Apparatus to protect a radon fan from mechanical failure due to damage from falling objects from within the radon mitigation system

Abstract

This apparatus protects a radon fan from damage due to falling water, ice, critters and debris and is installed above the radon fan and protects the fan in several ways.

Description

OTHER REFERENCES

A. U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,005 Weaver May 14, 2001

B. New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection, NJDEP Responses to Vapor Mitigation System Questions, Updated 10 May 2010.

C. Suncourt Inc. Radon Fan Installation Instructions

D. “Draining Water Past Radon Fan Motors Installed Outside”, by Bill Brodhead of 2844 Slifer Valley Rd., Riegelsville, Pa.

E. Radon Today, Published by: RadonAway and AccuStar Labs, Winter Issue—2008, Title: Condensation Bypass.

F. Radon Today, Published by: RadonAway and AccuStar, Winter-Spring Issue—2005, Title: Condensation II

G. Radon Today, Published by: RadonAway and AccuStar, Summer Issue—2005, Title: Condensation III

H. Radon Today, Published by: RadonAway and AccuStar, Fall Issue—2004, Title: Condensation

I. Radon Today, Published by; RadonAway and AccuStar, Spring Issue—2003, Title: Mitigation System Winter Freeze-ups.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

This invention was not Federally sponsored.

BACKGROUND

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into a home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. You cannot see, smell, or taste radon.

Sub-slab depressurization is the most common radon mitigation technique which requires several installation steps.

The radon mitigation system is a continuous piping system beginning under a house concrete basement slab, and terminating outside and above the house. An in-line radon fan is installed in the piping system to draw the radon laced air from under the basement concrete slab to the outside and above the house.

The radon-laced air is pulled from under the basement concrete floor slab by the radon fan and pushed up the exhaust pipe and dispersed harmlessly into the environment.

The radon-laced air at earth temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit with a high degree of moisture content. This produces air with high humidity content being vented through the radon mitigation system.

Radon mitigation protocol requires that radon mitigation systems be operational continuously. The radon mitigation system continues to operate during warm periods of the year and winter freezing periods of the year.

During warmer periods, the humid air will turn to condensate and fall back into the radon fan in the form of water which causes damage to the radon fan.

Freezing temperatures in the environment during the winter causes condensate to turn to ice in the radon mitigation system exhaust pipe.

As more moist warm air is pumped into the exhaust pipe, ice continues to build and restrict air movement in the upper portion of the exhaust pipe. As the exhaust pipe becomes blocked with ice, the radon mitigation system becomes inoperative. During warmer periods the ice breaks apart from the exhaust pipe and falls into the radon fan, causing fan damage. It is common for winter nights to freeze and winter days to thaw, resulting in many freeze-thaw cycles during a winter season.

Adding to the ice build-up problem is the critter and debris screen-cap, which is often installed at the top end of the exhaust pipe where the humid air is exposed to the freezing temperature of the environment. The screen-cap, installed at the top of the exhaust pipe is directly exposed to freezing temperatures, thus the screen compounds the ice build-up problem as it catches moisture from the air passes through the screen and increases ice build-up. The ice will partially melt, and pieces will break off and drop down into the radon fan, causing damage.

The damage to the radon fan from falling ice is a health and economic problem because when the radon fan is not operating, radon is not being removed from the house. Therefore it is desirable to provide an apparatus that will prevent ice, water, critters and debris from entering the radon fan, and continue to allow maximum air passage through the radon mitigation system. It would also be desirable to provide a means for maintenance and system testing of the radon mitigation system.

This embodiment relates to radon mitigation systems, specifically to an improved separator apparatus as part of the radon system. This embodiment protects a radon fan from damage resulting from falling ice, debris, critters and water.

This embodiment would have a means to replace the traditional screen cap at the top of the exhaust pipe, resulting in clear exit pipe opening.

This embodiment would have a means of preventing falling ice, debris, critters and water from falling into a radon fan of a radon mitigation system.

This embodiment would have a means to access and clean-out debris and critters that became suspended within the embodiment.

This embodiment would have a means to catch falling water and channel it out and around the radon fan housing.

This embodiment would have a means to return the water to the radon mitigation system down-stream of the radon fan.

It is also desirable to locate the embodiment up-stream and adjacent to the radon fan.

This embodiment would have a means to allow access for radon mitigation system annalists within the embodiment.

This embodiment would install quickly and easily to the radon mitigation system and become part of the radon mitigation system.

PRIOR ART

Currently, a radon fan can be somewhat protected from returning water with a condensate bypass apparatus, U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,005 issued to Weaver, Mar. 4, 2003.

