a signal indicating the backflow / overflow of the condensate 120.

[0176] Although Figure 5 A bypass device 506 is shown, but in some exemplary embodiments, the bypass device 506 and housing 508 may be omitted, and the controller 210 may be communicatively connected to the float switch 160 of the air processor 102 and may be configured to cause the float switch 160 to actuate to cause partial or complete shutdown of the air conditioning system 100 based on a signal generated by the humidity sensor 502 (e.g., based on the controller 140's response to the actuation of the float switch 160).

[0177] In some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 may include a network communication interface 224 configured to establish a network communication connection with a remote computing device, as described herein, and the controller 210 may be configured to generate and transmit a warning signal to the remote computing device via the network communication connection in response to detecting a signal generated by the humidity sensor 502. Therefore, the drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to warn a human user supported by the remote computing device of detected backflow / overflow of condensate 120 in the condensate drain pipe 124.

[0178] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a drain cleaner device 200 including a structural connector 220 according to some exemplary embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 1 of Figure 6 The drain cleaner device 200 is configured to dispense the cleaning composition 230 to Figure 1 In the condensate drain pipe 124 of the air processor 102 shown.

[0179] Figure 6 The drain cleaner device 200 shown may include some or all of the same elements as those in any exemplary drain cleaner device. For example, Figure 6 The exemplary embodiment shown includes a device container 202 configured to directly hold the cleaning composition 230, similar to... Figure 2A and Figure 2B The exemplary embodiments shown are as described, but it is understood that... Figure 6 The drain cleaner device 200 shown can be configured to work with Figure 3A and 3B The cylindrical container 300 shown is connected, rather than the cleaning composition 230 being directly stored (e.g., the pouring device container 202 and / or the device container 202 may be completely absent (e.g., in the case where the dispenser device 204 is configured to be connected to the cylindrical container 300 outside the housing 201). Furthermore, Figure 6 The drain cleaner device 200 shown may include Figure 4 The dispenser device 204 is shown. Furthermore... Figure 6 The drain cleaner device 200 shown may include a moisture sensor 502, a containment tube 504 and / or Figure 5 The bypass device 506 is shown. Conversely, it can be understood that according to any exemplary embodiment (e.g., Figure 2A and 3B The exemplary embodiments shown Figure 3A and 3B The exemplary embodiments shown Figure 4 The exemplary embodiments shown Figure 5 The drain cleaner device 200 (as shown in the exemplary embodiment or similar embodiments) may include, for example, Figure 6 Some or all of the components of the drain cleaner device 200 shown.

[0180] In some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 may include a structural connector 220, which includes a connector 602 configured to connect to an outer surface of an external structure, such as the outer surface of the housing 101 of the air processor 102. The connector 602 may include a magnetic support (e.g., any known magnet) configured to magnetically attach to a metallic surface of the external structure (e.g., the metallic surface of the housing 101). The connector 602 allows the structural connector 220 to connect to the external structure to secure the drain cleaner device 200 in place relative to the condensate drain pipe 124.

[0181] In some exemplary embodiments, the structural connector 220 may include a set of laterally and longitudinally adjustable brackets 604A and 604B, respectively. The laterally and longitudinally adjustable brackets 604A and 604B may each be adjustable actuators and / or adjustable brackets (e.g., adjustable mounting brackets), including, for example, adjustable toothed brackets (e.g., adjustable rack and pinion, adjustable worm and / or worm wheel, adjustable rack, etc.), configured to adjustably position the connector 602 relative to the remainder of the drain cleaner device 200 in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. Thus, a set of laterally and longitudinally adjustable brackets 604A and 604B, together with the connector 602, allows for adjustable positioning of the drain cleaner device 200 relative to an external structure (e.g., air processor 102) to which the connector 602 is connected and / or relative to the condensate drain pipe 124.

[0182] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a drain cleaner device 200 and a remote computing device 700 communicatively connected via a network communication connection 702, according to some exemplary embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 1 of Figure 7 The drain cleaner device 200 is configured to dispense the cleaning composition 230 to Figure 1 In the condensate drain pipe 124 of the air processor 102 shown.

[0183] Figure 7 The drain cleaner device 200 shown may include some or all of the same elements as those in any exemplary drain cleaner device. For example, Figure 7 The exemplary embodiment shown includes a device container 202 configured to directly hold the cleaning composition 230, similar to... Figure 2A and Figure 2B The exemplary embodiments shown are as described, but it is understood that... Figure 7 The drain cleaner device 200 shown can be configured to work with Figure 3A and 3BThe cylindrical container 300 shown is connected, rather than the cleaning composition 230 being directly stored (e.g., the pouring device container 202 and / or the device container 202 may be completely absent (e.g., in the case where the dispenser device 204 is configured to be connected to the cylindrical container 300 outside the housing 201). Furthermore, Figure 7 The drain cleaner device 200 shown may include Figure 4 The dispenser device 204 is shown. Additionally... Figure 7 The drain cleaner device 200 shown may include a moisture sensor 502, a containment tube 504, and / or Figure 5 The bypass device 506 shown is also mentioned. Figure 7 The drain cleaner device 200 shown may include Figure 6 The structure connector 220 shown is different. Conversely, it can be understood that according to any exemplary embodiment (e.g., Figure 2A and 3B The exemplary embodiments shown Figure 3A and 3B The exemplary embodiments shown Figure 4 The exemplary embodiments shown Figure 5 The exemplary embodiments shown Figure 6 The drain cleaner device 200 (as shown in the exemplary embodiment or similar embodiments) may include, for example, Figure 7 Some or all of the components of the drain cleaner device 200 shown.

[0184] In some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner 200 includes a network communication interface 224 (e.g., a wireless network communication transceiver) configured to establish a network communication connection with a remote computing device 700. The remote computing device 700 may be configured to support a human user.

[0185] As shown in the figure, the remote computing device 700 may include a processor 720 (e.g., CPU), a memory 730 (e.g., SSD), a power supply 740 (e.g., rechargeable battery), a network communication interface 750 (e.g., wireless network communication transceiver), and an interface 760, which may include a display device (e.g., LED display panel, OLED display panel, or the like), buttons, a touch screen display device, any combination thereof, or the like, which communicate and / or are electrically connected via a bus connection 710.

[0186] At least some of the remote computing device 700, including, for example, processor 720, memory 730, network communication interface 750, or any combination thereof, may be included in, and / or may be implemented by one or more instances of processing circuitry (e.g., articles, items, units, etc.), such as hardware including logic circuitry; hardware / software combinations, such as a processor executing software; or combinations thereof. For example, the processing circuitry may more specifically include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other means or device capable of responding to and executing instructions in a prescribed manner. It is understood that any type of non-transitory computer-readable storage device may be used as memory 730 to supplement or replace an SSD. In some exemplary embodiments, the processing circuitry may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage device or memory (e.g., memory 730), such as a solid-state drive (SSD), storing an instruction program, and a processor (e.g., processor 720) communicatively connected to the non-transitory computer-readable storage device (e.g., via bus connection 710) and configured to execute the instruction program to implement some or all of the functionality of any device and / or mechanism of any exemplary embodiment and / or to implement some or all of the methods of any exemplary embodiment. It is understood that, as described herein, elements (e.g., processing circuitry, digital circuitry, any part of the remote computing device 700) will be understood to implement the functionality of the implemented elements (e.g., the functionality of the remote computing device 700).

[0187] As shown in the figure, the network communication interface 224 of the drain cleaner device 200 can be configured to establish a network communication connection 702 with the remote computing device 700 (e.g., with the network communication interface 750), and can be configured to enable one-way or two-way communication between the drain cleaner device 200 and the remote computing device 700.

[0188] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 210 is configured to generate and transmit signals to the remote computing device 700 via a wireless network communication connection 702.

[0189] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may communicate signals via network communication connection 702, which indicate the operation of controller 210 (e.g., indicating actuation of distributor device 204 at a specific point in time, current timer value, current counter value, etc.). In some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may communicate a depletion signal (generated in response to a counter value reaching a threshold) to remote computing device 700 via network communication connection 702.

[0190] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may be configured to perform an operation in response to receiving a signal from remote computing device 700 via network communication connection 702. This signal may be generated at remote computing device 700 based on at least a portion of the operation of remote computing device 700 (e.g., based on the operation of processor 720), which may be based on at least a portion of the interaction between a human user and an interface of remote computing device 700 (e.g., display screen interface 760, which may be a touchscreen display). For example, remote computing device 700 may generate a reset signal based on human interaction with display screen interface 760 to indicate that the quantity of cleaning composition 230 held in drain cleaner device 200 has been replenished (e.g., by replacing the tubular 300 connected to drain cleaner device 200). Remote computing device 700 may transmit the reset signal to drain cleaner 200 via network communication connection 702, and controller 210 may be configured to reset a counter value to an initial counter value (e.g., 0) in response to receiving the reset signal from remote computing device 700 via network communication connection 702. Therefore, human users may be able to remotely reset the counter value used by the drain cleaner device 200 in response to the replenishment of the cleaning composition 230 without directly interacting with the drain cleaner device (e.g., via a button on the drain cleaner device interface).

[0191] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 7 In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 210 may be configured to generate a warning signal via network communication connection 702 and transmit it to remote computing device 700 in response to the detection of a signal generated by humidity sensor 502. Therefore, the drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to warn a human user supported by remote computing device 700 of detected backflow / overflow of condensate 120 in condensate drain pipe 124.

[0192] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may be configured to shut down part or all of the air conditioning system 100 in response to receiving a shutdown command signal from remote computing device 700 via network communication connection 702. For example, remote computing device 700 may display a warning notification to a supported user (e.g., via display screen interface 760) in response to receiving a warning signal to remote computing device 700. Remote computing device 700 may enable a user to interact with interface 760 (e.g., touch screen display) to command remote computing device 700 to transmit a shutdown signal to drain cleaner device 200 via network communication connection 702 in response to a warning signal. Remote computing device 700 may transmit a shutdown signal to drain cleaner device 200 via network communication connection 702. Controller 210 may generate a signal to partially or completely shut down the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., by transmitting the signal to controller 140 via network communication connection 790, which has a network communication interface of the air conditioning system 100 that may be included in and / or implemented by controller 140) so that controller 140 shuts down part or all of the air conditioning system 100 in response to receiving the shutdown signal, actuating bypass device 506 and / or float switch 160, etc.

[0193] In some exemplary embodiments, the remote computing device 700 allows a user to interact with the interface 760 (e.g., via a touchscreen display) to command the remote computing device 700 to transmit a dispensing signal to the drain cleaner device 200, causing the controller 210 to immediately actuate the dispenser device 204 to immediately dispense a given amount of cleaning composition 230, thereby allowing for more frequent or user-instructed dispensing of the cleaning composition. The remote computing device can transmit the dispensing signal to the drain cleaner device 200 via a network communication connection 702, and the controller 210 can activate the dispenser device 204 in response to receiving the dispensing signal.

[0194] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of a drain cleaner device according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 8 The method shown can be implemented by any exemplary embodiment of the drain cleaner device 200 according to any exemplary embodiment.

[0195] Understandable. Figure 8 The operation of the method shown is relative to Figure 8 The order shown can be changed. Further understanding is needed. Figure 8 One or more operations of the method shown can be performed from Figure 8 The method shown is omitted. It will be further understood that... Figure 8 The method shown adds one or more operations.

[0196] Figure 8 The illustrated method includes a method for operating a drain cleaner device 200 according to any exemplary embodiment to dispense a cleaning composition 230 into a condensate drain duct 124 of an air processor 102, wherein the drain cleaner device 200 is connected to the condensate drain duct 124 such that a device outlet 206 of the drain cleaner device 200 is in fluid communication with an opening 125 of the condensate drain duct 124. As shown in the figure, Figure 8 The method includes controlling the dispenser device 204 of the drain cleaner device 200 to selectively dispense a predetermined amount (e.g., 3 ounces) of cleaning composition 230 from the device container 202 of the drain cleaner device 200 and through the device outlet 206, without human intervention (e.g., no human intervention required). It is understood that... Figure 8 Some or any of the operations shown can be performed without human intervention (e.g., by controller 210). (e.g., some or any operations can be performed by controller 210 based on the programming of controller 210 and can be performed independently of any commands or signals received at controller 210 based on human-interface interaction (e.g., buttons, touch screen displays, etc.).

[0197] In S802 and S804, the timer of controller 210 can start counting from an initial timer value (e.g., 0) (e.g., incrementing the timer value at a fixed frequency). In S806, controller 210 compares the timer value with a threshold (e.g., specific) timer value (e.g., 7 days) that can be stored in controller 210 and determines whether the current timer value has reached (e.g., equal to or greater than) the threshold timer value. If not, controller 210 allows the timer to continue incrementing in S804. If so, in S808, controller 210 responsively actuates dispenser device 204 to dispense a specific amount of cleaning composition 230 (e.g., 3 ounces), thereby responsively actuating dispenser device 204 for a specific time period.

[0198] The dispensing of a specific amount of cleaning composition 230 at S808 can be based on the structural features and control of the dispenser device 204. For example, refer to Figure 4In an exemplary embodiment, the dispenser device 204 includes a dispenser container 406 configured to hold an amount of cleaning composition (e.g., 3 ounces), a first valve 402 between the device container 202 and the dispenser container 406, and is configured to be actuated to selectively open or close a first flow channel 402A between the device container 202 and the dispenser container 406. A second valve 404 is located between the dispenser container 406 and the device outlet 206, and is configured to be driven to selectively open or close a second flow channel 404A between the dispenser container 406 and the device outlet 206. Driving the dispenser device at S808 may include generating a signal to open the first flow channel 402A for a first time period (e.g., 5 seconds) to allow the dispenser container 406 to be filled (e.g., completely filled) with a certain amount of cleaning composition 230 (e.g., an amount equivalent to the internal volume of the dispenser container 406) injected from the device container 202. In response to the elapsed first time period, the first valve 402 closes the first flow channel 402A to isolate the dispenser container 406 from the device container 202, and the second valve 404 opens the second flow channel 404A to allow an amount of cleaning composition to flow from the dispenser container 406 to the device outlet 206, thereby dispensing it through the opening 125 into the condensate drain pipe 124.

[0199] In S810, in response to the actuation at S808, the controller 210 resets the timer to its initial timer value (0) and resumes counting so that the repeated execution of S802-S808 (depending at least in part on the determination result at S826, further described below) repeatedly actuates the distributor device 204 at fixed time intervals, i.e., specific time periods. Based on the timer value being monitored at a fixed frequency and incremented at S802-S806, the distributor device 204 is actuated at S808 in response to the timer value reaching a specific time value corresponding to a specific time period, and the timer value is reset to its initial timer value in response to the actuation of the distributor device at S810.

[0200] At S812, in response to the actuation at S808, the controller 210 causes the counter to count (e.g., increment) the counter value from the initial counter value (e.g., 0) to track the number of actuations (S808), thereby tracking the cumulative amount of cleaning composition 230 dispensed.

[0201] At S814, controller 210 compares the counter value with a threshold (e.g., specific) counter value (e.g., 10, 11, 12, etc.) that can be stored at controller 210, and determines whether the current counter value has been reached (e.g., equal to or greater than) the threshold counter value. If not, controller 210 returns to S802 and continues the method. If yes, at S816, controller 210 generates a warning signal. Controller 210 can monitor multiple possible thresholds, including partial wear threshold count values ​​(e.g., 10 and / or 11) and final wear threshold count values ​​(e.g., 12), and controller 210 can generate a specific warning signal based on which threshold is determined to have been reached at S814 (e.g., indicating partial or final wear (e.g., complete wear) of the cleaning composition 230 held in the drain cleaner device 200).

[0202] At S818, a determination is made as to whether to reset the counter to its initial counter value. This determination may include determining whether a reset signal instructing a command to reset the counter value has been received. Such a determination may be based on receiving a reset signal, which may be received from the counter reset interface 222 of the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., a button) and / or from a remote computing device 700 via a network communication connection 702 (e.g., via a network communication interface 224). If a command to reset is determined at S818 (e.g., a reset signal is determined to be received at S818), at S820, the controller 210 resets the counter value to its initial counter value. If not, at S822, it is further determined whether the threshold reached at S814 is a final wear threshold (e.g., 12), which represents the complete wear (e.g., final wear) of the cleaning composition 230 in the drain cleaner device 200. If not (e.g., a partial wear threshold 11 is determined to be reached at S814), the method returns to S802. If so, in S824, controller 210 may suppress further operation of dispenser device 204 (e.g., disable dispenser device 204) until S818 determines that a reset was performed in S820 (e.g., until S818 determines that a reset signal has been received). This operation in S822 and S824 can reduce or prevent the possibility that drain cleaner device 200 will continue to operate dispenser device 204 when there is no cleaning composition 230 in drain cleaner device 200. In S824, controller 210 may further generate another warning signal indicating that dispenser device 204 is suppressed (e.g., disabled). Additionally or alternatively, such an indication may be included in the warning signal generated at S816 in response to a counter value being determined to have reached a final threshold at S814.

[0203] In S826, a determination is made regarding whether a dispensing command has been received, for example, based on interaction between a person and the drain cleaner device 200 interface (e.g., a button), and / or based on receiving a dispensing signal from the remote computing device 700 via a network communication connection in the case of a command to dispense the cleaning composition 230 at the remote computing device 700. If not, the method continues in S802. If yes, the method moves to S808, where the controller 210 actuates the dispenser device 204.

[0204] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of a drain cleaner device according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 9 The method shown can be implemented by any exemplary embodiment of the drain cleaner device 200 according to any exemplary embodiment.

[0205] Understandably, relative to Figure 9 The content shown, Figure 9 The operations shown can be changed in sequence. Further understanding will follow. Figure 9 One or more operations of the method shown can be performed from Figure 9 The method shown is omitted. Further understanding will reveal that... Figure 9 One or more operations of the method shown are added to Figure 9 In the method shown.

[0206] In S902, the moisture sensor 502 of the drain cleaner device 200 is connected to the condensate drain pipe 124, such that the moisture sensor 502 generates a signal in response to contact with moisture (e.g., fluid, including water) within the condensate drain pipe 124. Such moisture (e.g., fluid) can contact the moisture sensor 502 by entering the opening end 503 of the containment tube 504 where the moisture sensor 502 is located.

[0207] In S904, controller 210 generates a warning signal in response to receiving and processing the signal generated by moisture sensor 502 in S902. According to any exemplary embodiment, controller 210 can transmit the warning signal to remote computing device 700 via its network communication connection 702.

[0208] At S906, controller 210 may generate a shutdown signal in response to receiving and processing a signal generated by humidity sensor 502 at S902, causing partial or complete shutdown of air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least air handler 102). Controller 210 may also transmit a signal to bypass device 506 to actuate bypass device 506, causing controller 140 of air conditioning system 100 to partially or completely shut down air conditioning system 100, as described herein. At S906, controller 210 may also transmit a signal to float switch 160 of air conditioning system 100, in addition to or alternatively to transmitting a signal to bypass device 506, to actuate float switch 160, thereby causing controller 140 of air conditioning system 100 to partially or completely shut down air conditioning system 100, as described herein.

