US3202165A - Automatic sewer back-up valve - Google Patents

Description

4, 1965 c. YAVICOLI 3,202,165

AUTOMATIC SEWER BACK-UP VALVE Filed Aug. 9, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

CA M ILLO YAVICOLI ATTORNEYS 4, 1965 c. YAVlCOLl 3,202,165

AUTOMATIC SEWER BACK-UP VALVE Filed Aug. 9, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

CAMILLO YAVICO Ll 5 BY MANN ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,292,165 AUTOMATMI SEWER BACKUP VALVE Camille Yavicoii, 4303 Tamalga Drive, South Euclid, Ohio Filed Aug. 9, 1962, Ser. No. 215,908 3 Claims. (Cl. 137- 107) The present invention relates to the alleviation of flooding conditions caused by the backing up of sewer waters, usually resulting from an over-burdening of the sewer system during heavy rains. The backing up of the sewer waters occurs primarily in the sanitary sewer system and causes deposits of sewage-laden liquids in the lower levels of residential homes and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to an automatic valve system which responds to blockage of the sewer lines by closing the flow through the outlet line and preventing the counterflow of sewage through the drains in the protected area.

It is the primary object of my invention to provide an automatically responsive valve mechanism for sealing the sewer lines against the backing up of the sewer waters.

Another object of my invention is to provide an improved valve mechanism for accomplishing the foregoing objective.

A further object of my invention is to provide an improved control system for operation of the aforesaid valve mechanism, which will also provide a visual or audible signal when the backup condition occurs.

Still another object of my invention is to provide means for preventing the accumulation of debris which could interfere with the effective operation of the valve mechanism.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an apparatus or device embodying the features of my invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken as indicated on line 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another cross-sectional view taken as indicated on line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view in elevation, showing details of the valve drive means and switch assembly.

FIG. 5 is a representative circuit diagram showing the control system for the valve mechanism, and

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram disclosing an alternative method of signal indication.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. l4 of the drawings, I have shown a sewer pipe or drain pipe section 10 provided with coupling means, such as the flanges 11 at opposite ends thereof, for connecting the pipe section 16 to the sewer line (not shown). It will be understood that the pipe section 10 would ordinarily be inserted in the sewer line closely adjacent to thepoint where the sewer line exits from the basement or. other area to be protected. The arrow 12 indicates the normal direction of the flow of waste Waters through the pipe line and into the exterior sewer system.

Adjacent the inlet side of the pipe 10 is mounted a sleeve 13, which is substantially coaxial with the pipe, and provides an annular space 14 between the wall of the sleeve and the adjacent converging or tapering wall 15 of the pipe section 10. The sleeve 13 extends part way into the pipe Ill and its end 16 provides a seat for a pivotally mounted valve body 17. A shallow branch or T is provided on the pipe section 10 to permit access to the interior of the pipe, when it should become necessary. The access opening provided by the T 18 is sealed by means 3,Z2,ifi5 Patented Aug. 24, 1965 of a cover plate 19 which may be clamped, as at 20, or otherwise suitably detachably secured to the T.

The cover plate 19 also serves as a support for the valve mechanism. A depending rod 21 is fixably secured to the underside of the cover plate 1 and provides a pivotal connection 22 adjacent the periphery of the circular valve body 17. A sutable standard or support member 23 is secured to the top of the cover plate 19 and has mounted thereon an electric motor 24 having a worm shaft 25 which operatively engages a worm gear 26 which is affixed to a vertically extending shaft 27. A second shaft 28 projects upwardly through a sleeve bearing 29 in the cover and is coupled, as at 30, to the end of the shaft 27 for simultaneous rotation therewith.

The lower end of the shaft 28 is provided with a worm 31 engaging a gear 32 which is rotatably carried by a support element 33 affixed to the underside of the cover 19. The gear 32 forms an integral part of a toggle link 34 which is pivotally connected as at35 to anotherlink 36 having a pivotal connection 37 to the valve body 17 centrally thereof.

The valve body 17 is connected, by means of a pivoted link 38, to a movable sealing element 39 which normally closes the opening to a riser or vent pipe 4-9 which communicates with the pipe section 10. The sealing element 39 is pivotally connected as at 41 to a support arm 42 which is secured to the underside of the cover 19.

Also aifixed to the underside of the cover plate 19, is a tubular, perforate spray ring 43 which is connected through a hand valve 44 and hose 45 to a conventional source of pressure water supply.

Disposed exteriorally of the wall of the pipe section 16, but affixed thereto, is a housing 46 which provides a float chamber 47 The open top of the float chamber is sealed by means of a casing 48 which extends both above and below the level ofthe opening. A rod 49 is aifixed to the casing 48 and has pivotally connected thereto the arm 50 of a float 51. An actuating rod 52 is pivotally connected, as at 53 to the arm 50 and extends upwardly through the casing 48 which serves to guide it in its vertical movement. A diaphragm seal 54 which is secured to the actuator rod and to the underside of the casing, serves to prevent any fluid communication between the float chamber 47 and the interior of the casing 48.

