Liquid chemical delivery system

• US 6,136,184 A
• Filed: 03/18/1999
• Issued: 10/24/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 03/19/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lael D King
• Original Assignee: Lael D King
• Inventors: King, Lael D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Drodge, Joseph W.
• Application Number:
  US09/271,800
• Time in Patent Office: 586 Days
• Field of Search: 210/85, 210/136, 210/143, 210/198.1, 210/205, 210/206, 210/209, 210/532.2, 422/33, 417/17, 417/44.1, 417/411, 222/251, 222/333, 285/139.2, 285/139.3, 285/140.1, 285/141.1, 285/196, 285/206, 285/338
• US Class Current: 210/136
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/008 Control or steering systems not provided for elsewhere in subclass C02F
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/686 Devices for dosing liquid additives
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 21/02 characterised by the use of electric means

Abstract

A liquid chemical delivery system (20) has a pump (27) driven by an electric motor (28) to draw a liquid from a bottle (21) and dispenses the liquid into a septic system (12). Separate independent controls (36,37) connect the electric motor (28) with a source of electric power (34). One of the controls (253) has a wireless remote switch (273) operable to trigger an electronic control unit (268) to activate the electric motor (228) that drives the pump (227) to deliver liquid to the septic system (212).

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing a liquid chemical into a septic system having a toilet bowl, a liquid and solid holding tank, a pipe connecting the bowl and tank, and a vent stack connected to the tank comprising:

a bottle having a chamber for holding a liquid chemical, a pump connected to the bottle operable to draw the liquid chemical from the chamber of the bottle and discharge the liquid chemical into a septic system, a tube connected to the pump for receiving the liquid chemical discharged by the pump, means for connecting the tube to the septic system whereby liquid chemical is directed into the tank, a check valve connected to the tube operable to block the flow of liquid toward the pump a connector attached to the check valve adapted to be attached to the septic system for directing liquid chemical into the septic system, an electric motor connected to the pump for driving the pump whereby the pump draws liquid chemical from the chamber of the bottle and discharges liquid chemical into the tube which transports the liquid chemical to the septic system, and control means connected to the electric motor operable to connect the electric motor to a source of electric power, said control means having a first control operable to connect the electric motor to the source of electric power and a second control operable independently of the first control to connect the electric motor to the source of electric power whereby the electric motor is operable in response to activation of either the first or second control to drive the pump.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

the means adapted to connect the tube to the septic system comprises a connector adapted to be mounted on the tank.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

the means adapted to connect the tube to the septic system comprises a connector adapted to be mounted on the pipe connecting the bowl and tank.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

the means adapted to connect the tube to the septic system comprises a connector adapted to be mounted on the vent stack.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

the means adapted to connect the tube to the septic system comprises a remote end of the tube extended into the toilet bowl for discharging liquid chemical into the toilet bowl.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

the first control is a manually activated switch which, when turned on, connects the electric motor to the source of electric power.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein:

the second control is a manually activated switch which, when turned on, connects the electric motor to the source of electric power.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein:

the second control includes a motor controller connected to the source of electric power and the electric motor, a remote signal receiver wired to the motor controller operable to connect the motor controller and the source of electric power thereby energizing the electric motor to drive the pump, and a remote signal transmitter operable to generate wireless signals that can be sensed by the signal receiver causing the receiver to operate the motor controller.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein:

the motor controller includes an internal battery for providing the motor controller with a source of electric power.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein:

the motor controller includes a low power voltage regulator.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

the means for connecting the tube to the septic system includes a connector having a first member with a passage for receiving liquid chemical transported in the tube, an elongated second member threaded to the first member, an enlarged head joined to the second member, said second member and head having a passage in communication with the passage of the first member for carrying liquid chemical, a bushing mounted on the second member adjacent the head, and a sleeve of flexible material surrounding the second member and bushing engagable with said head, whereby when the first member is threaded on the second member, the head moves toward the first member compressing and circumferentially expanding the sleeve which, when located in a hole in the septic system, mounts and seals the sleeve to the septic system.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein:

the sleeve has a cylindrical body and an annular outwardly extended flange joined to the sleeve.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 including:

