(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2006/0228222 A1
`Pohler
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Oct. 12, 2006
`
`US 20060228222Al
`
`(54)
`
`SEVVAGE HANDLING SYSTEM, COVER,
`AND CONTROLS
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Donald NL Pohlera Rochester, NY (US)
`
`Add1”€SSI
`C01'1‘€Sp0I1d€I1Ce
`JOHN M. HAMMOND
`PATENT INN()VAT IONS LLC
`150 LUCIUS GORDON DRIVE
`SUITE 205
`WEST HENRIETTA, NY 14585 (Us)
`
`(21) Appl, N0;
`
`11/093,133
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar. 29, 2005
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`F04B 49/04
`(52) US. Cl.
`................................................................ 417/40
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A cover assembly for covering a vessel comprising a main
`cover comprising at least a first outlet opening adapted for
`connection to a pipe, and a second opening surrounded by a
`flat region adapted for placement of a gasket; an access
`cover comprising a flat region adapted for mating with the
`flat region of said main cover; and provisions for the sealing
`of at lea st one cord passing between the main cover and the
`access cover. In other embodiments, the cover assembly is
`provided with an engagement feature adapted for engage-
`ment With a hook—shaped hanger rod. Sewage basin assem-
`blies are also provided which incorporate these cover assem-
`blies.
`
`Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
`Exhibit 1014
`
`Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
`Exhibit 1014
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 12, 2006 Sheet 1 of 10
`
`US 2006/0228222 A1
`
`PERSP FSOLQOD
`
`F‘/é, Z
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 12, 2006 Sheet 2 of 10
`
`US 2006/0228222 A1
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 12, 2006 Sheet 3 of 10
`
`US 2006/0228222 A1
`
`FIG. PERSP XSECT
`
`F/5. 3
`
`

`
`US 2006/0228222 A1
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 12, 2006 Sheet 5 of 10
`
`US 2006/0228222 A1
`
`F|G.5’ PERSP XSECT CS ASSY
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 12, 2006 Sheet 6 of 10
`
`Us 2006/0228222 A1
`
`FIG. 6 TOP COVER AND SWITCHES SANS
`ACC COVER
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 12, 2006 Sheet 7 of 10
`
`US 2006/0228222 A1
`
`FIG. 7PERSP COVER SWITCH ASSYS
`BELOW
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 12, 2006 Sheet 8 of 10
`
`Us 2006/0228222 A]
`
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`FIG. 6’ TOP COVER SWITCH ASSYS
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 12, 2006 Sheet 9 of 10
`
`US 2006/0228222 A1
`
`FIG? PERSP COVER SWITCH ASSYS
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 12, 2006 Sheet 10 of 10
`
`US 2006/0228222 A1
`
`FIGJO SIDE COVER SWITCH ASSYS
`
`

`
`US 2006/0228222 A1
`
`Oct. 12, 2006
`
`SEVVAGE HANDLING SYSTEM, COVER, AND
`CONTROLS
`
`to a
`[0001] This invention relates in one embodiment
`liquid vessel and a cover thereof, and more particularly to a
`sewage handling system, a cover for a sewage basin, and
`control accessories disposed therein.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002]
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`[0003] A sewage handling system, a cover assembly for a
`sewage basin, and control accessories disposed within a
`sewage basin for receiving and distributing sewage via a
`pump housed in the basin.
`
`[0004]
`
`2. Description of Related Art
`
`In general, sewage may be distributed from a
`[0005]
`sewage source to a desired location by gravity flow or by
`pumping. For example, for residential sewage, all sources of
`sewage in the residence may be located higher than the
`public sewer or septic tank connection, and the sewage may
`be transported to the connection solely by gravity flow.
`However, if a sewage source is located at a lower elevation
`than the sewer line connection as often occurs, it becomes
`necessary to pump sewage uphill
`to the connection. For
`example, a toilet may be installed in a bathroom located in
`a basement where the sewer line connection is located
`
`higher than the toilet.
