Sewer Cap Monitoring System

Abstract

A sewer cap monitoring system includes, in one embodiment a sewer cap having a water level sensor attached on an underside thereof for determining when the level of liquid in a sewer line reaches a predetermined level, a transmitter that is capable of sending a wireless signal to alert any designated person or party that the sewer line may be blocked or obstructed. The system may further include an electronically controlled main water valve that is either automatically or electronically closed by a user closed upon receipt of a notification from the water level sensor. The system may be powered by any suitable power source, including one or more rechargeable batteries that may further be operatively connected to a solar cell disposed on a top portion of the sewer cap.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a sewer cap monitoring system that is used to detect backups in sewage lines, and to then alert various parties that a sewer system is in danger of failing or causing damages within residential and commercial establishments. Oftentimes, when a sewer line experiences a blockage, structural failure, or the like, homeowners and business owners only become aware of the problem when their toilets begin to overflow, and other drainage systems back up into homes, business offices, and the like. These backups, and subsequent overflows can cause massive damage and problems.

[0002] Thus, it would be desirable to provide a sewer monitoring system that could 1) alert appropriate parties (such as homeowners, municipalities, utility operators, service providers, etc.) that the problem exists, and 2) in some embodiments, could take remedial action, such as shutting off the water supply to affected areas or buildings and shutting down the sewer flow with an automatic back flow valve. Various systems have been developed to monitor septic tanks and sewage systems, and the documents set forth herein are examples of some of those efforts. The following documents are incorporated herein by reference, in their entireties:U.S Patent No. 4.392.128 Sewage Back-up Alarm

[0003] A sewer back-up alarm apparatus for placement in an existing sewer line connecting a residence to a sewage collection system, the alarm apparatus including a connection element connected into a sewer line, an adaptor attached to the connection element, a cap attached in air-tight and water-proof relationship to the adaptor, the adaptor also having an O-ring for sealing the cap to the adaptor, whereby backed up sewage in the sewer pipe forcibly ejects the cap from the adaptor and permits the backed up sewage to flow onto the ground, rather than into the residence; the back-up alarm system also includes first and second electrical conductors extending into the interior of the connection element for electrically contacting backed up sewage to produce reduced electrical resistance between the first and second conductors. An alarm circuit generates an alarm signal in response to a reduced resistance to actuate an audible buzzer.U.S Patent No. 4.961.068 Domestic Sewer Alarm

[0004] A pair of float operated sensors simultaneously detect inflow into the housing of an alarm assembly to actuate a buzzer and a lamp providing an early warning back-up alarm. One of the sensors remains actuated by the holding action of a magnet to continue operation signifying back-up recession. Under selective control, the buzzer is operated in by-pass relation to the sensors to indicate a low voltage condition of the battery powering the alarm assembly.U.S Patent No. 6.217.752 Septic Tank Alarm System

[0005] A two stage alarm system for detecting rising levels of sludge in septic tanks, and similar sedimentary tanks. The system, to detect a first or “caution” level, and a second or “critical” level of sludge, relies upon a pair of vertically positioned weight sensitive switching mechanisms which, when triggered by the rising levels of sludge, will send appropriate signals to a remote alarm mechanism, such as at the residence, to activate a “yellow” and / or “red” light, for example, thus alerting the owner of the tank to the need for remedial action.U.S Patent No. 7,292,143 Remote Sensing and Communication System

[0006] A remote sensing system and method for instrumenting the entries to manhole enclosures, in order to provide a platform and means for sensing environmental parameters within and around the enclosures and wirelessly transmitting those parameters to a distant site. The system comprises a housing with sensor for monitoring environmental parameter in the vicinity of the manhole. A microcontroller in the housing sends the parameters to a radio module, which transmits the parameters to a communication device for alerting a user that a manhole has been tampered with.U.S Patent No. 7,342,504 Monitoring System and Method

[0007] A monitoring system includes one or more monitoring devices, positioned in sewer manholes, storm drains, etc., and a remote monitoring station that communicates wirelessly therewith. The monitoring device may be an integrated unit, including sensors, a two-way telemetry unit, a power supply, a processor, and supporting hardware, all located in an enclosed, waterproof housing. The monitoring device is placed within a manhole cavity to obtain depth (e.g., water level) measurements and report the measurements back to the remote monitoring station, which analyzes the data and responds to alert messages when a dangerous water level is detected. The sample and reporting rates of the device, as well as the water level threshold values, may be remotely programmable via commands transmitted from the remote monitoring station. An additional sensor may monitor the manhole cover for security purposes. Additional external monitoring instruments may be connected to the device, which relays data therefrom to the remote monitoring station.U.S Patent No. 7,907,059 Sewage Pipe Alarm System and Associated Method

