US3978462A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Drainage flow detector
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-08-06
•
Granted: 1976-08-31
•
Expires: 1995-08-06
Abstract
Abstract A drainage flow detector for predicting the clogging of drain lines in which the difference in the time required for air to be exhaled from the drain vent upon discharge of a quantity of waste and the time to inhale that amount of air as the waste drains is determined and compared with predetermined values to give an indication of proper drain operation.
Inventors
- 👤 Clark Goodman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 20:37
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01P; G01P13/00; G01P13/0006; G01P13/004; G01P13/0046; G01P1/00; G01P1/07; G01P1/08; G01P1/10; G01P1/106; G01P3/00; G01P3/64; G01P3/66
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
An improved drainage flow detector for predicting drainage blockages in a drain stack having an associated vent comprising: a. means to measure the exhalation and inhalation of air from the vent stack in the drainage system and to provide outputs indicative thereof; b. means having said outputs as inputs to compare the length of time of an associated exhalation and inhalation in response to a quantity of liquid being dumped into a drain stack associated with said drain vent; and c. means to provide an output indicative of said comparison.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
An improved drainage flow detector for predicting drainage blockages in a drain stack having an associated vent comprising: a. means to measure the exhalation and inhalation of air from the vent stack in the drainage system and to provide outputs indicative thereof; b. means having said outputs as inputs to compare the length of time of an associated exhalation and inhalation in response to a quantity of liquid being dumped into a drain stack associated with said drain vent; and c. means to provide an output indicative of said comparison.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means to compare comprise means to determine the ratio of exhalation to inhalation time.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein a voltage proportional to said ratio is provided as an output and further including means to record said voltage.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means to provide an output comprise means to provide an output indicating a ratio exceeding a predetermined value.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said means providing an output also provides an output voltage proportional to said ratio and further including means to record said voltage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for generating an output proportional to inhalation and exhalation comprise a rotating vane structure having a plurality of blades containing thereon magnets and means to sense the passage of said magnets at a fixed point and provide pulses indicative thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 and further including means to distinguish between a single exhalation and inhalation and a flow caused by overlapping inhalations and exhalations.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said detector is permanently attached to a drain vent.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
10 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said detector is portable.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-08-31 | 1980-03-01 | 1980-08-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-08-31 | 1984-03-01 | 1984-08-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-08-31 | 1988-03-01 | 1988-08-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |