Patent ID: 6619118
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: C02F,G01F

Abstract:
A septic tank monitoring system for distinguishing between and identifying the location of a sedimentary layer, a scum layer, and any intervening liquid zone in a septic tank, the septic tank monitoring system comprising:an elongate sensing probe with a first end and a second end for being disposed in the septic tank; a plurality of sensors disposed along the sensing probe, the plurality of sensors each including a means for providing a signal that enables a determination of whether the sensor is disposed proximal to the sedimentary layer, the scum layer, or any intervening liquid zone in the septic tank; and a remote monitor for being operably associated with the plurality of sensors wherein the remote monitor has a means for providing a remote indication to a septic tank operator of the location of the sedimentary layer, the scum layer, and any intervening liquid zone in the septic tank based on the signals from the plurality of sensors; wherein the elongate sensing probe comprises an elongate member and a retaining member slidably associated with the elongate member and a means for biasing the retaining member to an extended position wherein a distal end of the retaining member comprises the first end of the elongate sensing probe and a distal end of the elongate member comprises the second end of the elongate sensing probe whereby the elongate sensing probe can be inserted into and retained within the septic tank by compressing the retaining member relative to the elongate member, orienting the elongate sensing probe in the septic tank, and allowing the retaining member to decompress relative to the elongate tube whereby elongate sensing probe can be frictionally retained in the septic tank with the first end of the elongate sensing probe frictionally engaging a first boundary of the septic tank and the second end of the elongate sensing probe frictionally engaging a second boundary of the septic tank; whereby the septic tank operator can monitor the contents and condition of the septic tank without a need for excavating and physically inspecting the septic tank.