[0008] A sewage pipe alarm system includes a portable case seated exterior of the existing pipe. The system further includes a mechanism for detecting a blockage of fluid flow within the existing pipe by determining whether an internal water level within the existing pipe exceeds a threshold water level within the existing pipe. The system further includes a mechanism for notifying a user about the blockage of the existing pipe and a power supply source housed within the case. Such a power supply source is electrically coupled to the detecting mechanism and the notifying mechanism respectively.U.S Patent No. 8,220,484 Monitoring Systems and Method for Sewer and Other Conduit Systems

[0009] The present invention provides a monitoring system for a conduit network including one or more conduit sections joined at one or more conduit nodes, including: one or more sensor devices disposed at selected ones of the one or more conduit nodes, wherein each of the one or more sensor devices is operable for sensing a blockage or breakage in an associated conduit section, and wherein each of the one or more sensor devices is operable for communicating blockage or breakage information to a central location. Optionally, each of the sensor devices includes one of an audio sensor device and a radio frequency sensor device. Each of the sensor devices is operable for sensing the blockage or breakage in the associated conduit section by measuring an attribute of a transmitted / received signal, alone or in combination with another sensor device. Each of the sensor devices is operable for communicating the blockage or breakage information to the central location via a wireless link.U.S Patent No. 9,123,230 Sewer Backup Alarm

[0010] This system will alert an occupant of a backup in the sewer or septic system and could be used in a residential or commercial structure. The system is affixed to a sewer waste line and includes a float device and a wireless alert device. When a backup occurs, the float will lift and break the magnetic connection between a magnet connected to the float and a sensor on the wireless alert device. This, in turn, will cause a chime or other alarm device to activate inside the structure, alerting the occupant of a backup. The alarm will enable the occupant to turn off or not use any items which use running water until the problem is resolved.U.S Patent No. 9,631,356 Combined Sewer Overflow Warning and Prevention System

[0011] A monitoring and alert methodology ascertains conditions that may result in a combined sewer overflow (CSO) event. The method employs a semantic model of a combined sewer system that includes specification information describing the components of the combined sewer system. Sensors distributed throughout the components of the combined sewer system sense operating parameter information for those components. A monitoring and alerting (MA) information handling system (IHS) receives operating parameter information from the sensors. The MA IHS analyzes the operating parameter information received from the sensors together with the specification information in the semantic model of the combined sewer system to determine if a combined sewer overflow (CSO) event is possible. The MA IHS generates an alert to provide notification of a possible CSO event if the MA IHS determines that a CSO event is possible. In this manner, an operator may take early corrective action before a CSO event occurs.U.S Patent No. 9,786,152 Septic Overflow Warning System

[0012] The septic overflow warning system includes a sensor unit that is adapted to secure itself to a tank lip of a septic tank. The sensor unit includes a float that is adapted to be moved up or down depending upon the waste level inside of the septic tank. Moreover, the float is slideably positioned on a sensor rod that is in wired connection with an alarm module. The alarm module includes a plurality of lights thereon. The plurality of lights collectively indicates the status of the volume of the septic tank via the float. The alarm module is powered via at least one solar cell.U.S Patent No. 9,920,511 Methods, Systems, and Software for Providing a Blocked Sewer Alert

[0013] A blocked sewer unit includes a substantially impermeable barrier having a first side exposed to the interior of a sewage network and a second side, the barrier movable in the direction of the second side in response to fluid pressure on the first side. The blocked sewer alert unit includes a transducer separated by the barrier from the sewage network, the transducer configured to generate an electrical signal when the barrier moves into the dry section. The blocked sewer alert unit includes an alarm circuit configured to convert the electrical signal into a user alert.U.S Patent No. 10,607,475 Remote Monitoring System

