WO2013162507A1 - Backup pneumatic water pressure device - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid pressure backup device has a tank mounted between pressurized fluid and piping for delivering the fluid. An air bladder within the tank is inflated by an air compressor to provide backup fluid pressure when the pressurized fluid source fails. Control circuitry assures that when the backup device has been activated there is minimal drain on the battery from other system components when the air compressor is not operating. A bladder rod and a hook and loop assembly maintain the orientation of the air bladder during use. In the exemplar application of the device to provide backup water pressure, a control unit detects when water pressure at the source is lost, and monitors air pressure in the bladder and water pressure in the tank. When water pressure is restored at the source, the control unit shuts off the compressor and opens an air pressure relief valve at the bladder.

Description

BACKUP PNEUMATIC WATER PRESSURE DEVICE

DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to devices for maintaining fluid pressure in systems where fluid pressure is lost, and in particular for maintaining water pressure where water pressure is lost.

Background Description

Throughout the world, building structures (homes and businesses) rely on external sources of water (private well, public water utilities, or community water systems). These water systems are dependent upon private or public/community provided sources of water and water pressure. Water pressure can be lost from a variety of electrical or mechanical failures at any point in the internal or external infrastructures that supply water to private, commercial or public building and facilities. For systems whose water pressure depends upon electrical power, loss of electrical power to the system can cut off the water supply. Events such as weather, natural disaster, electrical grid malfunctions, terrorist attack on utility systems, or electrical problems within the building structure, may then leave occupants of the home or building without water. For private, commercial or public buildings, whose water is supplied by centralized systems or public sources, water and water pressure can be lost due to a variety of causes such as failures of external infrastructure providing water, termination of water by public utilities in preparation for maintenance or repair of water infrastructure, and failure of segments of the water infrastructure because of natural disaster such as storms, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc. For short periods of time where loss of water can be an inconvenience, activities requiring a supply of running water may have to be rescheduled or delayed. For extended periods of time, this loss of water and water pressure can lead to unsanitary conditions that may be detrimental to health.

There are a number of prior art responses to the cutoff of water pressure, or the prospect that water pressure may be cut off. For example, some building occupants may prepare for the loss of externally provided water by investing in on-site storage and delivery systems. The occupants then store water in a range of container sizes to ensure a short term supply of potable water, or water required for their business operations. These types of systems will typically utilize the force of gravity to provide limited

pressurization of their stored water supply. However, it is often difficult to position this stored water in such a fashion that adequate pressure is obtained by gravity.

A simpler - but not uncommon - approach, when expecting or experiencing the loss of water, or the loss of electrical power that results in loss of water pressure (e.g. where water is supplied from a well system) to a facility that is occupied is for the occupants of the facility to purchase water on the consumer market for use during the outage. Snow storms, electrical storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, for example, can all cause the loss of power to a private, commercial or public building. In addition, a public water supply can be lost due to aging infrastructure, damage by storms, preparation for hurricanes, tornadoes, or as the result of other natural disasters like earthquakes. There is also a growing threat to public water systems due to man-made disasters or terrorist activity.

Local consumer markets, anticipating the demand for purchased water, typically sell water in a range of container sizes. While making water available for purchase provides water for the most basic requirements, this alternative can be expensive, or inconvenient, as the consumer must travel to a store providing the water for sale on the local market. For a building occupant or homeowner not conveniently located to a point of sale water supply, travel to a store to purchase water can be difficult, at best, or hazardous to impossible, should an ice storm, heavy snow, or flooding, for example, be responsible for the loss of the building or home water supply.

Additionally, in areas preparing for, or experiencing, a wide loss of community provided water pressure, or where the integrity of the water supply infrastructure may be in question, it is not uncommon for the local, state, or federal governments to make water available in portable containers, or by delivering potable water to communities at centralized delivery locations. Again, the very environmental or infrastructure conditions responsible for the loss of power or interruption in water service from a community water supply may make travel to the centralized water supply point difficult or hazardous.

For private, commercial, or public buildings whose water supply is provided by a well pump system, external generators, either portable or permanently installed and automatically activated, can provide electrical power to a well pump during the loss of utility provided electrical power. In this alternative, the generator may be connected directly to the electrical circuit of the well pump, or may be connected to the building's main power panel to provide power to a range of the building's components requiring electrical power, including the well pump.

Additionally, for those facilities supplied with water supply by a well-system, mechanical or electrical failure of the well pump can also result in the loss of water. The effects of water supply loss in such circumstances may be significant, whether the facility is intended for human occupation or provides water for other purposes, such as for agriculture or husbandry.

In the most cost-effective instantiation of this alternative, the generator must be physically connected to the electrical components, manually started, and periodically refueled and maintained. Additionally, the generator must be located outside of the building due to hazardous fumes created by the generator. Particularly for private residences, the least costly generators will provide the basic electrical requirements only to a select group of 120 volt A/C appliances or building components, and may require the use of extension cords to which the appliances or components will connect to the generator. Generator alternatives that are permanently installed, connected to the building's main power panel, and automatically activated when there is a loss of externally provided power, also require periodic refueling and maintenance. Also, if sufficiently sized to provide 240 volt A/C power for a building's largest power consuming components, this alternative will be very expensive compared to other alternatives, unless there are other economic reasons besides restoration of water pressure justifying investment in a generator.

The prior art also provides mechanisms for controlling pressure variations in water systems, but these pressure control systems do not provide for simple interruption or loss of water pressure for any length of time. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,013,924 discloses a fluid pressure system having a free floating gas or air filled bladder that serves to absorb pressure variations transmitted within a closed system. There is no indication that the pressure regulation mechanism would be operable to maintain pressure more than momentarily were there a complete loss of water pressure.

None of the foregoing alternatives provide a satisfactory substitute for water pressure that has been lost. What is needed is a simple and inexpensive system for both storing water and providing water pressure which has been interrupted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a simple and inexpensive backup system for storing and pressurizing water which has been

interrupted, whether the interruption is due to loss of electrical power in a well system, failure of the well system pump, or failure of pressure in a public or community water supply system due to a broken water main or other mechanical or electrical outages.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a backup water pressure system that automatically and dynamically restores water pressure which has been interrupted due to mechanical failure of the well system or the water infrastructure, or due to the loss of electrical power to the well system. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a backup water pressure system that restores itself to a ready state when the power or water pressure which has been interrupted is restored.

It is a further object of the invention to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art in such a manner that the invention may be employed as a backup pressure device not only for water systems but for systems that depend upon fluid pressure other than water and where interruption of the pressure can be remedied in a satisfactory manner by the bladder inflation technique described herein for water pressure.

This battery-powered pneumatic emergency water supply system will provide a sizable and scalable reserve of pressurized water to occupants of private, commercial and public building structures.

A battery-powered pneumatic emergency water supply system for structures having an existing external water supply serving the structure is described herein, although the invention may also be implemented with other power configurations, including the use of solar power based electrical supply systems.