However, U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,005 does not provide a means to eliminate the critter screen at the top of the exhaust pipe which contributes to undesirable ice build-up.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,005 does not provide a means to stop ice or critters or debris from falling into the radon fan.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,005 does not provide a means for an access port to allow cleaning, inspections or maintenance.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,005 does not provide a means for an access port closure device, such as a plug.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,005 does not provide a means for an access port closure device, such as a plug to be integral with a drain tube adapter.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,005 does not provide a means for an elbow or angle shaped housing.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,005 claim 1 limits the condensate trap to a conically-shaped sloping outer surface configuration.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,005 states in claim 4 that an exhaust fan apparatus comprising a housing having an exhaust port.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,005 states in claim 4 that the exhaust conduit is coupled to said exhaust port

U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,005 states in claim 4 that a condensate trap located within said exhaust conduit.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,005 claim number 5 states that the condensate trap is integral with said housing of said exhaust fan apparatus.

SUMMARY

This present invention comprises a radon mitigation system for removing radon-laced air from occupied areas of a building, including a means for preventing falling debris, critters, ice and water from entering a radon fan of a radon mitigation system.

The separator housing of the present invention comprises of gutters, screens, access port, access port plugs, drain ports, drain tube adapters, drain tube and support devices.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention, and the manner of attaining them, will be more apparent and better understood by reference to the following descriptions of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and with the claims.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

• 1. Separator apparatus.
• 1 a. Separator housing
• 2. Gutter, elliptical cone
• 2 a. Gutter, semi curved
• 2 b. Gutter, flattened
• 3. Screen, flat design
• 3 a. Screen, domed design
• 4. Support screws
• 5. Drain tube adapter
• 6. Drain tube
• 7. Drain tube adapter
• 8. Drain hose insulation
• 9. Sealant
• 11. Slip connector
• 12. Access port plug
• 12 a. Connector port plug
• 13. Trough screw
• 14. Trough base.
• 15. Trough interior side wall.
• 19. Trough channel.
• 20. Test port
• 21. Access port threads
• 22. Access port plug threads
• 23. Collection area above screen
• 24. Critter screen cap.
• 25. Access port, to housing
• 25 a. Access port, to connector
• 26. Drain port, to plug
• 26 a. Drain port, to housing
• 100. Radon fan.
• 110. Flexible fan coupling.
• 120. Flexible fan coupling.
• 130. Pipe elbow.
• 140. Suction pipe.
• 150. Pipe elbow
• 160. Exhaust pipe.
• 170. Support bracket.
• 180. Building exterior wall.
• 200. Radon mitigation system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Shows overall view of radon mitigation system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 Shows side view of elliptical cone shaped gutter according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 Shows bottom view of elliptical cone shaped gutter and flat screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 Shows front view of elliptical cone shaped gutter according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 Shows rear view of elliptical cone shaped gutter and flat screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 Shows top view of elliptical cone shaped gutter and flat screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 Shows side view of separator housing, screen, gutter, drain tube adapter, and sealant according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of separator housing, gutter, screen, support screws, drain tube adapter, and sealant according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 Shows front view of separator housing, screen and drain tube adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 Shows side view of separator apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 Shows a side view of elliptical cone shaped gutter and domed screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 Shows bottom view of elliptical cone shaped gutter and domed screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 Shows front view of elliptical cone shaped gutter and domed screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 Shows rear view of elliptical cone shaped gutter and domed screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 Shows front view of domed gutter and a domed screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 Shows top view of domed gutter and domed screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 Shows side view of domed gutter and domed screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 Shows side view of radon mitigation system according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 Shows side view of separator housing according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 Shows cross sectional view of embodiments of separator housing according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 Shows cross sectional view of another embodiment of separator housing according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 Shows prospective view of embodiments according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 Shows cross section view of drain port plug screwed into connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 Shows cross-section view of drain tube adapter screwed into drain port plug and drain port plug screwed into separator housing according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is best described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1) Shows a overall side view of a radon mitigation system (200) comprising separator apparatus (1), hollow suction pipe (140), hollow suction pipe elbow (130), hollow flexible suction fan coupling (120), radon fan (100),hollow flexible exhaust fan coupling (110), hollow exhaust pipe elbow (150), hollow exhaust pipe (160), exhaust pipe support (170), building exterior wall (180), exhaust screen cap (24).

Separator housing (1a) comprising, gutter (2), hollow receiving drain tube adapter (5), hollow drain tube (6), hollow terminating drain tube adapter (7), drain tube insulation (8).

