US1799849A - Sewer-flooding-control apparatus - Google Patents

Description

April 7, 1931. w. E. HARpAcKER ET AL 1,799,849

SEWER FLOODING CONTROL APPARATUS Original Filed Jan. 10, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS WILL/AM E. HARDAOKER EDWARD L. HEssEL. s fiwe tiqm A "r-romvzyg.

w. E. HARDACKER ET AL 1,799,849

SEWER FLOODING CONTROL APPARATUS Original Filed Jan. 10, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 mm on n TC NA ED m WM. 0 I E m m 3 0 M O W 5 I W" I 7 M 3 I. 8 H L M. 8 5 H- O 1 I W 5 M 7 2 m 0 F oz 6 z 3 I l6 4 .2 a 4 27 m 7 5 ii. v I I H l r 7 7 +1 1i 5 5 o e a a u 4M. o 3 W 4 EDWARD LHESSEL A'r-ronwcys April 7, 1931.

April 1 1931- w. E. HARDAC'KER ET AL ,799,849

SEWER FLOODING CONTROL APPARATUS Original Filed Jan. 10, 1930v 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 I/II V Ill/IA:

1N VENToRs WILLIAM E. HARDACKER EDWARD 1.. H5555.

ATTORNEY5 April 7, 1931. r W E. HARDACKER ET AL 1,799,349

SEWER FLOODING CON TROL APPARATUS Original Filed Jan. 10, 19so 4 Sheets-Shee t SIDE 7 DRAIN lDE w;

1/0 1 SUPPLY (4 Flx-runssloz DRAIN SIDE INVENTORS WILLIAM E.HAFTDACHER EDWARD L. HESSEL 4 TT NEE.

Patented Apr. 7, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WILLIAM E. HARDACKER AND EDWARD I4. HESSEL, OF MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA; SAID EDWARD L. HESSEL ASSIGNOR TO CAROLINE I-IESSEL, OI MINNEAPOLIS,

MINNESOTA SEWER-FLOODING-CONTROL AEPABA'IUS Application filed January 1 0, 1930, Serial No. 419,944. Renewed May 31, 1930.

This invention relates to improvements in means for preventing back-up flooding from sewer drain pipes, and has for its principal object to provide means automatically operable, as the result of backup rise in the sewer, to prevent ejection of the sewer contents from a plurality of sewer drain pipes into the basement.

This invention is an improvement over our prior invention for sewer flooding control apparatus disclosed in a copending application filed May 6th, 1929, and bearing Serial Number 360,820. The present application has certain features in common with those disclosed in the copending application, but the main object of the present invention is to provide means for simultaneously preventing improper ejectment of sewer contents from a plurality of drain pipes. The means is controlled from a master control apparatus so that when the master control closes its valve, valves in the other drain pipes are likewise simultaneously closed, and when the master valve is open, the other valves are correspondingly simultaneously opened. This is a very valuable feature of the invention and has found practical application in large buildings, whereinany drains are used.

All details of construction are claimed, along with that feature of the invention which relates to the control by a master valve of a series or plurality of similar valves, each controlling back-up in a separate sewer drain pipe.

Objects, features and advantages of the invention'will appear from the description of the drawings, forming a part of this application, and in said drawings:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional elevation illustrating the master apparatus;

Figure 2 is a vertical section substantially on line 22 of Figures 1 and 3;

Figure 3 is a plan view corresponding to the structure of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4: is a vertical section on line 44 of Figure 1, illustrating the valve structure showing the valve (which controls entrance of fluid to raise the piston) open;

Figure 5 is a detail vertical section on line 55 of Figure 1 showing the drain valve which controls fluid egress from the lower end of the cylinder; 1

Figure 6 is a horizontal section on line 66 of Figure 1, showing details of the pipe connection which establishes communication between the drain pipe and float chamber;

Figure 7 is a vertical section on line 7-7 of Figure 2 illustrating the connections of the valve-operating means at the valve side;

Figure 8 is a vertical section on line 88 of Figure 1 illustrating the connection of the valve-operating means at the float side Figure 9 is a section showing details of construction of one of the movable valve elements;

Figure 10 is a schematic view illustrating the liquid fiow through the pipes of the master drain valve control means; and

Figure 11 is a schematic view illustrating the arrangement for controlling a plurality of valves by the master control valve.

