Fluidizing system and method

• US 5,488,968 A
• Filed: 05/23/1995
• Issued: 02/06/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John R. Price, Michael A. Way
• Original Assignee: John R. Price, Michael A. Way
• Inventors: Price, John R., Way, Michael A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Walton, George L.
• Application Number:
  US08/447,723
• Time in Patent Office: 259 Days
• Field of Search: 137/1, 137/2, 137/59, 137/62, 137/301, 137/334, 137/337, 137/565, 137/859, 138/34, 237/80
• US Class Current: 137/1
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 7/12 by preventing freezing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/1189 Freeze condition responsive safety systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/6416 With heating or cooling of the system
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86043 Reserve or surge receiver

Abstract

A fluidizing apparatus, such as a winterizing apparatus, and related method for preventing freezing of water in the water pipes of a dwelling. The apparatus includes a pump, an inlet line, an outlet line, a pressure switch, and an air compressor tank. The outlet line is connected to a faucet of the water pipes of the dwelling and the inlet line is positioned in a container of fluid, such as antifreeze. When a second faucet is opened, the pump is activated, and the pump will then cause antifreeze to flow from the container, through the inlet line, the pump, and the outlet line, and then into the faucet and through the water pipes of the dwelling. An associated air compressor tank is in fluid communication with the pressure switch and exit line, and cooperates with the pressure switch to maintain consistent pumping of the antifreeze. After antifreeze is in the pipes, a shut-off valve in the exit line is closed and/or the at least one valved water outlet is closed, which causes the pump to deactivate.

Claims

1. In combination with a water pipe assemblage of a dwelling, the pipe assemblage having (i) a valved water supply line for supplying water into the dwelling, (ii) a water main line disposed in the dwelling and hydraulically connected to receive water from the water supply line, and (iii) a plurality of valved water outlets hydraulically connected with the water main line,

a fluidizing apparatus comprising:

(A) a pump;

(B) an inlet line adapted for providing fluid from a source thereof to the pump;

(C) an outlet line adapted for providing fluid from the pump by way of at least one valved water outlet into the main water line;

(D) a pressure switch in fluid communication with the outlet line; and

(E) an air compressor tank containing compressed air and in fluid communication with the pressure switch and the outlet line, and wherein the compressed air from the pressure tank is adapted to activate the pressure switch, upon a change in fluid pressure within the outlet line, and maintain consistent pumping of the fluid by the pump into the main water line, when the valved water supply line is manually closed, the at least one valved water outlet to which the outlet line is connected is manually opened, and at least a first of all the other valved water outlets is manually opened, and the pressure switch is adapted to deactivate the pump when the outlet line is connected to the at least one valved water outlet and fluid flow through the outlet line is stopped by manually closing the at least one valved water outlet such that the compressed air from the pressure tank changes fluid pressure within the outlet line to activate the pressure switch for deactivating the pump.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the fluid is selected from the group consisting of antifreeze, cleaner, and sanitizer.

3. The combination of claim 2, wherein the fluid is antifreeze and the fluidizing apparatus is a winterizing apparatus.

4. The combination of claim 1, wherein the inlet line includes:

(A) an inlet hose having a first end and a second end, and wherein the inlet hose first end is adapted to be positioned in the fluid and the fluid is contained in a container; and

(B) an entrance conduit having a first end and a second end and a check valve disposed between the entrance conduit first end and the entrance conduit second end, and wherein the entrance conduit second end is connected to the pump, and wherein the inlet hose second end and the entrance conduit first end are connected.

5. The combination of claim 4, wherein an intake manifold connects the inlet hose second end and the entrance conduit first end.

6. The combination of claim 1, wherein the outlet line includes:

(A) an outlet hose having a first end and a second end, and wherein the outlet hose second end is adapted to be connected to the at least one valved water outlet; and

(B) an exit conduit having a first end and a second end and a shut-off valve disposed at the exit conduit second end, and wherein the exit conduit first end is connected to the pump, and wherein the outlet hose first end and the exit conduit second end are connected.

7. The combination of claim 6, wherein the outlet hose second end and the at least one valved water outlet are connected by an L-shaped connector.

8. The combination of claim 1, wherein the fluid communication is achieved via a T-connector having a vertical bar with an end leading to the tank and having a horizontal bar with two ends wherein the two ends of the horizontal bar of the T-connector lead to the pressure switch and the exit conduit, respectively.

