US 3,941,507 A · Safety supervisor for sump pumps and other hazards

Abstract

A sump containing a conventional sump pump has a battery operated emergency pump. A trapped air pressure operated switch turns the emergency pump on when the water level rises excessively in the sump and an alarm signal is given. If the trapped air operated switch fails to turn the pump on, a non-mechanical float switch does so after a further rise in the liquid level in the sump and at the same time an emergency warning signal is produced. The float switch also turns on the emergency pump if that pump had not previously been turned on due to a malfunction in the trapped air switch. When the emergency pump turns on, a battery charger is energized from the alternating current supply so as to prevent depletion of the battery so long as the alternating current is available. Normally, the battery charger is turned on periodically by a timer to maintain adequate battery charge on a regulated basis. If battery power fails alarm is actuated. An alarm is actuated when alternating current power failure occurs. Low level of battery electrolyte is indicated by an alarm. Provision is made for connection of sensors for other detrimental conditions, e.g., fire, burglar, freezer temperature, etc. Included in the alarm signals available is the actuation of an automatic telephone dialer to summon assistance.

Claims36

Dependent claims

In an apparatus for use with a sump in which there is an emergency sump pump driven by a direct current emergency sump pump motor operated from a rechargeable battery charged by a battery charger from an alternating current power source, and including sensor means to detect the level of liquid in the sump at which said motor should be operated, and direct current circuit means connecting said motor, said power source, and said sensor means, the improvement comprising:

said direct current circuit means including a switch which is closed when said motor is energized;
wiring means connected to said alternating current power source, to said battery charger and to said switch to energize said battery charger for the charging of said battery when said motor is energized.

In an apparatus for use with an alternating current power source and a sump in which there is an emergency sump pump driven by a direct current emergency sump pump motor operated from a direct current power source, and including sensor means to detect the level of liquid in the sump and having a switch which is then rendered effective to operate said motor, and direct current circuit means connecting said motor, said direct current power source, and said sensor means, the improvement comprising:

first relay means comprising a first control element and a first, normally closed, signaling switch means operable to switch open condition when power is applied to said control element;
wiring means connecting said first control element to said alternating current power source to maintain said first signaling switch means open when power is supplied to said first control element from said alternating current power source;
second relay means comprising a second control element and a second, normally closed, signaling switch means operable to switch open condition when power is applied to the control element thereof;
wiring means connecting said second control element to said direct current power source to maintain said second signaling switch means open when power is supplied to said second control element;
first sensible signaling means operable from alternating current;
second sensible signaling means operable from direct current;
wiring means connecting said direct current power source, said first signaling switch means and said second sensible signaling means whereby a sensible signal is produced when the alternating current power source fails;
and
wiring means connecting the alternating current power source, the second normally closed signaling switch means and the first sensible signaling means whereby a sensible signal is produced when the power of said direct current power source is inadequate.

6 more elements

In an apparatus for use with power source means including an alternating current power source and a direct current power source, and for use with a sump in which there is an emergency sump pump driven by a direct current emergency sump pump motor operated from said direct current power source, and including sensor means to detect the level of liquid in the sump and having a switch which is then rendered effective to operate said motor, and direct current circuit means connecting said motor, said direct current power source, and said sensor means, the improvement comprising:

first relay means comprising a first control element and a first, normally closed, signaling switch means operable to switch open condition when power is applied to said control element;
wiring means connecting said first control element to said alternating current power source to maintain said first signaling switch means open when power is supplied to said first control element from said alternating current power source;
second relay means comprising a second control element, a second, normally closed, signaling switch means operable to switch open condition when power is applied to the control element thereof, and a normally closed motor control switch means operable to switch open condition when power is applied to said second control element;
wiring means connecting said second control element to said direct current power source to maintain said second signaling switch means open so long as said second control element is energized;
said direct current circuit means including third relay means comprising a third control element and a normally open switch means operable to switch closed condition when power is applied to said third control element, said normally open switch means being in series with said motor;
wiring means connecting said motor control switch means, said direct current power source and said third control element to close said normally open switch means of said third relay means and energize said motor when said motor control switch means is closed;
sensible signaling means;
wiring means connecting said power source means, said normally closed signaling switch means and said sensible signaling means whereby a sensible signal is produced when power is not being applied to said control elements of said first and second relay means.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Safety supervisor for sump pumps and other hazards

Life of this patent

Safety supervisor for sump pumps and other hazards

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims36