US3644916A

US3644916A - Sewer lift alarm system

Info

Publication number: US3644916A
Application number: US838838A
Authority: US
Inventors: Clarence Oval Payne Sr
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1969-07-03
Filing date: 1969-07-03
Publication date: 1972-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 1989-02-22

Abstract

An alarm system for sanitary sewers, and the like, to provide an alert indicating the approach of a potentially dangerous situation which might result in damage or backup of sewage in a particular location in the sewage system. The signal system indicates excessive buildup of sewage in any sewer lift in the sewage system in such a manner that the location of the defective lift may be readily ascertained. In addition, the system is adapted for monitoring the overall situation at the sewer lift in order to determine the exact trouble, such as a power failure outside the system, power failure inside the system, inadequate operation of the pumping equipment, and the like. A repair of maintenance crew may be dispatched to the particular malfunctioning lift for correction of the difficulty prior to sufficient buildup of the sewage in the lift as to inflict damage in the surrounding area.

Description

United States Patent Payne, Sr. Feb. 22, 1972 f 1 [54] SEWER LIFT ALARM SYSTEM Primary Examiner-John W. Caldwell [72] Inventor gz g gif grg i gfii Assistant Examiner-Howard Cohen Attorney-William S. Dorman [22] Filed: July 3, 1969 Y 211 App]. No.: 838,838 [57] ABSTRACT An alarm system for sanitary sewers, and the like, to provide 521 u.s.c1 ..340/244 indicating aPPmach pmenia'ly [51] Int. Cl. ..G08b 21/00 situation which might result in damage or backup of Sewage in 581 Field of Search ..340/244, 233, 213, 413; a the sewage symmsignal sysem zoo/61.05 indicates excessive buildup of sewage in any sewer lift in the sewage system in such a manner that the location of the defec- [56] References cited tive lift may be readily ascertained. In addition, the system is adapted for monitoring the overall situation at the sewer lift in UNITED STATES PATENTS order to determine the exact trouble, such as a power failure outside the system, power failure inside the system, in- $23 1? g adequate operation of the pumping equipment, and the like. A 3,341,836 9/1967 Marcurhjz.................::::340/244 c repair maimenance crew may be dispatched the Panic OTHER PUBLICATIONS Stacy, C. E., Ahom Foretells Sewer Overflows American lar malfunctioning lift for correction of the difficulty prior to sufficient buildup of the sewage in the lift as to inflictdamage in the surrounding area.

City, May 1967 page 38. 4 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures 22 20 I A 4 l8 44 1/42 4O E [2 /Y 4 43 50 lo Patented Feb 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.3

INVENTOR. 26 CLARENCE o. PAYNE. SR.

ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 22, 1972 I 3,644,916

2 Shets-Sheeg INVENTOR. o. PAYNE, $2.

ATTORNEY SEWER LIFT ALARM SYSTEM This invention relates to improvements in sewer systems and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an alarm system for utilization in conjunction with a sewer system for indicating the approach of a potentially damaging condition at any sewer lift site in the sewer system and for indicating the particular trouble encountered at the site.

In most cities or urban areas today, the sanitary system includes a plurality of sumps, or underground sewage collection areas called sewer lifts, for receiving the sewage from the surrounding area. Each of the sewer lifts serves a particular area, and all of the sewer drainpipes extending from the houses, building, or the like, in the area are connected with the particular sewer lift for draining the sewage into the lift. Each lift, in turn, is connected with the main sewage disposal plant, or the like, through suitable sewer conduits. An electric pump is normally disposed in association with each sewer lift for pumping the accumulation of sewage from the lift to the main sewer lines for transportation to the main sewage disposal plant. The pump is electrically or otherwise connected with the particular lift with which it is associated in such a manner that the pump is automatically actuated when the sewage accumulates within the lift to a predetermined depth. The pump normally maintains the fluid below the established depth in the lift, with said established depth being below the elevation of any building, or the like, being serviced by the sewer lift. Thus, accumulation of fluid is normally discharged from the sewer lift at intervals sufficient for precluding any backup of the sewage into the service lines, and thus precluding any backup of the sewage from the lift and into the buildings or houses in the surrounding area.