9. A winterizing apparatus for preventing freezing of water in a water pipe assemblage of a dwelling, the dwelling water pipe assemblage having (i) a valved water supply line for supplying water into the dwelling, (ii) a water main line disposed in the dwelling and hydraulically connected to receive water from the water supply line, and (iii) a plurality of valved water outlets hydraulically connected with the water main line, the apparatus comprising:

(A) an inlet hose having a first end and a second end, and wherein the inlet hose first end is adapted to be positioned in antifreeze contained in a container;

(B) an outlet hose having a first end and a second end, and wherein the outlet hose second end is adapted to be connected to at least one valved water outlet;

(C) a pump;

(D) an entrance conduit having a first end and a second end and a check valve disposed between the entrance conduit first end and the entrance conduit second end, and wherein the entrance conduit second end is connected to the pump;

(E) an intake manifold connecting the inlet hose second end and the entrance conduit first end;

(F) an exit conduit having a first end and a second end and a shut-off valve disposed at the exit conduit second end, and wherein the exit conduit first end is connected to the pump, and wherein the outlet hose first end and the exit conduit second end are connected;

(G) a pressure switch in fluid communication with the exit conduit; and

(H) an air compressor tank containing compressed air and in fluid communication with the pressure switch and the exit conduit, and wherein the compressed air from the pressure tank is adapted to activate the pressure switch, upon a change in fluid pressure within the outlet line, and maintain consistent pumping of the antifreeze by the pump from the container of antifreeze into the main water line of the dwelling, and wherein the pressure switch is adapted to deactivate the pump when the outlet hose second end is connected to at least one valved water outlet and fluid flow through the outlet hose is stopped by manual closure of the shut-off valve disposed at the exit conduit second end such that the compressed air from the pressure tank changes fluid pressure within the outlet line to activate the pressure switch for deactivating the pump.

10. A method for providing fluid to a water pipe assemblage of a dwelling, the method comprising:

(A) providing, in combination with a water pipe assemblage of a dwelling, the pipe assemblage having (i) a valved water supply line for supplying water into the dwelling, (ii) a water main line disposed in the dwelling and hydraulically connected to receive water from the water supply line, and (iii) a plurality of valved water outlets hydraulically connected with the water main line,

a fluidizing apparatus comprising;

(i) a pump;

(ii) an inlet line adapted for providing fluid from a source thereof to the pump,

(iii) an outlet line adapted for providing fluid from the pump by way of at least one valved water outlet into the main water line,

(iv) a pressure switch in fluid communication with the outlet line, and

(v) an air compressor tank containing compressed air and in fluid communication with the pressure switch and the outlet line, wherein the compressed air from the pressure tank is adapted to activate the pressure switch, upon a change in fluid pressure within the outlet line, and maintain consistent pumping of the fluid by the pump into the main water line, when the valved water supply line is manually closed, when the at least one valved water outlet to which the outlet line is connected is manually opened, and when at least a first of all the other valved water outlets is manually opened, and wherein the pressure switch is adapted to deactivate the pump when the outlet line is connected to the at least one valved water outlet and fluid flow through the outlet line is stopped by manual closure thereof, such that the compressed air from the pressure tank changes fluid pressure within the outlet line to activate the pressure switch for deactivating the pump;

(B) manually shutting off the valved water supply line;

(C) connecting the outlet line to the at least one valved water outlet;

(D) manually opening the at least one valved water outlet to which the outlet line is connected and then manually opening at least the first of all the other valved water outlets to allow water to flow therefrom, thereby allowing the compressed air from the pressure tank to activate the pressure switch, upon a change in fluid pressure within the outlet line, and cause the pump to pump fluid through the at least one valved water outlet and into the main water line until the pumped fluid flows from at least the first of all the other open valved water outlets;

(E) manually closing at least the first of all the other open valved water outlets to activate the pressure switch for deactivating the pump by the compressed air from the pressure tank changing fluid pressure within the outlet line;

(F) manually closing at least one valved of the water outlet to which the outlet line is connected and of the outlet line; and

(G) disconnecting the outlet line from the at least one valved water outlet.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the fluid is selected from the group consisting of antifreeze, cleaner, and sanitizer.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the fluid is antifreeze and the fluidizing apparatus is a winterizing apparatus and providing fluid to a water pipe assemblage includes preventing freezing of water in the water pipe assemblage.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the inlet line includes:

(A) an inlet hose having a first end and a second end, and wherein the inlet hose first end is adapted to be positioned in the fluid and the fluid is contained in a container, and

(B) an entrance conduit having a first end and a second end and a check valve disposed between the entrance conduit first end and the entrance conduit second end, and wherein the entrance conduit second end is connected to the pump, and wherein the inlet hose second end and the entrance conduit first end are connected.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein an intake manifold connects the inlet hose second end and the entrance conduit first end.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the outlet line includes:

(A) an outlet hose having a first end and a second end, and wherein the outlet hose second end is adapted to be connected to the at least one valved water outlet, and

(B) an exit conduit having a first end and a second end and a shut-off valve disposed at the exit conduit second end, and wherein the exit conduit first end is connected to the pump, and wherein the outlet hose first end and the exit conduit second end are connected.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the outlet hose second end and the at least one valved water outlet are connected by an L-shaped connector.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the fluid communication is achieved via a T-connector having a vertical bar with an end leading to the tank and having a horizontal bar with two ends wherein the two ends of the horizontal bar of the T-connector lead to the pressure switch and the exit conduit, respectively.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the method is sequential in that at least a first of all the other valved water outlets is opened until pumped fluid flows therefrom and then is shut, and then a next of all the other valved water outlets is opened until pumped fluid flows therefrom and then is shut, and sequentially, opening is repeated for each remaining other valved water outlet until pumped fluid flows therefrom and then each is shut.