`
`Sewage basin assemblies may be installed to
`[0006]
`deliver sewage from a source to the desired sewer line
`connection. These assemblies typically include a container
`having an inlet, where sewage is received from the sewage
`source, and a pump for pumping received sewage to an
`outlet of the container, the outlet for comiection to a sewer
`line leading to the public sewer or septic tank. For example,
`Liberty Pumps of Bergen, N.Y. manufactures and sells
`sewage basin assemblies as the “370-Series” that comprise
`a polyethylene basin with an inlet nub adapted to be con-
`nected to a sewage source, a cover for the top of the basin,
`a pump mounted in the basin, and an outlet pipe extending
`from the pump to outside the cover. Such basins are rota-
`tionally molded in a multi-part mold having a part-line
`parallel to the basin bottom that dissects the body inlet nub.
`The various components also may be sold individually for
`custom assembly at a job site. The basin may be installed
`immediately beneath the foundation, for example, such that
`the top of the basin is flush with the foundation slab, or
`located underground beyond the foundation and backfilled
`with soil. In either case, the inlet to the ejector system is in
`connection with the sewage source, and the outlet is in
`connection with a line running to the public sewer, a septic
`tank or alternate sewage treatment device.
`
`[0007] Heretofore, certain patents and publications have
`disclosed sewage basin assemblies, and related structures
`such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,410 ofCook et al., the disclosure
`of which is incorporated herein by reference. This patent
`discloses a sewage ejector system including a basin and top
`cover. The basin body thereof includes a generally cylindri-
`cal wall, a closed bottom, and an open top.
`
`[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,430,757 of Pohler discloses a
`self-contained bathroom waste collection and disposal unit
`having a reservoir configured to operably retain a pump and
`
`a float-operated switch. The reservoir cooperates with a
`primary cover having plumbing and electrical access ports,
`and a secondary cover free of connecting ports that is readily
`removed to permit convenient access to the reservoir,
`including the switch (eg, to replace the switch) and the
`pump inlet (e.g., to remove clogs). The unit further includes
`integral, molded features for retaining the switch and pump
`in an operable position, such as e.g., a boss on the cover
`prevents displacement of the pump, and molded-in torque
`stops prevent rotational movement of the pump; thereby
`absorbing the torque of the pump as it operates and corre-
`spondingly reducing stress on plumbing joints. The unit
`further
`includes molded-in strengthening collars
`and
`recesses sized to assist in transporting and installing the tmit.
`
`[0009] Although these and other sewage basin assemblies
`may operate in a satisfactory manner with respect to the
`basic sewage handling function, there is a need for better
`accessibility to the internal components of the sewage
`basins, and for a greater ease of assembly and adjustability
`of certain components. Opportunities remain for improve-
`ment of sewage basin assemblies in order to address prob-
`lems heretofore unsolved. There is a need for a sewage basin
`assembly having in particular
`a cover
`that provides
`improved fastening means, gaskets and seals, electrical
`connections, and plumbing connections, in order to simplify
`the installation, plumbing, wiring, and general assembly
`thereof. There is also a need to provide a sewage handling
`system having a lower height such that in circumstances in
`which such enclosure is to be placed in a pit, such pit may
`be relatively shallow, thereby enabling installation of such
`enclosure in a location where the soil depth is minimal, or
`where the pit must be hewn in bedrock. There is also a need
`to provide a sewage handling system having modular elec-
`trical control components and mounting hardware therefor,
`in order to simplify and reduce the time of assembly of such
`components into the sewage handling system. Accordingly,
`embodiments of the present invention are provided that meet
`at least one or more of the following objects of the present
`invention.
`
`It is an object of this invention to provide sewage
`[0010]
`handling system with a cover that enables easy access to the
`components contained therein.
`
`It is a further object of this invention to provide a
`[0011]
`sewage handling system with a modular float switch assem-
`bly that is easily installed and adjusted.
`
`It is an object of this invention to provide a cover
`[0012]
`for a sewage basin with improved sealing means for the
`sealing of electrical cords passing therethrough.
`
`It is an object of this invention to provide a cover
`[0013]
`for a sewage basin with increased structural strength.
`
`It is a further object of this invention to provide a
`[0014]
`sewage handling system that is compact with respect to
`height, for installation in limited space.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with the present invention, there is
`[0015]
`provided a cover assembly for covering a vessel, said cover
`assembly comprising a main cover comprising at least a first
`outlet opening adapted for connection to a pipe, and a
`second opening surrounded by a fiat region adapted for
`placement of a gasket; an access cover comprising a flat
`
`

`
`US 2006/0228222 Al
`
`Oct. 12, 2006
`
`region adapted for mating with said flat region of said main
`cover; and cord sealing means for the sealing of at least one
`cord passing between said main cover and said access cover.
`In a further embodiment, said main cover further comprises
`a second outlet opening, adapted for connection to a second
`pipe, wherein at lest one of the pipes connected to said first
`or said second outlet openings is a vent connection pipe.
`
`In accordance with the present invention, there is
`[0016]
`further provided a cover assembly for covering a vessel, said
`cover assembly comprising a main cover comprising at least
`a first outlet opening adapted for connection to a pipe, and
`a second opening surrounded by a flat region adapted for
`placement of a gasket, and an engagement feature adapted
`for engagement with a hook-shaped hanger rod; and an
`access cover comprising a flat region adapted for mating
`with said flat region of said main cover.
`
`In accordance with the present invention, there is
`[0017]
`further provided a level switch assembly for detecting the
`level of a liquid surface comprising a hook-shaped hanger
`rod and at least one level switch attached to said hook-
`
`shaped hanger rod.
`
`In accordance with the present invention, there is
`[0018]
`further provided a sewage handling system comprising a
`basin for receiving a liquid, said basin comprising a body
`with at least one inlet opening and an open top comprising
`a flat region adapted for receiving a cover assembly; a cover
`assembly comprising a main cover comprising at least a first
`outlet opening adapted for connection to a pipe, and a
`second opening surrounded by a flat region adapted for
`placement of a gasket, an access cover comprising a flat
`region adapted for mating with said flat region of said main
`cover, and cord sealing means for the sealing of at least one
`cord passing between said main cover and said access cover;
`and a pump disposed in said basin and operatively connected
`by a discharge pipe to said first outlet opening of said main
`cover.
`
`In accordance with the present invention, there is
`[0019]
`further provided a sewage handling system comprising a
`basin for receiving a liquid, said basin comprising a body
`with at least one inlet opening and an open top comprising
`a flat region adapted for receiving a cover assembly; a cover
`assembly comprising a main cover comprising at least a first
`outlet opening adapted for connection to a pipe, and a
`second opening surrounded by a flat region adapted for
`placement of a gasket, and an engagement feature adapted
`for engagement with a hook-shaped hanger rod, and an
`access cover comprising a flat region adapted for mating
`with said flat region of said main cover; a level switch
`assembly comprising a hook-shaped hanger rod engaged
`with said engagement feature of said cover assembly, and at
`least one level switch attached to said hook-shaped hanger
`rod; and a pump disposed in said basin and operatively
`connected by a discharge pipe to said first outlet opening of
`said main cover.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0020] The invention will be described by reference to the
`following drawings, in which like numerals refer to like
`elements, and in which:
`
`[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of
`a sewage handling system including a basin, a structural
`cover, and a protective cover;
`
`[0022] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of
`the sewage handling system of FIG. 1;
`
`[0023] FIG. 3 is a cutaway perspective view of the sewage
`handling system of FIG. 1;
`
`[0024] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective View of the
`sewage handling system cover and float switch assemblies
`depicted in FIG. 2;
`
`[0025] FIG. 5 is a cutaway perspective view of the main
`cover of FIG. 4 shown with the float support hanger rod of
`FIG. 4 engaged therewith;
`
`[0026] FIG. 6 is a top view of the main cover and float
`switch assemblies of FIG. 4, with the access cover removed
`from such main cover;
`
`[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the main cover and
`float switch assemblies of FIG. 2, taken from a vantage
`point below the lower portion of the main cover;
`
`[0028] FIG. 8 is a top view of the main cover assembly of
`FIG. 2 in a fully assembled state;
`
`[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the main cover and
`float switch assemblies of FIG. 2 in a fully assembled state,
`taken from a vantage point that depicts the cord passage-
`ways therethrough; and
`
`[0030] FIG. 10 is a side View of the main cover and float
`switch assemblies of FIG. 2 in a fully assembled state.
`
`[0031] The present invention will be described in connec-
`tion with a preferred embodiment, however,
`it will be
`understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the
`
`embodiment described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover
`all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be
`included within the spirit and scope of the invention as
`defined by the appended claims.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0032] For a general understanding of the present inven-
`tion, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like
`reference numerals have been used throughout to designate
`identical elements.
`
`[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of
`a sewage handling system including a basin, a structural
`cover, and a protective cover; FIG. 2 is a partially exploded
`perspective view of the sewage handling system of FIG. 1;
`and FIG. 3 is a cutaway perspective view of the sewage
`handling system of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1-3 sewage
`handling system 10 comprises a sewage basin 100, cover
`assembly 200, and float switch assembly 400. Basin 100
`contains a pump 20 to which is connected a discharge pipe
`30, that in mm is connected to an outlet port 214 in main
`cover 210.
`
`[0034] After assembly of sewage handling system 10 at a
`manufacturing site, and prior to shipping, sewage basin
`assembly 10 may be fitted with protective cover 80, which
`provides protection to the cover assembly 200 of basin
`assembly 10 during shipping and during installation. The
`function of protective cover 80, and the preferred materials
`of construction thereof are substantially the same as dis-
`closed in commonly owned pending application U.S. Ser.
`No. 10/963,191 the disclosure of which is incorporated
`herein by reference.
`
`

`
`US 2006/0228222 A1
`
`Oct. 12, 2006
`
`[0035] The general spatial relationships and functions of
`vessel or basin 100, pump 20, discharge pipe 30, and cover
`210 are substantially the same as is described in U.S. Pat.
`No. 6,305,410 of Cook et al. Basin 100 is preferably
`between about 18 and 36 inches high. In one preferred
`embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3, basin 100 is provided
`with a height of about 24 inches.
`In the embodiment
`depicted in FIGS. 1-3, basin 100 is preferably also provided
`with at least one flat 110 and/or one hub 112 for connection
`
`of inlet piping thereto. In one preferred embodiment, basin
`100 is further provided with a network of facets 120 formed
`in the wall and around the circumference thereof, efl"ectively
`forming a structure having vertical ribs as indicated by
`bidirectional arrow 199, as well as horizontal ribs as indi-
`cated by bidirectional arrow 198, for even greater structural
`strength. Basin 100 is generally shorter in height than other
`sewage basins and thus has the advantage of a compact
`shape, which enables the use thereof in locations where the
`soil depth above bedrock or other subsurface obstructions
`(roots, buried cables and/or utility piping, etc.) is less than
`about thirty inches.
`
`[0036] Cover 210 is preferably fastened to a flat region
`132 of annular flange 134 formed at the upper edge 130 of
`basin 100 by the use ofbolts 140 which pass through holes
`280 (see also FIG. 8)
`in cover 210, or other suitable
`fastening means. In one preferred embodiment, basin 100 is
`provided with threaded inserts 142 molded into flange 134,
`for engagement with fasteners 140. Cover 210 is preferably
`provided with holes to accept either 8 or 16 equally spaced
`fasteners around the perimeter thereof for securing cover
`210 to basin 100.
`
`[0037] Cover assembly 200 and cover 210 are further
`provided with numerous advantageous
`features
`to be
`described presently with reference in particular to FIGS. 3,
`4, and 8. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the
`sewage handling system depicting cover assembly 200, and
`FIG. 8 is a top view of the system cover assembly 200 in a
`fully assembled state. Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 8, cover
`assembly 200 comprises main cover 210 and access/inspec-
`tion cover 310. Main cover 210 is provided with a flat flange
`220 fonned therein having a plurality of holes 222 and
`threaded inserts 224 (see also FIG. 5) molded into flange
`220. Access cover 310 is also provided with a flat flange 320
`having a plurality of holes 322 fonned therein, such that
`access cover 310 may be secured to main cover 210 by bolts
`380 when flange 320 is mated with flange 220.
`
`[0038] Cover assembly 200 further comprises a gasket 350
`that is disposed between main cover 210 and access cover
`310 to provide a liquid tight seal between such covers. Cover
`assembly 200 further comprises another gasket 250 that is
`disposed between main cover 210 and flat region 132 of
`flange 134 of basin 100 for a liquid tight seal therebetween.
`For the sake of simplicity of illustration in FIG. 4, gasket
`250 is shown above cover 210; however, it is to be under-
`stood that gasket 250 is disposed beneath cover 210 when
`cover 210 is fastened to basin 100.
`
`In the preferred embodiment, cover assembly 200
`[0039]
`further comprises a lip seal 252 that seals discharge pipe 32
`(see FIG. 2) to outlet opening 214. Referring to FIG. 2 and
`FIG. 7 in particular, outlet opening 214 of main cover 210
`is formed as an elongated cylinder 215 that is reinforced by
`gussets 217. Outlet opening 214 further comprises a hollow
`
`socket 223 into which discharge pipe 30 is inserted during
`assembly of system 10. Lip seal 252 is disposed in cylin-
`drical recess 225 and around discharge pipe 30, thereby
`sealing discharge pipe 30 to cover 210.
`
`[0040] VVhen sewage handling system 100 is installed and
`in operation, access cover 310 is easily removed from cover
`210 without the need for disconnection of any piping or
`electrical components. Access cover 310 thus provides ready
`access to float switch assembly 400 (to be described subse-
`quently herein) and to pump 20, and for general inspection
`of the contents and condition of basin 100. Access cover 310
`
`is easily replaced and resealed to main cover 210 when the
`need for access to basin 100 is finished.
`
`In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3, 4, and 8,
`[0041]
`cover 210 is depicted as being provided with threaded outlet
`openings 212 and 214, such as e. g. 2 inch pipe thread. Other
`suitable pipe connections may also be used, such as is
`described and shown in FIGS. 22A-23 of commonly owned
`United States provisional patent application U .S. Ser. No.
`60/487,953 of Cook et al.,
`the disclosure of which is
`incorporated herein by reference.
`
`further provided with two flat
`[0042] Cover 210 is
`recessed areas 216 and 218 to which product identification
`labels, such as e.g., label 219 of FIG. 3 may be fastened.
`Cover 210 is further provided with a plurality of ribs 240
`disposed around the outer region thereof in the radial
`direction, which provide additional structural strength to
`cover 210. The upper surfaces of ribs 240 are preferably
`sloped upwardly from the outer perimeter 211 to the flat
`region 213 of cover 210. This upward slope is best seen with
`reference to FIG. 10, and provides greater strength to
`withstand vertical loads upon cover 210.
`
`[0043] One of the more advantageous features of cover
`assembly 200 is the provision of cord sealing means inte-
`grated therein. This provision has eliminated the need for
`separate cord sealing fittings to be provided in cover assem-
`bly 200. In one preferred embodiment, such cord sealing
`means is provided in the interface between main cover 210,
`access cover 310, and gasket 350 disposed therebetween,
`and is best understood with reference in particular to FIGS.
`4, 5, and 9. FIG. 5 is a cutaway perspective view of main
`cover 210 of FIG. 4 showing a portion of the cord sealing
`means, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of cover assembly
`200 in a fully assembled state, taken from a vantage point
`that depicts the cord passageways through the cord sealing
`means thereof, and the cords disposed therein. Referring to
`FIGS. 4 and 5, main cover 210 is provided with a plurality
`of cord grooves in which cords such as e.g., cords 22, 422,
`and 472 may be disposed. In the preferred embodiment,
`main cover 210 is provided with lower cord grooves 262 and
`upper cord grooves 264, with the lower cord grooves being
`beneath the level of flange 220, and the upper cord grooves
`extending at an upward angle from near the level of flange
`220 upwardly to the level of top surface 213 of cover 210.
`
`[0044] A gap is provided between the upper extremity of
`lower cord grooves 262 and the lower extremity of upper
`cord grooves 264. In this gap there is formed a pocket 266
`for receiving and holding a cord sealing portion 355 ofcover
`gasket 350. Although in FIG. 5, for the sake of simplicity of
`illustration, cords 472, 422, and 22 are depicted as being
`disposed directly into cord grooves 262 and 264,
`it
`is
`preferable that in the assembled state, cords 472, 422, and 22
`
`

`
`US 2006/0228222 A1
`
`Oct. 12, 2006
`
`are disposed between cord sealing portion 355 of access
`cover gasket 350 and cord seal block 352. Cover gasket 350
`is also provided with a corresponding set of cord seal
`grooves 351 to match lower cord seal grooves 262 and to
`hold cords 22, 422, and 472; and cord seal block 352 is also
`provided with a corresponding set of cord seal grooves 353
`on the outer side thereof to hold cords 22, 422, and 472.
`Access cover 310 is provided with a cord seal riser 340 with
`an angled flat surface formed on the outer side 341 thereof,
`i.e. the side opposite gusset 342, to match the flat surface on
`the inner side of cord seal block 352.
