Determination of pipe blockages through the monitoring of ambient acoustics

Abstract

A device is provided for detecting blockages in a pipe connecting a sewer to a structure. The device includes an acoustic energy sensor, a transmitter for transmitting a signal from the sensor, and a receiver for receiving the signal transmitted from the sensor and indicating to a user the strength of the signal.

1 . A device to detect blockages in a pipe connecting a sewer to a structure, comprising: an acoustic energy sensor; means for transmitting a signal from said sensor; and means for receiving said signal transmitted from said sensor and indicating to a user the strength of said signal. 
     
     
         2 . A device to detect blockages in a pipe connecting a sewer to a structure according to  claim 1 , wherein said sensor is a microphone. 
     
     
         3 . A device to detect blockages in a pipe connecting a sewer to a structure according to  claim 2 , further comprising a clean out cap in which said microphone is mounted. 
     
     
         4 . A device to detect blockages in a pipe connecting a sewer to a structure according to  claim 3 , wherein said means for transmitting a signal from said sensor is a transmitter mounted on said clean out cap. 
     
     
         5 . A device to detect blockages in a pipe connecting a sewer to a structure, comprising: said microphone is mounted on the inside of said cap, which is the surface of said cap facing into said connecting pipe; and the transmitter is mounted on the outside of said cap, which is the surface opposite the inside. 
     
     
         6 . A device to detect blockages in a pipe connecting a sewer to a structure according to  claim 5 , wherein said transmitter transmits signal to said means for receiving said signal. 
     
     
         7 . A device to detect blockages in a pipe connecting a sewer to a structure according to  claim 6 , wherein said means for receiving said signal is provided with output means to display the level of signal received, whereby a blockage in said connecting pipe will result in a low or absent signal, and will show an alarm condition. 
     
     
         8 . A device to detect blockages in a pipe connecting a sewer to a structure according to  claim 7 , wherein said transmitter and receiver are each provided with electrical power. 
     
     
         9 . A device to detect blockages in a pipe connecting a sewer to a structure according to  claim 7 , wherein said receiver sends a signal to, or is integrated into a computer, and said computer is programmed to send a signal to a smartphone or other computer by email, text or the like to indicate the level of signal received, and/or the presence of an alarm condition.