In one embodiment, the invention is a backup pneumatic water pressure device, comprising: a water tank connected between a water supply and plumbing lines providing water service to a building structure, the water service relying upon a primary water pressure at the water supply; means for pressurizing the tank to maintain the water service through the plumbing lines when the primary water pressure is interrupted; and means for relieving the pressure applied by said pressurizing means and restoring water in the water tank when the primary water pressure at the water supply is restored.

In this embodiment the pressuring means further comprises: an inflatable air bladder inside the water tank; an air compressor for inflating the air bladder; and means for powering the air compressor when the primary water pressure is interrupted. The means for powering the air compressor when the backup water pressurization device is active may be a storage battery, which may be recharged, for example, by means of an electrical outlet in the home/building when electrical power is available to the home/building or by means of a solar powered electricity generator. The inflatable air bladder can be damaged unless steps are taken to control the orientation of the air bladder during operation of the invention. One approach to control of orientation is to provide a bladder rod within the bladder along the longitudinal direction between the bladder nozzle and the opposite end of the fully extended bladder. Another approach is to provide a hook and loop assembly in the tank where the opposite end of the bladder can be attached. These components will prevent damage to the air bladder and prevent a free-floating air bladder from interfering with operation of the invention.

The relieving and restoring means further comprises: means for sensing restoration of the primary water pressure; means for disconnecting the air compressor from electrical power responsive to the sensing means; and means for opening a relief valve attached to the air bladder in response to the sensing means. This embodiment may further comprise means for detecting the interruption in the primary water pressure, for example, via a relay connected to a power outlet in the building structure if the primary water service is provided by a well system operated by electricity from the building structure, or more generally by a relay connected to a water pressure sensor for determining water pressure in the water tank.

This embodiment of the invention may be extended by connecting one or more additional pressure tanks connected in series or in parallel. In this embodiment, the pressure provided to each tank may be controlled by their own individual control units, or from a single control unit pressurizing multiple tanks, or from clusters of control units pressurizing multiple tanks.

This embodiment of the invention may be implemented by adapting the powering means to turn the air compressor on when a pressure in the water tank is less than a preset lower limit and turn the air compressor off when the pressure in the water tank is greater than a pre-set upper limit. Further, the pre-set lower limit and the pre-set upper limit may be adjusted to limit a cycling strain on the air compressor. The power means to turn the air compressor on and off could also be based on a fixed pressure value where the compressor would operate anytime the pressure in the tank falls below the preset value. Further, the pressure limits could be variable for setting by the user of the invention. Further, the air compressor may be sized in relation to a capacity of the water tank and in relation to an estimated water usage demand to limit a cycling strain on the air compressor. Further, the control system for applying battery power to the air compressor can be configured so that there is minimal drain on the battery when the air compressor is not running.

Another embodiment of the invention is a backup pneumatic water pressure device, comprising: a water tank connected between a water supply and plumbing lines providing water service to a private, commercial or public building structure, the water service relying upon a primary water pressure at the water supply, the water tank being pressurized and having an internal air bladder; an air compressor connected to the air bladder, the air compressor being operated to pressurize the air bladder when a water pressure within the tank is less than a preset lower pressure limit, the air compressor ceasing operation when the water pressure within the tank is greater than a preset upper pressure limit; an independent power supply for the air compressor; and a check valve between the water supply and the water tank to maintain pressure in the water tank provided by operation of the air compressor when there is a loss of water pressure from the water supply.

In this embodiment of the invention the water pressure is measured by a pressure sensor switch connected to the water tank and integrated within a control unit operable to apply power from the independent power supply to the air compressor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplar implementation of a backup pneumatic water pressure system in accordance with the invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a second exemplar implementation of a backup pneumatic water pressure system in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2A is an electrical schematic of an exemplar implementation of control unit circuitry having additional relays and an alternating current solenoid to limit battery drain to operation of the air compressor.

Figure 3 is a graph showing demand drawdown of a water tank in an exemplar scenario.

Figure 4 is a chart showing operating ranges for the water supply provided by the invention in an exemplar configuration shown by Figure 3.

Figure 5 A is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of the invention in a home/building consisting of two pressure tanks paired with a single control unit.

Figure 5B shows a top view of a two pressure tank configuration as in Figure 5A where the two tanks are connected in serial to the water supply; Figure 5C shows a top view of a two pressure tank configuration as in Figure 5A where the two tanks are connected in parallel to the water supply.

Figure 5D is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of the invention in a home/building consisting of a single pressure tank paired with a single control unit.

Figure 6 is a cutaway view of the control unit.

Figure 7A is a cutaway view of a pressure tank unit; Figure 7B shows an enlarged view of the alternative hook and drain assembly attached to the inflatable bladder shown in Figure 7A; Figure 7C is an enlarged isometric view of the hook and drain assembly; Figure 7E shows an enlarged view of the upper cap assembly shown in Figure 7A; Figure 7E is an isometric cutaway showing the components of the upper cap assembly; Figure 7F is an isometric view of the upper cap assembly with valve; Figure 7G is schematic drawing showing the lower cap assembly and its connection to the water supply. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE

INVENTION

Under normal power available to well pump or public/community water pressure systems, buildings have water pressure available on demand to faucets, appliances, toilets, hose bibs, operating requirements for business, etc. The water pressure available in the building is determined by the size of the well pump motor, size of pipes providing water to or within the building, the number of users drawing upon a common water system at any given time.

Characteristically, the loss of power to a building on a well system will also result in the loss of water pressure in the building. While some residual pressure may reside in the lines or within commonly installed well bladders, this residual pressure quickly falls to zero after a short water demand by the home/building occupant even though large quantities of water may still exist in a number of building components or infrastructure such as within the building water pipes, the well bladder (if installed), the hot water tanks, etc. Particularly for buildings whose water supply is provided via an electrically- powered well pump, but also for any building experiencing loss of externally provided water pressure, the loss of electrical power to the well pump, or failure of the well pump, results in the almost immediate loss of water pressure within the building.

It is the intent of this invention to provide a means by which pressurized water can be immediately provided to meet water needs by operation of a battery-powered compressor, activated automatically in response to the loss of building electricity, or manually in the event of failure of a building's well pump, or loss of community or centrally provided pressurized water, to ensure that a reserve supply of water is provided with a pressurization mechanism that serves to replace the source of water pressure that has been interrupted and restore to the building's occupants the availability of water.

The present invention provides, in response to a loss of water pressure, automatic re-pressurization to a fixed level or within a preset range, by means of a battery powered air compressor (112 as shown in Figure 1) that inflates an air bladder 114, within the confines of a pressure tank 110. In its preferred mode of operation, a system

implementing the invention provides a water pressure feedback and control structure that operates the air compressor to expand the air bladder to a preset upper pressure limit, turns the air compressor off until the pressure decreases to a preset lower pressure limit, and then turns the air compressor on again. This duty cycle is repeated, maintaining water pressure within the preset range. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the preset range may be coordinated with the capacity of the air compressor, the size of the pressure tank and estimates of water usage during a backup emergency to ensure that the duty cycle between the preset lower pressure limit and the preset upper pressure limit and back again is of sufficient length that the air compressor is used efficiently and is not strained by rapid cycling.