However, as a practical matter, the pump may malfunction and may not properly discharge the sewage from the sewer lift. The connection between the lift and pump may be damaged or faulty whereby the pump is not activated as the sewage accumulates within the lift, or the pump itself may not operate properly when activated and may not function to discharge the sewage from the lift, or by way of further example, the main or outside power supply to the pump may be disrupted whereby the pump is inactive or inoperable. When malfunction of the pump occurs for any reason, the quantity ofsewage accumulates within the lift to a sufficient depth for backing up in the sewage line servicing the area surrounding the lift. The inoperative condition of the pump usually eludes detection, and the continued backup of the sewage in the sewage service lines may cause the sewage to back up in the individual sewer lines of the building or houses connected therewith. Of course,

' the first backup of sewage will occur in the building of lowest elevation, and if this should occur in a building which is at least temporarily unoccupied, the backup of sewage may be considerable, and over an extended period of time before the sewage system failure is noted. When such a backup of sewage occurs, not only is a great inconvenience encountered, but also the city or owner of the sewage utility is usually subject to the payment of damages causes by the sewage backup. This is often extremely expensive, not only in the labor required for cleaning up the area, but also in the cost of replacement for ruined furnishings, and the like.

An alarm system has been developed for warning of impending danger at a sewer lift site, as set forth in my copending application Ser. No. 709,023, filed Feb. 28, 1968 now abandoned, and entitled Sewer Lift Alarm System. The alarm system provides a central surveillance area wherein an alarm is activated when sewage in any sewer lift being monitored thereby accumulates beyond a predetermined depth. The alarm system identifies the location of the defective sewer lift whereby a repair crew may be dispatched to the site in order to repair the malfunction before damage occurs to the surrounding area. However, it has been found advantageous to provide an indication of the nature of the malfunction in addition to the location of the sewer lift involved.

The present invention contemplates a novel alarm system for a sewage system to provide an indication of the particular trouble at the sewer lift in addition to the location of the malfunctioning lift. The novel alarm system comprises an individual detector member disposed within each of the sewer lifts in a sewage system, with each detector being disposed above the level whereupon the pump is normally activated for discharging the accumulation of sewage from the lift. Each detector is independently electrically connected with a signal device installed at a central location, with said central location being manned at all times. Each detector is electrically connected with an individual signal member at the central location with each individual signal member being identified as to the particular sewer lift in which the associated detector is disposed. In the event of accumulation of sewage within the sewer lift above the predetermined level therefor, the particular detector disposed within the affected sewer lift will activate its associated signal member at the central location, and the operator at the central location will be immediately alerted of the approaching dangerous situation at the affected sewer lift. In addition, the signal is coded whereby the nature of the particular trouble may be identified. For example, the signal may indicate that the supply of power from outside the unit has been interrupted; or the signal may indicate that a pumping unit is running, but is not operating properly for discharging the sewage from the lift; or the signal may indicate that power failure exists within the unit itself; or the signal may indicate some other condition which exists at the sewer lift site and which contributes to the inadequate functioning at the site. In this manner, emergency steps may be taken for repairing the damage or malfunction at the site, or otherwise removing the accumulated sewage from the sewer lift prior to any backup of the sewage in the sewage service lines extending from the buildings or houses in the area surrounding the affected sewer lift.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a novel sewer lift alarm system particularly designed and constructed to provide a safety alarm for a sewer system which augments the normal pumping equipment utilized in connection with the sewer lifts of the sewer system.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel sewer alarm system wherein a signal is energized indicating the presence of a possible trouble area in the sewer system whereby attention may be provided at the potential trouble area prior to any damage to the surrounding area.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel sewer alarm system wherein a signal is activated at a central location which indicates the approach of a possible dangerous condition at a remote sewer lift whereby the potential danger area may be readily identified.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel sewer alarm system wherein a signal is activated at a central location which indicates an inefficient operation at a remotesewer lift site and which identifies the particular trouble existing at the site.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novel sewer alarm system which is simple and efficient in operation and economical and durable in construction.

Other and further objects and advantageous features of the present invention will hereinafter more fully appear in connection with a detailed description of the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional elevational view of a sewer lift provided with a signal device of the invention and depicting a portion of the area surrounding the sewer lift schematically.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a central signal panel device embodying the invention.