I contemplate that the drain tube adapter (5) of this embodiment be made of plastic, but other materials are also suitable.

Suction pipe (140) comprises a pipe from below basement floor up-stream to elbow fitting (130). Elbow (130) engages pipe (140) down-stream and engages coupling (120) up-stream. Coupling (120) engages elbow (130) down-stream and engages radon fan (100) up-stream. Pipe (140), elbow (130) and coupling (120) forms a continuing hollow, substantially airtight channel from below basement slab to radon fan (100).

Radon fan (100) engages coupling (120) down-stream and engages coupling fitting (110) up-stream. Radon fan (100) is an exhaust fan well known in the radon mitigation industry. Coupling (110) engages radon fan (100) down-stream and engages housing (1a) up-stream. Housing (1a) engages coupling (110) down-stream and engages elbow (150) up-stream.

Elbow (150) engages housing (la) down-stream and engages pipe (160) up-stream. Pipe (160) engages elbow fitting (150) down-stream and engages cap (24) up-stream. Cap (24) engages pipe (160) down-stream and terminates up-stream. Coupling (110), housing (1a), elbow (150), pipe (160) and cap (24) forms a continuing hollow, substantially airtight channel from radon fan (100) to exit through cap (24). Support (170) engages pipe (160) and engages wall (180).

I contemplate that the fittings and pipe of this embodiment be made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), but other materials are also suitable.

I contemplate that the fittings and pipe are of 4″ diameter, but other sizes are also suitable.

FIG 1. Housing (1a) of this embodiment comprises gutter (2), adapter (5), insulation (8), tube (6), and adapter (7).

All components down-stream of radon fan (100), including pipe (140), elbow (130), coupling (120), comprise the “suction side” of the radon mitigation system.

All components up-stream of radon fan (100), including coupling (110), housing (1a), elbow (150), pipe (160), support (170), cap (24) comprise the “exhaust side” of the radon mitigation system.

Cap (24) is a metal screen, plastic housing device sized to fit onto pipe (160) to prevent critters and debris from entering radon mitigation system (200).

I contemplate that pipe (140), elbow (130), housing (1a), elbow (150), pipe (160) are pipes and fittings manufactured of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and are well known in the plumbing trade. All male and female slip connection fittings are mated using PVC primer and PVC solvent cement.

I contemplate that coupling (110) and coupling (120) are manufactured of flexible elastomeric compounds with stainless steel band clamps for leak-proof seals and are well known in the plumbing trade

Radon mitigation system (200) is shown in FIGS. 1, 10, 18, 19.

Separator (1) is a component of system (200) FIG. 1

Housing (1a) is an embodiment of separator (1) is shown in FIGS. 1, 10.

Housing (1a) is shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 19, 20, 21, 22.

Housing (1a) comprises a hollow plumbing elbow, engages coupling (110) and elbow (150).

I contemplate that the housing (1a) of this embodiment be made of a hollow plumbing Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) elbow and angled to 90 degrees or 45 degrees to engage standard PVC pipe and fittings common to the plumbing industry, but other materials are also suitable.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of gutter (2) shown in FIG. 1.

I contemplate that the gutter (2) of this embodiment be made of a corrosion-resistant material, such as aluminum or a plastic, but other materials are also suitable.

FIG. 3 Shows a below view of the gutter (2) engaged with screen (3). In this embodiment gutter (2) is placed below the screen (3). In this embodiment gutter (2) supports screen (3). In this embodiment gutter (2) is attached to screen (3).

Gutter (2) (2a) and screen (3), (3a), (3b) are bonded to housing (1a) with waterproof sealant (9) FIG. 7.

FIG. 4 Shows front view of gutter (2).

FIG. 5 shows a rear view of gutter (2) engaged with screen (3) above gutter (2).

FIG. 6 Shows a below view of gutter (2) as a base support for screen (3). I contemplate that the screen (3) be made of stainless steel mesh and 0.50 inch openings, but other materials and other screen sizes are also suitable.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of housing (1a), gutter (2), screen (3), adapter (5), and sealant (9). Screen (3) is above gutter (2). Screen (3) is supported by gutter (2). Gutter (2) is seated into gutter sealant (9).

I contemplate that sealant (9) be waterproof and flexible Silicone, but other materials are also suitable.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of housing (1a), gutter (2), screen (3), support screws (4), adapter (5), and sealant (9). Screws (4) embedded into housing (1a) supports in place gutter (2) and screen (3). Adapter (5) receives water from gutter (2).

FIG. 9 shows the front view of housing (1a), screen (3), and adapter (5) installed.

FIG. 10 Shows side view of separator (1) embodiments, consisting of housing (1a), gutter (2), domed screen (3a), adapter (5), tube (6), adapter (7), tube insulation (8). In this embodiment domed screen (3a) allows smaller gauge screen due to arch design for added strength.

I contemplate that the tube (6) of this embodiment be made of vinyl, but other materials are also suitable.

I contemplate that the tube (6) of this embodiment be sized ⅜″ ID by ½″ OD, but other sizes are also suitable.

I contemplate that adapter (5) (7) be manufactured of plastic compound with ⅜″ MNPT threads at one end and the other being ⅜″ barbed receiving end, but other materials are also suitable.

FIG. 11 Shows side view of gutter (2) engaged with domed screen (3a). In this embodiment, screen (3a) is domed to maximize weight bearing qualities.

FIG. 12 Shows below view of gutter (2) engaged with screen (3a). In this embodiment screen (3a) is above gutter (2) and is supported by gutter (2).

FIG. 13 Shows front view of gutter (2) engaged with screen (3a). In this embodiment, screen (3a) is supported by gutter (2).

FIG. 14 shows rear view of gutter (2) engaged with screen (3a). In this embodiment, gutter (2) is reduced in size at rear to allow maximum air passage.

FIG. 15 Shows front view of semi-curved gutter (2a) engaged with screen (3a). In this embodiment size and shape of gutter (2a) allows additional air passage.

FIG. 16 Shows top view of gutter (2a) engaged with domed screen (3a). In this embodiment domed screen maximizes strength to minimize screen wire gauge for maximum air passage.

FIG. 17 Shows side view of gutter (2a) engaged with screen (3a) to maximize air flow efficiency.

FIG. 18 This embodiment shows side view of radon mitigation system (200) with cap (24), support (170) and wall (180).

Shows side view of cap (24) engaged with exhaust pipe (160). This embodiment shows support (170) engaged with pipe (160) and wall (180).

Shows side view of connector (11) engaged with housing (1a) and engaged with elbow (150).

Shows side view of adapter (5) engaged with drain port (26a) of housing (1a).

Shows side view of drain port (26a) of housing (1a).

Shows side view of plug (12a) engaged with port (25a) of connector (11).

Shows side view of access port (25a) of connector (11).

Shows side view of screen (3) of housing (11).

FIG. 19. This embodiment shows side view of housing (1a).

Shows side view of connector (11) engaged with housing (1a)

Shows side view of adapter (5) engaged with drain port (26) of plug (12).

Shows side view of plug (12) engaged with access port (25) of housing (1a).

I contemplate that plug (12) be sized and threaded with 1.25″-11.5 NPT threads and has a square head installed with ⅜″ threads to mate with ⅜″ threads of adapter (5) FIG. 24, but other materials are also suitable.

Shows side view of drain port (26) engaged with plug (12).

Shows side view of access port (25) of housing (1a).

Shows side view of screen (3) within housing (1a) below access port (25).

FIG. 20. This embodiment shows cross sectional view of housing (1a).

Shows side view of sloped and flattened gutter (2b) sloped to port (26a) above screen (3) within housing (1a).

Shows side view of screen (3) below gutter (2b) and below drain port (26a).

Shows side view of connector (11) engaged with access port (25a) and engaged with drain port (26a). Connector (11) down-stream end slips into female up-stream hub of housing (1a). Connector (11) up-stream end slips into female down-stream hub of elbow (150). Connector (11) is manufactured PVC pipe of proper size to mate with housing (1a) and elbow (150).

Shows side view of base (14) engaged with connector (11) and wall (15) by screw (13) to form a water channel (19) FIG. 22.

Shows cross sectional view of interior side wall (15) engaged with base (14) and connector (11) by screw (13). Base (14) and wall (15) is manufactured PVC pipe of proper size and shape to form base (14) and wall (15). Shows side view of plug (12a) engaged with access port (25a).

Shows side view of adapter (5) engaged with drain port (26a) of housing (1a) and into connector (11).

FIG. 21. This embodiment shows cross sectional view of housing (1a).

Shows view of sloped and flattened gutter (2b) sloped to access port (25) above screen (3) within housing (1a).

Shows cross sectional view of screen (3) within housing (1a).

Shows cross sectional view of screen (3) below gutter (2b) and below access port (25).

Shows cross sectional view of connector (11) down-stream end slips into female hub of housing (1a). Connector (11) up-stream end slips into female hub of elbow (150). Connector (11) is manufactured Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe of proper size to mate with housing (1a) and elbow (150).

Shows cross sectional view of base (14) engaged with connector (11) and wall (15) by screw (13) to form channel (19) FIG. 22.

Shows cross sectional view of interior side wall (15) engaged with base (14) and connector (11) by screw (13).

I contemplate that Base (14) and wall (15) is manufactured Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe of proper size and shape to form base (14) and wall (15), but other materials and sizes are also suitable.

Shows side view of plug (12) engaged in access port (25) of housing (1a) and connector (11).

Shows adapter (5) engaged with drain port (26) of plug (12).

Access port (25), plug (12), drain port (26) and adapter (5) combine to form a hollow channel to drain water by gravity from gutter (2b) to tube (6).

FIG. 22 This embodiment shows prospective view of housing (1a) with embodiments 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20.

Test port (20) positioned in screen (3), within housing (1a) is of multiply sizes to accept test probes. Screen (3) is located below wall (15), and below connector (11).

Wall (15) and base (14) attached to connector (11) with screw (13) to form water channel (19) above screen (3).

Above screen (3) within housing (1a) access port (25) engages hollow plug (12). Hollow adapter (5) engages hollow drain port (26) of plug (12). Hollow tube (6) engages with adapter (5), which engages with plug (5), which engages drain port (26).

Access port (25), being open engages hollow plug (12) during normal system (200) operations. Plug (12) engages hollow adapter (5). Tube (6) engages adapter (5) to form a leak-proof water channel from housing (1a) to tube (6).

FIG. 23 This embodiment shows cross section view of plug (12a) engaged with connector (11). Plug (12a) engages with connector (11) by mating thread (22) and thread (21). Mating threads (22) and (21) seals connector (11).

FIG. 24 This embodiment shows cross section view of threads (22) of hollow plug (12) engaging threads (21) of housing (1a) resulting in a hollow passageway. Hollow adapter (5) engages and seals to hollow plug (12) with screw threads, resulting in a hollow passageway. Tube (6) engages adapter (5) resulting in a hollow water tight passageway. Plug (12) and adapter (5) are hollow to allow water passage from housing (1a) to drain tube (6).

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present embodiment may be readily adapted for use outside of the field of radon mitigation.

At present I believe that this embodiment operates most efficiently, but the present embodiment can be further modified within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variation, uses, or adaptation of the invention using its general principal. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practices in the art to which this invention pertains.

OPERATION

Separator apparatus (1) of FIG. 1 and FIG. 10, is a means to protect radon fan (100) of radon mitigation system (200) from damage due to falling foreign objects such as water, ice, critters and debris.

Separator apparatus (1) traps ice, critters and debris before reaching radon fan (100) and retains same in collection area (23) of separator housing (1a)

Separator apparatus (1) intercepts water before reaching radon fan (100) and redirects same water around radon fan (100), channeling same water to suction pipe (140).

Separator apparatus (1) including separator housing (1a), gutter (2), (2a), (2b), screen (3), (3a), support screws (4), receiving drain tube adapter (5), drain tube (6), terminating drain tube adapter (7), drain tube insulation (8), waterproof sealant (9), male slip connector (11), threaded access port plug (12), (12a), trough support screw (13), trough base (14), trough interior wall (15), trough channel (19), test port (20), access port threads (21), access port plug threads (22), collection area (23), drain port (26), (26a), access port (25), (25a).

The separator (1) prevents foreign objects, such as ice, water, critters, debris from entering fan (100) by catching and holding solid foreign objects in the collection area (23). Additionally separator (1) catches and redirects water around fan (100) by channel (19) and gutter (2), 2a), (2b)) to tube (6), which empties into suction pipe (140).

Radon mitigation system (200) including separator apparatus (1), radon fan (100), upper flexible fan connector (110), lower flexible fan connector (120), suction pipe elbow (130), suction pipe (140), exhaust pipe elbow (150), exhaust pipe (160), critter screen cap (24), exhaust pipe support brace (170), and building wall (180).

Housing (1a) is an additional embodiment of separator (1). Housing (1a) of separator (1) being open at both entrance end and exit end, is an air passage-way receiving radon laced air from below and expelling the same radon laced air upward through through elbow (150) and into pipe (160) and out of cap (24). Housing (1a) is installed upstream of connector (110) and downstream elbow (150).

I contemplate that housing (1a) be made of a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) typical schedule 40 or schedule 20 plumbing pipe elbow with 4″ diameter hollow opening with 45 degree or 90 degree bend, but other materials, sizes and bend angles are also suitable.