During normal operations of a well system, or a community-provided water system supplying the building's water needs, the backup system pressure tank is filled to its capacity at the provided pressure. By combining a pressure tank containing an expandable air bladder with a control unit (250 as shown in Figure 2 and 650 as shown in Figure 6) containing components to provide and manage compressed air in the internal air bladder, within the pressure tank, and therefore the water pressure within the tank, pressurized water can be provided to a building for an extended period of time, based on the size of the pressure tank and the size of the battery (120 as shown in Figure 1, and 620 as shown in Figure 6) relative to the electrical draw of the air compressor, to ensure the water needs of the buildings occupants while waiting for power to be restored, maintenance or repair of the well system to be completed, or community provided water pressure to be restored to the building.

The present invention may be implemented in a variety of configurations based on the fundamental design, including vertical and horizontal pressure tank layouts, configurations where the control unit 550 is integrated with the tank (as shown in Figure 5D) and configurations where the control unit is free standing (550 as shown in Figure 5 A) configurations with battery sizes varying according to the pressure tank/stored water requirements and desired water pressure for the facility, and air compressors providing a range of volume and pound-per-square-inch capabilities.

The battery-powered pneumatic emergency water supply system includes a water holding structure (system tank) capable of being sealed so that the tank can hold pressurized water. Sealing may be accomplished with a removable upper cap assembly (119 as shown in Figure 1 and 219 as shown in Figure 2), as well as a lower cap assembly (760 as shown in Figure 7G). The design of this system allows it to be scaled up or down in size to meet the emergency water capacity requirements of the building structure. Within the system tank is a water inlet (134 as shown in Figure 1 and 234 as shown in Figure 2) and a water outlet (136 as shown in Figure 1 and 234 as shown in Figure 2) with couplings (130, 138, 230, 238) that allow the tank to be connected in series (as shown in Figure 5A and 5B) or in parallel (as shown in Figure 5C), to the existing building structure water supply lines. Under conditions where electrical power is available or where an external public/community water supply is available, water pressure is provided to the building structure, and therefore, the backup water pressure tank, from water systems outside the building infrastructure (e.g. well pumps or publicly- provided water utilities). Water enters the system tank from the external water supply and flows unimpeded through the tank when water is demanded by opening of a water valve (faucet tap, toilet flush, mechanical equipment requiring pressurized water, etc.) within the building structure.

If necessary, the system pressurized water can be prevented from flowing back into the external water supply system by means of an in-line check valve (132 as shown in Figure 1, 232 as shown in Figure 2) installed between the system tank and the external water supply. This check valve may be installed in conjunction with the building's existing well or other water supply system, or may be installed in conjunction with installation of an embodiment of the present invention.

The system tank has an internal air bladder (114 as shown in Figure 1, 214 as shown in Figure 2) that expands with compressed air supplied by an air compressor attached the system tank by an air pressure line or hose (113 as shown in Figure 1 and 213 as shown in Figure 2). The air compressor in this embodiment is battery-powered. Battery power is applied to the air compressor by an electrical relay (128 as shown in Figure 1, 228 as shown in Figure 2, and 628 as shown in Figure 6) during a loss of electrical power to the building structure. When electricity is available to the building structure, the system battery is charged by an AC-to-DC power supply (126, 226 and 626) that receives alternating current from an electrical outlet within the structure, converting it to direct current of sufficient voltage to maintain the charge on the battery. Or the AC-to-DC power supply may be connected directly to the building's main power panel. Alternatively, the battery can be charged by, or battery charging can be supplemented by, connection to an external solar panel system (122, 222) outside of the building structure, thereby extending the backup water system operating duration.

When connected to an electrical outlet or to the building's main power panel, the alternating current electricity is converted to direct current via the integral power converter and is applied to the battery maintaining the battery charge. Direct current from a solar panel connection can charge the battery without need for the AC-to-DC power supply. In some installations, the system can be completely powered by solar power, eliminating the need for the battery.

During the loss of electrical power to the building structure, the control unit's electrical relay (128, 228, 628) allows direct current to flow from the battery to the air compressor. The electrical relay also closes a bladder pressure solenoid (116, 216, 616) allowing the air bladder to be inflated with compressed air from the air compressor. The air compressor inflates the air bladder within the system tank to the preset level of air pressure.

When power to the building or well pump is restored, the control unit will deactivate the system allowing the air bladder within the pressure tank to deflate and water from the well pump to refill the pressure tank. The battery is sized to permit a number of power loss / power restore cycles by the battery-powered pneumatic emergency water system. For example, in a 40-gallon pressure tank configuration of this system, an 18 ampere/hour battery connected to an air compressor drawing 14 amperes of current could provide almost 1.28 hours of air compressor operation, and therefore, pressurized water for an hour and a quarter. A typical faucet within a residential home provides two gallons of water per minute when fully opened. Therefore, in this example, the battery- powered pneumatic emergency water system could provide pressurized water to the building, within a preset pressure range, for up to twenty minutes as shown in Figure 4, before depleting the water available within the pressure tank. However, should water demand deplete the water available in the system tank, the compressor will continue to pressurize the tank to the preset upper limit, and the air compressor will turn off.

Should electrical power be restored to the building, the battery-powered pneumatic emergency water system deactivates allowing water to be restored to the pressure tank as the well-pump begins operating again. Again, as an example, if power to the well pump providing 8 gallons per minute were restored, the pressure tank could be refilled with water by the well pump within five minutes. In the scenario described in the previous paragraph, the battery-powered pneumatic emergency water system could provide for up to almost four complete system cycles on one full battery charge. As the battery would recharge during the intermittent power restored condition, it is expected the system could provide more that four complete system cycles.

However, during a water emergency a normally open DC solenoid (116 as shown in Figure 1 and 216 as shown in Figure 2) will be closed, and will continue to draw current from the battery (120 as shown in Figure 1 and 220 as shown in Figure 2). This current drain may be disadvantageous if the water emergency is extended in time and during that extended time period the capacity of the invention to provide a backup water supply remains unused. For example, in a residential application, the owner/occupants are absent at the onset of the emergency and arrive home to find that the water tank is full but the battery has been drained and therefore the desired water pressure cannot be applied by the backup system. This scenario is avoided by an alternative design which places the solenoid outside of the DC circuit. An exemplar implementation of such a design is shown in Figure 2A. This implementation uses an alternating current (AC) solenoid 266, in lieu of a direct current (DC) solenoid (e.g. 216 as shown in Figure 2), coupled with the use of additional relays to manage both AC current flow (when available) and DC current flow.