FIG. 3 is a broken sectional elevational view of a portion of the signal panel housing shown in FIG. 2 and depicting one means of fastening thereof.

FIG. 4 is an electrical schematic view of a sewer alarm system embodying the invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged electrical schematic view of one portion of a sewer alarm system embodying the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and particularly FIG. 1, reference character 10 generally indicates a sewer lift comprising a housing 12 normally buried in the ground 14 to provide a sump or storage cavity or chamber 16. The upper end 18 of the housing 12 is normally accessible at the surface of the ground 14, or may protrude slightly thereabove, and may be provided with an access opening 20 having the usual removable cover 22 disposed therein.

At least one service sewer line 24 is connected with the housing 12 in any well-known manner (not shown) for discharging fluids or sewage into the chamber 16 from the surrounding area. The line 24 is normally installed or laid at a slight angle with respect to the horizontal in order that the sewage moving therethrough will flow by gravity into the chamber 16 for accumulation therein. A plurality of houses, buildings, or the like (not shown) in the surrounding area are connected to the service sewer line by individual conduits (not shown) as is well known whereby the sewage from each house will be deposited or discharged into the line 24 and thence transported to the chamber 16. Of course, the houses or buildings are usually at varying levels or elevations according to the terrain of the area surrounding the sewer lift 10.

The sewer line 24 normally enters the chamber 16 at a position spaced upwardly from the bottom of the chamber 16 in order to assure a sufficient area therebelow for the desired accumulation of sewage in the chamber, as shown at 26. In addition, it is the usual practice to provide a suitable pumping unit, generally indicated at 28, in the proximity of the sewer lift 10. The pumping unit 28 may be of any suitable type and as depicted herein comprises a plurality of pumps 30 disposed within a housing 32 generally similar to the housing 12, and buried in the ground 14, as shown in FIG. I, or may be suitably installed on the surface of the ground 14, or installed at any other desired location, as is well known. The pumping units 30 may be of any suitable well-known type, and are connected with the housing 12 and chamber 16 by means ofa conduit 34 whereby the pumps 30 may be utilized for withdrawing or discharging the sewage 26 from the chamber 16, as will be hereinafter set forth in detail. In addition, the pumping units 30 are operably connected with suitable motors 36, or the like, for actuation thereby, as is well known. The motors 36 may be installed in a suitable protective shelter or housing 38 and are operably connected with the pumping units 30 through leads 40, as is well known. In addition, the pumping units 30 or the motors 36 are suitably connected with the housing 12 and chamber 16 in such a manner (not shown) that the pumps 30 will be activated when the level of sewage 26 in the chamber 16 reaches the established or predetermined level, such as shown in my aforementioned copending application.

For example, a float member (not shown) may be reciprocally mounted within the chamber 16 in any suitable manner (not shown) whereby the float member will be elevated or raised by the accumulated sewage 26 when the level of the sewage reaches the predetermined level within the chamber 16. The upward movement of the float may close a suitable switch (not shown) mounted within the housing 12, with said switch being electrically connected with the motors 36 through a suitable lead, or the like (not shown). The closing of the switch will energize the motors 36 for activation of the pumping units 30 to begin the pumping operation. The pumps 30 will continue the pumping operation until the level of the sewage within the chamber 16 returns to a normal or safe level. The sewage is pumped from the chamber 16 through the conduit 34 and upwardly through a standpipe or conduit 42 into the main sewer line 44 where it iscarried or transported to the main sewage disposal plant, or the like (not shown). A suitable pressure switch 41 is interposed in the line 42 and in communication with the pumps 30 through a conduit 43 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth.

The position of the float (not shown) within the chamber 16 is normally such that the pumps 30 will be activated for elevating the sewage 26 from the chamber 16 before the level of the sewage reaches the level of the lowermost service sewerline 24, thus precluding any backup of the sewage in the line 24. Of course, any malfunction of the pumps 30, or any failure of the electrical system for activation of the pumps 30 usually results in a buildup of sewage in the chamber 16, and a backup of the sewage in the lines 24. As long as the situation remains unremedied the backup of sewage in the line 24 continues, and may back up in the individual sewer lines (not shown). The backup of the sewage may be so severe as to back up in the houses or buildings with the first signs of the sewage back up being at the housing having the lowest elevation.

A suitable electrode 46. or the like, is suspended in or suitably installed within the chamber 16 at a position slightly above the established level of the sewage which elevates the float for normally activating the pumps 30. However, the position of the electrode 46 is also below the level of the lowermost service sewer line 24. The electrode 46 is carried by a suitable electrical lead 48 which extends from the housing through a suitable conduit 50. The conduit 50 may be partially buried in the ground 14, as clearly shown in FIG. 1, and extends vertically from the ground along the usual telephone pole 52 and may be secured to the pole 52 in any suitable or well-known manner (not shown). The conduit 50 may be grounded in any suitable manner (not shown). The lead 48 is suitably electrically connected through the usual telephone lines 54 with a centrally disposed alarm device generally indicated at 56in FIGS. 2 and 4.

The alarm device 56 as shown herein comprises a main box or housing portion 58 having a front plate member 60 secured thereon in a manner as will be hereinafter set forth. The front plate member 60 is provided with a centrally disposed rectangular boxlike opening 62 having a cover panel 64 therefor. The panel 64 is preferably sectional and is provided with a transversely extending hinge member 66 whereby one portion 68 of the panel 64 may be alternately opened and closed to provide access to the interior of the opening 62. The movable panel portion 68 is provided with a first window or transparent pane 70 to permit visual inspection ofa signal board generally indicated at 72 and a second window 73 to permit visual inspection of an annunciator panel (not shown) similar to that shown in my aforementioned copending application. The signal board 72 is suitably mounted within the box 58 and at the opening portion 62 and is provided with signal means corresponding to each sewer lift 10 in a manner and for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. The annunciator panel is suitably mounted in the opening portion 62 for actuation in a manner similar to that in my aforementioned application.

The interior of the housing 28 enclosing the pumping units 30 is normally dry whereby the operation of the pumping units 30 will be maintained at optimum efficiency. However, under certain conditions, leakage may occur and the housing 28 may become at least partially filled with liquid, or the like, which may interfere with the operation of the pumping units 30. A second electrode 74, similar to the electrode 46, is suitably suspended or otherwise installed within the interior of the housing 28 and is preferably disposed relatively near the bottom thereof, or in the proximity of the elevation of the pumping units 30 disposed therein. The electrode 74 is carried by a suitable electrical lead (not shown) which extends from the housing 28 through a suitable conduit 76. The conduit 76 may be partially buried in the ground 14, as clearly shown in FIG. 1, and extends vertically from the ground along the telephone pole 52 and may be secured to the pole 52 in any suitable or well-known manner (not shown). The pressure switch 81 and the lead from the electrode 74 are suitably electrically con nected through the usual telephone lines 54 with the alarm device 56 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. In addition, suitable electrical leads 78 and 80 connect the motor 36 with a relay 82in the circuit of the alarm device 56. Of course, the relay 82 may be grounded to the piping or other equipment, as shown at 84 in FIG. 1.

Whereas the particular installation depicted in FIG. 4 relates to a sewer system having 20 sewer lifts, it is to be noted that substantially any number of lifts may be incorporated in a similar system. In addition, since each sewer lift is connected in a substantially identical manner with the alarm device 56,

only one of the sewer lift connections therewith will be set forth in detail herein.

The telephone line 54 from the sewer lift in the sewer system extends into suitable electrical connection with an electrical lead, such as the lead 86 shown in FIG. 4. The lead 86 is suitably connected with a terminal 88 of a terminal strip 90, or the like, which is suitably mounted within the box 58. The terminal 88 is, in turn, electrically connected with a suitable relay 92 in a manner as will be hereinafter set forth. The relay 92 for each sewer lift 10 is depicted in block form in FIG. 4, for purposes of illustration, and one of the relays 92 being substantially identical. The relays 92 are suitably mounted in the box 58 and each relay 92 is electrically connected to a second relay, latching solenoid, annunciator, or the like, as generally indicated at 94 in FIG. 4 in a manner and for a purpose similar to that set forth in my aforementioned copending application. In addition, each relay 92 is electrically connected to the respective signal means generally indicated at 95 (FIG. 5) of the signal board 72 in a manner and for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. The signal means 95 is eliminated in FIG. 4 for purposes of illustration.

