I|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||l|||||l||||||||||lllll|||||||||||||||||||||||
`
`US00?520736B2
`
`(12)
`
`United States Patent
`Pohler
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45; Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,520,736 B2
`Apr. 21, 2009
`
`6.430.757 B!
`5.454.531 132*
`6.555.754 B2‘
`6372.782 132*
`2005-0034383 Al"‘
`
`85200: Pehler
`I0.-‘"2002 Eckenetal.
`4.-‘"2003 Gilmour
`852004 Boganetal.
`2.-zoos Allen
`
`439.-455
`I74-"151
`137.-15.01
`52-‘:00
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Zoeller Pump Co. Bulletin 1-"M 2124. Section: 3.10.005. “Picas-
`sembled Sump Pump Systems.” 1 pages.
`Zoeller Piunp Co. "Crawl Space Pumping System.“ from www.
`zoeliencom "zcopump-"p|'odt:cts"ho mei mp1'ove)'craw|space.htnt
`.l.1.n
`24. 2005. 4 pages.
`Saber Industries. "Saber Surnp Pit" from www.saber.Iheengincer.
`com.-'rnain1.-"htrn1. 4 pages.
`U.S..»’\pp1.i\'o. 11-'1l1.113.fi1cd Apr. 21. 2005. Pohlcr.
`
`[('on1inued)
`
`P.P‘.0'?l(I.P'_t-' lf.\'aminer—1)evon C Kramer
`Assisrrint £'.\'a:m'ner—-Leonard .1 Weiitstein
`
`(74}Arrorm'_1'. Agent. orFi'rm—1’atet1t Innovations LLC ; John
`M. I-lammond
`
`(57)
`
`ABS’l'RA(T'l'
`
`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 ofa gasket; an access cover
`comprising a Hat region adapted for mating with the flat
`region of the 111ai11 cover; and provisions for the sealing ofat
`least one card passing between the main cover and the access
`cover. In other enibodiiuenls, the cover assembly is provided
`with an engagement feature adapted for engageniem with a
`hook—shaped hanger rod. Sewage basin assemblies are also
`provided which incorporate these cover assemblies.
`
`14 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`(54)
`
`SEWAGE HANDLING SYSTEM, COVER, A.\' D
`CONTROLS
`
`(75)
`
`(73)
`
`Inventor: Donald M. Pohler. Rochester. NY (US)
`
`Assignee: Liberty Pumps Ine.. Bergen. NY (US)
`
`( "' )
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer. the term oftbis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.(f. 154(1)) by 317 days.
`
`(21)
`
`(22)
`
`(65)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(53)
`
`(56)
`
`App1.No.: 111093.133
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar. 29, 2005
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2006a’0228222Al
`
`Oct. 12. 2006
`
`Int. (fl.
`F043 23/00
`F043 49/04
`U.S. (fl.
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`41'7!423.l4: 417140; 417141;
`4171331; 1741151: 1741660
`Field ot'Classification Search
`417140.
`4l71"4l6.l.41. 331.423.l4: 1741661}. 151:
`21Ua"4l6.l
`
`See application file for complete search l1istor_v.
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`41'?-"420
`S2.-'19
`417.-'40
`241.-"36
`'i"3r'T56
`417.-"36
`.. 241546.01
`52.-"19
`137-"363
`41?.-"40
`174.-"659
`
`
`
`831965 Ytlzaetal.
`I.-‘I990 Mamuia
`311992 Shibataet a1.
`9-"1996 Oliveretal.
`3-‘"1999 Stiller elal.
`'1'.-‘I999
`.‘\mo|detal.
`5.-‘"2000 Struthers
`8.92001
`Janesky
`1052001 Cookelal.
`1152001
`1J.vis ct a1.
`2.-‘Z003
`Ilasloek ct al.
`
`3.198.125 A "‘
`4.890.425 A "'
`5.100.298 A '“
`5.553.794 A "
`5.885.266 A "‘
`5.924.846 A “‘
`6.059.208 A *
`6.276.093 Bl‘
`6.305.410 B1‘
`6.322.326 131 *
`6.348.057 131*
`
`
`
`Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
`Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
`Exhibit 1023
`Exhibit 1023
`
`

`
`US 7,520,736 B2
`Page 2
`
`OTHER PUB LICATIONS
`
`I0.-"9I53.l9l. “Sump
`Cmmnonly owned pending U.S. App]. No.
