U.S. patent application number 14/620444 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-24 for decontamination shelters with grade-variant sump systems.
The applicant listed for this patent is Air Cruisers Company, LLC. Invention is credited to Andrew Mahlon Harlow, Alexandre Targiroff.
Application Number | 20150267426 14/620444 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54141586 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150267426 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Targiroff; Alexandre ; et
al. |
September 24, 2015 |
DECONTAMINATION SHELTERS WITH GRADE-VARIANT SUMP SYSTEMS
Abstract
Systems for collecting waste water and other fluids are
described. The systems are especially useful in connection with
showers of decontamination shelters. They permit shelter
construction on flat surfaces as well as both positive and negative
grades, thereby facilitating use of the shelters in the field.
Inventors: |
Targiroff; Alexandre;
(Howell, NJ) ; Harlow; Andrew Mahlon; (Brick,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Air Cruisers Company, LLC |
Wall Township |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54141586 |
Appl. No.: |
14/620444 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61955885 |
Mar 20, 2014 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
137/1 ;
137/565.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/40 20130101; Y10T
137/0318 20150401; A47K 3/286 20130101; E03F 5/0408 20130101; E03F
5/22 20130101; Y10T 137/85978 20150401 |
International
Class: |
E04H 1/12 20060101
E04H001/12; E03F 5/22 20060101 E03F005/22 |
Claims
1. A decontamination shelter comprising: a. means for at least
partially isolating a human from his or her environment; and b. a
sump system for conveying fluid from the isolating means and
comprising: i. tubing at least partially bounding a fluid
collection area and comprising fluid-receiving openings generally
facing the fluid collection area; ii. a pump comprising (A) an
inlet communicating with the tubing so as to draw fluid through the
tubing and (B) an outlet; and iii. a sump communicating with the
outlet of the pump for receiving at least some fluid drawn through
the tubing.
2. A decontamination shelter according to claim 1 in which the
tubing is non-collapsible.
3. A decontamination shelter according to claim 2 in which the
tubing is part of a tubing assembly in which lengths of tubing are
connected so as to bound the fluid collection area.
4. A decontamination shelter according to claim 3 in which each
length of tubing comprises fluid-receiving openings generally
uniformly spaced therealong.
5. A decontamination shelter according to claim 4 in which the sump
is positioned remote from the fluid collection area.
6. A decontamination shelter according to claim 3 in which the
tubing assembly further comprises a connector in fluid
communication with the tubing and the pump.
7. A decontamination shelter according to claim 6 in which the
tubing may be inclined relative to the earth so that at least part
of the connector is positioned below the height of the
fluid-receiving openings
8. A decontamination shelter according to claim 6 in which the
tubing may be inclined relative to the earth so that at least part
of the connector is positioned above the height of the
fluid-receiving openings
9. A decontamination shelter according to claim 1 further
comprising a fluid-producing means for producing fluid for
collection in the fluid collection area.
10. A decontamination shelter according to claim 9 in which the
fluid-producing means is a shower.
11. A sump system comprising: a. lengths of interconnecting
non-collapsible tubing, each length comprising fluid-receiving
openings generally uniformly spaced therealong; b. a connector in
fluid communication with the lengths; c. a mixed-media pump in
fluid communication with the connector; and d. a sump in fluid
communication with the mixed-media pump.
12. A method of operating a decontamination shelter comprising: a.
interconnecting lengths of non-collapsible tubing on a surface,
each length comprising fluid-receiving openings; b. operating a
fluid-producing means so as to facilitate decontamination of a
person, thereby producing grey water; and c. activating a pump so
as to draw grey water into the tubing.
13. A method according to claim 12 in which the act of
interconnecting lengths of non-collapsible tubing comprises
interconnecting lengths of non-collapsible tubing on an inclined
surface.
14. A method according to claim 12 in which the act of operating a
fluid-producing means comprises operating a shower.
15. A method according to claim 13 in which the act of activating a
pump comprises activating a pump so as to draw grey water into the
tubing regardless of the amount and direction of the incline.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/955,885, filed Mar. 20,
2014, entitled "Grade Variant Sump System," the entire contents of
which are hereby incorporated herein by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to sump systems and more
particularly, but not necessarily exclusively, to grade-variant
sump systems for use in connection with decontamination
shelters.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Decontamination shelters are increasingly in demand.
Portable shelters are especially useful for "first responders" such
as mobile medical crew and law enforcement officers as well as for
military personnel and others working in the field (i.e. not in
permanent institutional settings). Recent outbreaks of the Ebola
virus in west Africa, for example, have highlighted need for
equipment and structures useful to decontaminate medical workers
treating infected populations.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,597 to Healey details a relatively
simple decontamination shelter. As shown in the Healey patent, the
shelter may include multiple adjacent compartments. One compartment
may be designated a shower area and include a shower head.