A suitable power supply 96 is provided for the alarm system 56, and provides a l2-volt DC current device. The power supply 96 may comprise a pair of suitable 6-volt hand lantern batteries, such as those known as NEDA Eveready batteries connected in series, or by two 6-volt hotshot batteries such those known as No. l46l Eveready batteries connected in series. It is also preferably to make provisions for including a third 6-volt battery in order to provide an 18-volt DC current for the system, if desired. Of course, the batteries 96 may be mounted in any desired location, however, it is preferable to install the batteries in the box 58. A buzzer relay 98 similar to the relays 92 may also be provided for the alarm system 56 and may be electrically connected with a suitable remote signal plug 100, if desired.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the signal means 95 comprises a pilot light 102 of any well-known or suitable type, a suitable double-pole double-throw switch I04, and a suitable electrical pushbutton member 106, and mounted on the signal board 72. The relay 92 is electrically connected with the terminal 88 by an electric lead 108 and in turn is electrically connected with the pilot light 102, switch I04 and pushbutton 106 through the electrical leads 110, I12 and 114, respectively. The switch 104 is electrically connected with the telephone line 54 through the electrical line I16, and also to the relay 92 through the electrical line 118. The pushbutton 106 is electrically connected with the pilot light 102 by the line 120. The pilot light 102, switch 104 and pushbutton 106 are all electrically connected with the power source through the electrical leads I22, I24 and 126, respectively.

All the electrical components and wiring therefor are installed in the box 58 as is well known, and upon the completion of the wiring operation, the cover plate 60 is rivited or otherwise secured to the box 58. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of apertures 128 are provided in the rear face of the box 58 for alignment with a plurality of apertures 130 provided in the cover plate 60. A sleeve 132 is inserted within the aligned apertures I28 and 130, and is preferably disposed with the opposite ends thereof protruding beyond the rear surface of the box 58 and the outer surface of the cover 60. One end of the sleeve 132 may be flared outward as shown at I33. A substantially U-shaped tool or holder member 134 is provided for spanning the width of the box 58 with the cover 60 disposed thereon, as clearly shown in FIG. 3. A pointed boss or position member 136 is provided on one arm 138 of the holder 134 and extends inwardly for disposition within the flared end 133 of the sleeve 132. A shank member 140 is threadedly secured to the opposite arm 142 of the holder 134 and is provided with a pointed boss member 144 on the inner end thereof. The boss member 144 is adapted for insertion within the open end of the sleeve I32, and rotation of the shank I40 in one direction causes the boss member 144 to move axially toward the sleeve 132 for flaring the exposed end of the sleeve outwardly, thus securing the cover 60 securely to the box 58 in a manner substantially precluding unwanted tampering with the wiring or electrical components within the box 58.

Each of the annunciators 94 and signal means of the device 56 is identified in any suitable manner (not shown) for correlation with the particular sewer lift 10 with which it is connected. As hereinbefore set forth, and

windows

70 and 73 permit a constant visual monitoring of the board 72 and an nunciator panel whereby activation of any of the annunciators 95 and signal means 94 will be promptly noted, and the location of the sewer lift 10 activating the signal means may be readily ascertained. In addition, the buzzer or other audible means 98 is connected with each annunciator 94 in order to further attract the attention of the operator monitoring the system. 1

OPERATION The panel or alarm device 56 is normally installed at a central location and is provided with constant surveillance by an attendant, or the like. The switches 104 are normally in the position shown in FIG. 5.

In the event trouble occurs at any sewer lift 10 wherein the sewage system fails for any reason, the sewage 6 may rise within the chamber 16 until the level of the sewage reaches the electrode 46. As soon as the fluid or sewage 26 touches or engages the electrode 46, the electrical circuit portion of the panel 56 connected with the particular electrode 46 is closed whereby the respective relay 92 will be energized for dropping or lowering the respective annunciator 94 and activating the buzzer 98 at the central monitoring site. Similarly, any accumulation of fluid with the normally dry well or housing 28 which might be detrimental to the pumping units 30 will activate the electrode 74, thus closing the electrical circuit connected therewith and dropping the associated annunciator 94 and energizing the buzzer 98. Thus, the attention of the attendant will be attracted by the audible signal and he may visually inspect the annunciator panel and signal board 72 for ascertaining which of the annunciators 94 has been dropped. The operator or attendant may correlate the identification number or other insignia thereof with the master plane of the sewer lifts, thus readily determining exactly which sewer lift is approaching a sewage problem.