[0209] At S908, controller 210 may generate a shutdown signal in response to receiving and processing a signal generated by humidity sensor 502 at S902, causing at least a portion (e.g., at least air handler 102) of air conditioning system 100 to shut down. Controller 210 may also transmit the shutdown signal directly to the controller of the air conditioning system, where the signal is processed by controller 140, and cause controller 140 to shut down part or all of air conditioning system 100 (e.g., shut down at least air handler 102), as described herein.

[0210] like Figure 9 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the controller 210 may receive a shutdown signal from the remote computing device 700 at S910, and subsequently transmit a warning signal to the remote computing device 700 at S904. The remote computing device 700 may automatically generate a shutdown signal in response to receiving the warning signal generated at S904 (e.g., without manual intervention). The remote computing device 700 may also generate a shutdown signal in response to interaction between a user and the remote computing device 700.

[0211] like Figure 9As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may receive a power-off signal from remote computing device 700 at S912. Remote computing device 700 may generate the power-off signal automatically (e.g., without human intervention) or in response to interaction between a human user and remote computing device 700. The power-off signal may be received at S912 independently of any warning signal generated at S904—although the power-off signal may be generated at remote computing device 700 and transmitted to drain cleaner device 200 to be received by controller 210 at S910 in response to a warning signal generated at S904, the power-off signal generated at remote computing device 700 and transmitted to drain cleaner device 200 to be received by controller 210 at S912 may be generated, transmitted, and received independently of any signal generated at drain cleaner device 200.

[0212] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may generate a shutdown signal at S908, which causes part or all of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least air handler 102) to shut down in response to receiving a shutdown command at S910 and / or S912. In some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may generate a shutdown signal at S908 independently of any signal generated by the humidity sensor at S902 (e.g., controller 210 may generate a shutdown signal at S908 in response to receiving a shutdown signal at S912).

[0213] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a controller for a computing device 1000 according to some exemplary embodiments. The computing device 1000 may implement any computing device, controller, processor, etc., according to any exemplary embodiment, including any part of controller 140, controller 210, and remote computing device 700.

[0214] like Figure 10As shown, computing device 1000 may include part or all of a processor 1020 (e.g., CPU), memory 1030 (e.g., solid-state drive, or SSD), communication interface 1040 (e.g., a wireless network communication interface, which may, for example, implement network communication interface 224, network communication interface 750, network communication interface 142, the network communication interface of air conditioning system 100, or the like), and a power supply 1050 communicatively connected together via bus connection 1010. It is understood that any type of non-transitory computer-readable storage device other than a solid-state drive can be used as memory 1030, or as a replacement for a solid-state drive. Computing device 1000 may include additional devices, including user interface device 1060 (e.g., "interface"), which may include display devices (e.g., LED display screen, OLED display screen, etc.), touch screen displays, button interfaces, any combination thereof, or the like. User interface device 1060 may be communicatively connected to bus connection 1010.

[0215] In some exemplary embodiments, any part or all of the computing device 1000 may include, be included in, and / or be implemented by one or more instances of processing circuitry (e.g., articles, items, units, etc.), such as hardware including logic circuitry; hardware / software combinations, such as a processor executing software; or combinations thereof. For example, the processing circuitry may more specifically include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other means or device capable of responding to and executing instructions in a prescribed manner. In some exemplary embodiments, the processing circuitry may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage device or memory (e.g., memory 1030), such as a solid-state drive (SSD), storing instruction programs, and a processor (e.g., processor 1020) communicatively connected to the non-transitory computer-readable storage device (e.g., via bus connection 1010) and configured to execute the instruction programs to implement part or all of the functionality of any device and / or mechanism of any exemplary embodiment and / or part or all of the methods of any exemplary embodiment. It is understood that, as described herein, elements described as "implementation" elements (e.g., controller 210, drain cleaner device 200, controller 140, air conditioning system 100, remote computing device 700, etc.) (e.g., processing circuitry, digital circuitry, etc.) will be understood as implementing the functions of the implementation elements and / or any other elements (e.g., the functions of controller 210, drain cleaner device 200, controller 140, air conditioning system, remote computing device 700, etc.).

[0216] Figure 11A This is a top-front-right perspective view of a drain cleaner device system 1100 according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 11B This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 11A Perspective bottom-rear-left view of the drain cleaner device system 1100. Figure 11C According to some exemplary implementations, along Figure 11A A perspective cross-sectional view of the drain cleaner device system 1100 with the cross-sectional view line XIC-XIC'. Figure 11D It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 11A The plan view of the drain cleaner device system 1100 with the cross-sectional view of the line XIC-XIC'. Figure 11E It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 11A A perspective view of the drain cleaner device system 1100 with cross-sectional view line XIE-XIE'. Figure 11F It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 11A A planar cross-sectional view of the drain cleaner device system 1100 with the cross-sectional view of the line XIE-XIE'.

[0217] Figure 12A This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 11A The drain cleaner device 200 shown is a top-front-right perspective view. Figure 12B It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 12A A planar cross-sectional view of the drain cleaner device 200 along the XIIB-XIIB' cross-sectional view. Figure 12C It is along Figure 12A A planar cross-sectional view of the drain cleaner device 200 with the cross-sectional view of the line XIIC-XIIC'. Figure 12D This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 12A A top plan view of the drain cleaner device 200.

[0218] Figure 13A This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 11A The top-front-right perspective view of the tube 300 shown. Figure 13B This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 13A Perspective bottom-rear-left view of the cylindrical object 300 shown. Figure 13C According to some exemplary implementations, along Figure 13A A planar sectional view of the cylindrical structure 300 with cross-sectional lines XIIIC-XIIIC'. Figure 13D According to some exemplary implementations, along Figure 13AThe cross-sectional view of the cylindrical object 300 with lines XIIID-XIIID'.

[0219] Understandable. Figure 11A-12D The drain cleaner device 200 shown may include any elements of any of the figures and / or any exemplary embodiments of the drain cleaner device described herein. It is understood that... Figure 11A-11F The cylindrical object 300 shown in 13A-13D may include any element of any of the drawings and / or any exemplary embodiments of the cylindrical object described herein. The drain cleaner device 200 may be interchangeably referred to herein as a drain cleaner device base, drain cleaner device pedestal, drain cleaner device system base, drain cleaner device base assembly, or the like.

[0220] General Reference Figure 11A-12D In some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 includes a housing 201 comprising a side housing 1104 and a base housing 1106 connected together to at least partially define the interior of the drain cleaner device 200. As shown, the side housing 1104 may at least partially define one or more portions of the drain cleaner device 200, including, for example, a device container 202, a connector interface 1110C of the drain cleaner device 200, or a similar portion.

[0221] Reference Figure 11A-12D And further refer to Figures 13A-13D The drain cleaner device 200 can be connected (e.g., detachably connected, reversibly connected, etc.) to a cylindrical container 300 having a cylindrical shell 302 surrounding a cylindrical container 304 containing a cleaning composition, to establish fluid communication between the cylindrical container 304 and the distributor device 204 of the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., the inlet port of the distributor device 204). As shown, the device container 1102, which may also be interchangeably referred to herein as a connection port structure, a cylindrical sleeve structure, or a similar structure, is configured to receive and store at least a portion of the cylindrical container 300 containing the cleaning composition when the cylindrical container 300 is detachably connected to the drain cleaner device 200. Thus, the device container 1102 may include one or more inner surfaces 1102s that may define at least a portion of an open cylindrical shell 1102c that may at least partially surround a cylindrical outlet 302A of the cylindrical container 300 connected to the drain cleaner device 200.

[0222] As shown in the figure, the drain cleaner device 200 may include a connector interface 1110 configured to connect to one or more complementary connector interfaces of a cylindrical container 300 to connect the cylindrical container 300 to the drain cleaner device 200 at a cylindrical container outlet 302A. The connector interface 1110 may include a connector structure 1111 configured to engage with the cylindrical container outlet 302A and establish a friction-adaptive seal with the cylindrical container housing 302 to establish fluid communication between the cylindrical container 304 and the dispenser device 204. The connector structure 1111 may include an upper plate structure 1110A having a top surface 1110U configured to be directly exposed to the cylindrical container 304 when the cylindrical container 300 is connected to the connector interface 1110, and a cylindrical sidewall structure 1110B having an outer wall surface 1110S and one or more O-rings 1112 extending circumferentially around the outer wall surface 1110S. As further shown, connector structure 1111 may include one or more elements that at least partially predefine check valve 306, such as cylindrical structure 1120, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. Each of the interfaces and / or structures 1110A, 1110B, 1110C and / or 1111 may be individually or collectively referred to as the connector interface of drain cleaner device 200.

[0223] One or more complementary connector interfaces of the cartridge 300 may include, for example, connector interface 1208A and connector interface 1208B. Connector interface 1208A is a snap-fit ​​connector and is complementary to snap-fit ​​interface 1110C. Connector interface 1208B is the inner surface of the barrel housing 302 at the barrel outlet 302A and is configured to engage and establish a frictional fit with the outer wall surface 1110S of connector interface 1110 and / or an O-ring 1112 extending around the outer wall surface 1110S. Snap-fit ​​interface 1110C may be configured to connect with connector interface 1208A of the barrel 300 to establish a bayonet interface connection between the drain cleaner device 200 and the barrel 300. As shown, connector interface 1110C and connector interface 1208A of the barrel 300 may be complementary interfaces, including complementary snap-fit ​​interfaces, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto and may include any type of complementary connector interface, including, for example, complementary threaded connector interfaces.

[0224] As shown, connector interface 1110C may be a structure (e.g., a snap-fit ​​interface structure) defined at least partially by the surface and / or structure of device container 1102. For example, device container 1102 structure may have inner surfaces 1102s that at least partially define an open cylindrical housing 1102c, configured to receive at least a portion of a cylindrical housing 302 including a cylindrical outlet 302A, and in some exemplary embodiments further include one or more complementary connector interfaces 1208B and / or 1208A, wherein the inner surfaces 1102s at least partially define the side walls of the open cylindrical housing 1102c, and the connector interface 1110C structure (e.g., a snap-fit ​​interface structure configured to engage with the complementary connector interface 1208A of the cylindrical housing 300) extends into the open cylindrical housing 1102c. In some exemplary embodiments, one or both of the complementary connector interfaces 1110C / 1208A and / or 1110B / 1208B can connect the cylindrical container 300 to the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., detachably). In some exemplary embodiments, the complementary connector interfaces 1110B / 1208A can be configured to connect the cylindrical outlet 302A to the drain cleaner device 200 to establish fluid communication between the cylindrical container 304 and the dispenser device 204 through at least the inlet port 1136, and the complementary connector interfaces 1110C / 1208A can secure (e.g., reversibly lock) the cylindrical container 300 to the drain cleaner device 200.

[0225] Such as at least Figure 12BAs shown, the drain cleaner device 200 may include an electrical switch device 1280, which may include a structure extending into the housing 1102c and is configured to be at least partially engaged by the cylinder 300 and moved from a switch-on position to a switch-off position when a connector interface (e.g., connector interface 1208A) of the cylinder 300 is connected to a connector interface (e.g., connector interface 1110C) of the drain cleaner device 200. The electrical switch device 1280 may be configured to shut off a circuit including the controller 210 when moved to the switch-off position, so that an electrical signal can be received at the controller 210. The controller 210 may be configured to apply electrical power to the circuit and may be configured to determine that the cylinder 300 is connected to the drain cleaner device 200 in response to determining that the circuit including the electrical switch device 1280 is shut off, thereby indicating that an electrical signal (e.g., induced current) is present in the circuit. The controller 210 can be configured to selectively enable or disable the actuation of the dispenser device 204 based on whether it is determined that the cylinder 300 is connected to the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., based on receiving an electrical signal through a circuit including the switching device 1280 to determine that the circuit is closed and therefore the cylinder 300 is connected to the drain cleaner device 200 to move the switching device 1280 to the switch closed position).

[0226] Still referencing Figure 11A-12D The drain cleaner device 200 may include a container 1130, also referred to herein as a dispenser container, device container, first container of the drain cleaner device 200, inner container, or the like. Although container 1130 is... Figure 11A-12D While shown separately from dispenser device 240, it is understood that container 1130 can be referred to as a dispenser container included within the dispenser device, separate from the valves of dispenser device 240, for example, at least in Figure 4 The container 406 and valve 404 of the distributor device 204 are shown in the figure (and there is no first valve 402, or the first valve 402 is referred to herein). Figure 11A-12D (Description of the check valve).

[0227] As shown, the drain cleaner device 200 can be configured to establish fluid communication from a cylindrical container 304 of a connected (e.g., detachably connected) cylindrical container 300 to a container 1130 of the drain cleaner device 200, wherein the container 1130 is in fluid communication between at least one connector interface (e.g., connector interface 1110) of the drain cleaner device 200 and at least one valve 1198 of the distributor device 204, which can be the same as any valve described herein according to any exemplary embodiment, such as a first valve 402, a second valve 404, or any similar valve. The at least one valve 1198 can be, for example, a solenoid valve. The distributor device 204 can be further understood to be configured to provide fluid communication between the connector interface 1110 (e.g., at least through the container 1130 and the inlet port 1136) and the device outlet 206. Therefore, dispenser device 204 may be configured to be actuated (e.g., by controller 210) to selectively dispense an amount (e.g., a specific quantity) of cleaning composition from cylindrical container 304 and through device outlet 206 (e.g., via container 1130). At least one valve 1198 may be configured to be controlled by controller 210 to be actuated similarly to any valve in any example embodiment of dispenser device 204. Controller 210 may be configured to actuate dispenser device 204 (e.g., actuate at least one valve 1198) to dispense an amount of cleaning composition through device outlet 206 without human intervention.

[0228] While the dispenser device 204 may include at least one valve 1198 (e.g., a solenoid valve), the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In some exemplary embodiments, the dispenser device 204 may include a pump (e.g., any known positive displacement pump) configured to operate over a specific time period to move a quantity of cleaning composition 230 from the cylindrical container 304 and through a device outlet 206 (e.g., from the pump inlet open to and / or the pump outlet in fluid communication with the container 1130, etc.), based on a control signal generated by the controller 210.

[0229] Still referencing Figure 11A-12DThe connector interface 1110 may include an upper disc structure 1110A and a cylindrical sidewall structure 1110B, which may be separate parts of a single material (e.g., plastic) or separate material parts of the connector structure 1111. The cylindrical sidewall structure 1110B may include one or more circumferential grooves configured to accommodate separate, individual O-rings 1112 or any other known sealing structure. The outer wall surfaces 1110S of the cylindrical sidewall structures 1110B and / or the O-rings 1112 may be configured to engage with the complementary inner surface of the cylindrical housing 302 at a cylindrical outlet 302A, which defines the connection interface 1208B of the cylindrical container 300. Therefore, the outer wall surfaces 1110S of the cylindrical sidewall structures 1110B, alone or in combination with one or more O-rings 1112, establish a fluid seal (e.g., an airtight seal) between the cylindrical sidewall structures 1110B. (Airtight seal) thereby minimizing or preventing leakage of the cleaning composition from the cylindrical container 304 to the outside of the cylindrical container 300, independent of the supply by the dispenser device 204 through the device outlet 206, for example minimizing or preventing leakage of the cleaning composition from the cylindrical container 304 to the open cylindrical housing 1102c.

[0230] As shown, when connector structure 1111 and therefore connector interface 1110 are connected to connector interface 1208B of cylindrical container 300 (e.g., at cylindrical sidewall structure 1110B, where the connection is sealed by one or more surfaces of cylindrical sidewall structure 1110B, connector interface 1208B and / or one or more O-rings 1112), upper plate structure 1110A of connector interface 1110 is directly exposed to the interior of cylindrical container 304 and at least some or any of the cleaning compositions stored in cylindrical container 304.

[0231] Still refer to Figure 11A-12DConnector interface 1110 may include a one-way valve 306, which may be configured to open in response to connection of connector interface 1110 with one or more connector interfaces 1208A and / or 1208B of cylindrical container 300 to establish fluid communication (e.g., through container 1130) between cylindrical container 304 and dispenser device 204. As shown, check valve 306 may be at least partially defined by a cylindrical structure 1120 (which may be part of a single piece of material with at least the upper plate structure 1110A of connector structure 1111), the inner surface 1120is defining the cylindrical side surface of an internal cylindrical conduit 1118, and a top plate 1116 defining the top surface of the internal cylindrical conduit 1118 and having one or more ports 1114, which may also be interchangeably referred to as openings. Extending to the cylindrical conduit 1118 and configured to be at least directly exposed to the open cylindrical housing 1102c, thereby being exposed to the cylindrical container 304 when the tubular 300 is connected to the connector interface 1110, a bottom structure 1122 defining the bottom surface of the inner cylindrical conduit 1118, a seal 1121 extending around the lower part of the bottom structure 1122, and a spring 1117 contacting between the top plate 1116 and the bottom structure 1122.

[0232] As shown, the bottom structure 1122 may include a pin protrusion extending axially through the cylindrical conduit 1118, and the pin protrusion may extend through a central opening in the top plate 1116. The bottom structure 1122, alone or together with the seal 1121, may be configured to engage with a boss structure 1120L of the cylindrical structure 1120 to selectively seal the interface between the bottom structure 1122 and the cylindrical structure 1120. As further shown, the container 1130 may be at least partially defined by a cylindrical side structure 1124 and a bottom disc structure 1126, wherein the bottom disc structure 1126 may be at least partially defined to an inlet port 1136 of the dispenser device 204 (e.g., to at least one of its valves 1198). As shown, cylindrical side and bottom disc structures 1124 and 1126 define an open cylindrical housing, which is surrounded at its upper end by a combined cylindrical structure 1120 and a ledge structure 1120L. The bottom surface of the bottom structure 1122 extends through an opening between the opposing surfaces of the ledge structure 1120L. Thus, the inner surfaces of structures 1124, 1126, 1120, and 1122 at least partially define a water reservoir 1130. Further, the drain cleaner device 200 may include a fixing structure 1128, which can be connected to the chassis structure 1126 and can be part of the same material as the chassis structure 1126. The fixing structure 1128 may project upwards into the container 1130 below the bottom structure 1122 of the check valve 306.

[0233] Still referencing Figure 11A-12DConnector interface 1110 is configured to move axially downward 1202 (e.g., toward device outlet 206) in response to connection of the cylindrical container 300 to the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., connection of connector interface 1110 to one or more connector interfaces 1208A and / or 1208B of the cylindrical container 300), for example, by pushing connector interface 1110 downward 1202 based on the weight of the cylindrical container 300 and the cleaning composition stored inside. As shown, the outer surface 1120os of the cylindrical structure 1120 connected to the upper plate structure 1110A is configured to engage at least partially with the inner surface 1124s of the cylindrical side structure 1124, defining the container 1130 and establishing a seal (with one or more O-rings in some exemplary embodiments) to minimize or prevent leakage of the cleaning composition from the container 1130 through the interface between surfaces 1120os and 1124s.

[0234] When the connector interface 1110 moves downward 1202 due to the weight of the cylindrical body 300 and the cleaning composition therein (which can directly contact the top surface of the upper plate structure 1110A and the top plate 1116), the top plate 1116 and the cylindrical structure 1120 can be pushed axially downward, wherein the spring 1117 can further push the bottom structure 1122 axially downward based on the downward push of the top plate 1116 against the upper end of the spring 1117. As shown, the top plate 1116 can engage with the bottom surface of the boss or lip structure of the upper plate structure 1110A, such that the downward axial movement 1202 of the upper plate structure 1110A causes the top plate 1116 to move downward 1202 axially together with the upper plate structure 1110A. As a result, the top plate 1116, together with the spring 1117, causes the bottom structure 1122 and the cylindrical structure 1120 to move downward 1202 together until the bottom surface of the bottom structure 1122 contacts (e.g., directly contacts) the top surface of the fixing structure 1128 inside the container 1130. Since the fixing structure 1128 is fixed to the surface that at least partially defines the reservoir 1130 (e.g., fixed to the bottom disc structure 1126), the contact between the opposing surfaces of the bottom structure 1122 and the fixing structure 1128 can prevent the downward axial movement of the bottom structure 1122 and compress the spring 1117, while the cylindrical structure 1120, the top plate 1116, and the connector interface 1110 continue to move axially downward 1202. To allow the bottom structure 1122 to move upward 1204 relative to the cylindrical structure 1120, an annular channel 1250 is opened between the downwardly moving boss structure 1120L and the trapped bottom structure 1122 (and any gasket or seal, such as an O-ring seal 1121 configured to seal the interface between the bottom structure 1122 and the boss structure 1120L) fixed between the spring 1117 and the fixing structure 1128. The opened annular channel 1250 allows flow along the flow channel 1192 (e.g., based on fluid communication) through the cylindrical pipe 1118 to the container 1130, through the port 1114 and the opened annular channel 1250.

[0235] Provided the weight of the cylindrical container 300 and the cleaning composition contained therein on the connector interface 1110 is greater than the spring force of the spring 1117, the top plate 1116 and the bottom structure 1122 of the contact fixing structure 1128 compress the spring 1117 and open the annular channel 1250 leading to the container 1130, allowing the cleaning composition to flow from the cylindrical container 304 to the container 1130 along the flow channel 1192 via the one-way valve 306. When the weight of the cylindrical container 300 and the cleaning composition contained therein on the connector interface 1110 is less than the spring force of the spring 1117, the spring force of the spring 1117 pushes the top plate 1116, and thus pushes the connector interface 1110 upward 1204 axially away from the bottom structure 1122 and / or the seal 1121, to close the annular channel 1250 and shut off the fluid communication between the cylindrical container 304 and the container 1130.

[0236] Still referencing Figure 11A-12D The connector structure 1111 can establish (e.g., define) an air volume 1132 in fluid communication with the environment through the open cylindrical housing 1102c, and the connector interface 1110 (e.g., connector structure 1111) can include an air conduit 1134 extending through the connector interface to the upper plate structure 1110A to establish a fluid connection between the air volume 1132 and the top region of the cylindrical container 304 when the cylindrical container 300 is connected to the drain cleaner device 200. The air conduit 1134 can be configured to supply air to the upper part of the cylindrical container 304 as the cleaning composition exits the cylindrical container 304 through the cylindrical outlet 302A (e.g., through a one-way valve 306) to balance the pressure in the cylindrical container 304, thereby preventing a vacuum in the cylindrical container 304 and preventing loss of flow rate into the container 1130 along the flow channel 1192. Air conduit 1134 may include a backflow prevention valve 1134v at the distal end, such as a duckbill valve, which may also be interchangeably referred to as a duckbill valve, wherein the backflow prevention valve 1134v may be configured to reduce, minimize or prevent the flow of cleaning composition from the cylindrical container 304 into the air volume 1132 via air conduit 1134, while still allowing air to flow from the air volume 1132 into the cylindrical container 304 via air conduit 1134.

[0237] Still referencing Figure 11A-12D The distributor device 204 may include at least one valve 1198 (e.g., corresponding to at least...). Figure 4The second valve 404 shown is a solenoid valve configured to be controlled (e.g., selectively actuated) by the controller 210 to selectively cause the cleaning composition to flow along the flow channel 1194 from the container 1130 to the device outlet 206, thereby dispensing the cleaning composition from the drain cleaner device 200. At least one valve 1198 may operate in the same manner as any valve described herein according to any exemplary embodiment, and / or may be configured to be controlled to operate / start.

[0238] Accordingly, such as at least Figure 11A-12D As shown, the dispenser device 204 may include at least one valve 1198 configured to selectively open based on a control signal generated (e.g., transmitted) by the controller 210 to establish a flow path 1194 through the at least one valve 1198 to the device outlet 206, and the drain cleaner device 200 may include a container 1130 (e.g., a dispenser container) in fluid communication between a one-way valve 306 and at least one valve 404, such that a connector interface 1110 is configured to detachably connect to a connector interface 1208A of the tubular container 300 to establish fluid communication (e.g., flow path 1192) from the tubular container 304 to the container 1130, and the dispenser device 204 may be configured to be actuated (e.g., by the controller 210) to selectively dispense a metered amount of cleaning composition from the container 1130 and through the device outlet 206. The controller 210 can be configured to drive the dispenser device 204 based on opening the flow passage 1194 with at least one valve 1198 so that at least a portion of the cleaning composition stored in the container 1130 flows from the container 1130 to the device outlet 206.

[0239] Although Figure 11A-12DA drain cleaner device 200 and a tubular container 300 are shown, configured to be connected via a connector interface 1110 including a one-way valve 306. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and in some exemplary embodiments, different configurations of the connector interface 1110 and / or connector structure 1111 may be present in the drain cleaner device 200. In some exemplary embodiments, the one-way valve 306 may be omitted. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the tubular container 300 may include a flexible membrane (e.g., a silicone membrane) extending laterally through the tubular outlet 302A, and the connector interface 1110 may include at least one perforated structure (e.g., one or more needles) configured to perforate the membrane when the tubular container 300 is connected to the connector interface 1110 to establish fluid communication (e.g., through container 1130) between the tubular container 304 and the dispenser device 204. Connector interface 1110 may include another perforated structure (e.g., functionally similar to air tube 1134) configured to allow airflow into the upper portion of cylindrical container 304 to achieve pressure equalization as cleaning composition flows out of cylindrical container 304. Connector interface 1110 may include a protective plate defining a recess with an opening aligned with the perforated structure, and spring-loaded and configured to move vertically between an upper rest position and a lower compressed position, wherein the perforated structure is below the protective plate and outside the recess, the spring is compressed, and the perforated structure extends through the opening of the protective plate to be located within the recess. The protective plate may be configured to receive cylindrical outlet 301A within the recess, such that cylindrical container 300 pushes the protective plate down against the spring to expose the perforated structure to perforate the membrane of cylindrical container 300 and establish fluid communication (e.g., through container 1130) between cylindrical container 304 and dispenser device 204. When the cylindrical object 300 is removed from the drain cleaner device 200, the protective plate can rise to a resting position under spring load to cover the perforated structure. The distal portion of the cylindrical object 300, including the cylindrical object outlet 302A, can be retracted relative to the remainder of the cylindrical object housing 302 (e.g., including a notch or cavity), and the drain cleaner device 200 may include a spring-loaded locking mechanism configured to engage and connect with the retracted portion of the cylindrical object 300 when the cylindrical object 300 is inserted into the device container 1102 to maintain the cylindrical object 300 connected to the drain cleaner device 200. The locking mechanism may be further configured to lock the protective plate in an upper resting position when the locking mechanism is in the spring-loaded resting position. The locking mechanism can be configured to move the spring (e.g., horizontally) to a compressed position to unlock the vertical movement of the protective plate, based on the engagement of the locking mechanism with the surface of the cylindrical object 300 inserted into the drain cleaner device 200, so that the cylindrical outlet 302A enters the groove of the protective plate and pushes the protective plate down to expose the perforated structure.The cylindrical object 300 may be configured to include a recessed portion positioned to engage with a locking mechanism when the cylindrical object outlet 302A is inserted into the bottom of a recess in a protective plate and the protective plate is moved downward to a lower, compressed position. When the locking mechanism engages with the recessed portion, it can return from the compressed position to at least a partially stationary position, wherein the locking mechanism engaged with the recessed portion can lock the cylindrical object 300 in place relative to the drain cleaner device 200. The drain cleaner device 200 may include a release mechanism configured to release the locking mechanism from the locking engagement with the cylindrical object 300, thereby disengaging the cylindrical object 300 from the drain cleaner device 200.

[0240] like Figure 11A-12D As further shown, the drain cleaner device 200 may include a power supply compartment 1140, which may be at least partially defined by the housing 201 (e.g., side housing 1104), and a power source (e.g., battery 1142) may be located therein and electrically connected (e.g., via the internal circuitry of the drain cleaner device 200) to a distributor device 204, a controller 210, a network communication interface 224, or the like of the drain cleaner device 200. The drain cleaner 200 may include a power supply cover 1108, which may be configured to connect to the housing 201 to cover the power supply compartment 1140 and at least partially define the outer surface of the drain cleaner 200.

[0241] Still referencing Figure 11A-12D The drain cleaner device 200 may include a user interface 1182 (e.g., a button) that a user can interact with (e.g., press the button) to control the operation of the drain cleaner device 200, such as turning the drain cleaner device 200 on or off (e.g., activating or deactivating the drain cleaner device 200), enabling / activating the controller 210 to control the distributor device 204 (e.g., one or more of its valves 1198) to dispense the cleaning composition at fixed intervals, and / or deactivating / disabling the controller 210 to prevent it from being activated at fixed intervals. It is understood that the controller 210 of the drain cleaner device 200 may include any element of any exemplary embodiment of the controller 210 described herein and / or illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings. It is understood that... Figure 11A-12D The drain cleaner device 200 shown may include any element as described herein and / or illustrated in any of the exemplary embodiments of the drain cleaner device 200, including, for example, a network communication interface 224.

[0242] The drain cleaner 200 and / or any part thereof (e.g., controller 210, network communication interface 224, etc.) may be configured to perform any function described herein and / or illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings with respect to any exemplary embodiment. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may be configured to actuate dispenser device 204 (e.g., at least one valve 1198 thereof) in response to the elapsed time of a specific (e.g., predetermined, fixed) time period determined by controller 210. Controller 210 may be configured to repeatedly actuate dispenser device 204 within a fixed time interval, i.e., a specific time period, based on monitoring a timer (which may be implemented by controller 210) that increments a timer value at a fixed frequency, actuating dispenser device 204 in response to the timer value reaching a specific time value corresponding to the elapsed time of the specific time period, and resetting the timer value to an initial timer value in response to actuating dispenser device 204. The controller 210 may be configured to monitor a counter (which may be implemented by the controller 210) that increments its value in response to each drive of the dispenser device 204 and in response to the counter value reaching at least a partial wear of the cleaning composition corresponding to the stationary container (e.g., container 1130 and / or cylindrical container 304).

[0243] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may be configured to adjust (e.g., calibrate) a specific counter value to correspond to a number of actions corresponding to a specific volume of the cylindrical container 304. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the cylindrical container 304 is configured to hold a volume of approximately 36 ounces of cleaning composition, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto; for example, drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to connect to cylindrical containers 300 of various sizes having similar connector interfaces 1208A and 1208B configured to connect to connector interface 1110 of drain cleaner device 200, but with cylindrical containers 304 of different volumes, including 36 ounces, 72 ounces, or similar volumes. Controller 210 may be configured to determine the volume of cylindrical container 304 in response to receiving a command signal indicating the volume of the cylindrical container, and adjust a specific counter value based on the determination of the cylindrical container volume. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to, through at least a portion of an interface between a human user and a remote computing device 700 (e.g., a display interface 760, which may be a touchscreen display), cause the remote computing device 700 to notify the drain cleaner device 200 of the volume of the connected cylindrical container 300 and / or command the drain cleaner device 200 to adjust a specific counter value corresponding to the volume of the connected cylindrical container 300. In another example, in some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to receive a command signal indicating the volume of the cylindrical container 304 connected to the cylindrical container 300 via a command received from the user interface 1182 of the drain cleaner device 200, through user interaction.

[0244] In another example, in some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to receive a control signal indicating the volume of the cylindrical container 304 connected to the cylindrical body 300 based on sensor data generated by a sensor device of the drain cleaner device 200. The drain cleaner device 200 may include a pressure sensor (e.g., any known pressure sensor) exposed to the container 1130, the cylindrical pipe 1118, the upper surface of the upper plate structure 1110A configured to be directly exposed to the cylindrical container 304 connected to the cylindrical body 300, or any portion of the drain cleaner device 200 configured to be in fluid communication with the cylindrical container 304 connected to the cylindrical body 300. The pressure sensor may generate sensor data indicating the static pressure of the cleaning composition at the pressure sensor location in the drain cleaner device 200, and may transmit such sensor data to the controller 210. The controller can be configured to process sensor data to determine a pressure value indicated by the sensor data, and can determine a corresponding volume of the cleaning composition based on applying the sensor data and / or the pressure value indicated therefrom to an empirically determined lookup table that correlates the sensor data and / or the indicated pressure value with the corresponding size of the volume of the cleaning composition held in the cylindrical container 304 of the connected cylindrical container 300. The controller 210 can be configured to monitor changes in pressure data and / or the corresponding volume indicated by the sensor data and lookup table over time. In response to a rate of change in pressure and / or volume indicated by the sensor data exceeding a change threshold stored in the controller, wherein the rate of change exceeding the threshold relates to the replacement of at least partially worn cylindrical container 300 with a new, fuller cylindrical container 300 newly connected to the drain cleaner device 200, the controller 210 can responsively monitor the new volume indicated by the sensor data and lookup table, and subsequently, the rate of change of the indicated volume / pressure value falls below the threshold rate to indicate that the newly connected cylindrical container 300 has stabilized, wherein the new volume determined based on the lookup table of processed sensor data corresponds to the volume of the cylindrical container 304. The controller 210 may adjust a specific counter value in response to a value corresponding to an actuation amount (each actuation corresponds to a specific amount (e.g., volume), such as 3 ounces) of cleaning composition dispensed by the dispenser device 204, which is at least a specific proportion (e.g., 90% of a specific volume) of a new tubular container 304.

[0245] In some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 may include a network communication interface 224 configured to establish a network communication connection with a remote device (e.g., a remote computing device). The controller 210 may be configured to transmit a depletion signal to the remote computing device 700 via the network communication connection. The controller 210 may be configured to reset a counter value to an initial counter value in response to receiving a reset signal from the remote computing device via the network communication connection. It is understood that the controller 210 and / or the network communication interface 224 may be configured to perform any communication and / or interaction herein with respect to any exemplary embodiment of the drain cleaner device 200, the remote computing device 700, or a similar device, including those herein with respect to at least Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 The network communication connection 702 of the drain cleaner device 200 or similar device enables operation and / or interaction between the drain cleaner device 200 and the remote computing device 700.

[0246] In some exemplary embodiments, reference is made to Figure 11A-12D And further reference Figure 1 The drain cleaner device 200 can be connected via an electrical connection 1152 extending through an opening 1150 in the housing 201 or via a wireless network to the float switch of the air processor 102 of the air conditioning system 100, the controller of the air conditioning system 100, the air processor 102 itself (e.g., to the controller 140 of the air processor 102 via the float switch signal connection interface 148 of the controller 140), and / or to devices / equipment configured to control the float switch and / or controller of the air conditioning system 100.

[0247] Electrical connection 1152 may include one or more wires ("wiring") electrically connected to controller 210 and extending, for example, from drain cleaner device 200 through opening 1150. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, electrical connection 1152 may include two or more separate sets of wires, each set comprising at least two wires including at least a portion of the circuitry of drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., at least the circuitry of controller 210). Thus, electrical connection 1152 may include multiple sets of wires that at least partially comprise independent, respective circuits, each comprising at least a portion of the circuitry of drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., independent, respective circuits may comprise independent and / or common portions of controller 210). Each wire extending from drain cleaner device 200 may at least partially comprise an electrical connection, implemented by at least serially connected wires and connections (e.g., male / female connections), between drain cleaner device 200 and one or more individual devices, as described herein.

[0248] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may be configured to detect the occurrence of an event (e.g., actuation of a float switch) based on the detection of a signal in a first circuit (labeled herein as electrical connection 1502), which includes at least one set of wires of electrical connection 1152, for example, extending from drain cleaner device 200 to a first set of at least two wires centrally connected to drain cleaner float switch 1610, as described herein, to establish a first electrical circuit including at least a portion of drain cleaner device 200 and at least a portion of drain cleaner float switch 1610. It will be understood that, as described herein, elements “electrically connected” to other elements may be directly or indirectly electrically connected thereto (e.g., electrically connected via one or more plugged conductive elements, including one or more wires in series). Drain cleaner 200 may provide a power source (e.g., power from drain cleaner 200, such as battery 1142) connected to the first set of at least two wires to drive current in the first electrical circuit when the first electrical circuit is closed. The signals detected by the drain cleaner 200 in the first circuit may include a float switch signal, which can be detected by the drain cleaner 200 (e.g., by the controller 210) as initiating or suppressing current in the first circuit due to the closing or opening of a switch implemented by the drain cleaner float switch 1610 and / or included in the float switch to close or open the first circuit. For example, the drain cleaner device 200 may include a sensor such as an ammeter, a current sensor, or similar sensor configured to detect (e.g., generate a signal that can be processed by the controller 210 in response to ground detection) the presence and / or magnitude of current extending from the drain cleaner device 200 into at least two wires of a first set that at least partially comprise the first circuit. The controller 210 may, in response to determining the presence or absence of current in at least two wires in the first set (e.g., the presence or absence of current above a threshold amplitude), a change between the absence and presence of at least a threshold current in the first set of at least two wires, or similar conditions, determine, based on processing and / or detecting signals generated by sensors, that it receives a float switch signal from the drain cleaner float switch 1610, instructing the drain cleaner float switch 1610 to be actuated in response to fluid contact with the drain cleaner float switch 1610.