an annular washer surrounding the second member located between the first member and annular flange, said washer having an annular surface, said first member having an annular surface located in engagement with the annular surface of the washer.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

the means for connecting the lube to the septic system includes a connector having a first member with a passage for receiving liquid chemical transported in the tube connected to the check valve, an elongated second member threaded to the first member, an enlarged head joined to the second member and head having a passage in communication with the passage of the first member for carrying liquid chemical, a bushing threaded on the second member adjacent the head, and a sleeve of flexible material surrounding the second member and bushing engagable with said head, whereby when the first member is threaded on the second member the head moves toward the first member compressing and circumferentially expanding the sleeve which, when located in a hole in the septic system, mounts and seals the sleeve to the septic system.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein:

the sleeve has a cylindrical body and an annular outwardly extended flange joined to the sleeve.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 including:

an annular washer surrounding the second member located between the first member and annular flange, said washer having an annular surface, said first member having an annular surface located in engagement with the annular surface of the washer.

17. An apparatus for dispensing a liquid chemical into a septic system having a toilet bowl, a liquid and solid holding tank, a pipe connecting the bowl and tank, and a vent stack connected to the tank comprising:

a bottle having a chamber for holding a liquid chemical, a pump connected to the bottle operable to draw the liquid chemical from the chamber of the bottle and discharge the liquid chemical into a septic system, a tube connected to the pump for receiving the liquid chemical discharged by the pump, means for connecting the tube to the septic system whereby liquid chemical is directed into the tank, an electric motor connected to the pump for driving the pump whereby the pump draws liquid chemical from the chamber of the bottle and discharges liquid chemical into the tube which transports the liquid chemical to the septic system, and control means connected to the electric motor operable to connect the electric motor to a source of electric power, said control means having a first control operable to connect the electric motor to the source of electric power and a second control operable independently of the first control to connect the electric motor to the source of electric power whereby the electric motor is operable in response to activation of either the first or second control to drive the pump, and the second control includes a motor controller connected to the source of electric power thereby energizing the electric motor to drive the pump, and a remote signal transmitter operable to generate wireless signals that can be sensed by the signal receiver causing the receiver to operate the motor controller.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein:

the motor controller includes an internal battery for providing the motor controller with a source of electric power.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein:

the motor controller includes a low power voltage regulator.

20. An apparatus for dispensing a liquid into a structure comprising:

first means having a chamber for holding a liquid, a pump connected to the first means operable to draw the liquid from the chamber of the first means and discharge the liquid into the structure;

second means connected to the pump for receiving the liquid discharged by the pump, third means connected to the second means [adopted] adapted to be mounted on the structure for directing liquid into the structure, said third means including a check valve operable to block the flow of liquid toward the pump an electric motor connected to the pump for driving the pump whereby the pump draws liquid from the chamber of the first means and discharges the liquid into the second means which transports the liquid to the third means which directs the liquid through the check valve and into the structure, and control means connected to the electric motor operable to connect the electric motor to a source of electric power, said control means having a first control operable to connect the electric motor to the source of electric power whereby the electric motor is operable in response to activation of either the first or second control to drive the pump.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein:

the first control is a manually activated switch which when turned on connects the electric motor to the source of electric power.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein:

the second control is a manually activated switch which when turned on connects the electric motor to the source of electric power.

23. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein:

the second control includes a motor controller connected to the source of electric power and the electric motor, a remote signal receiver wired to the motor controller operable to connect the motor controller and the source of electric power thereby energizing the electric motor to drive the pump, and a remote signal transmitter operable to generate wireless signals that can be sensed by the signal receiver causing the receiver to operate the motor controller.

24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein:

the motor controller includes an internal battery for providing the motor controller with a source of electric power.

25. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein:

the motor controller includes a low power voltage regulator.

