Abstract:
A proactive test and monitoring system for a sump pump installation of the type having an electrically-powered sump pump which pumps water from a sump pit to a dispersal site when the water level in the pit rises to a predetermined level. The system includes a control module which is periodically actuated by an event timer to initiate a test cycle wherein a valve is actuated open to admit water into the pit. If the pump is operative, the pump operates and the water level in the pit falls, the test cycle is terminated and a successful test is indicated. If the pump is inoperative, the water level continues to rise and the test cycle is terminated, the valve is closed and an unsuccessful test is indicated. Thus the sump pump installation is periodically tested to improve the reliability of the pump and to signal pump inoperability in advance of any potential flood event requiring operation of the pump installation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/908,881 filed on Nov. 26, 2013, and U.S. Design patent application No. 29/486,504, filed on Mar. 31, 2014, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to an automated system for monitoring and testing sump pump installations of the type commonly used in residential and commercial building basements. In particular, the disclosure is directed to a monitoring system for a sump pump installation which regularly tests and monitors the installation and proactively provides confirmation of a successful test and an alarm in the event of an unsuccessful test. 
         [0003]    More specifically, sump pump installations are frequently provided in residential and commercial basements to remove ground water that accumulates around foundation footings and under the basement floor. To this end, a network of apertured drain tiles or flexible drain hoses is laid adjacent to the footings of the foundation walls on either the interior side or the exterior side of the walls, or both. These drain tiles or hoses are appropriately routed and sloped to drain accumulated water into one or inure sump liners, which typically have inlets connecting with the network of drain tiles/hoses and are set in the basement floor to form a sump pit having a bottom portion below that of the tiles/hoses. The most commonly used type of sump pumps are electrically-powered sump pumps designed to be completely submerged by water in the sump pit. At least one electrically-powered sump pump is typically positioned in the sump pit and, when powered, functions to discharge water from the pit through a discharge pipe to a dispersal location, such as a storm sewer or exterior dispersal field. The sump pump typically includes a float switch which causes it to operate when the level of ground water (or other liquid) in the sump pit has reached a predetermined trigger level, ordinarily set below the lowest inlet in the liner wall. That float switch also typically terminates operation of the pump when the water reaches a predetermined minimum level below the trigger level. A check valve prevents water remaining in the discharge pipe from flowing back into the sump pit. 
         [0004]    Should the sump pump fail to operate for any reason, such as, for example, motor failure, pump failure, or power failure, and should the drain network continue to flow water into the sump pit, the pit will often eventually overflow from the top of the sump liner and flood into the basement. This flooding may result in significant and often costly damage to items stored in the basement, as well as to existing basement improvements such as finished walls and furniture. 
         [0005]    Various monitoring systems have come into use for warning the home or business owner of an impending overflow of the sump pit. Typically, these rely on a float switch or other types of liquid level detectors to sense an abnormally high liquid level in the sump pit and to cause an alarm to be sounded and/or a warning message to be sent to the owner. The drawback of these systems is that they only function when the pump is already in a condition in which it is no longer capable to prevent flooding, i.e. when the pump has failed and the pit is about to overflow. This is frequently too late for corrective action to be taken. 
         [0006]    Another type of monitoring system that has come into use provides an independent liquid level sensing float switch, or other equivalent liquid level sensing device, in the pit which functions to supply power to the pump when a predetermined trigger level is reached. The current drawn by the motor and a fall in the liquid level in the pump is then utilized to confirm operation of the pump. Unfortunately, an alarm is only sounded at a time when operation of the pump is required to prevent flooding but the pump does not operate. This, again, may be too late for any corrective action to be taken. 
         [0007]    Still other monitoring systems attempt to reduce the likelihood of an overflow by providing a second back-up pump, typically set at a slightly higher level in the pit so as to operate only upon failure of the first pump, or an AC backup power source, such as a standby generator or a battery-powered inverter. Other systems provide an independent second DC battery-driven pump in the sump pit alongside the main AC-driven pump. Another monitoring system, in addition to providing two pumps in the sump pit, causes the pumps to alternate in operation in response to incoming ground water. While the provision of these systems may reduce the likelihood of a system failure, they do not proactively identify a pump failure prior to an impending flood event requiring reliable operation of the pump. 