[0249] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may be configured to detect a float switch signal from drain cleaner float switch 1610 in response to the occurrence of a detection event (e.g., in response to detecting a change between the presence and absence of current in the first circuit). In response to detecting the float switch signal from drain cleaner float switch 1610 by detecting the presence, absence, or change between the presence and absence of current in the first circuit, a separate signal is transmitted in a separate, second circuit (labeled electrical connection 1504 in the figure). This circuit includes a separate second set of wires for electrical connection 1152, such as a second set of at least two wires extending from drain cleaner device 200 to a remote device, such as actuator device 900 described herein, actuator 910 of actuator device 900 described herein, or a similar device, to establish a second electrical circuit comprising at least a portion of drain cleaner device 200 and at least a portion of actuator device 900 (e.g., actuator 910, its servo actuator or servo motor, etc.). The drain cleaner 200 can provide a power source (e.g., a power source from the drain cleaner 200, such as battery 1142) connected to a second set of at least two wires to drive current in the second circuit when the second circuit is closed. This individual signal can control (e.g., activate within a specific, predetermined time period) the current flow in the second circuit based on the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., controller 210) for a specific time period (e.g., based on the controller 210 operating switches implemented by and / or included in the drain cleaner device 200 to respectively turn the second circuit off or on, based on the controller 210 selectively and / or adjustably controlling the power supply to actuator device 900 and / or actuator 910 through the second circuit, or similar situations) for a specific time period. This controlled current flow in the second electrical circuit may be referred to as a signal, command, indication, or similar signal (e.g., actuator control signal) to cause the actuator 910 of the actuator device 900 to actuate the air processor float switch 160 of the air processor 102, which is stored in the actuator device 900 to cause current flow in a separate electrical circuit between at least a portion of the air processor 102 (e.g., labeled herein as electrical connection 1506). At least a portion of the current between the controller 140 and the air processor float switch 160 is activated or suppressed (e.g., based on the activation of the air processor float switch 160, the separate circuit between the air processor 102 and the air processor float switch 160 is turned off or on).Such initiation or suppression of current flow in a separate circuit comprising at least a portion of air processor 102 (e.g., controller 140) and air processor float switch 160, wherein the initiation or suppression of current in the separate circuit is caused by the actuation of air processor float switch 160 by actuator 910 of actuator device 900, can be detected and processed by a portion of air conditioning system 100 (e.g., air processor 102, controller 140, etc.). Air processor 102, controller 140, etc., detect and process such that they receive and / or detect a float switch signal "transmitted" by air processor float switch 160 to command the shutdown of at least a portion of air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least air processor 102). At least a portion of the air handling unit 102 is turned off (e.g., based on the operation of the controller 140) to at least partially shut down the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least the air handling unit 102), in response to detection (e.g., by the controller 140) of a signal "transmitted" by the air handling unit float switch 160, which is executed by the actuator 910 of the actuator 900 based on a signal transmitted from the drain cleaner device 200 via a separate, second circuit. For example, a separate electrical circuit (e.g., electrical connection 1506) may at least partially include at least two specific wires (e.g., electrically connected to at least its interface 148) extending from the controller 140 and electrically connected to separate, respective wires extending from the air handling unit float switch 160, and at least partially include circuitry including the air handling unit float switch 160, and the air handling unit float switch 160 may be configured to selectively open or close the separate circuitry depending on being actuated, to selectively suppress or initiate current flow in the separate circuitry. Air processor 102 may be configured to provide power to independent circuits to drive current in the independent circuits when shut down. Air processor 102 (e.g., controller 140) may include sensors such as ammeters, current sensors, or similar sensors configured to detect and / or generate data processable by controller 140 to detect (e.g., generate signals processable by controller 140 in response to ground detection) the presence and / or magnitude of current in at least two specific wires extending from controller 140 (e.g., electrically connected to at least its interface 148) to at least partially constitute independent electrical loops. Controller 140 may determine, based on processing and / or detecting the signals generated by the sensors, that it receives a float switch signal from air processor float switch 160 instructing air processor float switch 160 to be actuated in response to actuator 910 actuating air processor float switch 160, thereby responding to determining the presence or absence of current in at least two specific wires (e.g., the presence or absence of current exceeding a threshold amplitude), a change between the absence and presence of at least a threshold current in a second set of at least two wires, or similar situations.

[0250] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may be configured to detect a float switch signal from drain cleaner float switch 1610 in response to the occurrence of a detection event (e.g., in response to detecting a change between the presence and absence of current in the first circuit). In response to detecting the float switch signal from drain cleaner float switch 1610 by detecting the presence, absence, or change between the presence and absence of current in the first circuit, a separate signal is transmitted in a separate, second circuit (labeled electrical connection 1504 in the figure). 15B) This circuit includes a separate second set of wires for electrical connection 1152, such as a second set of at least two wires extending from drain cleaner device 200 to a remote device, such as air processor 102 of air conditioning system 100, controller 140 of air processor 102, or a similar device, to establish a second circuit comprising at least a portion of drain cleaner device 200 and at least a portion of air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least a portion of air processor 102, controller 140, float switch signal connection interface 148, etc.). The drain cleaner device 200 can provide a power source (e.g., a power source from the drain cleaner device 200, such as battery 1142) connected to at least two wires in the second set to drive current in the second circuit when the second circuit is closed. Independent signals can be "transmitted" based on control of the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., controller 210) (e.g., starting, suppressing, adjusting the magnitude and / or frequency of current in the second circuit, etc.), for example, based on the controller 210 operating switches implemented by and / or included in the drain cleaner device 200 to respectively turn the second circuit off or on, based on the controller 210 selectively and / or adjustably controlling the supply of power to portions of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least a portion of the air handler 102, controller 140, floating switch signal connection interface 148, etc.) via the second electrical loop or similar means. Such controlled (e.g., start-up, suppression, adjustment, etc.) current flow in the second circuit can be referred to as a signal, command, indication, or the like transmitted to a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least a portion of the air handler 102, controller 140, float switch signal connection interface 148, etc.). This start-up or suppression current flow in the second circuit, including a portion of the air conditioning system 100, can be detected and processed by the portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., air handler 102, controller 140, etc.) to receive and / or detect a float switch signal "transmitted" by the drain cleaner device 200, commanding the shutdown of at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least the air handler 102).At least air processor 102) to at least partially shut down the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least air processor 102) (e.g., based on the operation of controller 140) in response to detecting (e.g. by controller 140) a signal "transmitted" by drain cleaner device 200 (e.g. by controller 210).

[0251] For example, the second circuit (e.g., such as...) Figure 15B The electrical connection 1504 shown may at least partially include at least two specific wires (e.g., electrically connected to at least its interface 148) extending from the controller 140, which are electrically connected to separate, respective wires of a second set of at least two wires extending from the drain cleaner device 200, and at least partially include a circuit comprising at least a portion of the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., the controller 210) and a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least a portion of the air processor 102, the controller 140, the float switch signal connection interface 148, etc.). The air processor 102 (e.g., the controller 140) may include sensors such as ammeters, current sensors, or similar sensors configured to detect and / or generate data that can be processed by the controller 140 to detect (e.g., generate a signal that can be detected by the controller 140 in response to) the presence and / or magnitude of a current extending from the controller 140 (e.g., electrically connected to at least its interface 148) to at least two specific wires that at least partially constitute the second circuit. The controller 140 can respond to the presence or absence of current in at least two specific wires (e.g., the presence or absence of current above a threshold amplitude) based on processing and / or detecting signals generated by sensors to determine received electrical signals (e.g., a float switch signal indicating that a float switch is actuated), changes between the absence and presence of at least a threshold current in a second set of at least two wires, or similar situations.

[0252] Each set of one or more wires extending from the drain cleaner device 200 may at least partially include an electrical connection 1152, such that each set of wires of the electrical connection 1152 may at least partially include a set of serially connected wires and connecting wires (e.g., male / female connections) to connect the wires extending from the drain cleaner device 200 to individual wires extending from one or more individual devices to at least partially establish a circuit including at least a portion of the drain cleaner device 200 and at least a portion of one or more individual devices, wherein such one or more individual devices may include at least one of, for example, a float switch device 800, an actuator device 900, an air conditioning system 100, an air processor 102, a controller 140 of the air processor 102, a float switch interface connection 148 of the controller 140, or a similar device. Controller 210 can be configured to shut down the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., by actuating the air handling unit float switch of the air conditioning system 100, or by sending a command signal to the controller of the air conditioning system 100, which causes the controller of the air conditioning system 100 to shut down the air conditioning system 100). Controller 210 can be configured to shut down the air conditioning system 100 in response to receiving a shutdown command signal from a remote computing device via a network communication connection established by network communication interface 224.

[0253] Still referencing Figure 11A-12D The drain cleaner device 200 may include a light indicator 1184 (e.g., a light-emitting diode or LED) that extends through respective openings in the housing 201 (e.g., respective openings in the side housing 1104 as shown) and can be configured to provide a visual indication of the status of the drain cleaner device 200. For example, see reference to Figure 11AThe light indicator 1184 may include a leftmost green LED configured to selectively emit green light, a center-left yellow LED configured to selectively emit yellow light, a center-right red LED configured to selectively emit red light, and a rightmost blue LED configured to selectively emit blue light. The controller 210 may selectively activate the green LEDs to emit green light to indicate that the drain cleaner device 200 is activated (e.g., based on human user interaction with user interface 1182 and / or with remote computing device 700, causing remote computing device 700 to command drain cleaner device 200 to be activated via network communication connection 702) and / or to indicate that the controller 210 is currently implementing a timer to drive the dispenser device 204 at a fixed frequency (e.g., fixed intervals). Controller 210 may be configured to selectively activate a yellow LED to emit yellow light to indicate a depletion signal in response to determining that a counter value implemented by controller 210 (as described herein) has reached a specific counter value corresponding to at least partial depletion of a fixed reservoir (e.g., cylindrical container 304) of a cleaning composition according to any exemplary embodiment. It is understood that controller 210 may be configured to selectively disable operation of at least dispenser device 204 (e.g., disable periodic actuation of dispenser device 204), activate a visual indicator such as a yellow LED, and / or transmit a warning signal to remote computing device 700 via network communication connection 702 to cause the remote computing device to generate (e.g., transmit) a warning (e.g., a graphical indication displayed on display screen interface 760) to alert a supported human user that the cylindrical container 304 is at least partially depleted in relation to the determination that a counter value has reached or exceeded a specific counter value. Controller 210 may be configured to selectively activate a red LED to emit red light in response to determining that a circuit including electrical switching device 1280 is turned on, thereby determining that drain cleaner device 200 is not connected to cylinder 300 when drain cleaner device 200 is activated. It is understood that controller 210 may be configured to selectively disable at least the operation of distributor device 204 (e.g., disable periodic actuation of distributor device 204), activate visual indicators such as red LEDs, and / or transmit a warning signal to remote computing device 700 via network communication connection 702 to cause remote computing device to generate (e.g., transmit) a warning (e.g., display a graphical indication on display screen interface 760) to alert the supported human user that, since drain cleaner device 200 is not connected to cylinder 300, the operation of distributor device 204 has been disabled, and the power supply (e.g., via battery 1142) is at least partially lost (e.g., a determined power supply voltage drop is less than 10% of a predetermined reference voltage amplitude).The controller 210 can be configured to selectively activate a blue LED to emit blue light to indicate that the network communication interface 224 has established an active network communication connection 702 with at least one remote computing device 700.

[0254] Figure 14A This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 11A The structural connector 220 shown is a perspective bottom-back-left view. Figure 14B This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 14A The structural connector 220 shown is a perspective top-front-right view. Figure 14C This is a perspective view of a drain cleaner device 200 according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 14D This is a bottom plan view of a drain cleaner device 200 according to some exemplary embodiments. It is understood that... Figure 11A-12D The structural connector 220 and drain cleaner device 200 shown may include any element in any of the accompanying drawings and / or any exemplary embodiments of the structural connector and / or drain cleaner device described herein.

[0255] like Figures 14A-14D As shown, the structural connector 220 may include a housing structure 228 (e.g., a plastic structure), a connecting structure 221 which is connected (e.g., adhered by adhesive) to the housing structure 228, and an interface structure 226 which is configured to engage with a complementary connecting structure 1172 of the drain cleaner device 200 to connect the structural connector 220 to the drain cleaner device 200, such that the structural connector 220 can connect the drain cleaner device 200 to a fixed structure to which the connecting structure 221 is connected.

[0256] In some exemplary embodiments, the connection structure 221 is or includes a magnet, configured to magnetically connect the structural connector 220 to a fixed external structure, such as a metal surface of the external structure, for example... Figure 1 The air processor 102 shown has a metal housing 101. Therefore, the magnetic connection structure 221 can configure the structural connector 220 to be magnetically connected to a metal external structure, such as the metal housing 101 of the air processor 102. In some exemplary embodiments, the connection structure 221 may include an adhesive material configured to adhere to a surface of the external structure.

[0257] like Figures 14A-14DAs shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the interface structure 226 may include a flange or bracket structure configured to at least partially predefine a groove or cavity 1402 in the housing 201 of the drain cleaner device 200 with a complementary, downwardly opening complementary connection structure 1172 (e.g., a complementary flange or bracket structure), the groove or cavity being configured to store at least a portion of the structural connector 220. Due to the relative downward movement of the drain cleaner device 200 relative to the structural connector 220 (e.g., the complementary connection structure 1172 slidingly engages downward with the interface structure 226 of the structural connector 220, such that at least one closed top portion of the complementary connection structure 1172 engages with the top portion of the interface structure 226), the load or weight of the drain cleaner device 200 and any connected cylindrical objects 300 is transferred. To structural connector 220. Since structural connector 220 is connected to a fixed external structure (e.g., a magnet) via connecting structure 221 (e.g., a magnet), drain cleaner device 200 and any cylindrical object 300 connected thereto (e.g., drain cleaner system 1100, interchangeably referred to herein as drain cleaner system) can at least partially remain on structural connector 220 to be fixed relative to the external structure (e.g., at least partially transferring the load or weight of drain cleaner system 1100 to the fixed external structure via structural connector 220). It is understood that drain cleaner device 200 and cylindrical object 300 connected thereto (e.g., connected, detachably connected, etc.) can partially or wholly constitute drain cleaner device 1100, which can be interchangeably referred to herein as drain cleaner device system.

[0258] It is understandable that the structures of interface structure 226 and complementary connection structure 1172 may differ from those of other structures. Figure 11A-11FThe exemplary embodiments shown in 14A-14D are illustrated. As shown, the interface structure 226 of the structural connector 220 may be a protruding sheet-like (e.g., male, or flange) connector structure, and the complementary connection structure 1172 may be a complementary slot (e.g., female) connector structure, configured to slidably engage the interface structure 226 to receive the structural connector 220 into the cavity 1402, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the interface structure 226 of the structural connector 220 may be a slot (e.g., female) connector structure, while the complementary connection structure 1172 may be a complementary protruding sheet (e.g., male, or flange) connector structure, configured to slidably engage the interface structure 226 to receive the structural connector 220 into the cavity 1402. In some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 may include an interlocking structure configured to lock the structural connector 220 to the drain cleaner device 200. In some exemplary embodiments, the structural connector 220 may be configured to be detachably connected to the drain cleaner device 200, or may be a fixed part of the drain cleaner device, omitting the interface structure 226, while the drain cleaner device 200 omits the complementary connection structure 1172, which is configured not to detach from the drain cleaner device 200.

[0259] Figure 15A This is a schematic diagram of a system 2000 including a drain cleaner device system 1100 according to some exemplary embodiments. The system 1100 further includes a drain cleaner device 200 and a cylinder 300, a float switch device 800, and an actuator device 900. As shown, the drain cleaner device 200 can communicate with at least one remote computing device 700 via a network communication connection 702 and is configured to operate at least in part based on communication with the remote computing device 700, as described herein with reference to any exemplary embodiment, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. It is understood that... Figure 15A The drain cleaner device 200 and air processor 102 shown may include any elements of any exemplary embodiment of the drain cleaner device 200 and / or air processor 102 described in any of the accompanying drawings and / or herein. It is understood that... Figure 15A The floating switch device 800 shown may include any element from any of the accompanying drawings and / or any exemplary embodiments of the floating switch device 800 described herein. It is understood that... Figure 15A The actuator device 900 shown may include any element in any of the accompanying drawings and / or any exemplary embodiment of the actuator device 900 described herein.

[0260] Reference Figure 15A In some exemplary embodiments, the device outlet 206 of the drain cleaner device 200 may be connected to a first end of a distributor conduit 290 (e.g., a pipe, hose, or the like), wherein the distributor conduit 290 has an opposing second end positioned in fluid communication with the condensate drain pipe 124 (e.g., extending through and / or through a clip connector, adhesive, or any known connection device to connect to the opening 125 of the condensate drain pipe 124), such that the device outlet 206 of the drain cleaner device 200 is in fluid communication with the condensate drain pipe 124 at least through the distributor conduit 290. Distributor conduit 290 may be a flexible conduit (e.g., a vinyl conduit) so that distributor conduit 290 can adjustably position drain cleaner device 200 relative to opening 125 of condensate drain conduit 124 in various fixed positions, thereby increasing the flexibility of drain cleaner device 200 to provide cleaning composition 230 to condensate drain conduit (e.g., the surface of housing 101 to which drain cleaner device 200 may be connected via structural connector 220) in various environments with different arrangements of structures to which drain cleaner device 200 may be connected, in relation to opening 125 of condensate drain conduit 124.

[0261] Still referencing Figure 15A The air handling unit 102 of the air conditioning system 100 may include an air handling unit float switch 160 (which may be any known float switch), and the air handling unit 102 may be configured to shut down in response to the action of the air handling unit float switch 160. For example, the air handling unit 102 may include a controller 140 according to any exemplary embodiment described and / or illustrated herein, wherein the controller 140 is configured to shut down the air handling unit 102 in response to the actuation of the air handling unit float switch 160, since the air handling unit float switch 160 may be configured to transmit a float switch actuation signal to the controller 140 via an electrical connection 1506 between the air handling unit float switch 160 and the controller 140.

[0262] Electrical connection 1506 may include serially connected (e.g., a series connection) wires and connecting wires (e.g., a male / female connection) to connect wiring (e.g., two or more wires) extending from air handler float switch 160 to separate wiring or circuitry of air handler 102, such as wiring (e.g., two or more separate wires) extending from float switch signal connection interface 148 of controller 140 or including an electrical connector for float switch signal connection interface 148 at controller 140. Controller 140 may be configured to receive a float switch signal from float switch 160 at float switch signal connection interface 148. Controller 140 may be configured to shut down (e.g., close) at least a portion of air conditioning system 100 (e.g., air handler 102) in response to receiving a signal (e.g., a float switch signal) at float switch signal connection interface 148, and controller 140 may be electrically connected to air handler float switch 160 via electrical connection 1506.

[0263] In some exemplary embodiments, electrical connection 1506 may include a wire (also interchangeably referred to herein as wiring) extending from air processor float switch 160 (which can be considered as wiring of air processor float switch 160), which may be connected to wiring (e.g., wiring) and / or circuitry of air processor 102, which may be further connected to controller 140 (e.g., wiring extending from air processor float switch 160 may extend to float switch signal connection interface 148, or may be connected to wiring and / or connectors of air processor 102 further connected to float switch signal connection interface 148 of controller 140), to establish electrical connection 1506. In some exemplary embodiments, electrical connection 1506 may be established based on a connection of wiring extending from air processor float switch 160 to corresponding wiring extending from controller 140 in air processor 102 (e.g., wiring extending from float switch signal connection interface 148), for example, based on the connection of complementary (e.g., male / female) connectors of the respective connected wirings extending from air processor float switch 160 and controller 140. In some exemplary embodiments, electrical connection 1506 may be established based on connection wiring extending from air processor float switch 160 to float switch signal connection interface 148 of controller 140. In some exemplary embodiments, electrical connection 1506 may be based on an electrical connector at the distal end of the wiring extending from air processor float switch 160 to a complementary electrical connector of air processor 102, which is electrically connected to float switch signal connection interface 148 of controller 140 via internal wiring and / or circuitry.