The solenoid 266 is in the AC circuit and when the AC power is lost activates relay 278, which closes the DC circuit driven by battery 270, which operates the air compressor motor 262 until a preset pressure in the air bladder is reached, which is sensed by pressure switch 292 which opens the DC circuit thereby removing power to the air compressor motor 262. In the event that the water supply is provided by a well pump that fails, the control switch 273 can be set to the manual position, which opens relay 282, which has the same effect on solenoid 266 as loss of power to the AC circuit, thereby providing battery power to the air compressor motor 262. When the control switch 273 is set to the off position, relay 284 opens and battery power can no longer flow to the air compressor motor.

As a result, the solenoid is no longer drawing power from the battery while the backup system is activated. Instead, only low current drawing relays consume battery power when the compressor is not actively pressurizing the system tank. The battery 270 is drained mainly by operation of compressor motor 262, with a relatively small drain from operation of the relays 282 and 284 on the DC circuit. This is an improvement upon driving the solenoid from the DC circuit, since the solenoid draws much more current than the relays. This alternative design minimizes battery drain when the backup system has been activated because of a water emergency (e.g. loss of electrical power or water pressure) but there is no demand for water from the backup system. In this configuration, at sensing the loss of line voltage, the solenoid 266 is automatically closed enabling pressurization of the air bladder, and the air compressor motor 262 is energized to pressurize the bladder to the designated upper pressure level. When this upper pressure level is reached or exceeded, the pressure sensor switch 292 opens, thereby removing battery power from the air compressor, and the system awaits a water demand and a corresponding decrease in system tank pressure below a designated lower pressure level before resuming air compressor operation. As a result, a battery properly sized in relation to the number of system tanks will maintain a charge for considerably longer periods of non-use during an extended water emergency.

Larger water demands created by opening more than one faucet or other water consuming device within the building could exceed the pressurization provided by the air compressor. For larger water demand requirements, this implementation of the invention may be suitably scaled in all its components to meet the water demands of the building occupants and other water requirements included in the design of the building. Scaling of the system to meet increased water/pressure demands can be accomplished by increasing the size and capacity of the system components, adding additional pressure tanks to a single control unit, or placing additional control unit and tank configurations throughout the home/building.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art of water supply system designs, it is also feasible to design the installation of a backup water delivery system using the present invention so that bibs servicing lower priority services such as exterior gardens or swimming pools are excluded from the emergency water supply during a water emergency situation.

A pressure sensor switch (142, 242, 642) detects the desired pressure range for the internal bladder and will activate and deactivate the air compressor as required to increase the amount of pressurization within the internal bladder, and therefore within the pressure tank itself. Inflating the bladder inside the system tank applies positive pressure to the water inside the tank. This positive pressure forces water from the system tank outlet line into the building structure plumbing when a water valve (faucet tap, toilet supply line, shower, etc.) is opened. As water flows from the pressure tank, air pressure within the air bladder will decrease due to the expansion of the bladder permitted by the decreased water level within the system tank. When the pressure in the system tank falls below the preset level, the pressure sensor switch allows direct current from the battery to be applied to the air compressor. The air compressor will again force compressed air through the air pressure line or hose and into the air bladder within the system tank. The pressure sensor switch will ensure the proper preset range of air pressure is maintained within the system tank. Maintaining system tank pressure within the preset range will continue to force water through the internal building structure plumbing lines in response to water user demand inside the building, until the water supply within the pressure tank is exhausted.

When electrical power is restored to the building structure or external water supply system, the electrical relay removes battery power from the air compressor and the bladder pressure solenoid opens. These two actions allow the air bladder to deflate and permit the flow of water from the building's external water source into the system tank under pressure, thereby refilling the water supply in the system tank. The bladder pressure solenoid is opened when electrical power is restored, permitting the compressed air bladder within the system tank to bleed off. Allowing the air bladder to completely deflate has two effects. First, it permits the maximum amount of water to refill the system tank. Second, it creates a negative pressure within the system tank that will create a draw of water from the external water supply and minimize the amount of air that may be trapped inside the system tank.

In addition to the automatic features of the control unit described above, the control unit may also include a multi-position system control switch (223 as shown in Figure 2 and 623 as shown in Figure 6) that permits manual operation of the system when water pressure is lost due to factors not including loss of power. For example, should failure of the supplying well pump occur for mechanical or electrical reasons, the user of the described system could manually move the integrated switch from the Auto to the Manual position, which would activate the system, provide compressed air to the tank bladder, and pressurize the water in the system tank for use in the building or structure.

In addition to the system components described above, a trapped air relief valve (144/244 as shown in Figures 1/2 and 744 as shown in Figure 7) is designed into the system tank lid or upper cap assembly and permits release of trapped air inside the system tank during initial installation or periodically to ensure trapped air hasn't developed when the emergency system is inactive.

In one embodiment, the control unit will be mounted away from the system tank as shown in Figure 5A, but connected to the tank by the air pressure line or hose.

In an additional embodiment, an external equipment mount, (118 as shown in Figure 1) is attached to the top of the system tank and serves as a mounting point for the system control unit containing the battery-powered pneumatic emergency water supply system components.

In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 5D, an external equipment mount 518 is attached on the side of the system tank and serves as a mounting point for the system control unit 550 containing the battery-powered pneumatic emergency water supply system components.

With reference to Figures 3 and 4, it will be observed that for the scenario depicted there is a point shown (by item 315 in Figure 3 and item 415 in Figure 4) where the water demand is just barely met, and beyond which (at a level of 6.54 gallons per minute demand) the capacity of the system is exceeded.

Referring now to Figures 1, 2, 6, and 7A-7G there is shown exemplar

implementations of the invention, which will now be described with reference to its components (where lxx refers to an item on Figure 1, 6xx refers to an item on Figure 6, etc.).

Pressure Tank (System Tank; 110, 210)— When normal, utility-provided, electricity is available to the building structure and to any local water system (such as a well system) that depends upon such electricity, or if water pressure is available from a community-provided water supply source, water flows through the pressurized tank. When the building structure loses utility-provided electricity for a well pump, or there is a failure of the well pump, or there is a loss of water pressure from a community provided source, the pressurized tank serves as a backup or emergency water supply and is pressurized via air from the compressor being pumped into the internal air bladder that is inside the system tank. Water remaining in the pressurized tank serves as the storage supply for water during activation of the battery-powered pneumatic emergency water supply system.

Air Compressor (112, 212, 262, 612)— The compressor injects air into the internal air bladder when power from the system battery is applied to the compressor during electrical failure or loss of water pressure to the building structure.

Internal Air Bladder (114, 214, 714)— The internal air bladder is used to provide pressure within the pressurized tank and force water out into the building structure water lines during power-out conditions. In power-out conditions or during a loss of externally provided water pressure, the air compressor forces air through the air pressure line, into the internal air bladder. This compressed air forces the internal air bladder to expand, and this expansion pressurizes the water in the system tank. When a faucet or valve is opened during operation of a device within the building structure, water pressured by expansion of the air bladder flows from the pressurized tank. The air bladder may also integrate a loop assembly at the bottom of the bladder to secure the bladder to the lower cap hook assembly.

