Patent Application
20150013724
The present invention relates generally to a method and system for removing debris from piping and, more particularly, relates to a method and system for removing debris from piping in high-rise building plumbing systems with a camera, pressure source, and vacuum.
It is well known that plumbing systems in high-rise buildings, i.e., buildings with at least eight to ten floors, experience numerous drainage problems, such as clogged drains and piping. This is chiefly due to the type of piping used in said buildings. More specifically, many high-rise buildings utilized piping with an internal geometry designed to balance pressures inside the plumbing system. This geometry has a disadvantage, however, of being prone to clogging because of the extreme curves and impasses disposed therein. This problem is not only prevalent in high-rise buildings, however, as many other types of buildings also experience draining issues with their plumbing systems because of similar issues.
A known method for removing debris from piping includes the application of chemical drain cleaners to the piping. Chemical drain cleaners are available in solid or liquid form. Unfortunately, chemical drain cleaners are not always effective for removing debris, especially when the debris is a solid obstruction. Furthermore, many chemical drain cleaners are dangerous and may cause damage to a user's eyes, lungs, and skin.
Another known method for removing debris from piping includes uses mechanical action, via a rigid apparatus known in the art as a “snake,” to move the clogged debris. Many known snakes are limited in length and size thereby rendering them ineffective for clogs disposed far downstream of the drain or inoperable to navigate around certain bends in a plumbing system. Moreover, in many instances the snake simply transports the clogged debris further downstream so as to create the same problem it was intended to solve. This is especially true for the above-described geometry used in many high-rise buildings.
Some known systems also utilize a pressure source, a vacuum, and a hose to apply varying amounts of pressure and suction to the clogged piping. The hose is normally inserted into the piping and must be equipped with an attachment to produce a tight fit between the hose and the outer drain of the pipe to create a seal. Unfortunately, due to the various sizes and shapes of piping and drains, the attachment may not be appropriately sized for the particular clogged pipe or drain, and may result in air leaking from the connection between the hose and the pipe or drain. Additionally, the amount of air pressure and suction applied to the clogged pipe or drain must be controlled through a controlling mechanism. This is obviously a time intensive task as the air pressure and suction ratio requires constant monitoring. These systems also do not permit the user to monitor the inside of the plumbing to ensure an effective removal of the debris because of the required air-tight configuration with the single opening to which the suction device is attached. Furthermore, this method often results in moving the debris to other areas within the clogged pipe or drain, instead of removing the debris, further complicating the problem.
Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.
The invention provides a method of removing debris from pipes in high-rise building plumbing systems that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that removing debris from piping in a high-rise building plumbing system with a camera, pressure source, and vacuum.
With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a method of removing debris from piping within a high-rise building that includes inserting a portion of a flexible optical device into an opening defined by a plumbing system. The method continues with inserting a portion of a flexible water conduit, operably coupled to a water pressure device, into the opening defined by the plumbing system. Next, the method includes coupling an end of a vacuum conduit to the opening defined by the plumbing system, the vacuum conduit operably coupled to a vacuum assembly. The method continues with producing an image of a plumbing channel defined by the plumbing system with the flexible optical device. Next, the method continues with maneuvering the portion of the flexible optical device within the plumbing system until the image of the plumbing channel depicts debris identified as at least partially obstructing the plumbing channel. The method further includes inducing a stream of fluid through the portion of the flexible water conduit, the stream of fluid directed at the debris for a period of time until it has been dislodged. Next, the method includes inducing a vacuum within the plumbing system sufficient to remove the debris from the plumbing system.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method includes coupling a y-shaped fitting to the opening defined by the plumbing system in a water-tight configuration. The y-shaped fitting includes at least two free openings. One of the at least two free openings has the end of the vacuum conduit attached thereto in a fluidly sealed configuration. The second of the at least two free openings is disposed to receive the portion of the flexible optical device and the portion of the flexible water conduit.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the vacuum conduit includes a transparent surface proximal to the end of the vacuum conduit.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method continues with producing the image of the plumbing channel in real-time.
In accordance with a further feature, the method continues with displaying the image of the plumbing channel on a hand-held camera.
In accordance with another feature, the opening defined by the plumbing system is disposed downstream of a terminal end of the plumbing system.
In accordance with another feature, the method continues with maneuvering the flexible water conduit and the portion of the flexible optical device within the plumbing system simultaneously until the image of the plumbing channel depicts the debris identified as at least partially obstructing the plumbing channel.
In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the stream of fluid is of a non-gaseous substance.
In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the stream of fluid is water.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method continues with inducing the vacuum within the plumbing system sufficient to remove the debris from the opening defined by the plumbing system.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method continues with inducing a selectively pulsating stream of fluid through the portion of the flexible water conduit.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method includes storing the debris in a container housed by the vacuum assembly and pumping the debris, with a pumping device fluidly coupled with the container housed by the vacuum assembly, into a secondary container, the pumping device housed by the vacuum assembly.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method includes uncoupling a plurality of plumbing members at a joint in the plumbing system to create the opening defined by the plumbing system and recoupling the plurality of plumbing members after the debris has been removed to create a pre-existing fluidly sealed configuration at the joint in the plumbing system. Naturally, the aforementioned steps occur before and after the remaining steps within the present method.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the method includes inserting a portion of an elongated optical device into an opening defined by an end of one of a plurality of plumbing members constituting a part of a piping network within a plumbing system. The method further includes inserting a portion of an elongated water conduit, operably coupled to a water pressure device, into the opening defined by the end of one of the plurality of plumbing members. The method continues with coupling an end of a vacuum conduit to the opening defined by the end of one of the plurality of plumbing members, the vacuum conduit operably coupled to a vacuum assembly. Next, the method includes maneuvering the portion of the elongated optical device within the plumbing system to identify a debris at least partially obstructing the plumbing channel. In addition, the method includes inducing a stream of non-gaseous fluid through the portion of the elongated water conduit, the stream of non-gaseous fluid directed at the piece of the debris for a period of time until it has been dislodged. The method further includes inducing a vacuum within the plumbing system sufficient to remove the piece of the debris from the plumbing system.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method includes coupling a three-port fitting to the opening defined by the end of one of the plurality of plumbing members in a water-tight configuration. The three-port fitting includes two available openings with one of the at least two available openings having the end of the vacuum conduit attached thereto in a fluidly sealed configuration and a second of the at least two available openings disposed to receive the portion of the elongated optical device and the portion of the elongated water conduit.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method includes uncoupling a plurality of plumbing members at a joint in the plumbing system to create the opening defined by the end of one of the plurality of plumbing members and recoupling the plurality of plumbing members after the debris has been removed to create a pre-existing fluidly sealed configuration at the joint in the plumbing system. Naturally, the aforementioned steps are performed before and after the remaining steps within the method, respectively.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method includes identifying the debris using real-time images of the plumbing channel on a hand-held camera.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method includes controlling a speed and duration of the stream of non-gaseous fluid through a controlling mechanism.
In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the method include housing the debris in a container removably coupled by the vacuum assembly and pumping the debris, with a pumping device fluidly coupled to the container into a secondary container, the secondary container operable to hold at least fifty five gallons of fluid.
In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention, includes a system for removing debris from piping within high-rise buildings. The system includes a portable optical device for insertion into an opening defined by a plumbing system and a portable water pressure device having a flexible water conduit. The portable water pressure device is operable for insertion into the opening and adjacent to the portable optical device. The system also includes a portable vacuum assembly having a vacuum conduit coupled thereto. The system further includes a three-port fitting having one opening sized to mate with an opening defined by a pipe within a plumbing system and two available openings. One of the at least two available openings includes an end sized to receive, in a fluidly sealed configuration, an end of the vacuum conduit and a second of the at least two available openings sized to receive a portion of the optical device and a portion of the water conduit.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a method and system of removing debris from piping within a plumbing system, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.
Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.
Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.
As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the piping used in the plumbing system, i.e., the directional flow of fluid in the plumbing system.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.
The present invention provides a novel and efficient method and system of removing debris from piping within a high-rise building.
Referring briefly to
In an embodiment, the opening 500 is defined by the plumbing system 302. More specifically, the opening 500 may be defined by a terminal end of one of the plurality of plumbing members 404, 406 constituting a part of a piping network within the plumbing system 302. It will be obvious to those of skill in the art that the opening 500 in which the components are coupled to or inserted within is that which is estimated as being the closest to the obstruction of debris 400. This may be based on downstream fluid flow or by trial-and-error. The plumbing members 404, 406 distribute fluid, such as water for drinking, throughout the piping within high-rise building, or remove waste from the piping through at least one drain. The system for removing debris from piping within a high-rise building 300 is designed for use with various types of plumbing systems 302, such as a cast iron sovent system, having a single stack drainage system, or a conventional sewage system having two stacks, e.g., sewage and ventilation, as would be appreciate by one of ordinary skill in the art.
In an embodiment, the opening 500 is disposed downstream of the terminal end of the plumbing system 302 when coupled in normal operation, i.e., not at a drain, and is created by removing two pipes that are removemably couplable together. Advantageously, this configuration permits the creation of the opening 500 without puncturing any piping that may damage the piping or detaching numerous portions of the piping to search for at least a piece of debris 400 within the piping. For example, to create the opening 500, a user can remove a trap without having to remove numerous portions of additional piping. The debris 400 is defined herein as any natural or artificial material or any combination of natural and artificial material including, but not limited to dirt, sludge, garbage, food, hair and any other material capable of obstructing piping. The term “user” is defined herein as a human operator or a programmable machine that may perform the present method through the use of computer software.