A switch arm 55 is pivotally secured Within the casing 48 and has its free end movably connected to the actuating rod 52. A mercury switch 56 is carried by the switch arm 55. A projection or pin 57 on the actuating rod 52 is adapted to engage the casing 48 and limit the extent of upward movement of the actuating rod.

The float chamber 47 communicates with the interior of the pipe 10 by means of an exteriorally provided channel 58 and oppositely disposed openings 5:9 in the wall of the pipe 10. The openings 59 communicate with the annular space 14 in the pipe. The openings are disposed at or even below the normal level of outgoing flow in the pipe 10.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 4 of the drawings, a portion of the shaft 27 is screw-threaded as at 60 and engages a collar 61 which carries switch actuating arms 62 and 63. Axial rotation of the collar 61 is prevented by the engagement of the end of the arm 62 with a guide groove 64 on the support member 23.

home will flow through the pipes provided therefor and through the pipe outwardly, in the direction of the arrow 12, to the municipal sewer system. Even under conditions of maximum use, the level of waste water flowing freely through the pipe 10 will be below the level of the openings 59. The ordinary velocity of flow through the sleeve 13 prevents the openings 59 from being exposed to the waste liquids and the annular space 14 is normally void of fluid. It will be noted that the effect .of the sleeve 13 is to provide a form of spillway within the pipe 10 at a point forward of the openings 59. For normal operation, the valve body 17 and the seal 39 are disposed in the solid line positions shown in FIG. 1, with the riser being sealed from communication with the pipe 19.

In the event of any circumstance which blocks or disrupts the free flow of the waste liquids beyond the pipe 10, a back-up condition is created in which the waste fluids counter-flow and exit through drains into the living area with damaging effect. It will be noted that in the counter-flow of the sewage waters, the spillway effect previously described does not exist, and the incoming liquid is trapped in the annular space 14 in communication with the openings 59.

The rising level of the back-up liquid actuates the float 51 and, through actuating rod 52 and switch arm 55, causes the normally open mercury switch 56 to assume a closed circuit position. This completes a motor energizing circuit from battery 71 through normally closed limit switch 68 and spring-loaded contact bar 72 to the motor terminals 73 and 74 of the reversible electric motor 24. The actuation of the motor 24 causes rotation of the shafts 27 and 28 which is translated by the gear 32 into closing movement of the valve body 17. During the closing movement of the valve body 17, the link 38 is eifected to cause opening movement of the sealing element 39, so that the valve 17 and seal 39 assume the positions shown in phantom outline in FIG. 1. Both of these movements are in the direction of counter-flow in the pipe 10, thus causing the valve body 17 to be firmly seated in sealing engagement with the end 16 of the sleeve 13.

The rotation of the threaded shaft 27 also causes downward movement of the collar 61 carrying the abutment screws 65 and 66. This causes screw 66 to disengage from the normally closed limit switch 69 and, likewise, causes screw 65 to engage and open limit switch 68 to open the motor energizing circuit when the valve 17 is fully closed. The mercury switch 56 also completes a parallel circuit through signal light 76 and the closing of the limit switch 69, by disengagement of the screw 66, completes a second signal circuit, as through light 77, which preferably is located remote from the valve mechanism in an occupied area where it will ordinarily be seen without undue delay. The signal 77 provides an immediate indication to the occupants that the valve 17 has closed and that the sewage system of the home can no longer be subjected to normal usage. The signal light 76 will remain energized as long as sufiicient counter-flow exists in the pipe 10 to maintain the float 51 at a switch-closing level, thus indicating the continued existence of the back-up condition.

It Will be understood that the valve operating and control system could with equal facility be energized by a conventional source of AC. power. However, inasmuch as heavy thunderstorms which might cause the sewer back-up condition might also cause failure or interruption of the conventional power supply, I prefer to use an independent source of electrical energy, such as the battery 71.

The opening of the sealing element 39 exposes the riser 40 to communication with the interior of the pipe section 10 and thus acts as a relief mechanism for the pressures created by the back flow in the system, particularly the occasional surge conditions which may occur. The riser 40 also serves as a vent pipe for the escape of gases which may be generated by the sewage and which would create additional pressures Within the system. In this manner, the system is protected against excessive pressure buildups resulting either from sudden surges or generated gases.