Numeral 1 designates a pipe, as part of a sewage or drainage system. The pipe has avertical portion, the open upper or receiving end '2 of which lies below a grating3, arranged in the floor 4: of the basement. Numeral 5 indicates the casing of a gate valve forming a part of the pipe line 1 and including the gate valve seat 6, gate 7 and stem 8.

A feature of the invention is the assembly or unit, now to be described, by which the gate valve structure forms a support for, and is connected with, the cylinder. Referring now to Figure 2, the stem8 passes vertically through a casting 9 which is secured to the casing 5 by means generally indicated at 10. The stem 8 passes through a stuffing box 11 carried by the casing 9. Suitably secured upon the casing 9, as by means generally indicated at 12, see Figure 1, is a cage-like cast ing 13. This casting, which serves as a cylinder head, provides passages 14-15 which communicate with a cylinder 17 which cylinder has its lower end suitably sealingly fitted in circular groove 18 of the casing 13. The cylinder is closed at the top by a head 20 which has a groove 21 receiving the upper end of the cylinder, which upper end is sealingly fitted in the groove. The elements 13 and are suitably bored to receive the tie rods 22, see Figures 1 and 3, which clamp the parts together in fluid-tight relation.

The cap plate 20 has passages -26 communicating with the cylinder. To the upper end of the rod 8 is attached the piston head 30, the connection being threaded. A guide rod 31 has a threaded connection with the upper side of the piston, and this rod extends I; through a stuffing box 32 of the cylinder head 20 to project at the outside of the cylinder. The rod 31 may be utilized as a means for operating the valve for controlling the city water supply to a toilet flush valve (not shown) so that when the valve 7 is closed, no additional quantity of sewage can be introduced through the toilet or other waste pipes during the flood period and when the gate valve 7 is closed. Any suitable connecl tion may be made between the guide rod 31 and the valve. It will be understood that the unit including the casing 5 and elements 9-13, cylinder 17 and cap 20 can be very conveniently applied in the line as shown in Figure 1, and this unit is a. feature of the scribed in our copending application, and as shown diagrammatically in Figure 11 of the present application.

The condition of the system in Figure 10 corresponds to that of Figure 11, that is in both it is assumed that a back-up pressure has operated the float to move the valves to a position to admit fluid above the piston, and it is assumed that the piston has just begun its downward travel to close the gate 7.

The general arrangement of the pressure pipes and valves for controlling the flow to opposite sides of the piston is best shown in Figure 10. The house water supply pipe or other pressure pipe line is shown at and this pipe has branches respectively indicated at 36-37 which deliver into opposite ends of the cylinder 17. Branch pipes 38-39 respectively lead from pipes 36-37 and communicate with a common waste water pipe 40 which is arranged to deliver into a certain connection (later to be described) which establishes communication between the pipe 1 and the float chamber to flush the connec tion, under pressure, and thus prevent plugging by the drain pipe contents. Interposed in the branches 36-37 are valves respectively designated 41-42, and in branches 38 and 39 are valves respectively designated 3 and 44. The connecting points of branches 38-39, with lines 36-37 are made between the valves 41-42 and the cylinder.

Referring to Figure 7, it will be noted that the valves 41-42 have their stems -51 adjustably connected by a common operating element 52. Likewise the stems 53-54 respectively of the valves 43-44 are adjustably connected to a common operating element 56. The valves 4l42, see Figure 11, control fluid supply to the top and bottom of the cylinder 30. The valves 43-44 when open obtain a drain flow of water underpressure from the top or bottom of the cylinders. The valves are so arranged that when valve 41 is open, water under pressure is delivered to the top of the cylinder, and at this time the drain or waste valve 43 is closed, while the drain valve 44 is open to permit egress of water from the bottom of the cylinder, so that the piston moves downwardly to close the gate valve 7. Then the gate valve is closed, and it is desired to open the same, drain valve 43 is opened, drain valve 44 is closed, pressure valve 41 is closed and pressure valve 42 is open allowing water under pressure to be delivered to the cylinder beneath the piston, and allowing escape of the water from above the piston.

The valves are so arranged that the fluid pressure is applied in a manner to assist in holding them closed, and in a manner to assist in shifting them either to open or closed position. This is not a feature of the present invention but should be explained. The pressure delivery is at the point indicated and in the direction of the arrow 60, see Figures 4 and 5. With the delivery at this point and after the valves start to move in either direction, the pressure assists in further movement and after movement in one direction is completed, the pressure acts to maintain the valve at that limit of motion.

Means is also provided to operate the four valves just described in a manner to obtain the proper movements of the piston respectively to open and close the valve 7, and to maintain it at either limit position.v This means includes, in this instance, a float operable device, see Figure 1, and mechanical devices connecting the float with the cylinder control valves to properly manipulate them for the purposes mentioned. The device in cludes a closed receptacle having a float 71 freely movable therein. The float has a rod 72 passing through a suitable guide 73 attached to the cover '74. The pressure backup connection is generally indicated at 76 and is extended upwardly to and communicates with the float casing 7 O, and communicates at its opposite end with the pipe 1 on the sewer side of the valve 7 see Figure (3.

When sufficient pressure, as the result of backup liquid or gas, has been set up, the float will be raised and also the rod 72.

Now referring to Figure 8: Adjustably secured upon the rod 72 is a connector in cluding two bars 78 suitably connected to a collar 79 in turn held in position by a set screw 80, see also Figure 1. By this means, the link connector can be adjusted lengthwise of the red. A forked structure 81, see Figure 1, is connected by means of'screws 82 to the lower ends of the bars 78 and this forked structure is connected by means of a suitable device 83. to a lever 84. Referring now to Figure 7: The lever 84: is pivoted as at 85 to the connector 56 and its terminal is forked as at 86, and this fork engages over a pin 87 carried by the connector 52.

Means is thus provided so that when the float rises from the position shown in Figure 1, the first part of the upward movement results in the closing of the waste valve 43 and the opening of the waste valve 44L (see Figure 11) preparatory to application of pressure to force the piston downwardly to close valve 7, which pressure is applied by the opening of valve 41 and closure of valve 42. The pressure flow is now in direction of the full line arrows of the diagram, Figure 11. The piston descends and also the gate valve. The valve is maintained in its closed position until pressure is released sufficiently for the float 71 to fall, which coresponds to the termination of the flood periodi It will be noted that the float rod 72 is hollow and is open to the atmosphere to vent the float chamber through openings 75. It will be further noted that the float chamber 71 is open at its bottom and that a liquid and gas seal is maintained. The pipe 76 is extended into the chamber 7 O and above its bottom so that seal-water is always provided, for the float when in lowermost position.

As the float descends the pressure control valves are manipulated to open the waste valve 43, close waste valve 44, open pressure valve 12 and close the pressure valve 41. The result is that pressure is then applied to the bottom of the cylinder by flow in direction of the dotted line arrows of Figure 11 and the piston moves upwardly to open the valve 7; In practicethe pressure applied for holding the gate valve closed is anywhere from 1500 to 1600 pounds. This force is sufficient to in-.

' sure a proper and unfailing setting of the valve 7 even though sediment or sewer waste be in the path of valve movement.

Referring now to Figure 1: The drain pipe line l0, which, it will be remembered, is a pressure line, is arranged to force-flush the connection 7 6 which establishes fluid communication between the drain pipe land the float chamber 70. For this purpose, the r duction end of the reduction-T connects with the pipe 40 so that this pipe delivers iorizontally into the corresponding portion of the connection 76. This construction is a feature ofthe invention inasmuch as it is quite important to prevent clogging, and for this purpose, a flushing by pressure, as distinguished from mere gravity, is necessary. While this pressure feature is not claimed herein, it is an important feature of the above mentioned copending application.

Another feature, of the invention shown in Figure 6 relates to strainer pipe assembly. A T 92 receives by two of its openings the rightangularly related sections of pipe 7 6, while the third opening is closed by a plug 93 within which plug is socketed and secured a tubular element 9-; which extends loosely through the pipe 76 into the, drain pipe I where it is capped by a screen 95. That portion of the pipe 94: within the T (and which is opposed to the T opening) is perforated as shown at 96. The pressure flush water from the pipe 40 acts to remove any solid matter which may have collected at the screen 95 and also to eject any of the finer material which may have passed the screen 95 and collected at openings 96. If,'for any unusual reason, the pipe perforations 96 should become plugged the pipe 94 can be quickly removed, by unscrewing the plug 93. This is a valuable feature of the invention in a device of this kind because as is well known, the backup water from the larger sewers frequently contains sticks, pa )er and other solid material.

1 very important feature of the invention herein, has not been described previously because a thorough understanding of themaster flood control apparatus first was necessary. This feature relates to a system in which the master control apparatus is connected to a number of auxiliary cylinder-operated valves in such manner that these valves unfailingly follow the motion of the master valve, each auxiliary valve being adapted to control a drain pipe which leads to a different sewer, and also to control a water supply, to house fixtures to close the supply during flood periods.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 10 and first to Figure 2: The heads 13 and 20 are respectively provided with the passages 15 and 26, and with these passages are respectively connected the pipes 100101 (see Figure 10) respectively leading to the tops and bottoms of the corresponding auxiliary cylinders which control corresponding waste pipes (or waste and water pipes) to prevent delivery of back-up liquid into the basement. Referring now to Figure 10, the numeral 102 indicates a pressure water supply pipe. The meter is indicated at 103 and adjacent this meter the branch connection 35 leads through the valves 414:2 to the master cylinder 17. The pipe 100 leads from the top of the master cylinder 17 A pipe 105 connects with the top of an auxiliary cylinder 106 which has a valve adapted to control the water line 102 for the purpose of preventing delivery of water to the portion 104 of that line which connects with the house fixtures, during the flood period. It will be understood that a valve similar to 7 is operated by the cylinder 106 to close the pipe 102, the valve construction in this respect substantially correspond ing to the unit comprising the elements 5, 9, 13 and 17 with the exception of the passages 15 and 26. The passages corresponding to 14 and 25 only being provided. The pipe 105 is connected with a passage corresponding to passage 25 and the return pipe 110 connecting the passage 14- with the pipe 101. The numeral 112 indicates a drain pipe line.- A cylinder 115 has a valve (similar to that previously described) which controls backup in drain 112. The top of the cylinder is connected by pipe 116 to pipe 100 and the bottom of the cylinder is connected by pipe 117 to pipe 101. Any number of valves 106 or 115 may be employed to simultaneously check the flow either in water pressure lines or in sewage lines by command of the master valve 30. In this instance, a third valve is indicated at 120 and controls the baclrup between the drain pipe 121 and the sewer pipe 122. It will be evident that when pressure is admitted to the upper part of the cylinder 17 itwill be distributed to the upper portions of cylinders 106, 115 and 120. On the other hand, upon reversal of the valves to admit pressure to the lower part of the cylinder, this pressure will be simultaneously transmitted to the lower portion of each of cylinders 106, 115, 120. The drain 10 is also in communication with all cylinders so that fluid release or drain can be had to permit the piston to move in an opposite direction.

