Waste line stoppage detector and automatic water shutoff system

• US 5,967,175 A
• Filed: 12/19/1997
• Issued: 10/19/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 02/15/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Direct Plumbing Heating & Rooter Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Direct Plumbing Heating & Rooter Incorporated
• Inventors: Bouzaglou, David
• Primary Examiner(s): CHAMBERS, A MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US08/994,520
• Time in Patent Office: 669 Days
• Field of Search: 137/387, 137/392, 137/312, 137/412, 137/434, 137/357
• US Class Current: 137/357
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 7/071 Arrangement of safety devices in domestic pipe systems, e.g. devices for automatic shut-off
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/30 Devices to facilitate removing of obstructions in waste-pipes or sinks for use in sewer pipes or both in waste and sewer pipes E03F9/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 20/15 Leakage reduction or detection in water storage or distribution
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/5762 With leakage or drip collecting
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/6969 Buildings
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7306 Electrical characteristic sensing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7368 Servo relay operation of control
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7439 Float arm operated valve

Abstract

A waste line stoppage detector and automatic water shutoff system is utilized to prevent the overflow of raw sewage from a plumbing fixture. Electronic shutoff valves are electronically connected to a waste line stoppage detector. One application involves using an electronic waste line stoppage detector. Another application involves using a diaphragm and switch waste line stoppage. A further application involves using a float ball and switch waste line stoppage detector.

Claims

1. A waste line stoppage detector for detecting blockage in a waste line of a washing machine having an internal shutoff system, the waste line stoppage detector comprising:

a housing defined by sidewalls and a cap disposed about one end thereof;

a sensor switch supported by said cap;

an elastomeric diaphragm extending between the sidewalls of the housing beneath the sensor switch wherein said diaphragm is pressed against said sensor switch due to a blockage; and

a negative wire and a positive wire for shutting off power to the internal shutoff system of the washing machine, said negative wire and said positive wire being electrically connected to said sensor switch.

2. The waste line stoppage detector according to claim 1 wherein said diaphragm is made of rubber.

3. The waste line stoppage detector according to claim 1 wherein said diaphragm is made of plastic.

4. A waste line stoppage detector for detecting blockage in a waste line of a washing machine having an internal shutoff system, the waste line stoppage detector comprising:

a housing having a cap disposed about one end thereof;

a first electrode and a second electrode supported by said cap; and

a negative wire and a positive wire for shutting off power to the internal shutoff system of the washing machine, said negative wire electrically connected to said first electrode, said positive wire electrically connected to said second electrode.

5. A waste line stoppage detector for detecting blockage in a waste line of a washing machine having an internal shutoff system, the waste line stoppage detector comprising:

a sealed housing;

a sensor switch supported within said housing;

an arm disposed about said sensor switch and contained within said housing;

a spring linked to said arm and contained within said housing;

a rod linked to said spring and extending outside of said housing;

a float ball linked to said rod; and

a negative wire and a positive wire for shutting off power to the internal shutoff system of the washing machine, said negative wire and said positive wire being electrically connected to said sensor switch.

6. The waste line stoppage detector according to claim 5 wherein said arm is right-angled.

7. The waste line stoppage detector according to claim 6 wherein said rod is angled to about 90 degrees.