[0264] Reference Figure 15AIn some exemplary embodiments, electrical connection 1506 may include a specific set of at least two wires of air conditioning system 100 that are electrically connected (directly or indirectly) to controller 140 (e.g., via a floating switch signal connection interface 148) and extend from air conditioning system 100 (e.g., from air processor 102), and may be individually connected (e.g., directly or indirectly, as part of a serial connection of wires and / or interfaces / connectors therebetween) to separate, individual wires extending from air processor floating switch 160 to establish electrical connection 1506 as a floating switch circuit that includes at least a portion of air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least a portion of air processor 102, controller 140, floating switch signal connection interface 148, etc.) and at least a portion of air processor floating switch 160. Air processor 102 may provide power (e.g., power from air processor 102, such as a connection to a mains power supply) connected to the specific at least two sets of wires to drive current in the floating switch circuit of electrical connection 1506 when the floating switch circuit is closed. Air processor float switch 160 can be activated to close or open the float switch circuit of electrical connection 1506, thereby activating or suppressing the current therein. Signals in the float switch circuit of electrical connection 1506 detected by at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., signals received by controller 140 from air processor float switch 160 via electrical connection 1506) may include float switch signals detectable by at least a portion of the air conditioning system, such as those detected by air processor 102 (e.g., by controller 140), as activation, suppression, and / or magnitude changes in the current in the float switch circuit of electrical connection 1506 resulting from closing or opening a switch implemented by and / or included in air processor float switch 160 to close or open the float switch circuit of electrical connection 1506. For example, air processor 102 (e.g., controller 140) may include sensors such as ammeters, current sensors, or similar sensors configured to detect (e.g., generate signals that can be processed by controller 140 in response to detection) the presence and / or magnitude of current in the floating switch circuit of electrical connection 1506. Controller 140 may, in response to determining the presence or absence of current in the floating switch circuit of electrical connection 1506 (e.g., the presence or absence of current above a threshold amplitude), a change in the current amplitude in the floating switch circuit of electrical connection 1506 (e.g., at least a change in the threshold amplitude), or similar situations, determine, based on processing and / or detecting the signals generated by the sensors, that a floating switch signal is received from air processor floating switch 160 via the floating switch electrical circuit of electrical connection 1506, indicating that air processor floating switch 160 has been activated.The air conditioning system 100 (e.g., air handler 102, controller 140, etc.) can be configured to shut down (e.g., turn off) in response to determining (e.g., turn off) at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least the air handler 102). A floating switch signal (e.g., based on a processed signal generated by a sensor) received from the air handler floating switch 160 via the floating switch circuitry of the electrical connection 1506 indicates that the air handler floating switch 160 has been activated.

[0265] Air processor float switch 160 is typically configured to be in fluid communication with condensate drain line 124 and / or drip tray 122 of air processor 102. However, as shown, system 2000 can be configured to actuate air processor float switch 980 to shut off air processor 102 without encountering condensate (e.g., in response to a separate float switch being actuated, in response to a command received at drain cleaner device 200, or similar), thereby enabling improved control over the operation of air processor 102, and consequently, over the operation of air conditioning system 100.

[0266] Still referencing Figure 15A System 2000 may include an actuator device 900 other than drain cleaner device 200, which is configured to be electrically connected to drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., via electrical connection 1504, which at least partially includes an electrical connection 1152 to controller 210, such as...). Figure 11A-12D (As shown). In some exemplary embodiments, actuator device 900 may be interchangeably referred to as "air processor float switch holster," "float switch holster," "holster," or something similar. As shown, actuator device 900 may include actuator 910 (e.g., a servo actuator or a servo motor-driven piston, linear actuator, or the like), and actuator device 900 may be configured to position air processor float switch 160 relative to the actuator, such that actuator device 900 is configured to cause actuator 910 to actuate air processor float switch 160 980 (e.g., based on moving the float of air processor float switch 160 relative to the remainder of air processor float switch 160) in response to receiving an actuator command signal from drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., via electrical connection 1504).

[0267] The controller 210 of the drain cleaner device 200 can be configured to transmit an actuator command signal to the actuator device 900 (e.g., via electrical connection 1504) to cause the actuator 910 to actuate the air processor float switch 160 at 980. The controller 210 can send the actuator command signal in response to a command received at the drain cleaner device 200. Such a command may include a signal received from a separate float switch (e.g., an electrical signal, also referred to herein as a float switch signal), which is in fluid communication with the condensate drain pipe 124 and is electrically connected to the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., the controller 210) via electrical connection 1502 (where electrical connections 1502 and 1504 collectively include electrical connection 1152 herein, although separate wiring connections may be included).

[0268] Electrical connections 1502 and 1504 may each include a set of serially connected wires and connecting lines (e.g., male / female connections) to connect wires extending from the drain cleaner device 200 to separate wires extending from one of the float switch device 800 or actuator device 900. It is understood that, in some exemplary embodiments, electrical connections 1502 and / or 1504 may be wireless network communication connections between the respective network communication interface devices of the drain cleaner device 200 and at least one of the float switch device 800 or actuator device 900.

[0269] Reference Figure 15AIn some exemplary embodiments, electrical connection 1502 may include a first set of at least two wires (at least partially including electrical connection 1152) of drain cleaner device 200 electrically connected (directly or indirectly) to controller 210 and extending from drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., through opening 1150), and may each be connected (e.g., directly or indirectly, as part of a serial connection of wires and / or interfaces therebetween) to separate, respective wires extending from drain cleaner float switch 1610 of float switch device 800 to establish electrical connection 1502 as a first circuit including at least a portion of drain cleaner device 200 and at least a portion of drain cleaner float switch 1610. Drain cleaner 200 may provide power (e.g., power from drain cleaner 200, such as battery 1142) connected to the first set of at least two wires to drive current in the first electrical circuit of electrical connection 1502 when the first electrical circuit is closed. The drain cleaner float switch 1610 can be activated in response to fluid in the condensate drain pipe 124 contacting the drain cleaner float switch 1610 to close or open a first circuit of electrical connection 1502, thereby initiating or suppressing current in the first circuit of electrical connection 1502, respectively. A signal detected by the drain cleaner 200 in the first circuit (e.g., a signal received at the drain cleaner 200 from the drain cleaner float switch 1610 via electrical connection 1502) may include a float switch signal that can be detected as activated by the drain cleaner 200 (e.g., by the controller 210). The controller 210 detects the activation, suppression, and / or change in the magnitude of current in electrical connection 1502 resulting from closing or opening a switch implemented by and / or included in the drain cleaner float switch 1610 to close or open the first circuit of electrical connection 1502. For example, the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., controller 210) may include sensors such as an ammeter, a current sensor, or similar sensors configured to detect (e.g., generate a current that can be processed by controller 210 in response to detection) the presence and / or magnitude of a current in a first set of at least two wires extending from the drain cleaner device 200, and thus detect the current in the first circuit of electrical connection 1502. Controller 210 may respond to the determination of the presence or absence of current (e.g., the presence or absence of current exceeding a specific current value).Based on processing and / or detecting signals generated by sensors to determine that a float switch signal is received from the drain cleaner float switch 1610 via the first circuit of electrical connection 1502, indicating that the drain cleaner float switch 1610 is actuated in response to fluid contacting the drain cleaner float switch 1610 in the condensate drain pipe 124, the controller 210 may respond to the presence or absence of current in the first circuit of electrical connection 1502 (e.g., the presence or absence of current exceeding a threshold value), changes in the magnitude of current in the first circuit of electrical connection 1502, or similar conditions.

[0270] Still referencing Figure 15AIn some exemplary embodiments, electrical connection 1504 may include a second set of at least two wires (at least partially including electrical connection 1152) of drain cleaner device 200, which are electrically connected (directly or indirectly) to controller 210 and extend from drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., through opening 1150), and may each be connected (e.g., directly or indirectly, as part of a serial connection of wires and / or interfaces therebetween) to separate, respective wires extending from actuator device 900 (e.g., from actuator 910) to establish electrical connection 1504 as a second circuit including at least a portion of drain cleaner device 200 and at least a portion of actuator device 900 (e.g., at least its actuator 910). Drain cleaner 200 may be provided with a power source (e.g., power from drain cleaner 200, such as battery 1142) connected to the second set of at least two wires to drive current in the second circuit of electrical connection 1504 when the second circuit is closed. The drain cleaner 200 (e.g., controller 210) may be configured to generate and transmit electrical signals (e.g., current) to the actuator device 900 via a second electrical circuit through electrical connection 1504. These signals are also referred to herein as actuator control signals (e.g., based on the controller 210 operating switches implemented by and / or included in the drain cleaner device 200 to respectively turn off or on the second circuit through electrical connection 1504, based on the controller 210 selectively and / or adjustably controlling the power supply to the actuator device 900 and / or actuator 910 through the second circuit through electrical connection 1504, or similar situations) for a specific time period. This controlled current flow in the second circuit can be referred to as a signal, command, signal, or similar signal (e.g., actuator control signal) to cause the actuator 910 of the actuator device 900 to actuate the air processor float switch 160 of the air processor 102 stored in the actuator device 900, so that the current flow in the electrical connection 1506 between the separate circuit (e.g., at least a portion of the air processor 102 (e.g., its controller 140)) and the air processor float switch 160 is initiated, suppressed, or sized (e.g., based on the air processor) The actuation of the float switch 160 closes or opens the float switch electrical circuit of electrical connection 1506. Such initiation, suppression, or regulation of current flow in the float switch circuit of electrical connection 1506 includes at least a portion of the air processor 102 (e.g., controller 140) and the air processor float switch 160, wherein the initiation or suppression of current in the independent circuit is caused by the actuator 910 of the actuator device 900 actuating the air processor float switch 160, and can be detected and processed by a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., air processor 102, controller 140).Air processor 102, controller 140, etc., detect and process signals to receive and / or detect a floating switch signal "transmitted" by air processor floating switch 160, thereby commanding the shutdown of at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least air processor 102). This shutdown of at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least air processor 102) is based on the operation of controller 140, in response to the detection (e.g., by controller 140) of a signal "transmitted" by air processor floating switch 160, which is executed by actuator 910 of actuator 900 based on a signal transmitted from drain cleaner device 200 via a separate second circuit to actuator 900. For example, the floating switch electrical circuit of electrical connection 1506 may include at least two specific wires extending from controller 140 (e.g., electrically connected to at least its interface 148) and at least partially include electrical circuitry including air processor floating switch 160, and air processor floating switch 160 may be configured to selectively open or close independent electrical circuitry to selectively suppress or initiate current flow in independent electrical circuitry based on actuation.

[0271] Therefore, it can be understood that the actuator device 900 can be configured to interact with a reference. Figure 5 The described bypass device 506 operates similarly, wherein the actuator device 900 may be configured to operate as a bypass device to actuate the air processor float switch 160 to turn off (e.g., shut down) at least a portion of the air conditioning system, including at least the air processor 102, based on a signal generated by the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., based on a signal generated by the controller 210 herein), which may include shutting off at least one of the air transporter 108, compressor 150, and / or air transporter 154.

[0272] Alternatively, it can be understood that the controller 210 of the drain cleaner device 200, and therefore the drain cleaner device 200 itself, can be configured to be connected with reference to... Figure 5 The controller 210 and / or drain cleaner device 200 described function similarly, wherein the controller 210 is configured to cause the air processor float switch 160 to actuate to cause partial or complete shutdown of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., based on the operation of the controller 140 in response to actuation of the float switch 160).

[0273] It is understood that controller 210 may be configured to generate signals, as described herein, conveyed to actuator device 900 to operate actuator 910 of actuator device 900 (e.g., actuate) to cause actuator device 900 to actuate air processor float switch 160 according to a float switch signal generated by a separate flow switch (e.g., the float switch of float switch device 800) to cause air processor 102 to shut down. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may be configured to generate signals, as described herein, conveyed to actuator device 900 to operate actuator 910 of actuator device 900 (e.g., actuate) to cause actuator device 900 to actuate air processor float switch 160 to shut down air processor 102, independent of actuation of any flow switch, since fluid such as condensate is present at any float switch. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, controller 210 may be configured to generate signals, as described herein, conveyed to actuator device 900 to operate actuator 910 of actuator device 900 (e.g., actuate) to cause actuator device 900 to actuate air processor float switch 160 to cause air processor 102 to shut down, in response to controller receiving and processing a command signal received at drain cleaner device 200. In some exemplary embodiments, the command signal may be received from remote computing device 700 via network communication connection 702 via a signal received at network communication interface 224, as described herein at least... Figure 7 The drain cleaner device 200 can be configured to transmit a command from the telecomputing device 700 to the drain cleaner device 200 to cause the air processor float switch 160 to be actuated. Upon receiving and transmitting this command via the network communication interface 244 to the controller 210, the controller 210 transmits a signal to the actuator device 900 via the electrical connection 1504 in response to receiving and processing the command. Therefore, the drain cleaner device 200 can be configured to cause the air processor 102 to shut down without requiring the float switch to be activated due to the presence of condensate in the condensate drain pipe 124. For example, a user supported by the telecomputing device 700 may wish to shut down the air conditioning system 100, and the drain cleaner device 200 and / or the actuator device 900 may be configured to implement such shutdown via the network communication connection 702 and the electrical connection 1504 to the actuator device 900, wherein the air processor float switch 160 is positioned to improve control over at least the overall operation of the air processor and / or air conditioning system 100 via remote control.

[0274] The operation of the aforementioned drain cleaner device 200 controlling the actuator device 900 to actuate the air processor float switch 160 can be as follows: Figure 28 As shown. Figure 28This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of System 2000 according to some exemplary embodiments. (See also...) Figure 28 At S2802, the drain cleaner float switch 1610 of the float switch device 800, connected to the condensate drain pipe 124, can be activated in response to the state of the fluid in the condensate drain pipe, such as condensate. The drain cleaner float switch 1610 may include a bimetallic switch device and can be actuated in response to the horizontal movement (e.g., rise) of the float of the drain cleaner float switch 1610 as the surface of the condensate in the condensate drain pipe moves horizontally. At S2804, the drain cleaner float switch 1610, and therefore the float switch device 800, can transmit an electrical signal (e.g., a float switch signal) to the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., controller 210) via electrical connection 1502 to indicate that the drain cleaner float switch 1610 has been activated. At S2806, the electrical signal transmitted by the drain cleaner float switch 1610 is received at the controller 210 of the drain cleaner device 200 and processed to determine that the drain cleaner float switch 1610 has been activated. At S2808, in response to determining that the drain cleaner device float switch 1610 has been actuated, controller 210 transmits an electrical signal and / or command (e.g., actuator command signal) to actuator device 900 via electrical connection 1504. Controller 210 may further, at S2808, generate and transmit a warning signal in response to determining that the drain cleaner float switch 1610 has been actuated. This warning signal can be transmitted to remote computing device 700 via network communication connection 702, so that remote computing device 700 provides a warning to the supported human user (e.g., via display screen interface 760), notifying the supported human user that the drain cleaner float switch 1610 has been actuated and / or that at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least air processor 102) has been turned off (e.g., shut down). In S2810, the actuator device 900 actuates its actuator 910 980 to move the float of the air processor float switch 160, which is positioned by the actuator device 900 and associated with the actuator 910, thereby actuating the air processor float switch 160. As at least Figures 25A-25BAs shown, the air processor float switch 160 may include a bimetallic switch device 2510, and the bimetallic switch device 2510 may be actuated in response to the movement (e.g., rise) of the float of the air processor float switch 160 due to the operation of the actuator 910 in the actuator device 900. At S2812, the air processor float switch 160 may transmit an electrical signal (e.g., a float switch signal) to the air processor (e.g., controller 140) via electrical connection 1502 to indicate that the air processor float switch 160 is activated. At S2814, the air processor 102 (e.g., its controller 140) may selectively shut off at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least the air processor 102) in response to determining that the air processor float switch 160 is actuated.

[0275] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 210 may be configured to transmit an electrical signal to the actuator device 900 at S2808, causing the actuator 910 to actuate 980 independently of a signal from the drain cleaner float switch 1610, for example, in response to receiving a command signal from the remote computing device 700 via a network communication connection 702 based on interaction between a human user and the remote computing device 700, so that the drain cleaner device 200 can provide remote human user control over the operation of the air conditioning system 100. In such an exemplary embodiment, operations S2802 to S2806 may be omitted.

[0276] In some exemplary embodiments, after operation S2808, controller 210 may transmit a subsequent electrical signal to actuator device 900 via electrical connection 1504 to "de-actuate" actuator 910 from an actuated position to a non-actuated position, to move (e.g., descend) the float of air processor float switch 160 from an actuated position to a stationary, non-actuated position, and to de-actuate air processor float switch 160 (e.g., reset). This transmission may occur after S2814. Such a transmission may be performed by controller 210 in response to determining at controller 210 that a specific time period has elapsed since the actuator command signal was transmitted at S2808. Such a transmission may be performed by controller 210 in response to receiving a command (e.g., a reset command) from remote computing device 700 via a network communication connection (e.g., based on interaction between a human user and remote computing device 700). Air processor 102 (e.g., controller 140) can be configured to restart at least a portion of air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least air processor 102) in response to the release of air processor float switch 160. Therefore, system 2000 (e.g., at least drain cleaner device 200) can be based on being configured to turn off and / or restart at least a portion of air conditioning system 100, including being configured to remotely control air conditioning system 100 (e.g., turn off and / or restart) through interaction between a human user and remote computing device 700, thereby enabling improved control over the operation of air conditioning system 100.

[0277] It is understood that the signal transmitted from the drain cleaner device 200 to the actuator device 900 at S2808 can be an electric current that causes the actuator motor (e.g., a servo motor) of the actuator 910 to run for a specific period of time, causing the actuator piston of the actuator 910 to move a certain distance, thereby actuating the air processor float switch 160 by moving the float relative to the remainder of the air processor float switch 160. The magnitude (e.g., current and / or voltage magnitude) and duration of the current can be stored in the controller 210 (e.g., in its memory), and the controller 210 can control the supply of electrical power to the actuator 910 via the electrical connection 1504 to actuate the actuator 910 by means of the magnitude and duration indicated by the information stored in the controller 210.

[0278] The controller 210 can be configured to actuate the actuator 910 (e.g., an actuator piston driven by a servo motor and rotary gear as described herein) 980 to move its actuator piston from a non-actuated position to an actuated position and store it in the actuated position. The actuator piston 980 (driven by a servo motor and rotary gear as described herein) actuates the actuator piston from a non-actuated position to an actuated position and stores it in the actuated position for a specific time period. This specific time period relates to a sufficiently long period for the float of the air processor float switch 160 to be stored in the specific position to ensure that the air processor float switch 160 is actuated to cause the air processor 102 to shut down, based on the transmission of an electrical signal causing the actuator 910 to move the float of the float switch to the specific position and store it in the specific position for at least a sufficiently long time. The controller 210 may be further configured to cause the actuator 910 (e.g., its actuator piston) to remain in an actuated position for at least a specific time period, and then return to a non-actuated or "resting" position, so that the float of the air processor float switch 160 returns to a non-actuated or "resting" position, enabling at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least the air processor 102) to be reset and / or restarted after being at least partially shut down due to the action of the air processor float switch 160, thereby improving the control of the air processor 102 and / or the air conditioning system 100. The controller 210 may be configured to transmit a separate signal (e.g., a restart signal) to the actuator device 900 via electrical connection 1504 in response to determining that a specific time period has elapsed since the signal was transmitted from the controller 210 to the actuator device 900 to actuate the air processor float switch 160 (information indicating the duration of the specific time period is stored in and accessed by the controller 210). Controller 210 may be configured to transmit a separate signal (e.g., a reset signal) to actuator device 900 via electrical connection 1504 to cause actuator 910 to move from an actuated position to a non-actuated position in response to receiving a reset signal from remote computing device 700 via network communication connection 702. Controller 210 may also be configured to transmit a separate signal (e.g., a reset signal) to actuator device 900 via electrical connection 1504 to cause actuator 910 to move from an actuated position to a non-actuated position in response to a rest signal received based on interaction between the user and user interface 1182 of drain cleaner device 200, or some combination thereof, or similar.