`
`[0045] To assemble access cover 310 to main cover 210
`and seal cords 472, 422, and 22 therebetween, cover gasket
`350 is placed upon flange 220 of cover 210; cords 22, 422,
`and 472 are run through the opening 221 for access cover
`310 and are pressed into cord seal grooves 351 of cover
`gasket 350; cord seal block is placed over cords 22, 422, and
`472 and in contact with the cord sealing portion 355 of cover
`gasket 350, so that cords 22, 422, and 472 are disposed in the
`passageways 8 formed between cord seal grooves 351 of
`cover gasket 350 and cord seal grooves 353 of cord seal
`block 352; access cover 310 is placed upon main cover 210
`with the flat surface of cord seal block 352 mated against the
`angled flat surface of the riser 340 of access cover 310; and
`bolts 380 are used to secure access cover 310 to main cover
`
`210, thereby compressing gasket 350 therebetween. Refer-
`ring to FIG. 9, which is a perspective view of cover
`assembly 200 taken from the angle at which the cords
`therein are upwardly disposed, it can be seen that cords 22,
`422, and 472 are routed through holes 8 and are sealed
`between the cover gasket 350 and the cord seal block 352,
`by the clamping action of access cover 310 against main
`cover 210, which compresses gasket 350 and cord seal block
`352 to provide such sealing action.
`
`[0046] Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 9, and in a further
`embodiment, the applicant’s cover assembly 210 is further
`provided with alami control unit 390, which, during ship-
`ping to the installation site, is disposed upon access cover
`310. When sewage handling system 10 is installed, alarm
`control unit 390 is mounted at a suitable location nearby,
`such as e. g., a nearby wall, or on a sheet metal panel or other
`suitable surface. Referring also to FIG. 5, in the preferred
`embodiment, the cord 422 of alarm level switch 420 is fed
`upwardly through one of the cord openings formed between
`cord sealing portion 355 of access cover gasket 350 and cord
`seal block 352, and into an opening 392 in alarm control unit
`390 that is mounted nearby. (For the sake of simplicity of
`illustration, cord 422 is not shown disposed through opening
`392 in FIG. 9. However, it is to be understood that cord 422
`enters control unit 390 through opening 392 and is suitably
`sealed at such opening.)
`
`[0047] Electrical wires (not shown) within cord 422 are
`connected to further electrical switching means such as e.g.
`an electromechanical relay, or to communication means
`such as eg. a wireless transmitter. Such further electrical
`switching means or communication means is further con-
`nected to or in communication with various alamr indicating
`means such as e.g. a light, a horn, a computer or process
`controller, including a video display, and the like. In opera-
`tion, when the liquid level in basin 100 becomes excessively
`high and floats level switch 420 upwardly,
`the contacts
`
`within level switch 420 change state (open-to-closed or
`vice-versa), and an alami condition is indicated by the alarm
`indicating means.
`
`[0048] A more detailed description of the level control
`means of the applicant’s sewage handling system is now
`provided, such level control means being one of the more
`advantageous features of sewage handling system 10. Such
`level control means is easily installable, removable, and
`adjustable. This provision, together with the provision of
`access cover 310, enables easy installation of level switches
`during assembly of sewage handling system 10, and subse-
`quent removal, replacement, and/or adjustment at any time
`thereafter. In one preferred embodiment, such level control
`means comprises one or more float-type level switches
`mounted on a removable hanger rod, and is best understood
`with reference in particular to FIGS. 4-7 and FIG. 10. FIG.
`4 is an exploded perspective view of the sewage handling
`system cover assembly 200 and float switch assembly 400
`depicted in FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is a cutaway perspective view of
`the main cover of FIG. 4 shown with the float support rod
`of float switch assembly 400 of FIG. 4 engaged therewith;
`FIG. 6 is a top view of the main cover and float switch
`assemblies of FIG. 4, with the access cover removed from
`such main cover in order to View float switch assembly 400
`therebeneath; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the main cover
`and float switch assemblies of FIG. 2, taken from a vantage
`point below the lower portion of the main cover; and FIG.
`10 is a side view of the main cover and float switch
`
`assemblies of FIG. 2 in a fully assembled state.