The system air bladder includes an integrated nozzle at the top of the bladder that extends though the opening in the upper cap assembly. The bladder nozzle is sealed to the top cap assembly by means of a metal or plastic plate that compresses the bladder with the use of screws threaded into the upper cap assembly. The bladder nozzle may be made of material the same as the bladder, but can be made of any material that can be solidly bonded to the bladder body.

Upper Cap Assembly (119, 219 719)— The upper cap assembly is attached to the upper system tank access port by means of machined threads or adhesives. The upper cap assembly serves to seal the system tank to hold pressurized water. The upper cap assembly also serves to connect the internal bladder to the system tank and ensure the bladder's ability to retain compressed air during system operation.

Air Relief Valve (144, 244, 744)— The air relief valve is used to release any air that may accumulate within the water tank during the initial installation and filling of the system tank and during transition of the system from an operational mode where the water in the tank is depleted to an off-duty mode where the air bladder is deflated and the water tank is refilled.

Internal Bladder Rod (754)— The internal bladder rod is used to ensure that the air bladder retains its longitudinal axis orientation when deflated.

Lower Cap Assembly (760)— The lower cap assembly consists of the water inlet and outlet, the system tank drain outlet, the lower cap diverter, and the alternative lower cap bladder hook assembly.

Lower Cap Diverter (765)— The lower cap diverter prevents the inflated bladder from entering the water inlet and outlet.

Lower Cap Bladder Hook Assembly (770)— The lower cap bladder hook assembly is an alternative to the internal bladder rod providing another means of maintaining the longitudinal position of the bladder in the system tank, preventing the rise of the bladder in the tank due to the buoyant nature of the bladder material.

System Tank Drain/Refill Port (755)— Integrated into the lower cap assembly, the system tank drain outlet provides a means of draining the system tank water when necessary for maintenance, periodic cleaning, or component replacement. Alternatively, this outlet could be used to replenish the system tank with water from an external source to extend the amount of water available to the pressurizing system. System Battery (120, 220, 270, 620)— The system battery is the source of direct current electricity for the air compressor in a building structure power-out condition. Battery power is supplied to the air compressor via the electrical relay when the electrical relay is de-energized during power-out or water pressure loss conditions. During power- on conditions or upon restoration of externally provided water pressure, the electrical relay is energized and the air compressor remains off.

AC-to-DC Power Supply (126, 226, 626)— The AC-to-DC power supply system (alternatively, the external solar power system) is used to convert utility-provided electricity into the proper direct current voltage necessary to maintain a charge on the system battery.

Alternative External Solar Power System (122, 222) - The alternative external solar panel power system can provide 12 volt DC power to the system battery in lieu of, or in addition to, the AC-to-DC Power Supply

Pressure Sensor Switch (142, 242, 292, 642)— The pressure sensor switch measures the internal pressure of the system tank. This measurement provides the signal information required for operation of the air compressor control structures whose logic keeps the water pressure produced by the backup system within a preset range. This pressure switch may utilize a fixed pressure setting to activate the system or may operate the system at a pre-determined and variable range of pressure whereby the compressor is activated when internal tank pressure reaches a predetermined low-pressure level, continues to operate until the system reaches a predetermined upper-pressure level, at which point the compressor shuts off. The compressor would remain off until water usage draws down tank pressure to the predetermined low-pressure level, when the compressor would again activate to repressurize the system tank. Air Pressure Line (113, 213)— The air pressure line connects the air compressor to the internal air bladder, and is through which compressed air will travel from the compressor to the internal air bladder during power-out conditions or other causes for loss of water pressure to the home/building.

Plumbing Fittings (130, 230; 134, 234; 136, 236; 138, 238)— Standard copper or PVC plumbing fittings are used to connect the battery-powered pneumatic emergency water supply system in-line to the building structure's main water line. These fittings include the mechanical connections on the water supply side and the building structure side, as well as the openings and flow structures (e.g. pipes to direct water flow) within the water tank.

Electrical Relays (128, 228, 278, 282, 284, 628)— The electrical relays are connected on both alternating current and direct current sides of the system to control the flow of current to the components based on the System Control Switch positions, the

pressurization of the system tank, and the presence or absence of AC line power. Relays are used in the circuitry that manages battery power to the compressor. When electricity or external water pressure is available to the backup system, relays are used to disconnect the battery from the compressor. When the backup system senses loss of power or water pressure, the electrical relays activate as necessary to apply system battery power to the air compressor in order to pressurize the internal air bladder.

Bladder Pressure Solenoid (116, 216, 266, 616)— This valve is open during power-on conditions and closed during power-off or pressure loss conditions. When open, air pressure within the internal air bladder is released, the internal air bladder will deflate allowing the water to fill from the external source of pressurized water. This value is closed during power-out or pressure loss conditions, thereby allowing operation of the air compressor to increase pressure within the internal air bladder to a preset upper limit of a pressure range. This solenoid exhaust port also contains a connection for a drain line. In the event of a structural failure of the system tank internal air bladder, when

depressurized, water will be expelled through the air line/hose, through the solenoid exhaust port. This hose connection allows the water to be extended to a sink or floor drain.

System Electrical Indicator (not shown)— The system voltage indicator provides the system user a visual indication of the battery status during charging conditions and during system operation. This indicator may be either an analog or digital readout. The system voltage indicator may be integrated into the control unit cover, or attached separately from the control unit.

System Pressure Indicator (not shown)— The system pressure indicator provides the system user a visual indication of the water pressure of the system when activated due to the loss of home/building electrical power, when the system is operating due to a nonelectrical power failure of the well pump, or due to the loss of community provided water supply/pressure. This system pressure indicator may be an analog or digital readout. The system pressure indicator may be integrated into the design of the control unit cover, may be integrated into one or more components of the system tank, or may be integrated at any point at or between the system tank and the control unit along the air pressure line/hose.

Water Volume Indicator (not shown)— The water volume indicator provides the system user a visual indication of the water level contained in the system tank during both inactive and active operations. This indicator may be either an analog or digital readout. The system voltage indicator may be integrated into the control unit cover, or attached directly to the system tank.

In-line Check Valve (132, 232)— The in-line check valve is used to prevent pressurized water from flowing back into the external water supply during operation of the battery- powered pneumatic emergency water supply system. Under normal electricity operation, water flows unimpeded past the check valve into the system tank.

External Equipment Mount (118, 518)— Serves as a means for mounting external system components to the pressurized tank when attached to the top of the system tank. Alternatively, the external equipment mount could be attached to the side of the tank, and external system components or the entire control unit could be attached to the mount.