[0279] It is understood that system 2000 can control (e.g., shut off) the air handler 102, and thus the air conditioning system 100, based on the condensate drain duct 124, without requiring the air handler float switch 160 to be connected to and / or positioned within the condensate drain duct 124 (e.g., the air handler float switch 160, positioned relative to actuator 910 by actuator device 900, can be completely outside the condensate drain duct 124 and its opening 125). Therefore, drain cleaner device 200 can be configured to reduce, minimize, or prevent the dispensing of cleaning composition 230 into the condensate drain duct 124, thereby reducing, minimizing, or preventing the operation of the air handler float switch 160 (and thus the air handler 102 and air conditioning system 100), based on minimizing or preventing contact between the air handler float switch 160 and the cleaning composition 230 supplied to the condensate drain duct 124 by the drain cleaner device 200, thereby reducing, minimizing, or preventing accidental operation and / or activation of the air handler float switch 160 due to such contact. As described herein, the float switch device 800 may be configured to provide a float switch (e.g., a drain cleaner float switch 1610 as described herein) that enables the air processor float switch 160 to be activated in response to the presence of condensate or other fluid in the condensate drain pipe (e.g., due to the electrical connection between the float switch device 800 and the drain cleaner device 200 via electrical connection 1502, the electrical connection between the drain cleaner device 200 and the actuator device 900, and the actuator device 900's actuation of the air processor float switch 160). Positioning of device 910), wherein the float switch device 800 may be configured to reduce, lower, or prevent its float switch (e.g., drain cleaner float switch 1610) from being actuated due to contact with the cleaning composition dispensed by the drain cleaner device to the condensate drain 124, based on the float switch device 800 being configured to position its float switch in the condensate drain 124, spaced apart from the position in the condensate drain 124 where the cleaning composition 230 is supplied to the interior of the condensate drain 124 (e.g., off-center from the central axis of the float switch device 800). Therefore.The float switch device 800 can be configured to enable the system 2000 to operate reliably to dispense the cleaning composition 230 into the condensate drain 124 and to control the operation of the air processor 102 by controlling the air processor float switch 160 via the actuator device 900, although the shape or structure of the air processor float switch 160 may vary, otherwise affecting the possibility of the air processor float switch 160 being applied to the condensate drain 124 by the cleaning composition drive, and to provide a reliable channel and supply of the cleaning composition 230 into the condensate drain 124 through the opening 125, while further allowing the float switch to enter the condensate drain 124 through the same opening 125 and reducing [the impact of the condensate drain 124]. The blockage of 125 may reduce, decrease, or prevent the cleaning composition 230 from entering the condensate drain pipe 124 through the opening 125, and further reduce, decrease, or prevent the possibility of unintentional operation, corrosion, wear, damage, or similar conditions of the float switch positioned in the condensate drain pipe 124 by the supplied cleaning composition, while still enabling the float switch to operate reliably (e.g., drain cleaner float switch 1610 as described herein), thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of system 2000 and air conditioning system 100.

[0280] It is understood that in some exemplary embodiments, the floating switch device 800 may be omitted from the system 2000.

[0281] Although the above description of the drain cleaner device 200 together with the actuator device 900 causing the air processor 102 to shut down based on the actuation of the air processor float switch 160 relates to the drain cleaner device 200 responding to the drain cleaner device 200 being connected via wireless network communication (e.g., as... Figure 7 The controller 210 (702) receives a command from the remote computing device 700 and transmits a signal to the actuator device 900 to actuate the air processor float switch 160, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the controller 210 may generate a signal and transmit it to the actuator device 900 in response to receiving a command signal at the drain cleaner device 200 through manual interaction with the user interface of the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., a person pressing the user interface 1182 of the drain cleaner device 200 as a button), so that the actuator device 900 drives the air processor float switch 160.

[0282] Figure 15B This is a schematic diagram of a system 2000 including a drain cleaner device system 1100 according to some exemplary embodiments, the system 1100 further including a drain cleaner device 200 and a cylindrical object 300 and a floating switch device 800.

[0283] In some exemplary embodiments, the actuator device 900 may be omitted from the system 2000, and the drain cleaner device 200 may be electrically connected to the air processor 102 (e.g., whose controller 140 is electrically connected via a float switch signal connection interface 148 of the controller 140) without the intermediate actuator device 900 and / or air processor float switch 160. For example, Figure 15A The air processor float switch 160 shown can be as follows Figure 15B As shown, the air processor 102 is disconnected, thus omitting electrical connection 1506, and the drain cleaner device 200 can be electrically connected to the air processor 102 (e.g., to the float switch signal connection interface 148 of the controller 140) instead of the air processor float switch 160. For example, wires and / or connections extending from the drain cleaner device 200 can be connected to wires, circuits, and / or connections of the air processor 102 to establish electrical connection 1504, thereby electrically connecting the drain cleaner device 200 to the float switch signal connection interface 148 of the controller 140, wherein the controller 140 is configured to cause at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., the air processor 102) to shut down in response to a signal (e.g., a float switch signal) received at the float switch signal connection interface 148.

[0284] Therefore, as Figure 15B The illustrated electrical connection 1504 may include serially connected wires and connecting lines (e.g., male / female connections) to connect one or more wires extending from the drain cleaner device 200 to one or more wires or circuits of the air processor 102, such as wiring extending from the float switch signal connection interface 148 of the controller 140 or an electrical connector including the float switch signal connection interface 148 at the controller 140. The controller 140 may be configured to shut down the air processor 102 in response to receiving a signal (e.g., a float switch signal) from the drain cleaner device 200 via an electrical connection at the float switch signal connection interface 148.

[0285] Since the drain cleaner device 200 is electrically connected to the air processor 102 via electrical connection 1504, the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., its controller 210) can be configured to generate an electrical signal and transmit it to the air processor 102 via electrical connection 1504 (e.g., to controller 140) to shut down at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., air processor 102), even though the air processor float switch 160 is omitted in the air processor 102. The controller 140 receives the electrical signal from the drain cleaner device 200 via the float switch signal connection interface 148 and electrical connection 1504, and can process (e.g., interpret) the received electrical signal as if receiving an electrical signal from the driven air processor float switch 160, and can respond accordingly to cause at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., air processor 102) to shut down.

[0286] like Figure 15B As shown, and as referenced above Figure 15A As described, the drain cleaner device 200 can be electrically connected to the float switch device 800 via electrical connection 1502, and the float switch device 800 may include a drain cleaner float switch 1610, which can be configured to transmit a float switch signal to the drain cleaner device 200 via electrical connection 1502 in response to the drain cleaner float switch 1610 being actuated due to fluid (e.g., condensate backflow) in the condensate drain pipe 124. In some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., controller 210) may be configured to generate an electrical signal and transmit it to the air processor 102 (e.g., controller 140 via float switch signal connection interface 148) in response to receiving a float switch signal from the drain cleaner float switch 1610 of the float switch device 800 via electrical connection 1502, so that the electrical signal is received at the controller 140 via the float switch signal connection interface 148, so that the controller 140 shuts down at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., air processor 102) in response to the action of the drain cleaner float switch 1610 of the float switch device 800.

[0287] In some exemplary embodiments, based on electrically connecting the drain cleaner device 200 to the air processor 102 (e.g., to the float switch signal connection interface 148 of the controller 140) and configuring the drain cleaner device 200 to generate and transmit an electrical signal to the air processor 102 via the electrical connection 1504 to cause at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least the air processor 102) to be turned off (e.g., shut down), the drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to perform additional operations beyond turning off at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least the air processor 102) in response to receiving a float switch signal from the drain cleaner float switch 1610 of the float switch device 800 via the electrical connection 1502.

[0288] In some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., controller 210) may be configured to, in response to receiving a float switch signal from float switch 1610 of float switch device 800 via electrical connection 1502, and in addition to transmitting an electrical signal to air processor 102 via electrical connection 1504, control dispenser device 204 to dispense a quantity of cleaning composition 230 through device outlet 206 (e.g., from cylindrical container 304 and / or container 1130) to condensate drain pipe 124. This float switch-responsive dispensing of cleaning composition 230 by the drain cleaner 200 may be performed independently of the drain cleaner 200 (e.g., controller 210) operating dispenser device 204 to dispense a quantity of cleaning composition 230 based on the operation of the timer described herein. For example, the activation of the float switch 1610 of the drain cleaner device may be due to blockage (e.g., clogging) of the condensate drain pipe 124 caused by the accumulation of one or more various substances (e.g., mold, algae, mildew). (Mold, algae, mildew, bacteria, and / or fungi) cause condensate backflow within the condensate drain line 124, which is responsively dispensed by the drain cleaner device 200 in response to receiving a float switch signal from the drain cleaner float switch 1610. This actuation reduces and / or removes obstructions (e.g., one or more substances that at least partially constitute an obstruction through cleaning, chelation, decomposition, etc.). Therefore, the drain cleaner device 200 can be configured to at least partially mitigate the backflow of condensate in the condensate drain line 124, facilitate the discharge of condensate through the condensate drain line 124, and reduce or prevent the risk of damage that may result from condensate backflow through the condensate drain line opening 125 due to obstructions.

[0289] The responsive dispensing of the cleaning composition 230 may not cause any reset of the timer implemented by the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., by the controller 210) to repeatedly actuate the dispenser device 204 at fixed time intervals, or it may cause a reset of the timer. The responsive dispensing of the cleaning composition 230 may cause the counter implemented by the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., by the controller 210) to increment its count in response to each actuation of the dispenser device 204, indicating that a cleaning composition has been dispensed from the drain cleaner device system 1100 as a result of the responsive dispensing of the cleaning composition 230.

[0290] In some exemplary embodiments, based on the drain cleaner device 200 being configured to further implement the dispensing of a cleaning composition by the distributor device 204 in response to receiving a float switch signal from the drain cleaner float switch 1610, the drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to attempt corrective action to actuate the drain cleaner float switch 1610 in response to an indication that a blockage in the condensate drain pipe 124 is causing condensate backflow, thereby potentially reducing, mitigating, or correcting the problem causing condensate backflow, and providing an active solution beyond simply shutting down at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 and reporting the shutdown to a human user supported by the telecomputing device 700, thereby improving the operational performance of the air conditioning system 100 based on providing the ability to responsively mitigate condensate backflow in the condensate drain pipe, rather than simply shutting down at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100.

[0291] In some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., controller 210) may be configured to, in response to receiving a float switch signal from the float switch 1610 of the float switch device 800 via electrical connection 1502, transmit a warning signal to the remote computing device 700 via network communication connection 702, in addition to transmitting an electrical signal to the air processor 102 via electrical connection 1504, so that the remote computing device generates (e.g., transmits) a warning (e.g., a graphical indication displayed on the display screen interface 760) to warn the supported human user and / or that at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least the air processor 102) is being turned off (e.g., shut down).

[0292] In some exemplary embodiments, based on the drain cleaner device 200 being configured to further alert a human user supported by the remote computing device 700 that at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 is shut down due to the actuation of the drain cleaner float switch 1610 (e.g., in response to condensate backflow in the condensate drain pipe 124), the drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to provide improved communication of the operating status of the air conditioning system 100 to the remote human user and enable the human user to respond more quickly to the shutdown of the air conditioning system (e.g., manually cleaning the condensate drain pipe 124, requesting and / or performing maintenance on the air conditioning system 100, resetting and restarting the air conditioning system 100, etc.), thereby reducing or minimizing the downtime of the air conditioning system 100 and thus reducing or minimizing excessive temperature rise of the structure cooled by the air conditioning system 100.

[0293] Reference Figure 15BIn some exemplary embodiments, electrical connection 1504 may include a second set of at least two wires (at least partially including electrical connection 1152) of drain cleaner device 200, which are electrically connected (directly or indirectly) to controller 210 and extend from drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., through opening 1150), and may each be connected (e.g., directly or indirectly, as part of a serial connection of wires and / or interfaces therebetween) to separate, respective wires extending from air conditioning system 100 (e.g., from air processor 102, from controller 140, from float switch signal connection interface 148, etc.) to establish electrical connection 1504 as a second circuit (e.g., the circuit of electrical connection 1502 is referred to as the first circuit). The drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., controller 210) can be configured to generate and transmit an electrical signal (e.g., current) to the air conditioning system 100 9 via electrical connection 1504, for example, via controller 140 through interface 148. This signal is also referred to herein as a float switch signal, for example, in response to controller 210 determining that a float switch signal is received from drain cleaner float switch 1610 via a first electrical circuit through electrical connection 1502. Electrical signals may be "transmitted" based on the current flow in the second circuit of electrical connection 1504 controlled (e.g., activated, suppressed, adjusted in magnitude and / or frequency, etc.) by the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., controller 210), for example, based on the controller 210 operating a switch implemented by the drain cleaner device 200 and / or included in the device to respectively turn the second circuit of electrical connection 1504 on or off, based on the controller 210 selectively and / or adjustably controlling (e.g., activated, suppressed, adjusted in magnitude, or similar) the supply of power to portions of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least a portion of the air handler 102, controller 140, floating switch signal connection interface 148, etc.) through the second electrical circuit of electrical connection 1504, or similarly. This controlled (e.g., start-up, suppression, adjustment, etc.) current flow in the second electrical circuit can be referred to as a signal, command, indication, or similar thing (e.g., electrical signal, float switch signal, etc.) transmitted to parts of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least a portion of the air handler 102, controller 140, float switch signal connection interface 148, etc.).In the second circuit of the electrical connection 1504, which includes a portion of the air conditioning system 100, such start-up, suppression, or adjustment current flow can be detected and processed by a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., air handler 102, controller 140, etc.) to receive and / or detect a floating switch signal "transmitted" by the drain cleaner device 200 to command the shutdown of at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least air handler 102) to cause at least a portion of the air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least air handler 102) to shut down (e.g., based on the operation of controller 140) in response to the detection (e.g. by controller 140) of a signal "transmitted" by the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., by controller 210).

[0294] For example, air processor 102 (e.g., controller 140) may include sensors such as ammeters, current sensors, or similar sensors configured to detect and / or generate signals (e.g., current at interface 148) that can be processed by controller 140 to detect (e.g., generate signals that can be processed by controller 140 to detect in response to ground detection) the presence and / or amplitude of current in the second circuit of electrical connection 1504. Controller 140 may determine, based on processing and / or detecting the signals generated by the sensors, the presence or absence of current in the second circuit of electrical connection 1504 (e.g., presence or absence of current above a threshold amplitude), changes in the amplitude of current in the second circuit of electrical connection 1504, or similar determinations. Air conditioning system 100 (e.g., air processor 102, controller 140, etc.) may be configured to shut down (e.g., turn off) in response to determining (e.g., turn off) at least a portion of air conditioning system 100 (e.g., at least air processor 102). The detection (based on the processed signal generated by the sensor) resulted in the drain cleaner device 200 generating an electrical signal that was transmitted to the air conditioning system 100 and received via electrical connection 1504 (e.g., at interface 148), and the floating switch signal was received.

[0295] Figure 16A This is a perspective top-front-right view of a floating switch device 800 according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 16B This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 16A Perspective bottom-rear-left view of the floating switch device 800. Figure 16C According to some exemplary implementations, along Figure 16A A perspective cross-sectional view of the floating switch device 800 with cross-sectional view lines XVIC-XVIC'. Figure 16D It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 16A A planar cross-sectional view of the floating switch device 800 with the cross-sectional view line XVIC-XVIC'. Figure 16E This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 16A A top plan view of the floating switch device 800.

[0296] Understandable, Figures 16A-16E The floating switch device 800 shown may include any element of any exemplary embodiment and any device, apparatus or like described in any of the accompanying drawings and / or herein.

[0297] Reference Figures 16A-16E In some exemplary embodiments, the float switch device 800 is configured to connect to the condensate drain pipe 124 (e.g., to the opening 125 of the condensate drain pipe 124). The float switch device 800 may include a drain cleaner float switch 1610. The drain cleaner float switch 1610 may include a float switch circuit 1618 (e.g., a switching device, bimetallic switching device, processing circuit, circuit, electrical switch, or similar device configured to generate a float switch signal in response to movement of a float 1612 along a shaft 1614), in a housing including a shaft 1614 and a stop 1616, and the drain cleaner float switch 1610 may include a float 1612 configured to move axially along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 1614 to drive the drain cleaner float switch 1610, causing the circuit 1618 to generate a float switch signal in response to ground. It is understood that the drain cleaner float switch 1610 is not limited to... Figures 16A-16D The structure shown can include any known floating switch (e.g., a bimetallic floating switch).

[0298] The drain cleaner device float switch 1610 (e.g., its circuit 1618) can be configured to be electrically connected to the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., an electrical connection, which may include direct or indirect electrical connections) (e.g., via electrical connection 1502, which may include one or more wires extending from the drain cleaner float switch 1610, through the open housing 1608, and out of the float switch device 800, to be electrically connected to the controller 210 of the drain cleaner device 200, for example based on a connection with a separate one or more wires extending from the drain cleaner device 200). The float switch device 800 can be configured to connect to the opening 125 of the condensate drain pipe 124 to position the drain cleaner float switch 1610 in the condensate drain pipe 124, such that the drain cleaner float switch 1610 can be positioned in the condensate drain pipe 124 and configured to transmit a float switch signal to the drain cleaner device 200 in response to the presence of fluid in the condensate drain pipe 124. This may cause the float 1612 to move axially (e.g., rise) relative to the shaft 1614, thereby activating the drain cleaner float switch 1610.

[0299] refer to Figure 15A The controller 210 of the drain cleaner device 200 can be configured to transmit an actuator control signal to the actuator device 900 so that the actuator 910 actuates the air processor float switch 980 (to turn off the air processor 102) in response to the controller 210 receiving a float switch signal from the drain cleaner device float switch 1610.

