Partial blockage detection using backwater valve
US11371235B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2209/823
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present disclosure describes systems and apparatus for detecting an impending sewer backup by detecting fluid undulations of predetermined magnitude inside a main body of a backwater valve. When at least a predetermined number of fluid undulations of predetermined magnitude are detected within a predetermined time period, an alarm can be triggered. Such undulations can be detected by monitoring a buoyant gate in a normally-open backwater valve to detecting instances of movement of the gate from a lowered position in which fluid flow from an inlet through the backwater valve is unobstructed by the gate toward but stopping short of a raised position in which the gate closes the inlet to obstruct fluid flow through the valve. For example, a sensor can be carried on the gate to detect movement of the gate. Alternatively, fluid levels inside the main body can be monitored directly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.