         [0008]    In contrast, the test and monitoring system of the present disclosure periodically confirms the operability of a sump pump installation and alerts the owner of a malfunction prior to the sump installation being required to operate to discharge drain water. This gives the owner sufficient time to correct the malfunction and thereby avoid what might otherwise be a serious basement flooding event. In the event the test and monitoring system of the disclosure is utilized in a two pump installation, both pumps are independently tested and monitored, and a failure of either pump, or both pumps, results in an alarm being sounded and appropriate messages being sent to the owner and/or the owners&#39; designee(s) by communications channels such as, for example, the Internet, cell phone data or land line telephone communication channels. 
         [0009]    Moreover, the regular and automatic testing provided by the test and monitoring system of the present disclosure has the further benefit of periodically placing any sump pumps in the monitored system in full operation to actually discharge water from the sump pit, thereby helping to prevent seals and bearings in the pump(s) and their motor(s) and associated check valve(s) from drying out or binding. Prior monitoring systems are reactive in that they act only in the event the monitored sump installation is called on to evacuate rising ground water, which may be only after extended periods of non-operation. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, it is a general object of the present disclosure to provide an improved automatic test and monitoring system for a sump pump installation. 
         [0011]    It is a more specific object of the present disclosure to provide an automatic sump pump test and monitoring system which functions proactively to alert a user to a malfunctioning sump pump installation prior to the installation being required to prevent an impending overflow and flood condition. 
         [0012]    It is a still more specific object of the present disclosure to provide a sump pump test and monitoring system which periodically tests the operation of a sump pump installation and provides an alarm to the user in the event the installation fails to perform satisfactorily. 
         [0013]    It is yet another specific object of the disclosure to provide a sump pump test and monitoring system which regularly admits liquid to the sump pump container of a sump pump installation to force the sump pump of the installation through a test cycle whereby satisfactory operation can be verified in advance of any actual need for the pump installation. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    In accordance with the disclosure, an automated system for monitoring and testing a sump pump installation of the type having a liquid container, a motor driven pump positioned within the container which when powered discharges liquid from the container, and a switch circuit which supplies current to power the pump motor upon the liquid level in the container having risen to a first predetermined level, comprises a liquid conduit including an electrically-actuated valve which admits liquid to the liquid container in response to a valve control signal, a test control module which supplies a valve control signal to the valve to initiate a test cycle during which liquid is admitted to the container to cause the liquid level in the container to rise to at least the first predetermined level, after which the pump discharges liquid from the container until a predetermined event terminates the test cycle, and wherein the test control module further includes an indicator circuit which indicates in response to completion of the test cycle whether the test was successful or unsuccessful. 
         [0015]    In further accord with the disclosure in the above described system, the test control module terminates supplying the valve control signal to the valve upon the liquid level in the container having risen to a second predetermined level to prevent further flow of liquid through the liquid conduit to the container. 
         [0016]    In further accord with the disclosure, in the above described system the indicator circuit further indicates upon the liquid level in the container rising to a second predetermined level the occurrence of an unsuccessful pump test. 
         [0017]    In further accord with the disclosure, an automated system for testing and monitoring a sump pump installation of the type having a liquid container, a motor driven pump positioned within the container which when powered discharges liquid from the container, and a switch circuit which supplies current to power the pump motor upon the liquid level in the container having risen to a first predetermined level, comprises a liquid conduit including an electrically-actuated valve which admits liquid to the container in response to a valve control signal, a test control module which supplies a valve control signal to initiate a test cycle during which liquid is admitted to the container to cause the liquid level therein to rise to at least the first predetermined level, after which the pump, if functioning, discharges liquid from the container until a predetermined event terminates the test cycle, wherein the test control module further includes an indicator circuit which, in the event of the pump being functional, indicates upon completion of the test cycle the occurrence of a successful test, and wherein in the event of the pump being nonfunctional, the indicator circuit indicates in response to the liquid level in the container continuing to rise the occurrence of an unsuccessful pump test. 