[0014] A remote monitoring system for monitoring parameters of an underground asset, such as an electric cable system, a pipeline serving as a conduit for water, gas, oil, sewage, or the like. Parameter detectors, such as sensors that measure temperature, voltage, current, moisture, etc., are distributed along the asset to provide electrical signals that represent respective monitored parameters of the asset. An underground hub disposed in an underground vault, or manhole, through which the asset passes is coupled to the parameter detectors to acquire the signals provided by the parameter detectors. The hub includes a controller to provide data derived from the acquired signals, the data being transmitted to a remote central location by a transceiver, or modem, via LP-WAN communication. Signals from the transceiver are transmitted directly from underground.U.S Patent No. 11,994,422 Method and System for Remotely Monitoring Wastewater in Manhole of Underground Drainage Network and Alerting

[0015] The present disclosure relates to wastewater management that provides a method and a system for monitoring a sewer manhole from a remote location. The sewer monitoring system configured in a sewer manhole receives measured values from a level sensor and determines an accuracy error in the measured values for different conditions. The sewer monitoring system resolves the accuracy error in the measured values to obtain accurate measured values by either measuring a level of wastewater in the sewer manhole by setting a first range limit for the measured values dynamically based on an actual depth of the sewer manhole, or iteratively measuring the level of wastewater in the sewer manhole by setting unique a second range limit for the measured values dynamically. A risk associated with the sewer manhole based on the accurate measured values of the level sensor is determined, for monitoring the sewer manhole from a remote location.U.S Patent Application No. 2007 / 0205906 Early Detection and Advanced Warning "Waste is backing up" Apparatus and Method

[0016] A device for the early detection and advanced warning that waste is backing up in a waste pipe line comprising: a tubular body member having an open lower portion, a central hollow core extending axially there through, and a closed upper portion. The open lower portion is dimensionally sized and configured to be removably yet sealably fitted and fixed into the waste pipe line. The closed upper portion is provided with a vent. The device further comprises switching means fixedly secured on the upper closed portion and extending from the upper closed portion into the hollow core so that it is surrounded by and housed within the tubular body member; alarm issuing means installed in a remote location distanced away from the installation location of the tubular body but positioned for easy access and viewing; and communications means connecting the switching means to the alarm issuing means so that when the switching means responds to the rise of liquid waste inside the tubular body member as a result of waste backup in the waste pipe line, it closes a circuit and sends a signal along the communication means to the alarm issuing means, to generate an alarm and provide a window of opportunity to clear up the waste back up.U.S Patent Application No. 2009 / 0278699 Recreational Vehicle Holding Tank Sensor Probe

[0017] A wastewater holding tank sensor probe for use in determining the presence of a conductive liquid held within a wastewater holding tank in a recreational vehicle is disclosed. The probe is less sensitive to the presence of conductive residue as a result of an improved geometry and / or choice of materials that reduce the leakage currents between the probe tip and the sensor probe attachment surface, typically the wall of the tank. This reduction in sensitivity to conductive residue buildup can be measured by a geometrically determined resistivity factor between the probe tip and the mounting surface of the probe. The reduction in sensitivity can also be measured by the length of the path through the conductive residue between the probe tip and the mounting surface of the probe. A variety of geometries and material choices to reduce the sensitivity of electrical conductance based sensor probes to conductive residue are disclosed.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In one embodiment, the present invention includes a sewer cap monitoring system comprising a sewer cap (also sometimes referred to as a ‘clean-out cap) having a water level sensor attached on an underside thereof for determining when the level of liquid in a sewer line reaches a predetermined level. The water level sensor may take many different forms, but in one embodiment, the water level sensor includes a pair of probes that extend downwardly from the sensor, and the sensor is activated when the water level contacts the distal ends of both probes.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the sewer cap monitoring system may further include a transmitter that is capable of sending a wireless signal through a wireless internet connection (or any other suitable hardwired or wireless communication platform, such as Bluetooth®, radio signal, cell signal, satellite signal, or the like) to alert any designated person or party that the sewer line may be blocked or obstructed. In some embodiments, the system may further take remedial action that may include shutting down the inlet valve that allows water to flow into the building affected by the sewer line blockage and and closing down a backflow valve to prevent the backflow of sewage into the building.

[0020] The sensor and transmitter may be powered in any suitable fashion, including being hardwired to electrical lines in a building, via one or more batteries, and in some embodiments, the sewer cap may include a small solar panel that may be operationally connected to rechargeable batteries to provide a suitable energy source.