The alarm system 56 may be arranged for monitoring a plurality of conditions at the sewer lift site in order to facilitate the maintenance and repair thereof. For example, if the pumping units 30 at the affected sewer lift 10 are operating, then the pressure at the pressure switch 41 will be normal and annunciator 94 will be illuminated, thus providing a visual indication that the trouble at the sewer lift is something other than an inoperative pump. Of course, if the pumps 30 are not operating, the pressure at the pressure switch 41 will drop for activating the pressure switch in such a manner that the light 102 associated with the dropped annunciator 94 is not lighted. This gives an indication that either the pumping units 30 are not pumping or the light 102 is defective or burned out. In order to test the bulb or light 102, the pushbutton I06 associated therewith may be manually depressed. The pilot light 102 will be illuminated upon depression of the button 106 if the light is in operating condition. This assures, then, that the pumping apparatus 30 is inoperative at the sewer lift site. Of course, if the light 102 does not burn or go on upon depressing of the pushbutton 106, the bulb is defective and may be replaced.

Furthermore, whether the pumping apparatus 30 is pumping or is not pumping, it is desirable to ascertain the reason for the malfunction at the sewer lift site. Accordingly, the buzzer or other signal member may be suitably electrically connected in the circuit for providing coded signals in accordance with a variety of situations which might occur at the sewer lift site. For example, the closing of the electrical circuit of the affected sewer lift 10 drops the respective annunciator drop 94, as set forth in my copending application, which places suitable cycling timers in electrical connection in the circuit. In the event the electrical circuit of the affected sewer lift 10 has been closed by energization of the electrode 74 of the dry well or housing 38, the buzzer may be intermittently energized whereas the buzzer may be continuously energized if the electrode 46 has closed the circuit. Similarly, a long and short type coded signal may be produced by the buzzer when the motors 36 are inoperative due to a malfunction within the system itself, whereas still a different coded signal may be produced at the buzzer in the event the power fails outside the system itself, such as a main electrical supply failure. Of course, substantially any desiredcondition may thus be monitored by the alarm system whereby not only is advance notice of impending danger at a sewer lift provided, but also the overall or general nature of the cause ofthe malfunction, or the like, is provided.

A repair or maintenance crew may be quickly dispatched to the vicinity of the identified sewer lift 10 for correction of the problem which may exist at the site. It will be apparent that an advance indication of the particular type of trouble will greatly facilitate the operation of the work crew and reduce the overall time required for repair of the sewer lift. Of course, the corresponding switch 104 may be manually opened to extinguish the buzzer 98 as soon as the advance information relating to the troubled sewer lift is received, and after the proper repairs have been made or the situation has been remedied, the thrown or dropped switch 104 may be reset for restoring the alarm system 56 to the normal monitoring position therefor.

It is preferable that the time delay between the activation or closing of the electrical circuit connected with an affected sewer lift 10 be sufficient to enable the work crew to reach the trouble area in sufficient time to preclude unwanted damage. This time delay may be established or determined by the position of the electrode 46 within the chamber 16. The electrode 46 is preferably disposed just above the normal upper limit of the sewage level in the chamber 16 in order that the electrode will be energized as soon as the level of the sewage rises above the desired maximum therefor and at a maximum time before the level of the sewage reaches the lowermost sewer line 24. Similarly, the electrode 74 may be positioned within the housing 28 at an optimum position for providing an advance warning in adequate time before the rise of fluid within the housing 28 will damage or hinder the operation of the pumping units 30.