19. A method for providing fluid to a water pipe assemblage of a dwelling, the method comprising:

(A) providing, in combination with a water pipe assemblage of a dwelling, the pipe assemblage having (i) a valved water supply line for supplying water into the dwelling, (ii) a water main line disposed in the dwelling and hydraulically connected to receive water from the water supply line, and (iii) a plurality of valved water outlets hydraulically connected with the water main line,

a fluidizing apparatus comprising;

(i) a pump,

(ii) an inlet line adapted for providing fluid from a source thereof to the pump,

(iii) an outlet line adapted for providing fluid from the pump by way of at least one valved water outlet into the main water line,

(iv) a pressure switch in fluid communication with the outlet line, and

(v) an air compressor tank containing compressed air and in fluid communication with the pressure switch and the outlet line, and wherein the compressed air from the pressure tank is adapted to activate the pressure switch, upon a change in fluid pressure within the outlet line, and maintain consistent pumping of the fluid by the pump into the main water line, when the valved water supply line is manually closed, when the at least one valved water outlet to which the outlet line is connected is manually opened, and when at least a first of all the other valved water outlets is manually opened, and wherein the pressure switch is adapted to deactivate the pump when the outlet line is connected to the at least one valved water outlet and fluid flow through the outlet line is stopped by manual closure thereof such that the compressed air from the pressure tank changes fluid pressure within the outlet line to activate the pressure switch for deactivating the pump;

(B) manually shutting off the valved water supply line;

(C) connecting the outlet line to the at least one valved water outlet;

(D) manually opening the at least one valved water outlet to which the outlet line is connected and then manually opening at least a first of all the other valved water outlets to allow water to flow therefrom;

(E) allowing the compressed air from the pressure tank to activate the pressure switch, upon a change in fluid pressure with the outlet line, and cause the pump to pump fluid through the at least one valved water outlet and into the main water line until the pumped fluid flows from the first open of all the other open valved water outlets;

(F) manually closing the first open of all the other valved water outlets to activate the pressure switch for deactivating the pump by the compressed air from the pressure tank changing fluid pressure within the outlet line;

(G) sequentially repeating manual opening and manual closing of steps (E) and (G) with a next of all the other valved water outlets until steps (E) and (G) are accomplished with all the remaining other valved water outlets; and

(H) disconnecting the outlet line from the at least one valved water outlet.

20. A method for preventing freezing of water in a water pipe assemblage of a dwelling, the dwelling water pipe assemblage having (i) a valved water supply line for supplying water into the dwelling, (ii) a water main line disposed in the dwelling and hydraulically connected to receive water from the water supply line, and (iii) a plurality of valved water outlets hydraulically connected with the water main line, the method comprising:

(A) providing an apparatus having;

(i) an inlet hose having a first end and a second end, and wherein the inlet hose first end is adapted to be positioned in antifreeze contained in a container;

(ii) an outlet hose having a first end and a second end, and wherein the outlet hose second end is adapted to be connected to at least one valved water outlet;

(iii) a pump;

(iv) an entrance conduit having a first end and a second end and a check valve disposed between the entrance conduit first end and the entrance conduit second end, and wherein the entrance conduit second end is connected to the pump;

(v) an intake manifold connecting the inlet hose second end and the entrance conduit first end;

(vi) an exit conduit having a first end and a second end and a shut-off valve disposed at the exit conduit second end, and wherein the exit conduit first end is connected to the pump, and wherein the outlet hose first end and the exit conduit second end are connected;

(vii) a pressure switch in fluid communication with the exit conduit; and

(viii) an air compressor tank containing compressed air and in fluid communication with the pressure switch and the exit conduit, and wherein the compressed air from the pressure tank is adapted to activate the pressure switch, upon a change in fluid pressure within the outlet line, and maintain constant pumping of the antifreeze by the pump from the container of antifreeze into the main water line of the dwelling, and wherein the pressure switch is adapted to deactivate the pump when the outlet hose second end is connected to at least one valved water outlet and fluid flow through the outlet hose is stopped by manual closure of the shut-off valve disposed at the exit conduit second end such that the compressed air from the pressure tank changes fluid pressure within the outlet line to activate the pressure switch for deactivating the pump;

(B) manually shutting off the valved water supply line;

(C) connecting the outlet hose second end to the at least one valved water outlet;

(D) manually opening the at least one valved water outlet and then manually opening all other valved water outlets to allow water to flow therefrom;

(E) allowing the compressed air to activate the pressure switch, upon a change in fluid pressure within the outlet line, and cause the pump to pump antifreeze from the container of antifreeze through the at least one valved water outlet and into the main water line of the dwelling until the antifreeze flows from all the other valved water outle