Referring to Figure 10, it will be noted that valve 106 is placed between the water supply pipe and the house fixture 104 which is supplied by the portion 104 of the water supply pipe 102. Thus when the master valve closes water supply to the house fixture or fixtures is cut oli". Moreover, the cylinder 106 is controlled by hydraulic connections from the master cylinder 17, that is by hydraulic connections, as distinguished from mechanical connections, and therefore the cylinders 17 and 106 or their equivalents may be placed at any distance apart. and this distance is not limited as it would be if a mechanical connection was used. The same principle applies, in so far as the convenience of connection is concerned, to cylinders 17 and 115. A very valuable feature of the invention is the arrangement whereby any number of hydraulically operable devices placed at any convenient distances apart can be controlled from a single master valve.

lVe claim as our invention:

1. In combination with a sewer drain pipe, a valve for the pipe, a master cylinder having a piston adapted to control the valve, means for controlling the fluid delivery to opposite sides of the piston by back-up pressure in the drain pipe, a second sewer drain pipe and valve therefor, a cylinder having a piston adapted to control the valve, and fluid connections between the master and the last mentioned cylinder adapted to cause the piston of said last mentioned cylinder to move in correspondence to the motions of the piston of the master valve.

2. In combination with a sewer drain pipe, a valve for the pipe, a master cylinder having a piston adapted to control the valve, means for controlling the delivery of fluid under pressure alternately to opposite sides of the piston and for relieving pressure on the corresponding opposite side of said piston, means for controlling the fluid delivery means by a back-up pressure in the drain pipe, a second sewer drain pipe, a valve for the pipe, :1 cylinder having a piston adapted to control the valve, and fluid connections between the master and the last mentioned cylinder adapted to cause the piston of said last mentioned cylinder to move in correspondence to the motions of the piston of the master valve.

3. In combination with a sewer drain pipe, a valve for the pipe, hydraulically operable means adapted to control the valve, means for controlling the fluid delivery under pressure to operate said valve control means by a back-up pressure in the drain pipe, a second sewer drain pipe and valve therefor, hydraulic-ally operable means adapted to control said valve, and fluid connections between the first and last mentioned hydraulically operable valve control means, adapted to cause the motion of one to follow the corresponding motions of the other.

4:. In combination with a sewer drain pipe, a valve for the pipe, a master cylinder having a piston adapted to control the valve, means for controlling the delivery of fluid under pressure alternately to opposite sides of the piston, means for controlling the fluid delivery means by a back-up pressure in the drain pipe, a second sewer drain pipe, a cylinder and a piston operable valve for the second pipe, and fluid connections between the master and the last mentioned cylinder whereby the piston of said last mentioned cylinder is caused to move in correspondence to the motions of the piston of the master valve.

5. In combination with a sewer drain pipe, a valve for the pipe, a master cylinder having a piston adapted to control the valve, means for controllng the delivery of fluid under pressure alternately to opposite sides of the piston, means for controlling the fluid delivery means by back-up pressure in the drain pipe, a house fixture, a water pipe for furnishing pressure to said cylinder and fiX- ture and fluid delivery means, a valve for thewater pipe, a cylinder having a piston adapted to control said valve and placed to only control flow to the house fixture, and fluid connections between the master and last mentioned cylinder adapted to cause the pistons to move in correspondence to one another.

6. In combination with a sewer drain pipe, a valve for the pipe, a master cylinder having a piston adapted to control the valve, means for delivering and controlling the delivery of fluid under pressure alternately to opposite sides of the piston, means for controlling the fluid delivery means by back-up pressure in the drain pipe, including floatoperable means, a house fixture, a water pipe for furnishing pressure to said cylinder, fixture and fluid delivery means, a valve for said water pipe, a cylinder having a piston adapted to control said valve and placed to only control flow to said house fixture, and fluid connections between the master and last mentioned cylinder adapted to cause thepistons to move in correspondence to one another.

7. A unit for the purpose described including a pipe connection having a valve, a cylinder attached to the pipe connection and having a piston connected to operate the valve, a fluid delivery system supported by the cylinder, and including pipes and valves arranged to deliver fluid alternately to opposite sides of the piston, and also including a Waste pipe common to both sides of the piston, certain of the valves being adapted to control drainage under pressure from corresponding opposite sides of the piston.

8. A unit for the purpose described including a pipe connection having a valve, a cylinder attached to the pipe connection and having a piston connected to operate the valve, a fluid delivery system supported by the cylinder and including pipes and valves arranged to deliver fluid alternately to opposite sides of the piston and also including a waste pipe common to both sides of the piston, certain of the valves being adapted to control drainage under pressure from corresponding opposite sides of the piston, means respectively connecting members of fluid delivery and drain control valves and means having pivotal connection with said connecting means to operate the valves.