26. An apparatus for dispensing a liquid into a structure comprising:

first means having a chamber for holding a liquid, a pump connected to the first means operable to draw the liquid from the chamber of the first means and discharge liquid into the structure;

second means connected to the pump for receiving liquid discharged by the pump, third means connected to the second means adapted to be mounted on the structure for directing liquid into the structure, an electric motor connected to the pump for driving the pump whereby the pump draws liquid from the chamber of the first means and discharges the liquid into the second means which transports the liquid to the third means which driects the liquid into the structure and control means connected to the electric motor operable to connect the electric motor toa source of electric power, said control means having a first control operable to connect the electric motor to the source of electric power and a second control operable independently of the first control to connect the electric motor to the source of electric power whereby the electric motor is operable in response to activation of either the first or second control to drive the pump, the third means including a connector having a first member with a passage for receiving liquid from the second means, an elongated second member threaded to the first member, an enlarged head joined to the second member, said second member and head having a passage in communication with the passage of the first member for carrying liquid, and a sleeve of flexible material surrounding the second member engageable with said head, whereby when the first member is threaded on the second member the head moves toward the first member compressing and circumferentially expanding the sleeve which, when located in the hole in the structure, mounts and seals the sleeve to the structure.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein:

the sleeve has a cylindrical body and an annular outwardly extended flange joined to the sleeve.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 including:

an annular washer surrounding the second member located between the first member and annular flange, said washer having an annular surface, said first member having an annular surface located in engagement with the annular surface of the washer.

29. An apparatus for dispensing a liquid into a structure comprising:

means having a chamber for holding a liquid, a pump connected to the means for holding a liquid operable to draw liquid from the chamber and discharge the liquid into the structure, a check valve operable to prevent liquid discharged by the pump from flowing back toward the pump, connector means for mounting the check valve on the structure, said connector means having a passage for carrying liquid from the check valve to the structure, tube means connected to the pump for receiving the liquid discharged by the pump and to the check valve for carrying the liquid from the pump to the check valve, an electric motor connected to the pump for driving the pump whereby the pump draws liquid from the chamber and discharges the liquid into the tube means, and control means connected to the electric motor operable to connect the electric motor to a source of electric power to energize the electric motor thereby driving the pump, said control means having a first switch operable to connect the electric motor to the source of electric power and a second switch locatable in a location remote from the first switch operable independently of the first switch to connect the electric motor to the source of electric power.

30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein:

the means having a chamber for holding a liquid in a bottle, said pump being connected to the bottle to draw liquid from the chamber and discharge liquid into the tube means.

31. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein:

the connector means includes a first member having a passage for receiving liquid from the check valve, a second member threaded to the first member, an enlarged head joined to the second member, said second member and head having a passage in communication with the passage of the first member for carrying liquid to the structure, a bushing threaded on the second member adjacent the head, and a sleeve of flexible material surrounding the second member and bushing engageable with said head whereby when the first member is threaded on the second member the head moves toward the first member compressing and circumferentially expanding the sleeve which when located in a hole in the structure mounts and seals the sleeve on the structure.

32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein:

the sleeve has a cylindrical body and an annular outwardly extended flange joined to the sleeve.

33. The apparatus of claim 32 including:

an annular washer surrounding, the second member located between the first member and annular flange, said washer having an annular surface, said first member having an annular surface located in engagement with the annular surface of the washer.

34. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein:

the first control is a manually activated switch which when turned on connects the electric motor to the source of electric power.

35. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein:

the second control is a manually activated switch which when turned on connects the electric motor to the source of electric power.

36. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein:

the second control includes a motor controller connected to the source of electric power and the electric motor, a remote signal receiver wired to the motor controller operable to connect the motor controller and the source of electric power thereby energizing the electric motor to drive the pump, and a remote signal transmitter operable to generate wireless signals that can be sensed by the signal receiver causing the receiver to operate the motor controller.

37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein:

the motor controller includes an internal battery for providing the motor controller with a source of electric power.

38. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein:

the motor controller includes a low power voltage regulator.

