Monitoring system for drain pipes and plumbing fixtures

• US 20070063856A1
• Filed: 07/26/2005
• Published: 03/22/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/26/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Joseph Gibson
• Original Assignee: Joseph Gibson
• Inventors: Gibson, Joseph
• Application Number:
  US11/190,276
• Publication Number:
  US 20070063856A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/608
• CPC Class Codes: F22B 37/50 for draining or expelling water

Abstract

A monitoring system for monitoring drain pipe and/or plumbing fixture clogging in a plumbing system is disclosed. The monitoring system includes a monitoring unit that attaches to a drain pipe using a noninvasive attaching system, such as a hook and loop material. The monitoring system provides a warning and/or controls a shut-off valve when a blockage is detected in the drain pipe or the plumbing fixture. A handheld sensor device is also disclosed for inspecting a plumbing system. The handheld device has a handheld case, a detection circuit within the case, an acoustic or capacitive sensor, a display, and an audible alarm. The sensor communicates with the detection circuit and is connected to the case by a flexible connector so that the sensor can be easily positioned and held on the exterior surface of a drain pipe. The handheld device provides a visual and/or audible indication of the presence of liquid within the drain pipe.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring clogging in a plumbing system, comprising:

a monitoring unit having a sensor, a detection circuit, and a means for attaching the monitoring unit to a drain pipe or fixture to be monitored; and

an alarm means associated with the detection circuit for giving a visual and/or audible warning when the monitoring unit detects a blockage in the plumbing system.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said means for attaching the monitoring unit to a drain pipe or fixture comprises a strap that wraps around the drain pipe or fixture.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said means for attaching the monitoring unit to a drain pipe or fixture comprises a hook and pile fastening system.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said means for attaching the monitoring unit to a drain pipe or fixture is a non-invasive attaching means that does not penetrate a wall of the drain pipe or the fixture.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said sensor is an acoustic sensor.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said sensor is a capacitive sensor.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said alarm means comprises an audible alarm and/or a visual display on the monitoring unit.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein said alarm means comprises an audible alarm and/or a visual display positioned at a remote location from the monitoring unit.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein said monitoring unit comprises a battery for providing a power supply to said detection circuit.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein said monitoring unit comprises a means for warning a user when a charge in the battery falls below a predetermined level.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein said detection circuit includes a means for intermittently monitoring an output of the sensor.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein said detection circuit includes a means for continuously monitoring an output of the sensor.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein said detection circuit includes control logic to avoid activating the alarm means unless the drain pipe or fixture remains full for a predetermined time period.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein said monitoring unit comprises a plurality of monitoring units having sensors and detection circuits for detecting blockage in a plurality of locations.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein said monitoring unit includes a means for sending a signal to turn off water in the plumbing system when a blockage is detected.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein said monitoring unit is in communication with a PC for controlling at least one of an alarm, a water shut-off or a message sending function.

17. A plumbing system, comprising:

at least one plumbing fixture connected to a drain pipe;

a monitoring unit having a sensor placed against or near an exterior surface of said drain pipe for monitoring a presence of liquid within said drain pipe indicative of a blockage; and

an alarm means associated with the monitoring unit for giving a visual and/or audible warning when the monitoring unit detects a blockage in the drain pipe.

18. The plumbing system according to claim 17, further comprising a non-invasive attaching means for attaching the monitoring unit to the drain pipe without penetrating a wall of the drain pipe.

19. The plumbing system according to claim 17, further comprising a wireless transmitter in communication with said monitoring unit, and a wireless receiver positioned at a remote location from the monitoring unit, said wireless receiver providing a control signal for closing a shut-off valve in the plumbing system when the monitoring unit detects a blockage in the drain pipe.

20. The plumbing system according to claim 17, further comprising a wireless transmitter in communication with said monitoring unit, and a wireless receiver positioned at a remote location from the monitoring unit, said wireless receiver providing a control signal used by a PC or a central alarm system to warn of a detected blockage in the drain pipe.

21. The plumbing system according to claim 17, wherein said monitoring unit comprises a detection circuit having a means for intermittently monitoring an output of the sensor.

22. The plumbing system according to claim 17, wherein said monitoring unit comprises a detection circuit having control logic that avoids activating the alarm means unless the drain pipe remains full for a predetermined time period.

23. The plumbing system according to claim 17, further comprising:

at least one lower level plumbing fixture connected to the drain pipe;

at least one upper level plumbing fixture connected to the drain pipe; and

said sensor of said monitoring unit being positioned to detect a blockage in the drain pipe that might cause said at least one lower level plumbing fixture to overflow.