Gutter (2) of FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 is an additional embodiment of separator (1), which is shaped to allow maximum air passage with minimum air resistance and a form to direct water flow towards drain port (26), (26a). Gutter (2), is located within housing (1a).

I contemplate that gutter (2) be configured to be elliptical cone shape, but other shapes are also suitable.

Gutter (2a) of FIG. 15, 1617, is an additional embodiment of separator (1), shaped to allow maximum air passage with minimum air resistance and a means to direct water flow towards port (26) and (26a). Gutter (2a) is located within housing (1a).

I contemplate that gutter (2a) is configured in a partial circular dome shape to engage circular dome shape screen (3a), but other shapes are also suitable.

Gutter (2b) of FIG. 20, 21 is an additional embodiment of separator (1), shaped to allow maximum air passage with minimum air resistance and a means to direct water flow towards port (26) (26a).

Gutter (2b) is attached to screen (3) at the outer edge of screen (3). Gutter (2b) receives water from diversion trough (19) FIG. 22. Gutter (2b) is located within separator housing (1a).

I contemplate gutter (2b) to be configured in a flattened shape, installed with a slant towards port (26), (26a), but other shapes and angles are also suitable.

I contemplate that gutter (2), (2a) and (2b) be made of aluminum or plastic, but other materials are also suitable.

I contemplate that gutter (2) (2a) and (2b) be sized and positioned to minimize air resistance and maximize water collection within housing (1a).

Screen (3) of FIGS. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 is an additional embodiment of separator (1). Screen (3) prevents falling foreign objects from entering fan (100). Screen (3) is a flat configuration and conforms to the interior cylinder shaped wall of housing (1a).

Screen (3) mesh is sized to allow maximum air passage and prevent falling foreign objects from entering fan (100)

Screen (3) and gutter (2) FIG. 8, engage with housing (1a). Screen (3) is supported within housing (1a) by screws (4) FIG. 8.

Screen (3) and gutter (2) FIG. 7, 8 are seated into sealant (9) to form a secure and waterproof bond with separator housing (1a).

I contemplate that screen (3), (3a) be made of stainless steel or galvanized steel, but other materials are also suitable.

I contemplate screen (3) (3a) be of 16 gage with 0.50 inch openings, but other materials and sizes are also suitable.

Screws (4) FIG. 8, are an additional embodiment of separator (1). Screws (4) are installed into housing (1a) to support combinations of screen (3), (3a) and gutter (2), (2a), (2b). Screws (4) FIG. 8 are installed and secured into housing (1a) wall.

I contemplate that screws (4) FIG. 8 be constructed of stainless steel or zinc plated and sized 8×1¼″, but other materials and sizes are also suitable.

Adapter (5) FIG. 20, 21. Is an additional embodiment of separator (1).

Adapter (5) is threaded on the entrance end to mate with threads of port (26a) of housing (1a) FIG. 20.

Additionally, adapter (5) is threaded on the entrance end to mate with threads installed in the square head of plug (12) FIG. 21.

Adapter (5) mates with tube (6) on the exit end FIG. 20, 21.

Adapter (5) is a hollow water passageway from housing (1a) to tube (6), FIG. 20. Adapter (5) is a hollow passageway from plug (12) to tube (6), FIG. 21.

I contemplate that adapter (5) and adapter (7) be constructed of polyutherene ⅜″ MNPT threaded screw importing end by ⅜″ barb exporting end, but other materials and sizes are also suitable.

Tube (6) FIG. 1, 10, 18, 19, 20, 21 is an additional embodiment of separator (1). Entrance end of tube (6) mates with barbed exit end of adapter (5) and is a water passageway from adapter (5) to adapter (7) FIG. 1.

I contemplate that tube (6) be constructed of vinyl tubing, ½″ OD×⅜″ ID, but other materials and sizes are also suitable.

Adapter (7). FIG. 1, 10, 18, 19. Is an additional embodiment of separator (1).

Adapter (7) mates with exit end of tube (6) and is a hollow non-leaking water passageway from tube (6). Adapter (7) mates with pipe (140).

I contemplate that adapter (7) is like adapter (5), but other materials and sizes are also suitable.

Insulation (8), FIG. 1, 10, 18, 19. Is an additional embodiment of separator (1)

Insulation (8) surrounds tube (6) to insulate freezing temperatures from entering tube (6).

I contemplate that insulation (8) be of materials commercially available.