According to the Healey patent, the floor of the shower area "is
desirably provided with an opening through which shower water can
be drained. A pump, not shown, may be used to evacuate the water."
See Healey, col. 3, 11. 36-28 (numeral omitted). No other
description of the water-evacuation system is provided, however,
nor does the Healey patent contemplate constructing the shelter
other than on flat surfaces.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 7,624,543 to Sample, et al., discloses another
decontamination shelter which too may contain a shower.
Additionally, the shelter includes a fluid delivery system
"configured to convey decontamination fluid into the shelter . . .
and to distribute decontamination fluid throughout at least a
portion of the central space" within the shelter. See Sample, col.
5, 11. 27-30 (numerals omitted); see also id., col. 7, 11. 61-63.
Although the Sample patent extensively discusses entry of fluids
into the decontamination shelter and contains a single mention of
removing conditioned air therefrom, see id., col. 7, 11. 39-40, it
neither addresses nor suggests a mechanism for removing any waste
water from the shower (or otherwise).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] By contrast, the present invention contemplates systems for
collecting waste water and other fluids. Especially useful in
connection with showers of decontamination shelters, systems of the
present invention permit shelters and their compartments to be
constructed on non-flat surfaces. Indeed, the systems allow shelter
construction on both positive and negative grades, thereby
facilitating their use in the field.
[0007] At least some systems of the invention include generally
rigid, hollow tubing bounding a grey-water collection area within a
shelter. The tubing may include multiple intake openings in fluid
communication with the collection area. Preferably these intake
openings are uniformly spaced along the length of the tubing,
although uniformity of spacing is not required. Alternatively
flexible or semi-rigid tubing may be employed, although in most
instances rigid tubing is preferred because it does not collapse
under suction.
[0008] Connected directly or indirectly to the tubing may be at
least one pump apparatus. This connection may occur at the inlet
side of the pump, so that operation of the pump tends to evacuate
the tubing. In turn, the outlet of the pump may be connected as
desired to convey waste fluid to a sump or other appropriate
location for disposal or processing. Any suitable pump may be
utilized as part of the present systems, although in some versions
diaphragm-containing or gas/liquid mixed-media capable pumps are
preferred.
[0009] If a shelter is created with a substantially flat collection
area, grey water from the shower (or other fluid-producing means)
will accumulate in the collection area until it reaches the level
of the intake openings of the tubing. Thereafter it will flow into
and collect in the tubing. When the pump is activated, the grey
water in the tubing will be evacuated therefrom to the sump. Any
further accumulation of water reaching the level of the intake
openings likewise will be siphoned by the pump.
[0010] If a collection area has a positive grade, the connection
location of the tubing and pump apparatus will be below the
remainder of the tubing. In this condition grey water will tend to
enter intake openings near the connection location. Activation of
the pump will evacuate the tubing, removing the water contained
therein in a manner similar to that described in the preceding
paragraph.
[0011] If a collection area has a negative grade, the connection
location of the tubing and pump apparatus will be above the
remainder of the tubing. Hence, gray water will enter intake
openings of the tubing remote from the connection location. Pump
operation will draw water in the tubing toward the connection
location, reducing the water level in the collection area until a
sufficient number of intake openings are exposed such that the
pressure within the tubing is equalized by impinging air entering
the intake openings that are above the water line. This equilibrium
point and minimum water level are dependent on the flow rating of
the pump and the size and locations of the intake openings and may
be designed and optimized as desired for particular
constructions.
[0012] It thus is an optional, non-exclusive object of the present
invention to provide systems for collecting fluids such as (but not
necessarily limited to) grey water.
[0013] It is also an optional, non-exclusive object of the present
invention to provide fluid-collection systems for use in connection
with decontamination shelters.
[0014] It is another optional, non-exclusive object of the present
invention to provide fluid-collection systems facilitating
construction of decontamination shelters on non-flat surfaces.
[0015] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art
with reference to the remaining text and the drawings of this
application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective, partially schematicized view of a
portion of a sump system useful in connection with the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is an elevational, partially schematicized view of a
portion of the sump system of FIG. 1 as positioned on a generally
flat surface.
[0018] FIG. 3 is an elevational, partially schematicized view of a
portion of the sump system of FIG. 1 as positioned on a positive
grade.