         [0018]    In further accord with the disclosure, in the above described system the test control module terminates the valve control signal upon the liquid level in the container having risen to a second predetermined level to prevent further inflow of liquid to the container through the liquid conduit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The present disclosure will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referenced characters refer to like elements throughout the drawings, and in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a simplified cross-sectional view partially in perspective of a conventional single sump pump installation having a liquid container, a motor-driven pump, a float switch integral to the pump, a pump discharge pipe and a high liquid level alarm. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a simplified cross-sectional view partially in perspective of a single sump pump installation which incorporates an automated test and monitoring system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of the solenoid-actuated liquid valve assembly utilized in the test and monitoring system of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged cross-sectional view partially in perspective of the solenoid-actuated valve assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view in cross section showing the float switch assembly utilized in the test and monitoring system of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross-sectional view partially in perspective of the float switch utilized in the float switch assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of the control module of the sump pump test and monitoring system of  FIG. 2  adapted for mounting on a wall or other flat support surface. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged perspective view in an alternate housing construction for the control module of  FIG. 7  adapted for mounting directly on the discharge pipe of the sump pump installation. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a simplified functional block diagram partially in schematic form showing the principal components of the test and monitoring system of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a simplified functional block diagram partially in schematic form showing the implementation of the test and monitoring system of  FIG. 9  utilizing a microprocessor. 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view partially in perspective showing an automated test and monitoring system constructed in accordance with the disclosure in use with a dual pump sump pump installation. 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged perspective view of the control module utilized in the sump pump test and monitoring system of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is a simplified functional block diagram partially in schematic form showing the principal components of the test and monitoring system of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is a simplified functional block diagram partially in schematic form showing the implementation of the test and monitoring system of  FIG. 13  utilizing a microprocessor. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0034]    The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application or use. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a sump pump installation  10  of the type commonly used in basements of homes or businesses generally consists of a sump container or liner  11  having multiple inlets  12  through which drain water is received from one or more perforated hose or tile systems (not shown) disposed around the foundation footings of the building in which the sump pump installation is located. A motor driven sump pump  13  is typically positioned at or near the bottom of container  11 , and may be supported by one or more bricks  14  or other spacers located between sump pump  13  and the bottom of container  11 . Sump pump  13  may include an integral float switch assembly  15  which forms part of an electric circuit including a power cord  16  which supplies electric power to the pump motor upon the water level in container  11  rising to a first predetermined level L1. This causes pump  13  to discharge water from container  11  through a discharge pipe  17  and a conventional check valve  18  to a storm drain or other water dispersal facility (not shown). A first float switch assembly  15  interrupts the application of electric power to the pump motor when the water level in container  11  falls to a second predetermined level L2 below the first predetermined level L1. 
         [0036]    Frequently, a high water monitoring system  20  may be provided to signal that the water level in container  11  has risen to a third predetermined level L3 above the first predetermined level L1, and therefore above the normal operating range of pump  13  to alert the user of a possible pump failure. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , monitoring system  20  includes a second float switch assembly  21  positioned within container  11  such that when the water level in the container rises to the third predetermined level L3, float switch  21  closes and provides an actuating signal through a cable  22  to an alarm module  23 . The alarm module  23  may include an aural alarm transducer  24  and a connector  25  for remotely signaling the high water condition. Power may be supplied to the high water monitor system  20  by means of a conventional power cord  26 . 
         [0037]    Sump pump  13  in the embodiment of  FIG. 1  is connected directly to the AC line by cable  16 , the integral float switch assembly  15  serving to control the application of AC power to the pump motor. In other embodiments, sump pump  13  may be provided with an external non-integral float switch (not shown) which may be separately connected through another cable (not shown) to the AC power source of the pump. Typically, the additional cable is provided with a break-out connector (not shown) which includes an AC plug for insertion into an AC supply wall outlet on one side and a switched AC receptacle on the opposite side for receiving the AC plug on the end of the pump power cord. The AC plug is inserted into the AC supply receptacle and the AC plug associated with the pump motor is inserted into the switched AC receptacle of the break-out connector. This has the advantage of allowing float switch assembly  15  to be replaced without replacing or dismantling sump pump  13 , and enables sump pump  13  to be tested by removing the AC plug of the pump power cord from the break-out connector and inserting the conventional AC plug of the pump motor directly into the AC supply wall outlet. 
         [0038]    In other embodiments, an independent control circuit (not shown) is provided for powering the pump motor. In these installations, the pump motor has no associated flow switch and receives operating power from the independent control system. The independent system may include one or more float switches or other water level detecting devices which cause the pump motor to be powered and unpowered as the water level in the sump container rises and falls to predetermined levels. These independent pump control systems may include means for monitoring the current draw of the motor to provide an alarm in the event of pump motor failure. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a sump pump test and monitoring system  30  constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure is provided to automatically and proactively test and monitor the operation of the sump pump installation and provide an alarm in the event of the sump pump installation failing to operate. System  30  includes a control module  31  which contains the electronic circuitry and various switches, indicators and connectors associated with the system. System  30  further includes in accordance with the disclosure a valve assembly  32  for admitting fresh water to container  11 . Valve assembly  32  is mounted directly on pump discharge pipe  17  and includes a solenoid-actuated valve  33  which is connected on one side to a fresh water supply (not shown) by a length of flexible tubing  34  and on its other side to container  11  by a length of semi-rigid copper tubing  35 . The fresh water source is preferably accessed by a length of copper tubing  36  which extends from the source and connects to the length of flexible tubing  34  through a manual shutoff valve  37 . The solenoid of solenoid valve  33  is electrically connected to control module  31  by a cable  38 . Valve assembly  32 , together with the length of flexible tubing  34  and the length of semi-rigid copper tubing  35  provides a fluid conduit which supplies fresh water to container  11  when called for by test and monitoring system  30 . 