Referring now to
The process continues to step 206 of inserting the portion of the optical device 304 into third free opening 124. In one embodiment, the optical device 304 includes an arm 128, a lens 130, and a camera 132. The camera 132 is displayed in
The process continues to step 208, inserting the portion of the water conduit 126 operably coupled to the water pressure device 308, into the third free opening 124. In an embodiment, the water conduit 126 includes a hose 142 and a nozzle 144. The hose 142 and nozzle 144 constitute the portion of the water conduit 126 inserted into the third free opening 124. In an embodiment, the hose 142 may be flexible such that the hose 142 can bend when inserted into the third free opening 124. The water conduit 126, more specifically, the hose 142 can also be elongated. In an embodiment, the hose 142 is at least one hundred feet in length and approximately 0.25 inches in width. In another embodiment, the hose 142 may be less than one hundred feet in length and less or more than 0.25 inches in width. The hose 142 can detach from the water pressure device 308 for compact storage and portability. The water pressure device 308 can be transported on a truck or wheeled to various job sites.
In an embodiment, the water conduit 126 is operable to deliver a stream of fluid 146 generated by the water pressure device 308 into the plumbing channel 410. The term “stream” is defined herein as any flow of liquid and is not limited to water. In an embodiment, the stream of fluid 146 is of a non-gaseous substance. In another embodiment, the stream of fluid is water. The non-gaseous substance permits the user to effectively and efficiently dislodge the debris 400. In another embodiment, the water conduit 126 is operable to deliver air, though the delivery of fluid is preferred because the amount and duration of fluid coming from the water pressure device 308 is easier to control than air. In an embodiment, step 208 may include inducing a selectively pulsating stream of fluid 146 through the water conduit 126. The term “pulsating” is defined herein as varying in speed according to the amount of water pressure supplied by the water pressure device 308. The speed and duration of the stream of fluid are controlled by a controlling mechanism 316 (
The water pressure device 308 generates the stream of fluid 146. The water pressure device 308 generates the stream of fluid 146 that is not limited to water, rather the stream of fluid 146 is any type of fluid. In an embodiment, the water pressure device 308 is a JM-1450 Electric Jet, operable to generate at least 1500 pounds per square inch (“PSI”) at 1.7 gallons per minute (“GPM”). In another embodiment, the water pressure device 308 is a heavy duty electric pressure washer capable of generating up to 3,000 PSI and 2.5 GPM. In yet another embodiment, the pressure washer is a gas pressure washer capable of generating up to 3,000 PSI and 2.5 GPM. In other embodiments, the water pressure device may be another type of pressure washer, generating a level of PSI and delivering a flow rate outside of the aforementioned ranges.
The process continues to step 210 of coupling the end of the vacuum conduit 122 to the second free opening 120 in the fluidly sealed configuration. In an embodiment, as displayed in
Referring now to
The process continues to step 214 of maneuvering the optical device 304 within plumbing channel 410 until the image 156 depicts the debris 400 at least partially obstructing the plumbing channel 410. The term “partially obstructing” is defined herein as obstructing at least 25% of a cross-sectional area of the plumbing channel 410 defined by the plumbing members 404, 406, i.e. the piping. In order for the user to quickly produce the stream of fluid into the plumbing channel 410, both the optical device 304 and the water conduit 126 are maneuvered through plumbing channel 410 simultaneously until the image 156 depicts the partially obstructing debris 400.
Once the partial obstruction is identified, the process continues to step 216 of inducing the stream of fluid through the water conduit 126. The stream of fluid is directed at the debris 400 for a period of time until the debris 400 has been dislodged. The term “dislodged” is defined herein as forced out of position. The speed of the stream of fluid, i.e., flow rate or GPM, sufficient to dislodge the debris 400 will naturally vary, depending on factors such as the weight, size and type of debris. It may also vary based on the bond that the debris 400 has with the inner surface of the channel 410. In one example, the speed sufficient to dislodge the debris 400 may be up to 1.7 GPM. In another example, the speed may be between 1.7 to 2.5 GPM. In another example, the GPM may be greater than 2.5 GPM to dislodge heavy or large pieces of debris 400 that may be at least partially obstructing the plumbing channel 410.
The process continues to step 218 of inducing a vacuum within the plumbing system 302 sufficient to remove the debris 400 from with the plumbing channel 410. Step 216 may performed any time after step 210 and before step 220. The vacuum is created when the pressure level within the hose 142 drops below the pressure level outside of the hose 142. The amount of pressure induced by the vacuum is controlled by the vacuum assembly 306. In one embodiment, the vacuum assembly 306 is the CONDE™ ProVac Industrial Pumpout Station having an operating vacuum level of 16″ Hg and an operating pressure of 5 PSI. The negative pressure generated by the vacuum is sufficient to remove the debris 400 from the opening 500. Similar to the rate of water flow, the amount of pressure supplied by the vacuum varies, depending on the weight and size of the piece of debris 400. The amount of pressure supplied by the vacuum may also vary depending on the bond between the debris 400 and the plumbing channel 410.
Referring now to
Referring now to
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/957,814 filed Jul. 12, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61957814 | Jul 2013 | US |