Sealant (9) FIG. 7, 8 is an additional embodiment of separator (1). Sealant (9) applied inside housing (1a) wall at gutter (2), (2a), (2b) and screen (3), (3a) junction. Sealant (9) engages and seals gutter (2) and edge of screen (3) and attaches to inside wall of housing (1a) at point of contact of gutter (2) , (2a), (2b) and screen (3), (3a) and resting on screws (4).

I contemplate that sealant (9) be waterproof Silicone, but other materials are also suitable.

Connector (11) FIG. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 is an additional embodiment of separator (1). Connector (11) is a cylindrical hollow Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe that inserts and engages its down-stream end into the up-stream female hub of housing (1a) to become engaged as one. Connector (11) inserts its up-stream end into the down-stream female hub of elbow (150).

Connector (11) is a hollow interior passageway for radon laced air to flow through system (200). Down-stream section of connector (11) FIG. 21, is installed within housing (1a) exit hub to be as one.

Up-stream section of connector (11) FIG. 21 is installed within down-stream hub of elbow (150)

Down-stream portion of connector (11) FIG. 20 and up-stream housing (1a) hub combine to receive drain port (26a) FIG. 20 and access port (25) FIG. 21.

Up-stream portion of connector (11) FIG. 20 includes access port (25a).

Connector (11) FIG. 21, is installed within and engaged with housing (1a) exit hub to be as one.

Connector (11) and housing (1a) FIG. 21 receives access port (25).

The inside wall of up-stream portion of connector (11) FIG. 20, 21, 22 serves as the outside wall of channel (19) FIG. 22.

Connector (11) is cemented to establish a watertight engagement to up-stream hub of housing (1a). Connector (11) is cemented to down-stream hub of elbow (150).

I contemplate the connector (11) being 4″ diameter, schedule 40 hollow interior Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe, but other sizes and materials are suitable.

Plug (12) FIG. 19, 21, 22, 23 is an additional embodiment of separator (1).

Plug (12) screws into port (26) of housing (1a) by mating threads (21) (22) FIG. 24. Plug (12) is a removable device that engages port (26) of housing (1a) during operation of system (200).

During system (200) operation, plug (12) is fully engaged into port (26), resulting in an airtight seal of port (26) within housing (1a).

Plug (12) engaged by adapter (5) FIG. 19, 21, 22 is an additional embodiment of separator (1). Plug (12) square turning head with installed threads to accept drain adapter (5) FIG. 24.

I contemplate that plug (12) be manufactured of plastic and be 1.25″ diameter-11.5 NPT threads with square turning head, but other materials, sizes and are also suitable.

Plug (12a) FIG. 20 is an additional embodiment of separator (1). Plug (12a) screws into port (25a) within connector (11) by mating with threads (21), (22) FIG. 23. Plug (12a) is a removable device that engages with port (25a) of connector (11) during operation of system (200).

During system (200) operation, plug (12a) is fully engaged into port (25a), resulting in an airtight seal of port (25a) within connector (11).

I contemplate that plug (12a) be made of plastic and be 1.25″ diameter-11.5 NPT threaded with square turning head, but other materials, sizes are also suitable.

Screw (13) FIG. 20, 21, 22 is an additional embodiment of separator (1).

Screw (13) connects base (14) and interior wall (15) to connector (11). This assembly forms channel (19) which receives water that would otherwise drain into radon fan (100) and directs same water towards gutter (2),(2a) (2b), which directs same water to port (26a) (26). Base (14) additionally is the floor of channel (19).

Base (14) is a spacer between connector (11) and interior side wall (15), additionally base (14) is the floor of channel (19). Interior side wall (15) as attached to base (14) is inside side wall of channel (19). Channel (19) connection joints between connector (11), base (14) and interior side wall (15) are sealed to prevent water leakage from channel (19).

Channel (19) FIG. 22 is an additional embodiment of separator (1). Channel (19), comprised of interior wall (15) attached to base (14) which is attached to connector (11) by screw (13). Channel (19) redirects water towards gutter (2), (2a) (2b).

I contemplate that interior wall (15) and base (14) of this embodiment be manufactured of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), but other materials are also suitable.

Test port (20) FIG. 22 is an additional embodiment of separator (1). Port (20) is an opening of screen (3) to accommodate testing probe equipment for measuring system (200) performance. Test port (20) is accessed with plug (12) removed from access port (25) FIG. 22, which is a passageway for testing equipment to enter housing (1a).

Test port (20) is accessed with plug (12a) removed from port (25a) FIG. 20, which is a passageway for testing equipment to enter connector (11).