         [0040]    Test and monitoring system  30  further includes a float switch assembly  40  positioned within container  11  at a predetermined level L3 by an adjustable bracket  41  secured to pump discharge pipe  17 . Upon the water level in container  11  rising to level L3, float switch assembly  40  is actuated and provides an electrical signal to circuitry within control module  31  through a cable  42  which signals that the water level in container  11  has risen to a level above the maximum level that would be achieved if sump pump  13  were operative. 
         [0041]    Control module  31  includes an AC receptacle  43  for receiving a conventional AC plug on the end of the power cord  16  of pump motor  13 . Control Module  31  also includes an AC power cord  44  for receiving AC power from an AC supply wall receptacle (not shown). In one embodiment, four connectors  45 - 48  (see  FIG. 7 ) are provided on the front panel of control module  31  to connect to the various components of system  30 . In particular, connector  45  connects to cable  38  of the valve assembly  33 , connector  46  connects to cable  42  of float switch assembly  40 , connector  48  connects through a cable  49  to an (optional) external communication module  50 , and connector  47  provides dry contacts for connection to an external alarm system. 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , solenoid actuated valve assembly  32  includes a base member  51  on which the solenoid-actuated valve  33  is mounted by machine screws  39  or other appropriate means. It will be appreciated that other valve mounting configurations may be provided as dictated by the construction of the valve body. Valve  33 , which may be conventional in design and construction, includes a solenoid actuator  52  and conventional inlet and outlet fittings  53  and  54  on respective sides of the valve to receive and engage conduits  34  and  35 , respectively. A removable cover  55  dimensioned to securely engage the rim of base member  51  is preferably provided to protect the valve from mechanical damage. The cover may include slots  56  and  57  to accommodate the tubing segments on either side of the valve. The cover may be secured in place by a plurality of (machine) screws  58  threaded into the top surface of base member  51 . Base member  51  is preferably provided with an appropriately shaped laterally-extending channel  60  (see  FIG. 3 ) on its bottom surface to contiguously engage the outer surface of discharge pipe  17 . Two laterally-spaced adjustable retaining straps  61  and  62  (see  FIG. 4 ) are provided to firmly secure base member  51  to discharge pipe  17 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , float switch assembly  40  includes an adjustable bracket  41  which is secured to pump discharge pipe  17  by means of a base member  65 . Base member  65  includes a laterally-extending channel  66  on its rear surface shaped to contiguously engage the outer surface of pump discharge pipe  17 . An adjustable strap  67  extends from base member  65  around discharge pipe  17  to draw the base member tightly against the pipe and thereby hold float switch assembly  40  firmly in position. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , float switch assembly  40  includes a generally cylindrical housing  68  forming a chamber  70 . Housing  68  includes a plurality of apertures  71  through which liquid is admitted into the chamber. A float switch assembly  72  is provided within chamber  70 . Float switch assembly  40  further comprises a hollow shaft  73  formed of a non-magnetic chamber material within which at least one magnetically-actuated reed switch  74  is positioned. A toroid-shaped float assembly  75  containing an internal magnet is dimensioned to slide along the axis of shaft  73  as the water level rises and falls within the chamber. A pair of washers  76  and  77  attached to shaft  73 , limit the axial movement of float assembly  75  such that the magnet in float assembly  75  overlies and actuates reed switch  74  as it reaches its maximum level. Reed switch  74  is electrically connected to module  31  by cable  42  to signal the circuitry within the module that the reed switch has been actuated by the water level in container  11  rising to level L3. Switch assembly  72  is held in position along the axis of cylindrical chamber  70  by a threaded end portion  78  of shaft  73  secured to the upper end of the housing by appropriate mounting hardware  79 . 
