Septic tank alarm system

• US 6,217,752 B1
• Filed: 12/28/1999
• Issued: 04/17/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Terry L. Coots
• Original Assignee: Terry L. Coots
• Inventors: Coots, Terry L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Drodge, Joseph W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cecil, Terry K.
• Application Number:
  US09/473,037
• Time in Patent Office: 476 Days
• Field of Search: 210/86, 210/104, 210/170, 210/532.1, 210/532.2, 116/109, 116/227, 340/612, 340/666, 137/558, 732/90.R
• US Class Current: 210/86
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2209/42 Liquid level
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 3/286 including two or more steps
• CPC Class Codes: E03F 11/00 Cesspools emptying cesspools E03F7/00; features relating to treatment of sewage C02F
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/185 for discrete levels
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/205 for discrete levels
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8342 Liquid level responsive indicator, recorder or alarm

Abstract

A two stage alarm system for detecting rising levels of sludge in septic tanks, and similar sedimentary tanks. The system, to detect a first or “caution” level, and a second or “critical” level of sludge, relies upon a pair of vertically positioned weight sensitive switching mechanisms which, when triggered by the rising levels of sludge, will send appropriate signals to a remote alarm mechanism, such as at the residence, to activate a “yellow” and/or “red” light, for example, thus alerting the owner of the tank to the need for remedial action.

Claims

1. In combination with a treatment tank, having a top in close proximity to ground level for collecting wastewater containing a quantity of solids from a structure, where suspended sludge is separated by gravitational settlement from an overlying liquid,

a two stage sludge level alarm system to detect rising levels of said suspended sludge within said treatment tank, said system comprising:

a.) a cylindrical housing extending through said top in interior communication with said overlying liquid and suspended sludge;

i.) upper and lower openings in a sidewall of said cylindrical housing;

ii.) weight sensitive switches disposed within said cylindrical housing below said openings, where said switches are rendered operative by the weight of sludge passing through said openings into contact with said switches; and

b.) an electronic alarm within said structure in electrical communication with said switches, where said electric alarm is activated when at least one of said switches is rendered operative.

2. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said weight sensitive switches are enclosed within a sealed, flexible membranes to protect said switches from exposure to said sludge.

3. The combination according to claim 2, wherein said cylindrical housing includes plural apertures to allow sludge and liquid flow into said housing for pressure equalization.

4. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said electronic alarm is a dual alarm, each said alarm connected to a respective switch.

5. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said tank is provided with access means above ground level for inspection and removal of said cylindrical housing from said treatment tank.

6. The combination according to claim 5, wherein said treatment tank includes a port along said top for positioning said cylindrical housing within said treatment tank, and an encircling elastomeric seal about said cylindrical housing in communication with said port.

7. The combination according to claim 1, wherein each said switch includes a spring biased pivotal plate and a base plate, where the weight of the incoming sludge overcomes said biased spring to bring said pivotal plate into contact with said base plate to thereby close the said switch and causing said electronic alarm to activate.