`Enclosure and Assembly.“ filed Del.
`l2. 2004. A pdf copy of the
`Filing Receipt. specification. claims. drawings. Assignment Recu1’~
`
`dalion Notice. and Assi gnment are being submitted herewith via EFS.
`This reference is listed as “Non-patent literature" because this pnteni
`application has notbeen published.
`
`* cited by exaIJJ.i1'1er
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 21, 2009
`
`Sheet 1 of 10
`
`US 7,520,736 B2
`
`PERSP F5oL2oD
`
`f’/é.‘ 1
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 21., 2009
`
`Sheet 2 of 10
`
`US 7,520,736 B2
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr 21 2009
`
`Sheet 3 of 10
`
`US 7,520,736 B2
`
`_..._....
`
`
`
`.__..._._.
`
`._.._...
`__.....
`
`
`
`
`___.__.__.
`
`1....
`
`
`
`..._......_.....u..
`
`
`
`...._.r\nu
`
`: l‘
`‘.'
`
`' "M,
`,3.
`J
`/.
`_
`: I:
`
`-
`
`.._..__._..fl‘.
`
`«WW.
`
`_....._.
`
`__.\1up
`.\..
`
`..
`
`n.__.._\
`.__.
`
`FIG. PERSP XS ECT
`
`/7/6. 3
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 21, 2009
`
`Sheet 4 of 10
`
`US 7,520,736 B2
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 21, 2009
`
`Sheet 5 of 10
`
`US 7,520,736 B2
`
`FlG..5’ PERSP XSECT CS ASSY
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 21, 2009
`
`Sheet 6 of 10
`
`US 7,520,736 B2
`
`FIG. 6 TOP COVER AND SWITCHES SANS
`ACC COVER
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 21, 2009
`
`Sheet 7 of 10
`
`US 7,520,736 B2
`
`H FIG. 7 PERSP COVER SWITCH ASSYS
`
`BELOW
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 21, 2009
`
`Sheet 8 of 10
`
`US 7,520,736 B2
`
`FIG. ‘3 TOP COVER SWITCH ASSYS
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 21, 2009
`
`Sheet 9 of 10
`
`US 7,520,736 B2
`
` iii?_
`' I
`
`re“ _.
`
`/'
`
`3
`
`'
`
`m
`
`'.
`
`.~
`
`I
`
`.
`
`\
`
`\\
`
`2
`
`FIG? PERSP COVER SWITCH ASSYS
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 21, 2009
`
`Sheet 10 0f10
`
`US 7,520,736 B2
`
`FIGJO SIDE COVER SWITCH ASSYS
`
`

`
`US 7.520.736 B2
`
`1
`SEWAGE HANDLING SYSTEM, COVER. AND
`(?0;\"'l'R()I.S
`
`This invention relates in one embodiment to a liquid vessel
`and a cover thereof. and more particularly to a sewage han-
`dling system. a cover for a sewage basin. and control acces-
`sories disposed therein.
`
`l3A(_‘K(iR0lJND Ol-' Tl-lli lN\I'EN’l‘l()N
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`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.
`2. Description of Related Art
`in general. sewage may be distributed from a sewage
`source to a desired location by gravity flow or by pumping.
`For example. liar 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
`
`it becomes necessary to pump
`connection as olien occttrs.
`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 deliver sew-
`age 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 ofthe container. the
`outlet for connection 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 connected 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 rotationally molded in a multi-part mold
`having a part-l inc parallel to the basin bottom that dissects the
`body inlet nub. The various components also may be sold
`individually for custom assembly at ajob site. The basin may
`be installed immediately beneath the
`foundation.
`for
`example. such that the top of the basin is [lush with the
`foundation slab. or located underground beyond the founda-
`tion and backlilled 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.
`lleretofore. certain patents and publications have disclosed
`sewage basin assemblies. and related structures such as U .S.
`Pat. No. 6.305.410 of(.".ool-t et al.. the disclosure ofwhich is
`incorporated herein by reference. This patent discloses a sew-
`age ejector system including a basin and top cover. The basin
`body thereof includes a generally cylindrical wall. a closed
`bottom. and an open top.