As hereinbefore set forth, the particular alarm device 56 shown in FIG. 4 relates to an alarm system for a sewer system having 20 sewer lifts. Each of the sewer lifts in the system is connected with the respective relay 92 for activating the buzzer 98 and with the respective relay 104. Thus, the entire sewer lift system is constantly under surveillance at all times.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present invention provides a novel safety alarm system for sewer systems whereby warning of approaching trouble in the sewer system is provided. In addition, an indication of the particular nature of the trouble at the affected sewer lift is provided. A central location is provided with an alarm device wherein a signal is energized upon the rise of any sewage in any sewer lift in the sewage system above the established maximum level for the sewage therein. The signal or alarm provides an identification of the particular sewer lift, or lifts, wherein a troubled condition is approaching, and an overall indication of the nature of the trouble or problem at the sewer lift site, thus enabling the dispatching of maintenance or repair crews to the site for .understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An alarm means for a sewer system having at least one sewer lift therein and comprisin detector means disposed within said sewer lift and activate upon contact with sewage rising within said sewer lift, a centrally disposed alarm device remotely disposed from said sewer lift and operably connected with said detector, said alarm device being energized upon activation of said detector for providing a signal upon the rise of the sewage within the sewer lift, and means connected with said alarm device for indicating the probable cause of substantially any trouble at the sewer lift, and wherein the sewer system includes a plurality of sewer lifts each having a dry well and a wet well, and said detector means comprises an individual detector disposed within the dry and wet wells of each sewer lift being operably connected with said alarm device for independent actuation of the alarm upon the rise of fluid in either the dry or wet well of any of the sewer lifts, and wherein the alarm device comprises housing means disposed at said remote position, first electrical relay means provided in said housing means and having an independent relay operably connected with each of said individual detectors whereby each detector activates its respective relay to indicate a rise of liquid within the wet well at the respective sewer lift, said signal means comprises second electrical relay means provided in said housing and having individual relay members electrically connected with each of said first independent relays whereby each first relay activates its respective second relay member, and said last-mentioned means comprises signal means disposed within said housing and visible from the exterior thereof, said signal means comprising independent signal members operably connected with each of said first relays whereby each of said first relays activates its respective signal member for distinctively indicating a rise of liquid within the dry well or a power failure or a pump failure at the respective sewer lift.

2. An alarm means for a sewer system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the signal means comprises indicator light means operably connected with the first relay in such a manner as to be lighted only for indicating trouble other than pump failure, pressure-responsive button means operably connected with said indicator light means to provide an indicator for checking the operable condition ofsaid light, and reset switch means for restoring the alarm means to the normal position therefor subsequent to activation thereof for any reason.

3. An alarm means for a sewer system as set forth in claim 2 wherein pumping means is provided in said dry well, and pressure switch means operably connected between said pumping means and said signal means for precluding activation of said indicator light when pump failure is present in the sewer system.

4. An alarm means for a sewer system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the signal means includes a first distinctive signal to indicate main electrical power failure and a second distinctive signal to indicate electrical power failure within the sewer lift system itself.

Claims

1. An alarm means for a sewer system having at least one sewer lift therein, and comprising detector means disposed within said sewer lift and activated upon contact with sewage rising within said sewer lift, a centrally disposed alarm device remotely disposed from said sewer lift and operably connected with said detector, said alarm device being energized upon activation of said detector for providing a signal upon the rise of the sewage within the sewer lift, and means connected with saId alarm device for indicating the probable cause of substantially any trouble at the sewer lift, and wherein the sewer system includes a plurality of sewer lifts each having a dry well and a wet well, and said detector means comprises an individual detector disposed within the dry and wet wells of each sewer lift being operably connected with said alarm device for independent actuation of the alarm upon the rise of fluid in either the dry or wet well of any of the sewer lifts, and wherein the alarm device comprises housing means disposed at said remote position, first electrical relay means provided in said housing means and having an independent relay operably connected with each of said individual detectors whereby each detector activates its respective relay to indicate a rise of liquid within the wet well at the respective sewer lift, said signal means comprises second electrical relay means provided in said housing and having individual relay members electrically connected with each of said first independent relays whereby each first relay activates its respective second relay member, and said last-mentioned means comprises signal means disposed within said housing and visible from the exterior thereof, said signal means comprising independent signal members operably connected with each of said first relays whereby each of said first relays activates its respective signal member for distinctively indicating a rise of liquid within the dry well or a power failure or a pump failure at the respective sewer lift.

2. An alarm means for a sewer system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the signal means comprises indicator light means operably connected with the first relay in such a manner as to be lighted only for indicating trouble other than pump failure, pressure-responsive button means operably connected with said indicator light means to provide an indicator for checking the operable condition of said light, and reset switch means for restoring the alarm means to the normal position therefor subsequent to activation thereof for any reason.