[0019] FIG. 4 is an elevational, partially schematicized view of a
portion of the sump system of FIG. 1 as positioned on a negative
grade.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 are portions of sump system 10
consistent with the present invention. Also shown schematically in
FIG. 1 is part of wall 14 of decontamination shelter 18 including
sump system 10. Wall 14 may be formed of any suitable rigid or
flexible material and form part of either a permanent or,
preferably, temporary chamber or other structure or means for at
least partially isolating a human from his or her environment.
Together with one or more other walls, optionally a roof, and
optionally a floor, wall 14 may form at least part of a chamber of
decontamination shelter 18.
[0021] Sump system 10 is especially useful when decontamination
shelter 18 includes a shower assembly. Shelter 18 need not
necessarily incorporate such a shower assembly, however, as use of
sump system 10 may be advantageous whenever a fluid is preferably
collected in controlled manner for transit external to the shelter
18.
[0022] As depicted especially in FIG. 1, sump system 10 may
comprise one or more lengths of tubing 22. Tubing 22 preferably is
hollow, so as to readily convey fluid therethrough, as well as
rigid so as not to collapse when evacuated in normal use. Tubing 22
conventionally may have circular cross-section, although other
cross-sections are acceptable too.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates generally linear lengths of tubing 22
connected one to another (using elbow joints or otherwise) so as to
form a tubing assembly having a generally rectangular overall
shape. Alternatively, connected lengths of tubing 22 may form
other, non-rectangular overall shapes. In any event, connected
lengths of tubing 22 may be positioned along or adjacent the
ground, a floor, or another surface (any of which may be designated
"S" on FIG. 1) on which humans may stand and form a boundary B for
collection of fluid within at least part of decontamination shelter
18.
[0024] Additionally shown in FIG. 1 is connector 26, which may
connect tubing 22 to suction line 30 and, in turn, to an inlet of
pump 34. The outlet of pump 34 may communicate with sump 38, which
may be or include any suitable container for fluid utilized in
decontamination shelter 18 and, if desired, may be positioned
remote from the fluid-collection area within boundary B. Suction
line 30 preferably itself is rigid tubing, so as not to collapse
when evacuated. Pump 34 beneficially may be a mixed media pump
capable of processing both gases (e.g. air) and liquids (e.g. waste
water).
[0025] Illustrated in each of FIGS. 1-4 is that tubing 22 may
include openings 42 along its length. Openings 42 advantageously
are uniformly spaced (or generally so) along each length of tubing
22; they also may face inward, away from boundary B and toward
surface S. Openings 42 may have any desired size and shape.
[0026] The shower assembly within shelter 18 may produce water (or
other liquid) for purposes of cleaning a person subject to, or
potentially having been subjected to, hazardous material. After
contacting the person, the shower water (now typically
characterized as waste or "grey water") begins to accumulate on
surface S (as bounded by tubing 22). If surface S is flat, or
substantially so, relative to the earth, sufficient accumulation of
water on surface S causes the water level to reach openings 42 more
or less simultaneously. Continued production of grey water causes
some of the water to enter openings 42 and accumulate within tubing
22. Activation of pump 34 will draw grey water within tubing 22
through connector 26 and suction line 30 and out to sump 38. This
evacuation of grey water will continue to occur until tubing 22 is
substantially free of water; if the shower assembly thereafter
produces more water accumulating on surface S, operation of pump 34
will continue to siphon the water any time levels reach openings
42.
[0027] Unlike conventional systems, sump system 10 may function
well even when surface S is not substantially level relative to the
earth. As shown in FIG. 3, system 10 slopes at positive
inclination, so that connector 26 is in the vicinity of the low
point of system 10. Thus, if surface S itself is generally flat,
grey water will collect toward openings 42A close to connector 26
and away from openings 42B remote from connector 26. As grey water
accumulates, it will enter tubing 22 via openings 42A and be drawn
by pump 34 eventually for conveyance to sump 38.
[0028] By contrast, if system 10 slopes at negative inclination,
connector 26 will be at or near the high point of system 10. In
such case grey water will collect near openings 42B remote from
connector 26. Operation of pump 34 will tend to draw the water
throughout tubing 22 toward connector 26, thus reducing the
accumulated water level on surface S even if some or most of the
water is not drawn out to pump 34 and instead remains within tubing
22. As the water level decreases, more of openings 42B are exposed
to air such that the pressure within suction line 30 is equalized
by virtue of the impinging air. The equilibrium point and minimum
water level then depends on the flow rating of pump 34 and the size
of openings 42 and can be designed and optimized as desired.
[0029] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating,
explaining, and describing embodiments of the present invention.
Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent
to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from
the scope or spirit of the invention. Incorporated herein by this
reference are the entire contents of the Healey and Sample
patents.
* * * * *