39. An apparatus for dispensing a liquid into a structure comprising;

first means having a chamber for holding a liquid, a pump connected to the first means operable to draw the liquid from the chamber of the first means and discharge liquid into the structure, second means connected to the pump for receiving liquid discharged by the pump, third means connected to the second means adapted to be mounted on the structure for directing liquid into the structure, an electric motor connected to the pump for driving the pump whereby the pump draws liquid from the chamber of the first means and discharged the liquid into the second means which transports the liquid to the third means which directs the liquid into the structure, and control means connected to the electric motor operable to connect the electric motor to a source of electric power, said control means including a motor controller connected to the power source and the electric motor, a remote signal receiver wired to the motor controller operable to connect the motor controller and the source of electric power thereby energizing the electric motor to drive the pump, and a remote signal transmitter operable to generate wireless signals that can be sensed by the signal receiver causing the receiver to operate the motor controller, the third means includes a connector having a first member with a passage for receiving liquid from the second means, an elongated second memeber threaded to the first member, an enlarged head joined to the second member, said second member and head having a passage in communication with the passage of the first member, for carrying liquid and a sleeve of flexible material surrounding the second member, engageable with said head, whereby when the first member is threaded on the second member, the head moves toward the first member compressing and circumferentially expanding the sleeve which when located in a hole in the structure mounts and seals the sleeve to the structure.

40. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein:

the motor controller includes an internal battery for providing the motor controller with a source of electric power.

41. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein:

the motor controller includes a low-power voltage regulator.

42. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein:

the sleeve has a cylindrical body and an annular outwardly extended flange joined to the sleeve.

43. The apparatus of claim 42 including:

an annular washer surrounding the second member located between the first member and annular flange, said washer having an annular surface, said first member having an annular surface located in engagement with the annular surface of the washer.

44. The apparatus of claim 39 including a check valve connected to the second and third means operable to block the flow of liquid and gas from the third means back into the second means and allow liquid to flow from the second means to the third means and into the structure.

45. An apparatus for dispensing a liquid into a structure comprising:

first means having a chamber for holding a liquid, a pump connected to the first means operable to draw the liquid from the chamber of the first means and discharge the liquid into the structure, second means connected to the pump for receiving the liquid discharged by the pump, third connector means adapted to be connected to the structure for discharging liquid into the structure, a check valve connected to the second means and associated with third connector means operable to block the flow of liquid from the third means back to the second means and pump and allow liquid to flow from the second means to the third means and into the structure, a motor connected to the pump for driving the pump whereby the pump draws liquid from the chamber of the first means and discharges the liquid into the second means which transports the liquid through the check valve to the third means which directs the liquid into the structure, and control means connected to the motor operable to connect the motor to a source of power whereby the motor drives the pump.

46. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein:

the control means includes a manually activated control which when activated connects the motor to the source of power.

47. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein:

the third means includes a first member having a passage for receiving liquid from the check valve, a second member threaded to the first member, an enlarged head joined to the second member, said second member and head having a passage in communication with the passage of the first member for carrying liquid to the structure, a bushing threaded on the second member adjacent the head, and a sleeve of flexible material surrounding the second member and bushing engageable with said head whereby when the first member is threaded on the second member the head moves toward the first member compressing and circumferentially expanding the sleeve which when located in a hole in the structure mounts and seals the sleeve on the structure.

48. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein:

the first means has a chamber for holding a liquid in a bottle, said pump being connected to the bottle to draw liquid from the chamber and discharge liquid into the second means.

49. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein:

the motor is an electric motor drivably connected to the pump, and the control means is a manually activated switch which when turned on connects the electric motor to a source of electric power thereby operating the pump.

50. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein:

the motor is an electric motor driveably connected to the pump, and the control means includes a motor controller connected to the electric motor and the source of electric power, a remote signal receiver wired to the motor controller operable to connect the motor controller and the source of electric power thereby energizing the electric motor to drive the pump, and a remote signal transmitter operable to generate wireless signals that can be sensed by the signal receiver causing the receiver to operate the motor controller.

51. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein:

the motor is an electric motor driveably connected to the pump, said control means having a first control operable to connect the electric motor to the source of electric power and a second control operable independently of the first switch to connect the electric motor to the source of electric power.

52. The apparatus of claim 51 wherein:

the first control is a manually activated switch which when turned on connects the electric motor to the source of electric power.

53. The apparatus of claim 51 wherein:

the second control is a manually activated switch which when turned on connects the electric motor to the source of electric power.

54. The apparatus of claim 51 wherein:

the second control includes a motor controller connected to the source of electric power and the electric motor, a remote signal receiver wired to the motor controller operable to connect the motor controller and the source of electric power thereby energizing the electric motor to drive the pump, and a remote signal transmitter operable to generate wireless signals that can be sensed by the signal receiver causing the receiver to operate the motor controller.