`U.S. Pat. No. 6.430.757 of Pohler discloses a self—con—
`tained bathroom waste collection and disposal unit having a
`reservoir configured to operably retain a pump and a [loat-
`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. includ-
`ing the switch (e.g.. 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
`
`ll]
`
`3o
`
`35
`
`4t":
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`2
`
`operable position. such as eg.. a boss on the cover prevents
`displacement of the pump. and molded-in torque stops pre-
`vent rotationai movement of the pump: thereby absorbing the
`torque of the pump as it operates and correspondingly reduc-
`ing stress on plumbing joints. The unit
`further includes
`molded-in strengthening collars and recesses sized to assist in
`transporting and installing the unit.
`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 accessi-
`bility to the internal components of the sewage basins. and for
`a greater ease of assembly and adjustability of certain com-
`ponents. Opportunities remain for improvement of sewage
`basin assemblies in order to address problems heretofore
`unsolved. There is a need for a sewage basin assembly having
`in panicular a cover that provides improved fastening means.
`gaskets and seals. electrical connections. and plumbing con-
`nections. iu order to simplify the installation. plumbing. wir-
`ing. 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 electrical control components and mounting
`hardware therefor. in order to simpli ly and reduce the time of
`assembly of such components into the sewage handling sys-
`tem. 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 handling
`system with a cover that enables easy access to the compo-
`nents contained therein.
`It is a fitrther object of this invention to provide a sewage
`handling system with a modular Float switch assembly that is
`easily installed and adjusted.
`It
`is an object of this invention to provide a cover 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 for a
`sewage basin with increased structural strength
`It is a further object of this invention to provide a sewage
`handling system that is compact with respect to height. for
`installation in limited space.
`
`SUMMARY OF TI-IF. lNVEN'l'lON
`
`In accordance with the present invention. there is provided
`a cover assembly for covering a vessel. said cover assembly
`comprising a n1ai11 cover comprising at least a first outlet
`opening adapted for connection to a pipe, and a second open-
`ing surrounded by a hat region adapted for placement of a
`gasket: an access cover comprising a Hat 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 1nai11 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 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
`
`

`
`3
`
`4
`
`US 7,520,736 B2
`
`with a hook-shaped hanger rod; and an access cover compris-
`ing a llat region adapted for mating with said flat region of
`said main cover.
`
`In accordance with the present invention. there is further
`provided a level switch assembly for detecting the level of a
`liquid surface comprising a ltook-sliaped hanger rod and at
`least one level switch attached to said hook-shaped hanger
`rod.
`
`5
`
`In accordance with the present invention. there is funher
`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 liat 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 open-
`ing surrounded by a flat region adapted for placement of a
`gasket. an access cover comprising a flat region adapted for
`mating with said llat region of said main cover. and cord
`sealing means for the sealing of at least one cord passing
`between said rnain cover and said access cover: and a ptunp
`disposed in said basin and operatively connected by a dis-
`charge pipe to said first outlet opening of said main cover.
`In accordance with the present invention. there is 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 Hat region
`adapted for receiving a cover assembly: a cover assembly
`comprising a n1ain cover comprising at least a first outlet
`opening adapted for connection to a pipe. and a second open-
`ing sun'ounded 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 compris-
`ing a liat region adapted for mating with said [lat region of
`said main cover: a level switch assembly comprising a hook-
`shaped hanger nod 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
`lirsl outlet opening of said main cover.
`
`IERIIEF [)IiS(.'RIP'I'ION OI’ TI-ll? DRAWINGS
`
`35
`
`4t":
`
`The invention will be described by reference to the follow-
`ing drawings, in which like numerals refer to like eIe111ents_.
`and in which:
`
`45
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofone embodiment of a sew-
`age handling system including a basin. a structural cover, and
`El protective cover:
`FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the sew-
`age handling system of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a cutaway perspective view of the sewage han-
`dling system ofFIG. 1:
`FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the sewage
`handling system cover and float switch assemblies depicted in
`FIG. 2:
`
`FIG. 5 is a cutaway perspective view of the main cover of
`1" IG. 4 sliown with tl1e lloat support hanger rod 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 lrom
`such main cover:
`
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the main cover and float
`switch assemblies ofFIG. 2. taken from a vantage point below
`the lower portion of the main cover:
`FIG. 8 is a top view of the main cover assembly of FIG. 2
`in a fully assembled state;
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`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 passageways there-
`through; and
`FIG. .10 is a side view of the main cover and lloat switch
`assemblies of FIG. 2 in a fuily assembled state.