[0021] It is contemplated that the alarm or notification may take any suitable form, such as sending a message to a computer, smart phone, tablet, or any other electronic device that is capable of receiving a wireless transmission. The notification may be a text message, or may be sent as a push notification through an app on a portable computing device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a sewer cap monitoring system illustrating a sewer cap removably affixed to a sewer line clean-out access port, wherein the sewer cap includes a solar panel disposed on an upper portion thereof;

[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a sewer cap monitoring system illustrating a threaded sewer cap having an indentation on an underside thereof for receiving a complementary shaped water level sensor that includes a pair of probes extending downwardly therefrom, and further showing a sewer line clean-out access port having a threaded portion for receiving the complementary threaded portion of the sewer cap for removable attachment thereto;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a sewer cap monitoring system, showing a threaded sewer cap with a water level sensor attached to a bottom portion thereof, and further illustrating a pair of probes extending downwardly from the water level sensor for detecting levels of liquid;

[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a sewer line clean-out access port including a threaded sewer cap that is removably attached thereto, wherein the sewer cap includes a water level sensor attached to a bottom portion thereof, and further including a pair of probes extending downwardly from the water level sensor to determine the liquid level within a sewer line;

[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a sewer line clean-out access port including a threaded sewer cap that is removably attached thereto, wherein the sewer cap includes a water level sensor attached to a bottom portion thereof, and further including a pair of telescoping probes extending downwardly from the water level sensor to determine the liquid level within a sewer line, wherein the telescoping probes may be extended and retracted as desired; and

[0028] FIG. 6 is a side view of a building having a water main with a valve shown on one side thereof for bringing clean water into the building, and further showing a sewage line on an opposite side of the building, wherein the sewage line includes an access port and a sewer cap with a water level sensor, and a backflow valve downstream from the access port, so that the water level sensor in the sewer cap is operatively connected to the water main valve and the backflow valve to operate either or both valves in the event of a sewer line backup. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The present invention, in a first embodiment, includes a sewer cap monitoring system 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-6 for automatically determining when a sewer line 28 may be experiencing a backup or structural failure that may lead to toilet overflow or wastewater backing up into sink drains, bathtub drains, shower drains, and the like. Most modern buildings include a sewer system having a sewer line clean-out 12 that is an essential component of a house sewer line 28 that provides access for removing obstructions in the main drain pipe. It serves as a point of entry into the system to address any blockages or clogs that may occur over time. There are different types of clean-outs 12 commonly used in residential plumbing systems, including capped clean-outs and rodding ports. Capped clean-outs have a removable cap 14 that provides direct access to the main drain sewer line 28 when removed. Rodding ports, on the other hand, are smaller openings with threaded caps specifically designed for inserting a plumbing snake or rod to clear blockages.

[0030] In one embodiment, the present invention includes a sewer cap monitoring system 10 comprising a sewer cap 14 positioned along the main drain line of the sewer line 28, wherein the sewer cap 14 includes a water level sensor 16 attached on an underside thereof for determining when the level of liquid 18 in a sewer line reaches a predetermined level. The water level sensor 16 may take many different forms, but in one embodiment, the water level sensor 16 includes a pair of probes 20 that extend downwardly from the sensor 16, and the sensor 16 is activated when the water level contacts the distal ends of both probes. It is contemplated that the downwardly extending probes 20 may be formed into a telescoping arrangement, as shown in FIG. 5, so that the probes 20 may be extended or retracted to adjust the predetermined water level within the sewer line that serves to activate the alarm or notification. One example of a water level sensor 16 that may be integrated into the underside of a sewer line cap is the Smart AC water level sensor, model number SMWSG01A2.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the sewer cap monitoring system 10 may further include a transmitter 26 that is capable of sending a wireless signal through a wireless internet connection (or any other suitable hardwired or wireless communication platform, such as Bluetooth®, radio signal, cell signal, satellite signal, or the like) to alert any designated person or party that the sewer line may be blocked or obstructed. Notifications may also take other forms, such as an audible alarm, a flashing light, or any other appropriate mechanism for alerting a user that a potential sewer line backup may be in progress.

[0032] In some embodiments, the system may further take remedial action that may include shutting down the inlet valve 30 of a water line 32 that allows water to flow into the building affected by the sewer line blockage. In this embodiment, the main water inlet valve 30 that allows water into the building from a water supply utility or municipality (or even a well) may include a wireless receiver to receive a signal from the water level sensor 16, and that electronically operated inlet valve 30 may be automatically closed upon receiving such an alert of a potential sewer line backup. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the water level sensor may send out a notification to an appropriate person or party through an app on a smartphone, for instance, and then rather than automatically causing the main water inlet valve 30 to close, the water valve may be electronically and wirelessly closed via the user initiating that action through the app on his phone or smart computing device.