         [0045]    It will be appreciated that the liquid level sensing function of float switch assembly  40  can be accomplished by other forms of water level detectors. For example, a conventional float switch of the type having a float and an arm connected to a mechanically actuated switch can be utilized. Or, an electronic switch either of the type which senses conductivity between two sensing electrodes, or of the type that senses water pressure on a submerged pressure transducer, can be utilized. 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , control module  31  of test and monitoring system  30  may include a generally rectangular housing  80  having flanges  81  and  82  for mounting to a wall or other flat support surface. Front panel  83  of the module may include a three-color LED indicator lamp  84  for visually indicating the status of the sump pump installation being tested and monitored. In a preferred embodiment, this indicator illuminates green for a functioning pump installation, red for a non-functioning pump installation, and amber for a pump installation under test. The amber indication may be flashing while the solenoid-actuated valve  33  is admitting water to container  11 . A test of the sump pump installation can be manually initiated by means of a push-button TEST switch  85  located on front panel  83 . Momentarily pressing switch  85  initiates a normal test cycle of the pump sump installation. An unsatisfactory test result is signaled to the user by indicator  84  flashing red and an aural alarm provided by a panel-mounted transducer  86 . The aural alarm, which is preferably in the form of a loud repetitive “chirp,” can be reset by momentary actuation of a push-button RESET switch  87 , also located on front panel  83 . Momentarily pressing this switch will silence the chirp and change the accompanying flashing red indication of indicator  84  to a steady red indication for a predetermined period of time, such as six hours, after which the chirp and flashing red indication again occur. Shorter or longer time periods for muting the alarm can be programmed into system  30  as desired. 
         [0047]    Actuating RESET switch  87  for an extended period of time, such as for five seconds, will result in a complete reset of the system. The flashing or steady red illumination of indicator  84  will extinguish and the chirp provided by transducer  86  will cease. However, a green illumination of indicator  84  indicating a satisfactory pump installation test will not occur until test switch  85  has been subsequently actuated and a subsequent test of the installation has been satisfactory. 
         [0048]    Various fault details, such as low battery, AC supply failure, pump motor timeout, high water level, pump motor fail and communications fail, may be provided by plurality of indicator lamps  88   a - 88   f  on front panel  83 . In addition, a removable cover  89  may be provided to access a rechargeable battery (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) provided in housing  80  to power the test and monitoring system circuitry within module  31  in the event of AC power failure. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , control module  31  of test and monitoring system  30  may be contained in an alternative housing  90  adapted to be mounted directly on the outer surface of pump discharge pipe  17 . In this embodiment, rear wall  91  of housing  90  is provided with a channel  92  shaped to contiguously engage the outer surface of discharge pipe  17 . A pair of adjustable straps (not shown) extends from rear wall  91  and wrap around discharge pipe  17  to draw housing  90  into contiguous firm engagement with pipe  17 . The same controls, indicators and connectors present in the embodiment of  FIG. 7  can be provided in this embodiment. 
         [0050]      FIG. 9  illustrates the principal components of one embodiment of the test and monitoring system  30  of the present disclosure in a simplified functional block diagram. As shown therein, the occurrence of a test cycle is determined by a TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  which transitions to a SET state during the occurrence of a test cycle, and to a RESET state in the absence of a test cycle. In normal use, TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  is periodically conditioned to a SET state by an EVENT TIMER  101  which provides a momentary output signal through OR gate  120  after a predetermined time interval has lapsed following the most recent input applied to the timer. In one embodiment, EVENT TIMER  101  may be set, for example, to generate a momentary output signal seven days after receipt of the most recent input signal, in which case a test cycle of the sump pump installation will occur at periods of not more than seven days. 
         [0051]    When TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  is in a SET state, a signal is also applied through AND gate  102  and solenoid driver circuit  103  to solenoid  52  of valve assembly  33  to condition valve assembly  33  to admit water to container  11 . Water continues to be admitted until either TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  reverts back to a RESET state, or the high water float switch assembly  40  provides an inhibit signal to AND gate  102 . When valve assembly  33  is open, FLASHER CIRCUIT  99  is activated to cause the amber illumination of indicator  84 , if active, to flash. 