Thread (21) FIG. 23 is an additional embodiment of separator (1). Thread (21) is installed within connector (11). Thread (21) mates thread (22) of plug (12). Thread (21) of connector (11) engage thread (22) of plug (12), rendering port (26) closed and sealed.

Additionally thread (21) is installed within housing (1a) FIG. 24. Thread (21) of housing (1a) mates thread (22) of plug (12).

Thread (22) of plug (12a) FIG. 23 is an additional embodiment of separator (1). Plug (12a) seals port (25a) of connector (11) FIG. 20 by mating thread (22) of plug (12a) with thread (21) of port (25a) of connector 11).

Connector (11) and port (25a) being sealed by plug (12a) by thread (21) mating thread (22) to produce an airtight connector (11).

Collection area (23) FIG. 22 is an additional embodiment of separator (1).

Screen (3) prevents foreign objects such as debris, critters, and ice from entering fan (100). Foreign objects which are stopped from entering fan (100) by screen (3) accumulate in the collection area (23) located up-stream of screen (3). Removing foreign objects from collection area (23) is accomplished by unscrewing and removing plug (12) from port (25) FIG. 21.

Port (25) is a passageway to enter collection area (23).

Additionally, removing foreign objects from collection area (23) is accomplished by unscrewing and removing plug (12a) from port (25a) of collector (11) FIG. 20. Port (25a) is a passageway to access collection area (23) for foreign object removal.

Access port (25) FIG. 19, 21, 22 is an additional embodiment of separator (1). Port (25) is an open passageway to receive water directed from gutter (2), (2a), (2b) of the housing (1a). Port (25) is an open passageway to port plug (12).

Drain port (26) FIG. 19, 21, 22 is an additional embodiment of separator (1). Port (26) is a threaded opening located within the square head of plug (12). Drain port (26) receives adapter (5) by adapter (5) threads.

Access port (25a) FIG. 18, 20 is an additional embodiment of separator (1).

Port (25a) is a threaded open passageway of connector (11). Port (25a) is an open passageway into connector (11). Port (25a) screw threads mate with plug (12a) to be substantially air-tight.

Port (25a) serves as a means to remove foreign objects from collection area (23).

Drain port (26a) FIG. 18, 20 is an additional embodiment of separator (1).

Threaded port (26a) is an open waterway of housing (1a). Port (26a) within housing (1a) engages adapter (5).

Port (26a) is an open waterway to receive water from gutter (2b) FIG. 20 and channel same water into adapter (5), to be exported into drain tube (6).

Port (26a) engages with adapter (5) with mating threads.

I contemplate that port (26a) thread mate with adapter (5) thread, but other sizes are also suitable.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Thus the reader will see that at least one embodiment of the separator provides a greater level of damage protection for a radon mitigation system and can be efficiently installed by those in the radon mitigation installation trade.

While my above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of one or several preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example the gutter can have other shapes, such as domed, flattened, circular, oval, elliptical, and conical. Another example is the screen can have other shapes, such as domed, flattened, circular, oval, elliptical, and conical.

Multiply materials, sizes and designs of the embodiments are possible.

Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. An apparatus for preventing destructive objects and fluids from entering a radon fan.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein device prevents water, debris, critters and ice from entering a radon fan when installed as a radon mitigation system.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further including a housing comprising means to prevent objects from entering a radon fan when installed as in a radon mitigation system.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further including air passage through the housing interior passageway.

5. The housing of claim 3 further including diversion means to catch water and redirect same water to exit the housing.

6. The housing of claim 3 further including filtering means to prevent debris larger then screen openings from entering the radon fan.

7. The filtering means of claim 5 further including openings to allow air passage.

8. The housing of claim 3 further including filtering means to prevent critters from entering the radon fan.

9. The housing of claim 3 further including filtering means to prevent ice from entering the radon fan.

10. The housing of claim 3 further including filtering means to allow radon mitigation system analysis.

11. The housing of claim 3 further including hollow pipe with angled bends open at two ends.

12. The housing of claim 10 further including plumbing pipe elbow with straight or angled bends.

13. The housing of claim 4 further including drain opening to allow channeled water to exit housing to bypass radon fan.

14. The housing of claim 4 further including conduit to channel water from the housing drain opening to bypass the radon fan and terminate down-stream of the radon fan.

15. The diversion of claim 4 further including water channeling means within housing to direct same water out through housing drain opening.

16. The housing of claim 3 further including access opening to remove debris or critters that were prevented by filter from entering the radon fan.

17. The housing of claim 3 further including a containment area holding accumulated debris and critters that do not pass through filtering.

18. The access opening of claim 11 further including removable closure device to seal access opening.