[0300] Refer again Figures 16A-16E The floating switch device may include a support housing 1602 configured to connect to an opening 125 of a condensate drain pipe 124. The support housing 1602 may include a cylindrical structure 1606 configured to extend into the condensate drain pipe 124 and be configured to establish a frictional engagement with the inner surface of the condensate drain pipe 124 to secure the floating switch device 800 in place. The support housing 1602 may include an upper lip or boss structure 1604 configured to extend outside the condensate drain pipe 124 and engage with the outer end of the opening 125 of the condensate drain pipe 124 to limit the distance the floating switch device 800 extends into the condensate drain pipe 124 and improve the ease of connection and disengagement of the floating switch device 800 from the opening 125 of the condensate drain pipe 124. As shown, the support housing 1602 may define a cup-shaped structure connected to the actuator, the cup-shaped structure defining an internally open cylindrical housing 1608 and configured to accommodate an opening 125 for the condensate drain pipe 124. The support housing 1602 may include a single piece of material (e.g., plastic) defining structures 1604 and 1606. At least a portion of the drain cleaner float switch 1610, such as at least a shaft 1614, may be integrated into the support housing 1602 such that, for example, at least the shaft 1614 and the support housing 1602 are separate parts of the same single piece of material (e.g., plastic material), but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. It is understood that the drain cleaner float switch 1610 may be referred to as being attached to the support housing 1602, or as a separate element connected by adhesion, friction fit, connection, or similar means, or based on the fact that at least a portion of the drain cleaner float switch 1610 is part of the same single piece of material defining at least a portion of the support housing 1602.

[0301] In some exemplary embodiments, the float switch device 800 may be configured to enable the drain cleaner device 200 to supply a cleaning composition to the condensate drain pipe 124, for example, by configuring the distributor pipe 290 to extend through the support housing 1602 to fluidly communicate with the interior of the condensate drain pipe 124, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. (See also...) Figures 16A-16EIn some exemplary embodiments, the float switch device 800 may include a supply conduit 1620, which may be a rigid (e.g., plastic) or flexible tube and may extend through a support housing 1602. As shown, the supply conduit 1620 may have opposing first and second ends 1622 and 1624. The first end 1622 of the supply conduit 1620 may be configured to connect to a second end 292 of the distributor conduit 290 (e.g., via a clip connector, via a friction fit between opposing surfaces of the first end 1622 and the second end 292, or similar). The second end 1624 of the supply conduit 1620 may be configured to be in fluid communication with the condensate drain conduit 124 when the float switch device 800 is connected to the condensate drain conduit 124, thereby establishing fluid communication between the device outlet 206 of the drain cleaner device 200 and the interior of the condensate drain conduit 124 through the distributor conduit 290 and the supply conduit 1620 connected thereto. As shown in the figure, the supply conduit 1620 penetrates the thickness 1602t of the support housing 1602 to extend from the open housing 1608 to the same lower side of the cup-shaped structure formed by the support housing 1602, which is located on the drain cleaner float switch 1610 on the side of the support housing 1602 opposite to the open housing 1608. In some exemplary embodiments, the supply conduit 1620 and the support housing 1602 may be separate components of a single material (e.g., a plastic material, which may include polyvinyl chloride or PVC as described herein).

[0302] Still referencing Figures 16A-16E The drain cleaner float switch 1610 and supply conduit 1620 are offset from the central axis 1690 of the support housing 1602, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 1690. As shown, the drain cleaner float switch 1610 (e.g., at least axis 1614) and supply conduit 1620 may extend parallel to each other and parallel to the central axis 1690. Therefore, the float switch device 800 can be configured to minimize or prevent any effect of supplying the cleaning composition to the condensate drain conduit 124 through the supply conduit 1620 on the operation (e.g., activation) of the drain cleaner float switch 1610.

[0303] Figure 17A This is a perspective top-front-right view of an actuator device 900 according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 17B This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 17A Perspective bottom-rear-left view of actuator device 900. Figure 17C This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 17A Perspective bottom-rear-right view of actuator device 900.

[0304] Figure 18AThis is a perspective top-front-right view of an actuator device 900 according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 18B The actuator device 900 according to some exemplary embodiments is along Figure 18A The perspective section view of the cross-section line XVIIIB-XVIIIB'. Figure 18C According to some exemplary implementations, along Figure 18A A planar cross-sectional view of the actuator device 900 along the cross-sectional view lines XVIIIB-XVIIIB'. Figure 18D According to some exemplary implementations, along Figure 18A A perspective view of the actuator device 900 along the cross-sectional view lines XVIIID-XVIIID'. Figure 18E It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 18A A planar cross-sectional view of the actuator device 900 along the cross-sectional view lines XVIIID-XVIIID'.

[0305] Figure 19A This is a perspective top-front-right view of an actuator device 900 according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 19B The actuator device 900 according to some exemplary embodiments is along Figure 19A The perspective section view of the cross-sectional view line XIXB-XIXB'. Figure 19C According to some exemplary implementations, along Figure 19A A perspective cross-sectional view of the actuator device 900 along the cross-sectional view line XIXC-XIXC'.

[0306] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of elements of an actuator device 900 according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0307] Figure 21A This is a perspective view of a containment apparatus 1730 according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 21B The containment apparatus 1730, according to some exemplary embodiments, is along... Figure 21A The perspective section view of the cross-sectional view line XXIB-XXIB'. Figure 21C According to some exemplary implementations, along Figure 21A A perspective view of the containment apparatus 1730 with cross-sectional view of line XXIC-XXIC'. Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the housing 1732 and hinge connection 1734 of a containment apparatus according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 23AThis is a perspective view of the containment apparatus sleeve structure 1736 according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 23B It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 23A A perspective view of the pipe fitting structure 1736 with cross-sectional view of line XXIIIB-XXIIIIB'. Figure 24A This is a perspective view of the conduit sleeve structure 1736 of the enclosing device according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 24B It is based on some exemplary embodiments along Figure 24A A perspective view of the pipe fitting structure 1736 with cross-sectional view of line XIVB-XXIVB'.

[0308] Figure 25A It is the actuator device 900 along Figure 18A A cross-sectional view along lines XVIIIB-XVIIIB', in which the air processor float switch 160 is positioned according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 25B It is the actuator device 900 along Figure 18A A planar cross-sectional view along lines XVIIID-XVIIID', wherein the air processor float switch 160 is positioned according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0309] Understandable, Figure 17A-25A The actuator device shown and any of its components, as well as Figures 25A to 25B The air processor float switch 160 shown may include any elements of any exemplary embodiment and any of the drawings and / or the devices, apparatus or like described herein.

[0310] Reference Figure 17A-19C The actuator device 900 may include a main housing 1702, including a side housing 1706, a bottom housing 1708, and a top housing 1728. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the top housing 1728 and the side housing 1706 may be separate parts of a single material (e.g., plastic), but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. As further shown, the actuator device 900 may include a cover 1704 having a label protrusion 1714, and the cover may be attached to the main housing 1702 to cover the top housing 1728. The cover 1704 may be configured to be hingedly attached to the main housing 1702 via a hinge joint 1712, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0311] Still referencing Figure 17A-19CThe actuator device 900 may include an actuator 910 within the interior defined by the main housing 1702 (e.g., side housing 1706, bottom housing 1708, top housing 1728, etc.). As shown, the actuator 910 may include a servo motor 1762 connected to a rotary gear 1764 (e.g., a spur gear) (e.g., a servo actuator) and an actuator piston including a piston structure 1767 having at least linear gear teeth 1768, the piston structure being configured to engage with the gear teeth of the rotary gear 1764. As shown, the servo motor 1762 may be configured to rotate the rotary gear 1764 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to move the actuator piston 1766 along a first axis 1802 (e.g., linearly upward or downward). The actuator device 900 may include a support housing 1798 configured to hold the servo motor 1762 and the rotary gear 1764 in place and further laterally restrict the movement of the piston structure 1767 of the actuator piston 1766 (perpendicular to the first axis 1802) to ensure the meshing of the respective gear teeth of the actuator piston 1766 and the rotary gear 1764.

[0312] Still at least refer to Figure 17A-19C The actuator device 900 may include one or more connector interfaces configured to connect (e.g., connect) the actuator device 900 to an external structure. For example, as shown, the actuator device 900 may include two separate magnets 1770 inside the actuator device 900, isolated from the outside of the actuator device 900 by at least a side housing 1706. These magnets, acting as connector interfaces, are configured to magnetically connect (e.g., connect) the actuator device 900 to a metal surface of the external structure (e.g., the metal surface of the housing 101 of the air processor 102), separate from the drain cleaner device 200, so that the actuator device 900 and the drain cleaner device 200 are at least partially independent of each other and can be adjusted and variably connected to one or more external structures, thereby improving the flexibility of device placement in different environments.

[0313] Still referencing Figure 17A-19C And further reference Figures 25A-25B The actuator device 900 can be configured to receive, such as Figure 15AThe air processor 102 shown has an air processor float switch 160, which is fixed in place relative to the actuator piston 1766 (e.g., at least the shaft components 2502 and 2504 of the air processor float switch 160 are stored in a fixed position). As shown, the air processor float switch 160 may include upper and lower shaft components 2502 and 2504, a float 2508, and circuitry 2510 (e.g., a switching device, a bimetallic switching device, processing circuitry, circuitry including an electrical switch, etc.) configured to generate a float switch signal and transmit the float switch signal to the air processor 102 (e.g., to its controller 140) via electrical connection 1506 to cause the air processor 102 to shut down (e.g., to cause the controller 140 to initiate the shutdown of the air processor 102), but it is understood that the example embodiment is not limited thereto. The actuator device 900 can be configured to move the float 2508 of the air processor float switch 160 relative to the remainder of the air processor float switch 160 (e.g., relative to shaft components 2504 and 2502 and circuitry 2510) along a first axis 1802, causing the actuator piston 1766 to move along the first axis 1802 actuated by the servo motor 1762, thereby actuating the air processor float switch 160 and causing the circuitry 2510 to generate a float switch signal in response to ground. It is understood that the air processor float switch 160 is not limited to... Figures 25A to 25B The structure shown can include any known floating switch (e.g., a bimetallic floating switch). It is understood that actuator 910 can include other types of actuators, servo actuators, or the like, including, for example, linear actuators.

[0314] Still referencing Figure 17A-19C and Figures 25A-25B The actuator device 900 may include a cup-shaped structure 1780 connected to the actuator 910, for example, connected to the upper end of the actuator piston 1766 (e.g., directly or indirectly). For example, as Figure 17A-19CAs shown in Figures 25A-25B, the actuator piston 1766 may include a first spring 1772 connected to the upper end of the piston structure 1767 and further connected between the piston structure 1767 and the cup-shaped structure 1780, such that the cup-shaped structure 1780 can be connected to the upper end of the piston structure 1767 via the first spring 1772. In some exemplary embodiments, the cup-shaped structure 1780 may be understood as part of the actuator piston 1766. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the first spring 1772 may be omitted, and the cup-shaped structure 1780 may be connected (e.g., directly or indirectly connected to, a part of the same material as the piston structure 1767, etc.) to the upper end of the piston structure, such that the actuator piston 1766 does not include any first spring 1772 between the cup-shaped structure 1780 and the piston structure 1767, and the actuator piston 1766 includes the cup-shaped structure 17680 and the piston structure 1767. It is understood that any signal described herein may be an electrical signal.

[0315] The cup-shaped structure 1780 may define an open housing 1785 configured to house at least a portion (e.g., lower shaft portion 2504) of the air processor float switch 160, and may define an upper surface 1782 or ridge configured to directly engage the bottom surface (e.g., lower surface 2508s) of the float 2508 of the air processor float switch 160. The cup-shaped structure 1780 may be configured to engage with the float 2508 such that the float 2508 moves axially along the first axis 1802 based on the movement of the actuator piston 1766 along the first axis 1802, because the axial movement of the actuator piston 1766 can be transferred to the cup-shaped structure 1780 (e.g., via the piston structure 1767, and further via the first spring 1772 in some exemplary embodiments), and thus further transferred to the float 2508. As described herein, the remainder of the air processor float switch 160 can be stored in place, while the float 2508 can move freely from the cup-shaped structure 1780. Therefore, the movement of the float 2508 from the cup-shaped structure 1780 can cause the air processor float switch 160 to activate in response.

[0316] Still referencing Figure 17A-19C and Figures 25A-25BThe actuator device 900 may include a conduit structure 1750 having an inner surface 1750s defining a conduit space 1792 extending along a first axis 1802, and having opposing first openings 1752 and second openings 1754. In some exemplary embodiments as shown, the conduit structure may be a cylindrical structure, which may be a single portion of at least one piece of the same material as the top housing 1728 of the main housing 1702, and the first opening 1752 may be an opening in the top housing 1728, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. As shown, the conduit structure 1750 may extend along the first axis 1802 from the first opening 1752 at the top housing 1728 into the interior of the actuator device 900 such that the second opening 1754 is an opening into the interior of the actuator device 900, which is close to the actuator 910.

[0317] Reference Figure 17A-19C 20 and Figures 25A-25B The duct structure 1750 may be configured to receive an air processor float switch into a duct space 1792 (e.g., at least an upper region of the duct space 1792 extending between the first opening 1752 and the inner ledge structure 1784 described below) through a first opening 1752. The duct structure 1750 may be further configured to receive at least a cup-shaped structure 1780 into the duct space 1792 through a second opening 1754 (e.g., at least one lower region of the duct space 1792 extending between the second opening 1754 and the inner ledge structure 1784). An inner ledge structure 1784 extending circumferentially around the inner surface 1750s of the duct structure 1750 may predefine upper and lower regions of the duct space 1792. The cup-shaped structure 1780 may include a protrusion 1796 extending laterally below the ledge structure 1784 to vertically and at least partially overlap the ledge structure 1784. The outer diameter of the cup-shaped structure 1780 itself may be smaller than the inner diameter of the opening defined by the ledge structure 1784, so that the cup-shaped structure 1780 may be configured to move axially at least partially between the lower and upper regions of the pipe space 1792, and the protrusion 1796 may be configured to engage with the ledge structure 1784 to limit the axial movement of the cup-shaped structure 1780 to the upper region of the pipe space 1792.

[0318] Still referencing Figure 17A-19C 20 and Figures 25A-25BThe housing 1785 of the cup-shaped structure 1780 and the first spring 1772 can be configured to allow axial movement of the cup-shaped structure to compensate for different lengths and / or shapes of the air processor float switch 160. The air processor float switch 160, having a longer lower shaft portion 2504, can contact the bottom surface of the housing 1785 defined by the cup-shaped structure 1780 and push the cup-shaped structure 1780 downward to compress the first spring 1772 while maintaining engagement between surfaces 1782 and 2508s. The float switch 160, having a shorter lower shaft portion 2504, may cause the cup-shaped structure 1780 to move at least partially axially into the upper region of the duct space 1792, based on the spring force applied by the first spring 1772 to maintain engagement between surfaces 1782 and 2508s. As further shown, the actuator device 900 may include a second spring 1774 connected relative to the first spring 1772 to the other end of the piston structure 1767 of the actuator piston 1766, and configured to be compressed between the piston structure 1767 of the actuator piston 1766 and the bottom housing 1708. The second spring 1774 is supported and secured in place by the support structure 1776. The first and second springs 1772 and 1774 may together balance and / or adjust the axial position of the piston structure 1767 of the actuator piston 1766 relative to the remainder of the actuator 910 under the cup-shaped structure 1780. As a result of the above, the actuator device 900 can be configured to accommodate air processor floating switches having various shapes, particularly various lengths along the first axis 1802, based on the compression or expansion of at least one of the first or second springs 1772 or 1774 and the resulting axial movement of the cup-shaped structure 1780, independent of the operation of the actuator piston 1766 by the servo motor 1762 and the rotary gear 1764.

[0319] Still referencing Figure 17A-25BThe actuator device 900 may include a containment apparatus 1730, which may be connected to the air processor float switch 160 and may be further connected to a portion of the actuator device 900 (e.g., duct structure 1750) to hold the air processor float switch 160 in place (e.g., in place relative to the actuator 910 and / or the cup structure 1780, at least partially held relative to the cup structure 1780 within the duct space 1792, etc.). The containment apparatus 1730 may be interchangeably referred to herein as a float switch holster, float switch holster device, float switch holster assembly, float switch bracket, float switch bracket device, float switch bracket assembly, bracket, holster, float switch cup, float switch sheath, float switch adapter device, float switch adapter assembly, adapter, or the like. When the storage device 1730 cooperates with at least a portion of the actuator device 900 (e.g., the duct structure 1750) to hold the air processor float switch 160 in place, the actuator 910 may be configured to move the cup-shaped structure 1780 axially along the first axis 1802 to engage the float 2508 of the air processor float switch 160 and move the float 2508 upward relative to the remainder of the air processor float switch 160 along the first axis 1802, thereby actuating the air processor float switch 160. The containment apparatus 1730 may include one or more outer surfaces (e.g., outer surface 1732os) configured to frictionally engage with one or more opposing surfaces of the actuator device 900 (e.g., inner surface 1750s of the duct structure 1750) to store the containment apparatus 1730 and the connected air processor float switch 160 (e.g., upper and lower shaft components 2502 and 2504) in place when the actuator 910 causes the float 2508 to move upward.

[0320] In some exemplary embodiments, the containment apparatus 1730 and the duct structure 1750 may jointly define one or more support structures 1760 configured to position the air processor float switch 160 relative to the actuator 910. It is understood that the one or more support structures 1760 may include any one or more structures configured to hold the air processor float switch 160 in place while maintaining an electrical connection to the air processor 102 via electrical connection 1506, and the actuator 910 is configured to actuate the air processor float switch 160.

[0321] In some exemplary embodiments, the containment apparatus 1730 may be omitted from the actuator device 900, thereby allowing one or more support structures 1760 to exclude the containment apparatus 1730. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the actuator device 900 may include a locking mechanism, latching mechanism, or similar mechanism (e.g., a spring-loaded locking mechanism) configured to engage with an air processor float switch 160 stored in a duct space 1792 at least partially defined by the duct structure 1750 to store the air processor float switch 160 in place relative to the actuator 910, thereby reducing, minimizing, or preventing upward movement of the air processor float switch 160 (e.g., in response to the actuator 910 causing the float of the air processor float switch 160 to move upward, the shaft portion and its circuitry (e.g., switching circuitry) move at least upward). In some exemplary embodiments, the duct... The duct structure 1750 may include structures, such as a ledge structure 1784, configured to structurally support the weight of the air processor float switch 160, which is at least partially contained within the duct space 1792. The actuator 910 is configured to apply an upward force to the float of the air processor float switch 160, a force not transmitted to the remainder of the air processor float switch 160 to overcome its weight, so that although the actuator 910 causes the float of the air processor float switch 160 to move relative to the actuator device 900, the weight of the air processor float switch 160 keeps it in position within the actuator device 900.

[0322] like Figure 17A-25BAs shown, the containment apparatus 1730 may include at least two housings 1732 configured to be reversibly connected together (e.g., reversibly opened and closed) to reversibly surround and / or define an inner duct 1790 between opposing inner surfaces 1732is of the housings 1732, and at least the upper portion (e.g., upper shaft portion 2502) of the air processor float switch 160 may be secured therein by the containment apparatus 1730.

