Ventilation – Exterior vault or manhole cover
Utility Patent
1999-09-20
2001-01-02
Joyce, Harold (Department: 3749)
Ventilation
Exterior vault or manhole cover
Utility Patent
active
06168514
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the repair and serving of sewer systems. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for evacuating sewer gas from a city sewer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In an urban area, under the streets, sewer systems are established to collect rain water and street debris and to direct them to collection points where it can be filtered, treated and the water released into the environment. Inevitably, organic debris such as leaves and sticks will be washed into the sewer system and may become trapped. This organic matter will decay, inevitably producing methane gas, or “sewer” gas.
City sewer systems can collect sewer gas which can pose a hazard to workers whose job it is to enter the sewer for servicing, inspection and repair. Devices exist to detect sewer gas and, when properly used, will prevent workers from accidentally exposing themselves to the gas. However, the gas remains unless it is removed. The fact that the gas was trapped in the first place suggests that allowing the gas to dissipate naturally may not be practical.
Therefore, there is a need for a device that removes sewer gas from city sewers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention is an apparatus for evacuating sewer gas from a sewer system. The apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical frame that holds a small gasoline engine with a shaft that carries a fan. The frame fits into the top of a manhole and rests on the surrounding surface. Once the engine is started, the fan will draw air from within the sewer system through the frame and ventilate the sewer gas to the atmosphere where it can dissipate harmlessly.
A feature of the present invention is the use of a gasoline engine to operate the venting fan. The gasoline engine requires no connection to electrical power, starts quickly and has the power to pull air through the sewer system.
Another feature of the present invention is the frame that is dimensioned to fit standard manholes, after the manhole cover is removed. Not only is this a convenient and secure location for the apparatus but it turns the manhole into a chimney for efficient ventilation of the sewer system. Furthermore, while the present invention is in position and evacuating sewer gas, the manhole cannot be entered inadvertently by a worker before the sewer has been re-checked for sewer gas.
Still another feature of the present invention is the use of a simple upward-pulling fan to evacuate the sewer. The fan creates a negative pressure within the sewer than will affect every portion of it and cause the movement of the sewer gas from it, rather than wait for dissipation of the sewer gas.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a careful reading of the Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment presented below and accompanied by the drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3093056 (1963-06-01), Rosenfeld
patent: 3610524 (1971-10-01), Wallen
patent: 4285269 (1981-08-01), pelsue et al.
patent: 4662268 (1987-05-01), Beavers
patent: 39601 (1986-01-01), None
Boles Derek S.
Heatley Arletha
Joyce Harold
Mann Michael A.
Nexsen Pruet Jacobs and Pollard
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