[0033] Downstream from the sewer cap monitoring system, the water level sensor 16 may also communicate with an electronically controlled stop valve 34 (also referred to herein as a ‘backflow valve’) positioned along the sewer line 28, so that a notification of a sewer line backup from the water level sensor 16 may be received by the electronically controlled stop valve 34, which then electronically closes, thereby preventing the backed-up or clogged sewer line 28 from back-flowing into the building being monitored. In this embodiment, the electronically controlled stop valve 34 preferably includes a receiver for receiving wireless (or wired) communications from the water level sensor transmitter 26, and electronically closes the stop valve 34 to prevent sewage from the main sewer line 28 from back-flowing into the local sewer lines of the building. Thus, the sewer cap monitoring system 10, upon detection of a sewer line back-up, may be used to electronically shut down both the water flowing into the building, as well as activating an electronically controlled stop valve 34 in the sewage line downstream from the water level sensor 16 , in order to prevent sewage from the main sewer line 28 from backflowing into the building sewer lines.

[0034] The sensor 16 and transmitter 26 within the sewer line cap 14 may be powered in any suitable fashion, including being hardwired to electrical lines in a building, via one or more batteries 28, and in some embodiments, the sewer cap 14 may include a small solar panel 22, as shown in FIG. 1, that may be operationally connected to rechargeable batteries 28 to provide a suitable energy source.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the underside of the sewer line cap is formed to include an indentation 24 in a complementary shape to receive a specific water level sensor 16, as shown in FIG. 2, to ensure a tight fit between the sensor 16 and the cap 14. The water level sensor 16 may be attached to the cap 14 in any suitable manner, including the use of adhesive, a snap-fit configuration, brackets, support mechanisms, or any suitable attachment means. Similarly, the sewer line cap 14 may include additional space to provide and house a transmitter and / or battery pack that is operatively connected to the water level sensor 16.

[0036] It should be understood that although various types of water level sensors have been described herein, any suitable water level sensors may be incorporated into the sewer cap in order to determine the level of liquid flowing through the sewer line. Such water level sensors may include, but are not limited to pressure transducers, ultrasonic level sensors, float sensors, optical water level sensors, and the like.

[0037] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claims

1. A sewer cap monitoring system comprising:a sewer cap that is removably attachable to an access point in a sewer line;a water level sensor attached to an underside of said sewer cap;a transmitter for transmitting a wireless notification when said water level sensor detects that a liquid level within said sewer line has reached a predetermined level;a power source operatively connected to said water level sensor and said transmitter.

2. The sewer cap monitoring system set forth in claim 1, further including a remote computing device for receiving said wireless notifications that said liquid level within said sewer line has reached a predetermined level.

3. The sewer cap monitoring system set forth in claim 1, wherein said water level sensor includes a pair of downwardly extending probes, so that said water level sensor is activated and initiates said notification when said water level within said sewer line comes into contact with said downwardly extending probes.

4. The sewer cap monitoring system set forth in claim 3, wherein said probes are configured in a telescoping configuration so that they may be extended and retracted in order to calibrate the predetermined level of liquid within said sewer lines required to activate said water level sensor to transmit said notification.

5. The sewer cap monitoring system set forth in claim 3, further including an electronically controlled main water valve having a receiver for receiving a signal from said transmitter.

6. The sewer cap monitoring system set forth in claim 1, wherein said power source is a rechargeable battery.

7. The sewer cap monitoring system set forth in claim 6, further including a solar cell attached to an upper side of said sewer cap, wherein said solar cell is operatively connected to said rechargeable battery for providing a charge to said rechargeable battery.

8. The sewer cap monitoring system set forth in claim 1, wherein said water level sensor is selected from the group consisting of a pressure transducer, ultrasonic level sensor, float sensor, and optical water level sensor.

9. The sewer cap monitoring system set forth in claim 1, further including an electronically controlled stop valve positioned within a sewer line that is operatively coupled to said transmitter, wherein said stop valve is activated by a signal from said transmitter to close said stop valve in order to prevent back flow from said sewage line.

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