`The present invention will be described in connection with
`a preferred embodiment._ however. it will be understood that
`there is no intent to lin1it the invention to the embodiment
`
`described. On the contrary. the intent is to cover all aItema-
`tives. modifications, and equivalents as may be included
`within the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined by the
`appended claims.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`I-EMBOIJIMI-'iN'I'S
`
`For a general understanding of the present invention_. ref-
`erence is made to the drawings. in the drawings. like refer-
`ence numerals have been used throughout to designate iden-
`tical elements.
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a sew-
`age handling system includinga basin, a structurai cover, and
`a protective cover; FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective
`view of the sewage handling system ol'FIG. 1: and FIG. 3 is
`a cutaway perspective view ofthe sewage handling system of
`FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1-3 sewage handling system I0
`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 turn is connected to
`an outlet port 214 in n1ain cover 210.
`Alter assembly of sewage handling system 10 at a mantl-
`facturing 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 pro-
`tcctive cover 80, and the preferred materials of construction
`thereof are substantially the same as disclosed in commonly
`owned pending application U.S. Ser. No. 10963. 191 the dis-
`closure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
`The general spatial relationships and ftuictions ofvesse] or
`basin 100, pump 20. discharge pipe 30, and cover 210 are
`substantially the same as is described in US. Pat. No. 6.305.
`410 of Cook et al. Basin 10!] 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 F IGS. l-3.basin 100 is
`preferably also provided with at least one that .110 andfor one
`hub 112 for connection of inlet piping thereto. In one pre-
`ferred embodiment_. basin 100 is further provided with a net-
`work offacets 1 20 forrned in the wall and arontld the circum-
`
`ference thereof. elfectiveiy forming a structure having
`vertical ribs as indicated by bidirectional arrow 199. as well as
`horizontal ribs as indicated 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 andfor utility
`piping. etc.) is less than about thiny inches.
`Cover 210 is preferably fastened to a Hat region 132 of
`annular llange 134 fonned at the upper edge 130 ofbasin 100
`by the use ofbolts 140 which pass throng 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 I42 molded into flange 134. for engagement with
`fasteners 1 40. Cover 2 10 is preferably provided with holes to
`
`

`
`5
`
`US 7.520,736 B2
`
`6
`
`accept either 8 or 16 equally spaced fasteners around the
`perimeter thereof for securing cover 210 to basin 188.
`Cover assembly 288 and cover 218 are further provided
`with numerous advantageous features to be described pres-
`ently with reference in particular to FIGS. 3. 4. and 8. FIG. 4
`is an exploded perspective view of the sewage handling sys-
`tem depicting cover assembly 288. and FIG. 8 is a top view of
`the systetn cover assembly 288 in a fully assembled state.
`lv1el'crring to FIGS. 3. 4. and 8. cover assembly 288 comprises
`main cover 218 and accessfinspection cover3l8. Main cover
`218 is provided with a flat flange 228 formed therein having
`a plurality ofholes 222 and threaded inserts 224 (see also FIG.
`5) molded into ilange 228. Access cover3 l 8 is also provided
`with a flat flange 328 having a plurality of holes 322 formed
`therein. such that access cover 318 tnay be secured to main
`cover 218 by bolts 388 when flange 328 is mated with flange
`228.
`
`Cover assembly 208 further comprises a gasket 358 that is
`disposed between main cover 218 and access cover 318 to
`provide a liquid tight seal between such covers. Cover assem-
`bly 288 further comprises another gasket 258 that is disposed
`between main cover 218 and flat region 132 of flange 134 of
`basin 188 for a liquid tight seal therebetwoen. For the sake of
`simplicity ofillustration in 1-‘1G. 4. gasket 258 is shown above
`cover 218; however. it is to be understood that gasket 258 is
`disposed beneath cover 218 when cover 218 is fastened to
`basin .108.
`III the preferred embodiment. cover assembly 288 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 218 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 3!} is inserted during assembly of
`system 18. Lip seal 252 is disposed in cylindrical recess 225
`and around discharge pipe 38. thereby sealing discharge pipe
`38 to cover 218.