`
`[0049] Referring to FIGS. 4-7 and FIG. 10, float switch
`assembly 400 comprises hanger rod 410, a first float switch
`420 and preferably a second float switch 470. Hanger rod is
`preferably formed as a hook with an inverted J-shape, and
`comprises an elongated vertical section 412, a cross bar
`section 414, and a short vertical section 416, with sections
`412 and 414 and sections 414 and 416 being joined at
`junctions of approximately 90 degrees. In one preferred
`embodiment, hanger rod 410 is formed of a 5/] 6-inch diam-
`eter stainless steel rod that is bent to form the 90 degree
`junctions. In an alternate embodiment, (not shown), hanger
`rod may have a hook shape comprising a simple L-shape,
`wherein the horizontal portion of the L is engaged with an
`engagement feature in cover 210. In other embodiments (not
`shown), the hook shape may be formed as a T-shape, or as
`a small flange, with the operative requirement being that
`hanger rod hooks onto and is supported by an engagement
`feature in cover 210.
`
`In the preferred embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4-7
`[0050]
`and FIG. 10, elongated vertical section 412 of hanger rod
`410 is provided for the securing and locating of float
`switches thereupon. The upper portion of elongated section
`412, cross bar 414, and short vertical section 416 form a
`hook shape, which may be engaged with a suitable engage-
`ment
`feature in cover assembly 200.
`In the preferred
`embodiment, there is provided an engagement feature 230 in
`main cover 210 for the attachment and suspension of hanger
`rod 410 and float switch assembly 400 therebeneath. Refer-
`ring again to FIGS. 5-7 and FIG. 10, engagement feature
`230 comprises a first section 231 having a horizontal chan-
`nel 233, which transitions to a vertical hole 232. First section
`231 is formed to accommodate a portion of cross bar 414
`and short vertical section 416, and the 90 degree elbow
`therebetween, of hanger rod 410. Engagement feature 230
`
`

`
`US 2006/0228222 A1
`
`Oct. 12, 2006
`
`further comprises second section 235 having horizontal
`channel 236, which transitions to vertical notch 237. Second
`section 235 is formed to accommodate a portion of cross bar
`414 and elongated vertical section 412, and the 90 degree
`elbow therebetween, of hanger rod 410.
`
`It will be apparent that alternatively, vertical hole
`[0051]
`232 could instead be formed as a vertical slot similar to
`vertical notch 237, and still receive vertical section 416 of
`rod 410. It will be further apparent that rod 410 could be
`formed with a hook shape other than a right-angled J-shape,
`such as an arcuate J-shape, with the corresponding channel-
`and-notch or hole cavity structure being formed in a corre-
`sponding shape to receive such hook shape. A right angle J
`is preferred, however, for ease of manufacturing. It will also
`be apparent that hook-shaped rod 410 could be provided
`with two elongated sections forming a U-shape, or even
`branches of elongated sections for the attachment of level
`control means, and other control means thereto.
`
`[0052] Referring in particular to FIGS. 5 and 6, in the
`assembled state, hanger rod 410 is engaged with engage-
`ment feature 230 ofcover 210 such that short vertical section
`
`416 is disposed in hole 232, elongated section is disposed in
`notch 237, and cross bar 414 is disposed in channels 233 and
`236. Thus hanger rod is easily and removably engaged with
`and hung from engagement feature 230 of cover 210. For the
`sake of simplicity of illustration, float switches 420 and 470
`are not depicted in FIG. 5; however it is to be understood
`that in operation, at least one float switch, and preferably two
`float switches are provided as depicted in FIGS. 2-4, 6-7,
`and 9-10. In the preferred embodiment wherein two float
`switches 420 and 470 are present, the lower of the two float
`switches, i.e., float switch 470 is used for on-off operation of
`pump 20 (see FIG. 2), and the higher of the two float
`switches, i.e., float switch 420 is used as an alarm switch that
`provides an indication of when basin 100 is excessively full,
`and possible intervention is required.
`
`[0053] Referring now in particular to FIG. 10, and in the
`preferred embodiment depicted therein, cord 422 of float
`switch 420 is secured to elongated vertical rod 412 by clamp
`426, or by other suitable means, such as plastic cable ties and
`the like. In like manner, cord 472 of float switch 470 is
`secured to elongated vertical rod 410 by clamp 476. Clamps
`426 and 476 secure flexible cords 422 and 472 to elongated
`vertical rod such that floats 424 and 474 rise and fall
`
`vertically as indicated by arrows 499 and 498 respectively.
`Cords 422 and 472 are flexible and act as tethers to floats 424
`and 474. Thus, such floats also rotate such that the central
`axes of such floats are ori