System Control Switch (223, 273, 623)— Serves as a means to manually select the operating state of the system. In the AUTO position, the system will automatically activate at the loss of electrical power to the home/building. In the OFF position, the system is disabled and will not activate at the loss of electrical power to the

home/building. In the MANUAL position, the system is activated and pressurizing water independent of the presence or absence electrical power. This position permits operation of the backup pressurization system in the event of loss of community provided water supply, or mechanical/electrical failure of the well pump.

System Condition Indicator (221)— Integrated into the control unit, the system condition indicator provides an indication of the operating state of the system.

Control Unit (250, 550, 650)— Houses the collective group of electrical and

mechanical components that manage system operation.

Control Unit Backplate (651)— Provides a mounting location for each of the control unit components. ENGINEERING NOTES

Internal Air Bladder (114, 214, 714)

Testing of nozzle/bladder materials showed that while some materials were satisfactory for the tank bladder during system operations, they were overly stiff and prevented insertion of the nozzle through the upper cap assembly opening. For these overly stiff materials, a two-piece nozzle configuration was developed, as shown in Figure 7E that enabled increased flexibility of the nozzle lip for insertion through the upper cap assembly, and used an additional upper-nozzle layer to ensure a solid seal between the nozzle lip, the pressure tank top, and the upper cap assembly plate.

Internal Bladder Rod (754)

Early testing of the system tank without an internal bladder rod showed that a deflated or partially inflated bladder was likely to float in an uncontrolled manner within the pressure tank. The freely floating bladder resulted in the potential for air to be trapped above the bladder and block the valve designed to relieve trapped air, preventing release of the trapped air. This trapped air also prevented a complete fill of the pressure tank with water.

Two methods to resolve a free floating bladder were developed. First, using an integrated internal bladder rod prevents the air bladder from rising in the tank. The internal bladder rod is integrated into the system tank top lid or upper cap assembly by means of threaded connections or held in place with adhesives. The internal bladder rod includes holes positioned in the nozzle neck to allow compressed air injected through the upper cap assembly to flow through the bladder rod into the air bladder. Early testing of holes positioned along the length of the bladder rod determined that normal building water pressure exerted against a deflated bladder forced the bladder material into the bladder rod air holes and, over time, caused a failure of the air bladder. Follow-on testing and engineering determined that positioning the air holes of the bladder rod in the more rigid nozzle neck of the internal air bladder prevented the bladder material from coming in contact with the bladder rod air holes when the bladder is deflated, thereby eliminating the resultant bladder failure. The internal bladder rod may be composed of any rigid material sufficient to prevent the collapse of the air bladder when deflated. To inflate the air bladder compressed air is injected through one end of the bladder rod into the top of the air bladder ensuring the air bladder expands from top to bottom during automatic or manual system operation. The internal bladder rod is capped at the end opposite from where the compressed air enters the bladder rod. Additionally, locating the bladder rod holes at the top of the rod leverages that natural tendency of air to rise during the refilling of water by the externally supplied water upon the restoration of AC power to the system. These rod holes also control the collapse of the bladder during the refilling process, so that the collapse proceeds from the bottom to top.

The second method developed to resolve the floating bladder problem was a hook and loop assembly, as shown in Figures 7B and 7C. With this approach, a loop is attached to or integrated into the bottom of the air bladder during its manufacture. This bladder loop attaches to a hook assembly attached to or integrated into the manufacture of the lower cap assembly diverter cover. The hook and loop combination operates to tether the bladder to the lower cap assembly and prevents the bladder from rising in the pressure tank when deflated.

Pressure Tank (System Tank; 110, 210)

Early versions of the pressure tank used a flat top into and onto which the remaining tank components were attached, and a flat tank bottom that allowed the tank to stand vertically without additional support. Subsequent engineering and manufacturing analysis determined a more structurally sound design was achieved by having the end of the tank domed with accommodations for attaching upper and lower cap assemblies. This designed also allowed the use of thinner, lighter, and more cost effective materials in the construction of the tank while retaining high pressure capacities in the tank. To enable a vertical configuration, a base was developed as an integral part of the bottom of the tank, serving as a stable stand to hold the tank upright. Lower Cap Assembly (760)

Early versions of the system designed the inlet and outlet ports into the side of the pressure tank assembly. While a viable design approach, structural and manufacturing analysis determined that integrating the water inlet and outlet into the side of the pressure tank could weaken the structural integrity of the pressure tank, and without significant structural reinforcements at the water inlet and outlet ports, catastrophic failure of the pressure tank could occur. Follow-on structural and design engineering determined that integrating the water inlet and outlet ports into the lower cap assembly retained the structural integrity of the tank assembly and reduced labor intensive activities during the manufacturing process.

Table of Component Operation During Water Pressure Conditions

Utility Power- Utility Power-

Item Component On/Water Pressure Off/Pressure or Well

Number Available Pump Failure

110, 210 Pressure Tank Water flows through Water retained in tank

tank pressurized by the under pressure provided water supply system by pneumatic system.

outside of the building Water is prevented from

(well pump or externally exiting the tank toward provided water source). the external water supply

by the one-way check

valve installed up-stream of the pneumatic system. Utility Power- Utility Power-

Item Component On/Water Pressure Off/Pressure or Well Number Available Pump Failure

112, Air Compressor Power is removed from Power from the battery is 212, the air compressor by the applied to the air 262, 612 energized electrical relay compressor by the

between the battery and energized electrical relay the air compressor between the battery and the air compressor. When the pressure is less than a pre-set lower limit the air compressor will pump air through the air line into the air bladder until the pressure reaches a preset upper limit, as sensed by the air pressure switch, or until a utility power-on condition is restored.

114, Internal Air Internal air bladder is Internal air bladder is 214, 714 Bladder without pressure pressurized by the air compressor if the pressure is below a preset tank lower pressure limit; pressurization continues until a pre-set tank upper pressure limit is sensed by the pressure sensor switch or a utility power-on condition is restored.

Utility Power- Utility Power-

Item Component On/Water Pressure Off/Pressure or Well Number Available Pump Failure

119, Upper Cap Serves to seal the upper Serves to seal the upper 219, 719 Assembly opening of the system opening of the system tank, connect the internal tank, connect the internal air bladder to the system air bladder to the system tank, seal the internal air tank, seal the internal air bladder to enable bladder to enable pressurization, provides pressurization, provides for attachment of the for attachment of the internal bladder rod, internal bladder rod, integrates the system integrates the system tank air relief valve, and tank air relief valve, and connects the system tank connects the system tank to the control unit for to the control unit for system operation system operation

144, Air Relief Valve The Air Relief Valve Upon restoration of a 244, 744 should periodically be power-on condition, depressed to release depress the air relief trapped air within the valve to ensure removal pressurized tank that of air trapped within the may be present tank after bladder is deflated. This will ensure that the maximum water capacity of the tank is available in a power-out/well-pump failure condition.

754 Internal Bladder Maintains the Maintains the

Rod longitudinal position of longitudinal position of the air bladder in the the air bladder in the tank. Allows air to flow tank. Allows air to flow from the connected from the connected pressure line/hose into pressure line/hose into the air bladder the air bladder Utility Power- Utility Power-

Item Component On/Water Pressure Off/Pressure or Well Number Available Pump Failure

760 Lower Cap Serves to seal the lower Serves to seal the lower Assembly opening of the system opening of the system tank, integrates water tank, integrates water inlet and outlet, inlet and outlet, integrates the drain/refill integrates the drain/refill port, provides a port, provides a connection to the lower connection to the lower cap diverter and the cap diverter and the bladder hook assembly bladder hook assembly

(not Lower Cap Attaches to the lower cap Attaches to the lower cap shown) Diverter assembly preventing the assembly preventing the inflated bladder from inflated bladder from blocking the water inlet blocking the water inlet and outlet ports and outlet ports

770 Lower Cap When used, attaches the When used, attaches the Bladder Hook bottom of the bladder to bottom of the bladder to Assembly the lower cap assembly the lower cap assembly to prevent floating of the to prevent floating of the bladder in the water bladder in the water system tank. system tank. Ensures the proper inflation behavior of the bladder during system operation

755 System Tank Permits draining of the Permits draining of the Drain/Refill Port system tank for system tank for maintenance, periodic maintenance, periodic cleaning, or component cleaning, or component replacement. Also replacement. Also permits refill of water in permits refill of water in the system tank during the system tank during prolonged system usage prolonged system usage Utility Power- Utility Power-

Item Component On/Water Pressure Off/Pressure or Well Number Available Pump Failure

120, System Battery The battery is charged by The battery is connected 220, the AD-to-DC Power to the air compressor via 270, 620 Supply that is connected the de-energized

to the home electrical electrical relay and outlet. Alternatively, the through the air pressure battery can be charged sensor shut-off switch. by DC power provided

by an external solar

power system. The

battery power is

disconnected from the air

compressor via the

electrical relay.

126, AC-to-DC Power The AC-to-DC Power The AC-to-DC Power 226, 626 Supply Supply is plugged into Supply remains plugged the home electrical outlet into the home electrical and provides DC power outlet, but will not to the system battery. provide charging power to the battery until a utility power-on condition is restored.

122, 222 Alternative: Alternatively, DC power Alternatively, DC power

External Solar can be provided by an from an external solar Power System external solar power power system can

system. continue to charge the battery during system operation

142, Pressure Sensor No power is applied to The switch senses the 242, Switch the switch and has no pressure within the air 292, 642 function during this bladder and removes condition. power from the air

compressor above an upper limit and restores power when pressure reaches a lower limit, until a water draw-down rate limits the water pressure from the pressurized tank. Utility Power- Utility Power-

Item Component On/Water Pressure Off/Pressure or Well Number Available Pump Failure

113, 213 Air Pressure Line N/A The air pressure line connects the air compressor to the air bladder for pressurizing the air bladder.

130, Plumbing Fittings Used to connect the system in-line between the 230, water source and the home interior plumbing. 134,

234,

136,

236,

138,

238

128, Electrical Relays Relays are used to manage alternating and direct 228, current to system components. When external 278, power or water pressure fails, relays are used to 282, apply battery power to the compressor. When 284, 628 external power or water pressure is available, relays are used to disconnect the battery from the compressor.

116, Bladder Pressure During a power-on condition, the Bladder Pressure 216, Solenoid Solenoid is open permitting air pressure to release 266, 616 from the air bladder. This ensures the pressurized tank can remain filled to maximum capacity.

(not System Electrical Provides a visual indication of the status of the shown) Indicator system battery during charging and system

operation

(not System Pressure Provides a visual indication of the system tank shown) Indicator water/air pressure

(not Water Volume Provide a visual indication of the amount of water shown) Indicator remaining in the system tank Utility Power- Utility Power-

Item Component On/Water Pressure Off/Pressure or Well

Number Available Pump Failure

132, 232 In-line Check The in-line check valve The in-line check valve

Valve permits the normal flow blocks the flow of water of water from the well- from the pressurized

pump or external water system tank back into the supply external water supply

during a power-out

condition or a well-pump failure

118, 518 External Provides an alternative means of attaching the

Equipment control unit to the top or side of the system tank

Mount

223, System Control Switch is manually Switch is manually

273, 623 Switch positioned to select the positioned to select the

desired desired operable/disabled operable/disabled condition

condition

221 System Condition Indicator displays the Indicator displays the

Indicator inactive condition of the active condition of the

system system

250, Control Unit Serves as the housing for control unit components

550, 650

651 Control Unit Serves as the mounting surface for control unit

Backplate components

In a preferred embodiment, the pressure tank containing the air bladder is designed to operate in a vertical state. The water inlet and outlets are integrated into the lower cap assembly. The bladder is connected to the pressure tank's removable upper cap assembly, and the control unit is mounted separately from the pressure tank. The control unit is connected to the pressure tank by the air pressure line or hose. In this embodiment, the control unit can be mounted above possible high water conditions that could disable the control unit and, therefore, system operation.

In one variation (shown in Figure 2) the lower water inlet and outlet are integrated into the pressure tank structure eliminating the need for the lower cap assembly. In another variation on this embodiment (shown in Figure 1 , the inlet and outlet connections are integrated in the upper cap assembly at the top of the pressure tank. Impermeable pipes extend from the upper cap assembly to the bottom of the pressure tank.

Alternatively, the control unit can be physically mounted to the top of the pressure tank structure via a separate mounting bracket as shown in Figure 1. In another variation (shown in Figure 5D), the control unit can be mounted to the side of the pressure tank via a separate mounting bracket. In both of these variations, the control unit is connected to the pressure tank by means of the air pressure line or hose from the air compressor extending out of the control unit.

In a further embodiment, the pressure tank and internal bladder are oriented horizontally for installation in low height environments within the building. In this embodiment, the control unit may be mounted directly to the pressure tank or may be physically removed from the pressure tank structure for mounting independent from the unit, but connected to the pressure tank by means of the air supply line from the air compressor.

In another embodiment, multiple units are connected with each other with separate control units for each tank. This embodiment includes both vertical and horizontal configurations described in the preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments. In this embodiment, the control unit may be mounted directly to the pressure tank or may be physically removed from the pressure tank structure for mounting independent from the unit, but connected to the pressure tank by means of the air supply line from the air compressor.