`When sewage handling system 188 is installed and in
`operation. access cover 318 is easily removed from cover 2 18
`without the need for disconnection ofany piping or electrical
`components. Access cover 318 thus provides ready access to
`float switch assembly 488 (to be described subsequently
`herein} and to pump 28, and for general inspection of the
`contents and condition of basin 188. Access cover 318 is
`easily replaced rutd rescaled to main cover 218 when the need
`for access to basin 188 is finished.
`
`In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3. 4, and 8. cover 218
`is depicted as being provided with threaded outlet openings
`212 and 214. such as eg. 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. 601487.953 of
`Cook et al.. the disclosttre of which is incorporated herein by
`reference.
`
`Cover 218 is further provided with two flat recessed areas
`216 and 218 to which product identification labels. such as
`e.g._. label 219 ofFIG. 3 may be fastened. Cover 218 is further
`provided with a plurality of ribs 248 disposed around the
`outer region thereof in the radial direction. which provide
`additional structural strength to cover 218. The upper surfaces
`of ribs 248 are preferably sloped upwardly front the outer
`perimeter 2] 1 to the flat region 213 o fcover 21 8. This upward
`slope is best seen with reference to FIG. 18, and provides
`greater strength to withstand vertical loads upon cover 210.
`One of the more advantageous features of cover assembly
`288 is the provision of cord sealing means integrated therein.
`This provision has eliminated the need for separate cord
`
`III
`
`3ti
`
`35
`
`40
`
`4-5
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`sealing fittings to be provided in cover assembly 288. Ill one
`preferred embodiment. such cord sealing means is provided
`in the interface between main cover 210. access cover 318,
`and gasket 358 disposed therebetween. and is best understood
`with reference in particular to FIGS. 4. 5. and 9. FIG. 5 is a
`cutaway perspective view ofmain cover 210 ofl"l(i. 4 show-
`ing a portion of the cord sealing means. and FIG. 9 is a
`perspective view ofcover assembly 200 iii a fully assembled
`state. taken from a vantage point that depicts the cord pas-
`sageways through the cord sealing means tltereof. and the
`cords disposed therein. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5. main
`cover 218 is provided with a plurality ol‘ cord grooves in
`which cords such as eg. cords 22, 422, and 472 may be
`disposed. In the preferred embodiment. main cover 218 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 llzutge 220 upwardly to
`the level of top surlace 213 of cover 218.
`/\ 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 of cover
`gasket 358. 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 preter-
`able that in the assembled state. cords 472. 422. and 22 are
`disposed between cord sealing portion 355 of access cover
`gasket 358 and cord seal block 352. Cover gasket 358 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 ofcord seal grooves 353 on the outer side
`thereof to hold cords 22. 422. and 472. Access cover 318 is
`provided with a cord seal riser 348 with an angled flat surface
`formed on the outer side 341 thereof. ie. the side opposite
`gusset 342. to match the flat surface on the inner side of cord
`seal block 352.
`To assemble access cover 318 to main cover 218 and seal
`
`cords 472. 422. and 22 therebetween. cover gasket 358 is
`placed upon flange 228 of cover 218: cords 22. 422. and 472
`are rttn through the opening 221 for access cover 318 and are
`pressed into cord seal grooves 351 of cover gasket 358: cord
`seal block is placed over cords 22.422. attd 472 and in contact
`with the cord sealing portion 355 of cover gasket 358, so that
`cords 22. 422. and 472 are disposed in the passageways 8
`formed between cord seal grooves 351 of cover gasket 358
`and cord seal grooves 353 ofcord seal block 352: access cover
`318 is placed ttpon main cover 218 with the flat surface of
`cord seal block 352 mated against the angled flat surface of
`the riser 348 of access cover 318: and bolts 388 are used to
`secure access cover 318 to main cover 218, thereby cornpress-
`ing gasket 358 therebetween. Referring to l-'lG. 9. which is a
`perspective view ofcover assembly 208 taken front the angle
`at which the cords therein are upwardly disposed. it can be
`seen that cords 22. 422. and 472 are rottted through holes 8
`and are sealed between the cover gasket 350 and the cord seal
`block 352. by the clamping action ofaccess cover 318 against
`main cover 218. which compresses gasket 358 and cord seal
`block 352 to provide such sealing action.
`Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 9. and in a limiter embodi-
`ment. the applicant’s cover assembly 218 is further provided
`with alarm control unit 398, which. during shipping to the
`installation site. is disposed upon access cover 318. When
`sewage handling system 18 is installed. alann control unit
`398 is mounted at a suitable location nearby. such as e.g.. a
`nearby wall. or on a sheet metal panel or other suitable stir-
`
`

`
`'7
`
`8
`
`US 7,520,736 B2
`
`face. Referring also to FIG. 5, in the preferred embodiment.
`tl1e cord 422 of alarm level switch 420 is fed upwardly
`through one of the cord openings formed between cord seal-
`ing portion 355 ofaccess 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
`ttnit 390 through opening 392 and is suitably sealed at such
`opening.)
`Electrical wires (not shown) within cord 422 are connected
`to further electrical switching means such as eg. an electro-
`niecltatiical relay. or to communication means such as eg. a
`wireless transmitter. Such further electrical switching means
`or contmunication means is further comtected to or in com-
`munication with various alarm indicating means such as e.g.
`a light. a horn. a computer or process controller. including a
`video display, zmd the like. In operation. when the liqttid level
`in basin 100 becomes excessively high and floats level switch
`42!} upwardly. the contacts within level switch 420 change
`state (op en—to—closed or vice —versa ). and an alarm condition is
`indicated by the alarm indicating means.
`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 oflevel switches during assembly of
`sewage handling system It}. and subsequent
`removal.
`replacement. andfor 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. 1|). FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective
`view of the sewage handling system cover assetnbly 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 offloat switch assembly 400 of FIG.
`4 engaged therewith: FIG. 6 is atop view ofthe 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.
`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 .l—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 _iunctions of approxi-
`mately 90 degrees. In one preferred embodiment. hanger rod
`410 is formed ofa 5x’tts~incl1 diameter stainless steel rod that is
`
`bent to form the 90 degree junctions. In an alternate e1nbodi—
`ment. (not shown). hanger rod may have a hook shape com-
`prising a simple L-shape. wherein the horizontal portion of
`the 1. 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 sup-
`ported by an engagement feature in cover 210.
`In the preferred embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4-7 and
`1'-'lCi. 10. elongated vertical section 412 of hanger rod 410 is
`provided for the securing and locating of float switches there-
`
`upon. The upper portion ofelongated section 412. cross bar
`414. and short vertical section 416 form a hook shape. which
`may be engaged with a suitable engagement feature in cover
`assembly 200. In the preferred embodiment. there is provided
`an engagement feature 230 in main cover 210 for the attach-
`ment and suspension of hanger rod 410 and float switch
`assembly 400 therebeneath. Referring again to FIGS. 5-7 and
`FIG. 10. engagement feature 230 comprises a first section 231
`having a horizontal channel 233. which transitions to a ver-
`tical hole 232. First section 231 is formed to accommodate a
`
`IU
`
`portion of cross bar 414 and short vertical section 41 6. and the
`90 degree elbow tlterebetween. of hanger rod 41!]. Engage-
`ment feature 230 further comprises second section 235 hav-
`ing horizontal channel 236. whjclt transitions to vertical notch
`23?. Second section 235 is formed to accommodate a portion
`ofcross bar 4 14 and elongated vertical section 41 2. and the 90
`degree elbow tlterebetween. of hanger rod 410.
`It w ill be apparent that alternatively. vertical hole 232 could
`instead be formed as a vertical slot similar to vertical notch
`23?, and still receive vertical section 416 ofrod-41!}. It will be
`fitrther apparent that rod 410 could be formed with a hook
`shape other than a right—angled J—shape. such as an arcuate
`J-sl1ape_. with the corresponding channel-and-notch or hole
`cavity structure being formed in a corresponding shape to
`receive such hook shape. A right angle] is preferred. however.
`for ease of manufacturing. It will also be apparent that hook-
`shaped rod 410 could be provided with two elongated sec-
`tions forming a U—shape, or even branches of elongated sec-
`tions for the attachment of level control means. and other
`control means thereto.
`
`Referring in particular to FIGS. 5 and 6_. in the assembled
`state. hanger rod 410 is engaged with engagement feature 230
`ofcover 210 such that short vertical section 416 is disposed in
`hole 232. elongated