When the fiood condition has subsided, as indicated by the extinction of the signal light 76, it is safe to open the valve body 17 and restore the line to normal usage. This is accomplished by manually retracting the contact bar 72 to establish a reversing motor energizing circuit through closed limit switch 69 and motor terminals 73, 78 and 75. The motor 24 causes counter-rotation of the shafts 27 and 28 to open the valve body 17 and close the sealing element 39, so as to restore them to the originally described positions shown in solid lines. This rotation causes the collar 61 to move upwardly on the shaft 27, causing disengagement of the screw 65 with the limit switch 68 and restoring that limit switch to its normally closed position. The screw 66 is brought into operative engagement with the limit switch 69 to open the motor energizing circuit. When this occurs, the contact bar 72 can be released and will be restored to its normal position of contact with the motor terminals 73 and 74. The opening of the limit switch 69 also serves to open the signal circuit to the light 77, thus signalling the occupants that the normal usage of the waste lines can be resumed. Then, by opening the water valve 44, the valve operating mechanism and the pipe 10 are flushed and cleansed of accumulated debris by the pressure spray from the ring 43. The system is now in ready condition for automatic response to a future backup condition.

It will be understood that the limits of movement of the valve 17 and the sealing element 39, as controlled by the motor 24 and limit switches 68 and 69, can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the switch-engaging screws 65 or 66. It will also be apparent that the entire operating mechanism can be removed for inspection or repair simply by releasing and removing the cover plate 19, to which all the parts are secured.

If, for any reason, it should be considered necessary or desirable to conserve the output of the battery 71, the battery powered circuit to the signal 77 may be eliminated and, in lieu thereof, the normally-closed limit switch may be utilized to control a line-powered signal circuit, as indicated in FIG. 6. In response to downward movement of the collar 61, the screw 67 disengages from the limit switch 70 causing it to close and establish the energizing circuit to a signal, such as a bell 79. The ringing of the bell serves to alert the occupants to the valveclosing condition. It will be apparent that other signal means, such as the previously mentioned signal light 77 may be utilized instead of or in combination with the bell 79. In response to counter-rotation of the shaft 27, during the opening movement of the valve 17, the screw 67 is reengaged with the limit switch 70, causing it to open and break the circuit to the signal 79.

It is to be understood that the forms of my invention, herewith shown and described, are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of part may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a valve apparatus for controlling back-up flow in a sewer line, the combination of a pipe line for discharging sewage from an inhabited structure to a sewer, an internal flow sleeve having a discharge end of smaller diameter than said pipe line mounted within a portion of said pipe line in the path of liquid flow therein and providing an annular chamber between said sleeve and said pipe line, a liquid-level sensing device disposed exteriorly of said pipe line, the wall of said portion of said pipe line being provided with openings establishing flow communication between said annular chamber and said liquid-level sensing device, said openings being shielded by said sleeve from exposure to the discharging flow of liquid in its normal direction of movement in said pipe line, but being exposed to back-up flow of liquid into said annular chamber, and valve means actuated by said liquid-level sensing device in response to a predetermined level of back-up flow into said chamber and through said openings for sealing said discharge end of said sleeve against said backup flow.

2. A combination as defined in claim 1, including signal means actuated by said liquid-level sensing device in response to a predetermined level of back-up flow.

3. A combination as defined in claim 1, including a riser mounted on said pipe line downstream from said internal flow sleeve, and adapted to serve as a vent pipe for the escape of gases, closure means normally sealing said riser against communication With said pipe line, and

means responsive to sealing movement or" said valve means for simultaneously causing opening of said closure means to expose said riser to the back-up flow of liquid in said pipe line.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS ISADOR WEIL, Primary Examiner. CLARENCE R. GORDON, Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. IN A VALVE APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING BACK-UP FLOW IN A SEWER LINE, THE COMBINATION OF A PIPE LINE FOR DISCHARGING SEWAGE FROM AN INHABITED STRUCTURE TO A SEWER, AN INTERNAL FLOW SLEEVE HAVING A DISCHARGE END OF SMALLER DIAMETER THAN SAID PIPE LINE MOUNTED WITHIN A PORTION OF SAID PIPE LINE IN THE PATH OF LIQUID FLOW THEREIN AND PROVIDING AN ANNULAR CHAMBER BETWEEN SAID SLEEVE AND SAID PIPE LINE, A LIQUID-LEVEL SENSING DEVICE DISPOSED EXTERIORLY OF SAID PIPE LINE, THE WALL OF SAID PORTION OF SAID PIPE LINE BEING PROVIDED WITH OPENINGS BEING FLOW COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SAID ANNULAR CHAMBER AND SAID LIQUID-LEVEL SENSING DEVICE, SAID OPENINGS BEING SHIELDED BY SAID SLEEVE FROM EXPOSURE TO THE DISCHARGE FLOW OF LIQUID IN ITS NORMAL DIRECTION OF MOVEMENT IN SAID PIPE LINE, BUT BEING EXPOSED TO BACK-UP FLOW OF LIQUID INTO SAID ANNULAR CHAMBER, AND VALVE MEANS ACTUATED BY SAID LIQUID-LEVEL SENSING DEVICE IN RESPONSE TO A PREDETERMINED LEVEL OF BACK-UP FLOW INTO SAID CHAMBER AND THROUGH SAID OPENINGS FOR SEALING SAID DISCHARGE END OF SAID SLEEVE AGAINST SAID BACKUP FLOW.

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