Yet another embodiment, as shown in Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C, covers multiple pressure tanks connected with a single control unit maintaining constant pressure across all of the tanks. This embodiment includes both vertical and horizontal configurations described in the preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments. In this embodiment, the control unit may be mounted directly to the pressure tank or may be physically removed from the pressure tank structure for mounting independent from the unit, but connected to the pressure tank by means of the air supply line from the air compressor. In another embodiment the control unit contains a device for monitoring the current available from the battery to the other control unit components to prevent the operation of the system should battery current be insufficient such that operation of the system could damage other control unit components. The control unit may also contain sensors for measuring the internal air pressure of the bladder, the status of the system battery, and the internal water volume/level of the tank. The pressure sensors may be of analog or solid state design, and they may be preset or may be adjustable by the user. Also, the control unit may contain a unit for displaying the results sensed by the pressure sensors, battery sensor, and water volume. The control unit also contains a valve that controls inflation and deflation of the air bladder.

It is also a variation on an embodiment of the invention for the pressurized tank to be made of a rigid material impermeable to water and which maintains its size and shape under varying pressures. It is possible for inlet and outlet openings for connecting the system to the internal water lines of the building structure to be integral to the physical molded structure of the pressure tank. In some embodiments, such as shown in Figure 1 , the inlet and outlet openings may be tubes of rigid material extending within the pressure tank. In a further embodiment the pressure tank may include a removable cover or external water attachment that facilitates the manual addition of water to the tank during extended interruptions to primary water pressure to the structure. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the addition of water to the system during prolonged periods of external water supply/pressure would be accomplished to the system tank drain/refill port as shown in Figure 7G.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the described embodiments reference water, provided for by either a well system or a community water supply to residential and commercial building structures, the ability of this invention to ensure the availability of any pressurized liquid makes it equally applicable beyond the "water" space. For example, manufacturers requiring assured availability of lubricants for their equipment could employ the same conceptual application of this invention. In this example, this invention would be inserted into the lubricant supply lines so the pressure tank becomes an additional storage vessel. Under normal operating conditions, the lubricant would flow into, then through, the pressure tank enroute to the machinery requiring lubrication. In the event of power failure, or failure of the system providing the lubricant to the machinery, this invention would activate the compressor in the exact fashion as for water, but pressurize the "stored" lubrication to ensure its availability to the critical operating equipment. Use of the invention in this fashion would provide a cost-effective and reliable primary backup means to ensure the availability of a critical lubricant, or similar critical liquid, and an enhanced redundancy to an existing backup system that would further reduce the likelihood of a comprehensive critical fluid loss, and, thus, provide an increased mean time between failure (MTBF).

While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is as follows:

1. A backup pneumatic fluid pressure device, comprising:

a fluid holding tank connected between a point of supply of the fluid and service lines providing the fluid to at least one destination, the service relying upon a primary fluid pressure at the point of supply;

means for pressurizing the tank to maintain the service through the service lines when the primary pressure is interrupted; and

means for relieving the pressure applied by said pressurizing means and restoring the fluid in the tank when the primary pressure at the point of supply is restored.

2. A backup pneumatic fluid pressure device as in claim 1, wherein said pressuring means further comprises:

an inflatable air bladder inside the tank;

an air compressor for inflating the air bladder; and

means for powering the air compressor when the primary pressure is interrupted.

3. A backup pneumatic fluid pressure device as in claim 2, further comprising means for maintaining a longitudinal orientation of the air bladder during fluid restoration.

4. A backup pneumatic fluid pressure device as is claim 3, wherein a longitudinal orientation of the air bladder is maintained by a bladder rod.

5. A backup pneumatic fluid pressure device as in claim 3, wherein a longitudinal orientation of the air bladder is maintained by a hook and loop assembly.

6. A backup pneumatic fluid pressure device as in claim 2, wherein said relieving and restoring means further comprises:

means for sensing restoration of the primary fluid pressure;

means for disconnecting the air compressor from power responsive to said sensing means; and

means for opening a relief valve attached to the air bladder in response to said sensing means.

7. A backup pneumatic fluid pressure device as in claim 1, further comprising means for detecting said interruption in the primary fluid pressure.

8. A backup pneumatic fluid pressure device as in claim 7, wherein said primary pressure at the point of supply is provided via power to an electrical service outlet and said interruption detection means is a relay connected to the electrical service outlet.

9. A backup pneumatic fluid pressure device as in claim 8, wherein said sensing means is a relay connected to the electrical service outlet.

10. A backup pneumatic fluid pressure device as in claim 1, wherein the fluid is water and the service lines are plumbing lines providing a water service.

11. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 10, further comprising one or more additional pressure tanks connected in series.

12. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 11, wherein each of the pressure tanks is controlled by its own control unit.

13. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 11, wherein a single control unit controls each of the pressure tanks.

14. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 10, wherein the water service is provided to a hose bib.

15. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 14, wherein the water service to the hose bib is provided via a building structure.

16. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 10, wherein the water service is provided to a building structure.

17. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 16, wherein the water service at the building structure is available on demand to water outlets including faucets, toilets, appliances and hose bibs.

18. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 17, wherein water service to the hose bibs is shut off during a backup emergency.

19. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 10, wherein the water supply is provided by one of the group comprising a well pump, a public water utility, and a community water system.

20. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 14, wherein the water supply is provided by a well pump.

21. A backup pneumatic fluid pressure device as in claim 2, wherein said powering means is adapted to turn the air compressor on when a pressure in the tank is less than a pre-set lower limit and turn the air compressor off when the pressure in the tank is greater than a pre-set upper limit.

22. A backup pneumatic fluid pressure device as in claim 21, wherein the pre-set lower limit and the pre-set upper limit are adjusted to limit a cycling strain on the air compressor.

23. A backup pneumatic fluid pressure device as in claim 21, wherein the air compressor is sized in relation to a capacity of the tank and in relation to an estimated fluid usage demand to limit a cycling strain on the air compressor.

24. A backup pneumatic water pressure device, comprising:

a water tank connected between a water supply and plumbing lines providing water service to a building structure, the water service relying upon a primary water pressure at the water supply, the water tank having an internal air bladder;

an air compressor connected to the air bladder, the air compressor being operated to pressurize the air bladder when a water pressure within the tank is less than a preset lower pressure limit, the air compressor ceasing operation when the water pressure within the tank is greater than a preset upper pressure limit;

a check valve between the water supply and the water tank to maintain pressure in the water tank during operation of the air compressor when there is a loss of water pressure from the water supply; and

means for reducing pressure within the air bladder and restoring water to the tank when the primary water pressure is restored.

25. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 24, wherein the water pressure is measured by a pressure sensor switch connected to the water tank and integrated within a control unit operable to apply power from a battery to the air compressor when a bladder pressure solenoid is activated, the control unit being configured so that the battery is not drained by the bladder pressure solenoid when the air compressor is not running.

26. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 24, further comprising one or more additional pressure tanks connected in series.

27. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 26, wherein each of the pressure tanks is controlled by its own control unit.

28. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 24, further comprising means for maintaining a longitudinal orientation of the air bladder during water restoration.

29. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as is claim 28, wherein the longitudinal orientation of the air bladder is maintained by a bladder rod.

30. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 28, wherein the longitudinal orientation of the air bladder is maintained by a hook and loop assembly.