[0323] As shown, the outer shell 1732 can be connected together via a hinge connection 1734, which includes a pin extending through the hinge connection structure of the outer shell 1732, so that the outer shell 1732 can be opened and closed in a clamshell manner, thereby opening and closing the inner pipe 1790 in a clamshell manner. As shown, the outer shell 1732 can collectively define a cup-shaped structure having an outer surface 1732os configured to frictionally engage with the inner surface 1750s of the pipe structure 1750 to hold the containment apparatus 1730 in place, resisting upward movement of the float 2508 in response to upward movement of the cup-shaped structure 1780.

[0324] As further shown, the cup-shaped structure formed by the enclosed housing 1732 may have an inner conduit 1790 defined by the respective, opposing inner surfaces 1732is of the housing. As shown, the containment apparatus 1730 is configured to enclose at least a portion of the air processor float switch 160 within the inner conduit 1790 (e.g., at least horizontally and / or radially).

[0325] Still referencing Figure 17A-25BThe containment apparatus 1730 may include a fitting structure 1736 configured to be at least partially housed within the inner conduit 1790 when the two housings 1732 are joined together (e.g., closed in a clamshell manner to define the inner conduit 1790 as a cylindrical conduit). The fitting structure 1736 may be interchangeably referred to herein as a fitting, fitting device, or something similar. The fitting structure 1736 may include a central axis structure 2301 extending through the inner conduit 1790 and opposing upper and lower flange structures 2302 and 2304 configured to extend to their respective upper and lower ends on the inner conduit 1790 to hold the fitting structure 1736 in place relative to the inner conduit 1790. As shown, the conduit sleeve structure 1736 may have one or more inner surfaces 1736is that define an inner conduit 1740 configured to house at least the upper portion (e.g., upper shaft portion 2502) of the air processor float switch 160 and engage with the upper portion to secure the air processor float switch 160 in place relative to the closure device 1730. Therefore, the conduit sleeve structure 1736 can be understood as ultimately partially filling the annular space between a portion of the air processor float switch 160 (e.g., upper shaft portion 2502) and the inner surface 1736 of the predefined inner conduit 1790 to secure the air processor float switch 160 in place relative to the inner conduit 1790.

[0326] The conduit sleeve structure 1736 may include a flexible material, such as silicone, rubber, or similar materials, and may be configured to grip at least a portion of the outer surface of the air processor float switch 160 engaged by the conduit sleeve structure 1736 to secure the air processor float switch 160 in place. As further shown, the conduit sleeve structure 1736 may define an upper conduit 1738 configured to allow one or more wires, including an electrical connection 1506, to extend from the air processor float switch 160 (e.g., its circuitry 2510) out of the containment apparatus 1730 and further to the actuator device 900 to the air processor 102.

[0327] At least refer to Figures 23A-24BThe conduit sleeve structure 1736 can be a single piece of flexible material having a seam 2310 that can be opened to expose the interior of conduits 1740 and 1738, allowing at least a portion of the air processor float switch 160 (e.g., the upper shaft portion 2502) to be inserted into the exposed conduit 1740, and allowing at least a portion of one or more wires, consisting of the electrical connection 1506 between the air processor float switch 160 and the air processor 102, to be inserted into at least the exposed conduit 1738 without needing to disconnect one or more wires from the air processor float switch 160 or the air processor 102. The flexible material including the conduit sleeve structure 1736 can then be expanded to surround a portion of the air processor float switch 160 and a portion of one or more wires to close the seam 2310, as at least Figure 23A , Figure 24A As shown in Figure 25. Figures 23A, 24A, and 25A-25B are also shown. Based on allowing the air processor float switch 160 to be inserted into at least the exposed duct 1738 without needing to disconnect one or more wires from the air processor float switch 160 or the air processor 102, the installation and positioning of the air processor float switch 160 in the actuator device 900 to configure the actuator device 900 to actuate the air processor float switch 160 at 980 can be simplified, and the reliability of the electrical connection 1506 can be protected from interruption or damage due to such disconnection.

[0328] In some exemplary embodiments, a portion of the air processor float switch 160 may be inserted into and / or removed from the conduit 1740 of the conduit sleeve structure 1736 through an opening in the bottom flange 2304.

[0329] Still referencing Figure 17A-25BThe main housing 1702 (e.g., the bottom housing 1708 as shown) may define an opening 1710 for access to the interior of the actuator device 900. An electrical connection 1504 between the actuator device 900 (e.g., including one or more wires) and the drain cleaner device 200 may extend to at least electrically connect the actuator 910 to the drain cleaner device 200, and the actuator 910 may be configured to be controlled by a controller 210 of the drain cleaner device 200. As further shown, the cover 1704 may have a ridge 1720 through its predefined gap 1722, and the top housing 1728 may have a ridge 1724 through its predefined gap 1726, wherein ridges 1720 and 1724 are configured to align gaps 1722 and 1726 to jointly define the opening 1718 when the cover 1704 is attached to the main housing 27016 to cover the top housing 1728. The opening 1718 allows communication between the space between the top housing 1728 and the cover 1704 and the outside of the actuator device 900 when the cover 1704 is closed, enabling an electrical connection 1506 (e.g., including one or more wires) to extend from the air processor float switch 160 to a location within the actuator device 900, exiting the closure 1730 via the upper conduit 1738, and further exiting the actuator device 900 via the opening 1718, so as to electrically connect at least the air processor float switch 160 to the air processor 102 (e.g., its controller 140). This is also true when the cover 1704 is closed, and the air processor float switch 160 is configured to transmit a float switch signal to the air processor 102 to shut down the air processor 102 in response to the air processor float switch 160 being activated by the actuator 910 of the actuator 900.

[0330] Now for reference Figures 23A-24B The conduit sleeve structure 1736 can have different shapes to house air processor float switches 160 of different types and shapes. For example, Figures 23A-23B As shown, the conduit sleeve structure 1736 may include a lower flange structure 2304 having a cutout 2308 configured to house the larger diameter portion of the air processor float switch 160 below the upper shaft portion 2502, and an upper flange structure 2302 having a partial cutout 2306 that improves the routing of one or more wires of the electrical connection 1506 from the upper conduit 1738 for removal from the containment apparatus 1730. Furthermore, the inner surface 1736is of the conduit sleeve structure 1736 may define an inner conduit 1740 that is at least partially tapered to house the specially shaped upper shaft portion 2502 of the air processor float switch 160. In another example, as... Figures 24A-24BAs shown, the pipe fitting structure 1736 may have upper and lower flange structures 2302 and 2304 and an inner surface 1736is, which together define a cylindrical inner conduit 1740 extending entirely between the top and bottom ends of the pipe fitting structure 1736, thereby storing at least Figures 23A-23B The pipe fitting structure 1736 shown is an air processor floating switch with different shapes.

[0331] Back Figure 15A ,Although Figure 15A A system 2000 including a drain cleaner device 200, an actuator device 900, and a float switch device 800 is shown, but it will be understood that exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the float switch device 800 may be omitted from the system 2000, and / or the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., its controller 210) may be configured to receive actuator command signals via an electrical connection 1504 in response to receiving actuator command signals through a user interface (e.g., 1182) of the drain cleaner device 200, a network communication connection to a remote computing device via a network communication interface 224 of the drain cleaner device 200, or similar means.

[0332] Figure 26A This is a top-front-left perspective view of a drain cleaner device system 2600 according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 26B This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 26A Perspective bottom-rear-left view of the 2600 drain cleaner device system. Figure 26C This is based on some exemplary embodiments. Figure 26A Perspective bottom-rear-left view of the 2600 drain cleaner device system. Figure 26D This is a perspective view of a push rod holster structure 2602 according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 26E It is according to some exemplary embodiments along Figure 26D The perspective cross-sectional view of the actuator sheath (holster) along the cross-sectional view line XXVIE-XXVIE'.

[0333] Understandable. Figures 26A-26C The drain cleaner device 200, the cylinder 300, the structural connector 220, and the like shown may include any element in any exemplary embodiment of the drain cleaner device 200, the cylinder 300, the structural connector 220, and the like described in any of the drawings and / or herein.

[0334] Reference Figures 26A-26EIn some exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the actuator device 900, such as at least the actuator 910, may be housed in an actuator holster structure 2602, which may be physically connected to the drain cleaner device 200 (e.g., engaging at least a portion of the housing 201 of the drain cleaner device 200). The actuator holster structure 2602 may further house an air processor float switch, the position of which is engaged and actuated by the at least actuator 910 further housed in the actuator holster structure 2602. As a result, the actuator 910 may be configured to actuate the air processor float switch 160 such that the air processor float switch 160 transmits a signal via electrical connection 1506, based on a signal received at the actuator 910 via electrical connection 1504 with the drain cleaner device 200, to cause the air processor 102 to shut down.

[0335] As shown, the actuator holster structure 2602 may include a structure having an inner surface 2610s that defines a cylindrical conduit 2610 extending between opposing upper and lower ends 2612 and 2614. One or both of the upper ends 2612 or the lower ends 2614 may be openings exposing the cylindrical conduit 2610 to the exterior of the actuator holster structure 2602 or to the closed end of the cylindrical conduit 2610. As shown, at least a portion of the actuator 910 may be housed in the lower portion of the cylindrical conduit 2610, while at least a portion of the air processor float switch 160 may be secured to the upper portion of the cylindrical conduit 2610, such that the actuator holster structure 2602 secures the air processor float switch 160 in place relative to the actuator 910, enabling the actuator 910 to actuate 980 of the air processor float switch 160.

[0336] As further shown, the actuator holster structure 2602 may include a connector structure 2616 configured to engage with a complementary connector structure 2618 of the drain cleaner device 200. The connector structure 2616 may include a male connector structure (e.g., a male flange structure, a label, etc.), and the complementary connector structure 2618 may include a female connector structure (e.g., a female flange structure, a groove, etc.) configured to slidably engage with the connector structure 2616 to connect the actuator holster structure 2602 to the drain cleaner device 200. For example, connector structures 2616 and 2618 may be configured to establish a frictional fit between the drain cleaner device 200 and the actuator holster structure 2602 to at least secure the actuator 910 and the air processor float switch 160 in place relative to the drain cleaner device 200. As shown in the figure, the actuator holster structure 2602, including connector structure 2616 and various structures of predefined inner surfaces 2610s and upper and lower ends 2612 and 2614, can be independent parts of a single material (e.g., plastic). As further shown, complementary connector structure 2618 can be partially or entirely defined by one or more portions of housing 201 of drain cleaner device 200, for example, by separate portions of base housing 1106 and side housing 1104.

[0337] Figure 27 This is a top-front-right perspective view of a drain cleaner device system 2700 according to some exemplary embodiments. It is understood that... Figure 27 The drain cleaner device 200 shown may include any element in any of the accompanying drawings and / or any exemplary embodiments of the drain cleaner device described herein. It is understood that... Figure 27 The tube 300 shown may include any element in any of the accompanying drawings and / or any exemplary embodiments of the tube described herein.

[0338] Reference Figure 27 In some exemplary embodiments, the drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to connect to a cylindrical container 304 having various volumes. For example, although at least in Figure 11A-11E The tubular container 300 shown in 13A-13D includes a tubular container 304 having a first specific volume (e.g., 36 ounces), but... Figure 27The cylindrical container 300 shown may have a different, second specific volume (e.g., 72 ounces), and the drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to connect (e.g., detachably connect) to either the cylindrical container 300 having the first or second volume. As described herein, the controller 210 of the drain cleaner device 200 may be configured to adjust a specific counter value for continuing the operation of the dispenser device 204 associated with wear and tear of the cylindrical container 304 to accommodate the drain cleaner device 200 being connected to cylindrical containers 300 of different capacities, thereby allowing the drain cleaner device 200 to be interchangeably connected to various cylindrical containers 300 having different capacities.

[0339] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein; it should be understood that other variations are possible. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and all such modifications that will be apparent to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A system configured to control the distribution of a cleaning composition to the condensate drain pipe of an air processor in an air conditioning system, characterized in that, The air processor includes an air processor float switch, the air processor being configured to shut down in response to actuation of the air processor float switch, and the system comprising: Drain cleaner device for dispensing the cleaning composition, the drain cleaner device comprising: The device outlet is in external fluid connection with the drain cleaner device. A dispenser device is configured to selectively dispense a quantity of the cleaning composition through the device outlet, and The controller is configured to drive the dispenser device to dispense a quantity of the cleaning composition through the device outlet without manual intervention; and A floating switch device is configured to connect to an opening in the condensate drain pipe. The floating switch device is configured to allow the drain cleaner device to supply the cleaning composition into the condensate drain pipe through the opening. The floating switch device includes a drain cleaner float switch configured to be electrically connected to the drain cleaner device. The connection of the floating switch device to the opening in the condensate drain pipe such that the drain cleaner float switch is positioned within the condensate drain pipe and configured to transmit a float switch signal to the drain cleaner device in response to the presence of fluid in the condensate drain pipe. The drain cleaner device is configured to be electrically connected to the drain cleaner float switch when dispensing the cleaning composition. The drain pipe cleaner is configured to be electrically connected to an independent controller of the air conditioning system. The independent controller of the air conditioning system includes a floating switch signal connection interface, and is configured to process electrical signals received via the floating switch signal connection interface as signals received from the actuated air processor floating switch, thereby causing the air conditioning system to at least partially shut down. The controller of the drain pipe cleaner device is configured to, in response to the drain pipe cleaner device receiving the float switch signal generated by the drain pipe cleaner float switch, transmit an electrical signal to the float switch signal connection interface, so that the independent controller of the air conditioning system receives the electrical signal via the float switch signal connection interface and shuts down at least the portion of the air conditioning system.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller of the drain cleaner device is configured to repeatedly operate the distributor device of the drain cleaner device at fixed time intervals of a specific duration, based on: A monitoring timer is established, which increments its value at a fixed frequency. In response to the timer value reaching a specific time value corresponding to the elapsed duration, the distributor device of the drain cleaner apparatus is operated, and In response to operating the drain cleaner device, the distributor device resets the timer value to the initial timer value.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller of the drain cleaner device is configured to: A monitoring counter, the counter incrementing its value in response to each drive of the distributor device of the drain cleaner apparatus, and A wear signal is generated in response to the counter value reaching a specific counter value corresponding to at least partial wear of the container of the cleaning composition.

4. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller of the drain cleaner device is configured to perform a float switch response operation of the dispenser device of the drain cleaner device in response to the drain cleaner device receiving a float switch signal generated by the drain cleaner float switch, resulting in an additional quantity of the cleaning composition being dispensed through the device outlet of the drain cleaner device.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The floating switch response operation is executed independently of the timer, such that the controller of the drain cleaner device is configured not to reset the timer value to the initial timer value in response to the floating switch response operation of the distributor device of the drain cleaner device.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drain cleaner device further includes: Network communication interface devices are configured to establish network communication connections with remote computing devices. The drain cleaner device is configured to transmit a warning signal to the remote computing device via the network communication connection in response to receiving a float switch signal generated by the drain cleaner float switch, the warning signal indicating at least one of the following: The rise in the liquid surface height in the condensate drain pipe causes the float of the drain cleaner's float switch to rise, thus actuating the drain cleaner's float switch. The air conditioning system is at least partially shut down.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drain cleaner device further includes: Network communication interface devices are configured to establish network communication connections with remote computing devices. The controller of the drain cleaner device is configured to transmit an electrical signal to the floating switch signal connection interface in response to receiving a shutdown command signal from the remote computing device via the network communication connection.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the drain cleaner device is configured to be connected to a first end of a distributor pipe having an opposing second end configured to be in fluid communication with the condensate drain pipe, such that the outlet of the drain cleaner device is configured to be in fluid communication with the condensate drain pipe at least through the distributor pipe.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distributor device includes a pump.

10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes: A remote computing device configured to support human users, the remote computing device being communicatively connected to the drain cleaner device via a network communication connection; The drain cleaner device is configured to transmit a warning signal to the remote computing device via the network communication connection in response to receiving a float switch signal generated by the drain cleaner float switch, the warning signal indicating at least one of the following: The rise in the liquid surface height in the condensate drain pipe causes the float of the drain cleaner's float switch to rise, thus actuating the drain cleaner's float switch. The air conditioning system is at least partially shut down. The remote computing device is configured to generate a warning notification in response to receiving a warning signal from the drain cleaner device via the network communication connection, instructing the supported human user to either actuate the drain cleaner float switch or at least partially shut down the air conditioning system.

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The warning notification is a graphical indication displayed on the screen of the remote computing device.

12. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The floating switch device includes: A support housing configured to connect with the opening of the condensate drain pipe; The drain cleaner float switch is connected to the support housing such that it is configured to be positioned in the condensate drain pipe in response to the connection of the support housing with the opening of the condensate drain pipe, and the drain cleaner float switch is configured to be actuated in response to the presence of fluid in the condensate drain pipe to transmit a float switch signal; and A supply pipe extending through the supporting housing is provided, a first end of which is configured to be in fluid communication with the device outlet of the drain cleaner device, and a second end of which is configured to be in fluid communication with the condensate drain pipe. Thus, the supply pipe is configured to establish fluid communication between the device outlet of the drain cleaner device and the condensate drain pipe, at least through the supply pipe, so that the cleaning composition is supplied from the drain cleaner device to the condensate drain pipe via the floating switch device. The drain cleaner float switch and the supply pipe are offset from the central axis of the support housing.

13. A method for operating the system of claim 1, characterized in that, include: Using the controller of the drain cleaner device, operate the dispenser device of the drain cleaner device to selectively dispense a certain amount of the cleaning composition through the device outlet of the drain cleaner device without human intervention, while the drain cleaner device is electrically connected to the drain cleaner float switch of the float switch device. as well as In response to the drain cleaner device receiving the float switch signal generated by the drain cleaner float switch, an electrical signal is transmitted to the float switch signal connection interface of the independent controller of the air conditioning system, so that the independent controller of the air conditioning system receives the electrical signal via the float switch signal connection interface and at least partially shuts down the air conditioning system.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Further includes: The distributor device of the drain cleaner apparatus is operated repeatedly at fixed time intervals with a specific duration, based on A monitoring timer is established, which increments its value at a fixed frequency. In response to the timer value reaching a specific time value corresponding to the elapsed duration, the distributor device of the drain cleaner apparatus is operated, and In response to operating the drain cleaner device, the distributor device resets the timer value to the initial timer value.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Further includes: The drain cleaner device performs a float switch response operation on the dispenser device in response to the drain cleaner device receiving a float switch signal generated by the drain cleaner float switch, resulting in an additional quantity of the cleaning composition being dispensed through the device outlet of the drain cleaner device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The floating switch response operation is executed independently of the timer, such that the timer value is not reset to the initial timer value in response to the floating switch response operation of the distributor device of the drain cleaner apparatus.

17. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Further includes: In response to receiving the float switch signal generated by the drain cleaner float switch, a warning signal is transmitted from the drain cleaner device to a remote computing device via a network communication connection, the warning signal indicating at least one: The rise in the liquid surface height in the condensate drain pipe causes the float of the drain cleaner's float switch to rise, thus actuating the drain cleaner's float switch. The air conditioning system is at least partially shut down.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The transmission causes the remote computing device to generate a graphic indication on its display screen, the graphic indication indicating at least one of actuation of the drain cleaner float switch or at least partial shutdown of the air conditioning system.

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