Basement sump control systems and methods
AssigneeDNI Realty, LLC
InventorStephen Andras
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Basement sump control systems are disclosed. A controller may monitor an operational parameter of a sump pump, for example, a sump water level. The controller may override a switch associated with the sump pump to maintain operation of the sump pump in response to the monitored operational parameter registering an abnormal condition, for example, a high water level.
Claims50
A basement sump control system, comprising:
- a sump pump;
- and
- a controller in communication with the sump pump, the controller configured to:
- monitor an operational parameter of the sump pump;
- and
- override a switch associated with the sump pump to maintain operation of the sump pump in response to the monitored operational parameter registering an abnormal condition.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the operational parameter is monitored periodically.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the operational parameter is monitored continuously.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the monitored operational parameter pertains to a sump water level.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the abnormal condition pertains to a high sump water level.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the monitored operational parameter of the sump pump pertains to its on/off status, or its transient, surge, or average current draw.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the monitored operational parameter of the sump pump pertains to its total hours or total cycles of operation.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a life expectancy of the sump pump.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to perform a diagnostic test.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the diagnostic test is performed periodically.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the diagnostic test is performed weekly.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the diagnostic test relates to the controller's functioning and/or communication capability.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the diagnostic test involves an exercise of the sump pump.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the diagnostic test pertains to power of the controller and/or sump pump.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller reports results associated with the diagnostic test.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is connected to a source of alternating current (AC) power.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sump pump is connected to a source of AC power.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a backup battery for the controller.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller monitors the AC system power.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller monitors the backup battery.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller provides an indication of battery status and/or battery voltage.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is connected to a local area network (LAN).
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller operates over a wireless network.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is further configured to communicate regarding the status of at least one system component or operational parameter.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller outputs a notification in response to registering an abnormal condition.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller outputs a notification in response to overriding the sump pump switch.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the notification is communicated to a smart phone, tablet, or web page interface.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the notification is directed to a property owner or tenant.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the notification is directed to a maintenance technician.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises an alarm.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to generate an alarm signal in response to detecting an abnormal condition.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to generate an alarm signal in response to detecting a high water level.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sump pump is in communication with a first water level sensor.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sump pump is in communication with first and second water level sensors.
The system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second sump pump, wherein the controller is in communication with both sump pumps.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller includes a reset feature.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller includes a silence feature.
The system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a temperature sensor in communication with the controller.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to actuate a fan responsive to the temperature sensor.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature relates to an inside temperature, an outside temperature, or both.
The system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a humidity sensor in communication with the controller.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to actuate a vent responsive to the humidity sensor.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the humidity level relates to an inside humidity condition, an outside humidity condition, or both.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a basement fan in communication with the controller.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to monitor an operational condition pertaining to the basement fan.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the operational condition of the basement fan pertains to its total hours or total cycles of operation.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the basement fan to exhaust air periodically if an outside humidity level is about 50% or less.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to periodically actuate the basement fan to refresh air regardless of an outside humidity level.
The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a dehumidifier.
A method of safeguarding a basement environment comprising operating the basement sump control system of any of the preceding claims.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.