9. A system for the purpose described including a plurality of drain pipes and a water supply pipe said drain pipes lea-ding to a sewer and the water supply pipe leading to a house fixture, a fluid-operable valve adapted to control the water pipe, a fluid-operable valve adapted to control each drain pipe, one a master valve, means for operating the master valve as the result of back-up pressure on the sewer side of the drain, to close the valve, and fluid connections between the master and the other drain pipe valve adapted to cause said valve to follow corresponding motions of the master valve, whereby an operation of the master valve by back-up pressure in one sewer line, communication between the sewer and the drain is cut oil' in the other drain line, and water supply to the house fixture is interrupted. V

10. In combination with a sewer drain pipe, a valve for the pipe, a master cylinder having a piston adapted to control the valve, means for delivering and controlling the de livery of fluid under pressure alternately to opposite sides of the piston to operate the valve, a house fixture, a water pipe for furnishing pressure to said cylinder, fixture and fluid delivery means, a valve for said water pipe, a cylinder having a piston adapted to control said valve and placed to only control flow to said house fixture, and flui connections between the master and last mentioned cylinder adapted to cause the pistons to move fluid delivery means, a valve for said water pipe, a cylinder having a piston adapted to control said valve and placed to only control flow to said house fixture, a second sewer drain pipe, a valve for the pipe, a cylinder having a piston adapted to control said last mentioned valve, and fluid connections between the master, and the other cylinders adapted to cause their pistons to move in correspondence to the piston of the master valve.

12. In combination with a sewer drain pipe, a fluid-operable valve for the pipe, a house fixture, a common supply pipe for said fluid-operable valve and said fixture, a fluidoperable valve for said supply pipe adapted to control flow to said house fixture, and fluid connections between the valves adapted to cause the last mentioned valves to move in correspondence to the first mentioned valve and to close when the first closes.

13. In combination with a sewer drain pipe, a manually controllable fluid operable valve for the pipe, a house fixture and pressure supply pipe therefor, a fluid-operable valve for the pressure supply pipe, and fluid connections between the valves adapted to cause the last mentioned valve to move in correspondence to the first mentioned valve and to close when the first is closed.

14. In combination with a sewer drain pipe, a manually controllable fluid-operable valve for the pipe, a house fixture, a common supply pipe for said fluid-operable valve and said fixture, a fluid-operable valve for said supply pipe adapted to control flow to said house fixture, and fluid connections between the valves adapted to cause the last mentioned valves to move in correspondence to the first mentioned valve, and to close when the first is closed.

15. In combination with a sewer drain pipe, a fluid-operable valve for the pipe, a house fixture, a supply pipe for said fixture, a fluidoperable valve for said supply pipe adapted to control flow to said house fixture, a second sewer drain pipe and fluid-operable valve therefor, and fluid connections between the valves adapted to cause the last mentioned I valves to move in correspondence to the first mentioned valve, and to close when the first closes.

16. In combination with a pipe, fluid operable valve for the pipe, a second pipe having a fluid operable valve, and fluid connec tions between the valves adapted to cause one valve to be moved from one to the other of its positions when the other valve changes its position.

17. In combination with a sewer drain pipe, fluid operable valve for the pipe, a second pipe associated with the first in a plumbing system, having a fluid operable valve, and fluid connections between the valves adapted to cause one valve to be moved from one to the other of its positions, when the other valve changes its position.

18. In combination with a pipe, fluid operable valve for the pipe, a second pipe associated with the first in a plumbing system,

having a fluid operable valve and fluid con nections between the valves adapted to cause one valve to be moved from one to the other of its positions, when the other valve changes its position, the second pipe being connected with a house fixture for supplying water thereto and to the first valve, and its valve being placed between said fixture and the supply to said first valve.

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this 31st day of December, 1929. IVILLIAM E. HARDACKER. EDVVARD L. HESSEL.

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