         [0052]    When TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  is in a SET state, it provides an output signal causing indicator  84  to illuminate amber through AND gate  104  and LED driver  105 . Also, TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  in its SET state resets the TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  106  through signal conditioning pulse circuit  107  and OR gate  108 , and resets the TEST FAIL LATCH  111  through OR gate  95 . This terminates the output of TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  106  such that the green illumination of indicator  84  driven through LED driver  109  is extinguished, and the output of TEST FAIL LATCH  111  such that the red illumination of indicator  84  driven through AND gate  96  and LED driver  113  is extinguished. Thus, only the amber illumination of indicator  84  is active during a test cycle. 
         [0053]    The output of TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  is also applied to a TEST CYCLE TIMER  110  which times the duration of the test cycle and provides a momentary timeout output signal in the event the duration of the SET state of TEST CYCLE LATCH  100 , and hence the duration of the test cycle, exceeds a predetermined maximum period of time. In the event of this timeout, TEST CYCLE TIMER  110  applies a SET signal to transition TEST FAIL LATCH  111  to a SET state through OR gate  112 . This causes a red illumination of indicator  84  through AND gate  93  and LED driver  113 . Also, the output of TEST CYCLE TIMER  110  causes TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  to be reset by means of a signal provided through OR gate  114 , thereby extinguishing the amber illumination of indicator  84 . The output of TEST FAIL LATCH  111  conditions ALARM LATCH  115  to a SET state through an interface circuit  116 , thereby causing an AUDIO GENERATOR  95  to generate an audible alarm, such as a recurrent chirping sound. ALARM LATCH  115  can be reset by momentary actuation of RESET switch  87 , in the manner previously described. ALARM LATCH  115  also enables FLASHER CIRCUIT  94  to cause the red illumination of indicator  84  to flash until the latch is reset, RESET switch  87  also serves, through a delay circuit  117 , when held for an extended period of time, to reset TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  through OR gate  114 , TEST FAIL LATCH  111  to reset through an OR gate  95 , and TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  106  to reset through an OR gate  108 , thereby conditioning the system for a subsequent test. A manual test can be initiated by TEST switch  85  through a signal conditioning pulse circuit  119  and OR gate  120 . 
         [0054]    The output of MOTOR CURRENT SENSOR  121  also provides a reset signal through signal conditioning pulse circuit  122  to EVENT TIMER  101 , causing that timer to begin a new timing period with each operation of the motor. The output of MOTOR CURRENT SENSOR  121  is also applied to signal conditioning pulse circuit  123 , which provides a momentary pulse upon the motor stopping. This pulse, signaling the completion of a successful test, is applied through OR gate  114  to reset TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  to terminate the test cycle. The same motor stop pulse also serves to condition the TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  106  to a SET status to indicate successful completion of a test cycle by illuminating the green indication of indicator  84  through LED driver  109 . A further function of MOTOR CURRENT SENSOR  121  is to initiate a timeout period in a MOTOR RUN TIMER  124 . In the event pump motor  13  operates continuously for a period exceeding the timeout period of MOTOR RUN TIMER  124 , the timer generates an output signal which resets TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  through OR gate  114  and conditions TEST FAIL LATCH  111  to a SET state through OR gate  112 . This causes the red illumination of indicator  84  through AND gate  93  and LED driver  113 . Also, the output of MOTOR RUN TIMER  124  resets the TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  106  through OR gate  108  to extinguish the green illumination of indicator  84 . 
         [0055]    In the event pump motor  13  fails to operate during a test cycle, the eventual closure of high water sensing switch assembly  40  causes an inhibit signal to be applied to AND gate  102 , preventing further operation of solenoid  52  to prevent further water from being admitted to sump container  11 . Also, the closure of high water level switch assembly  40  causes a pulse to be applied through signal conditioning pulse circuit  125  and OR gate  108  to reset TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  106 , through OR gate  114  to reset the TEST CYCLE LATCH  100 , and through OR gate  112  to condition TEST FAIL LATCH  111  to a SET state. Thus, a high water condition for any reason results in the red illumination of indicator  84  while the amber and green illuminations of indicator  84  are extinguished, and in the event of an active test cycle, valve  33  is closed to prevent any further fresh water from being admitted to sump container  11 . 
         [0056]    The system includes a conventional low voltage power supply  126  for supplying 12 VDC operating power to solenoid-actuated valve  33  and to the various functional circuits of the controller. Power supply  126  includes a rechargeable battery  127  to supply operating power to the control module component in the event of AC power failure. During normal operation AC power is supplied to power supply  126  through AC power cable  44  and an internal protective fuse  128 . 
         [0057]    The status of TEST FAIL LATCH  111  and TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  106  is provided to the external communications module  50  (not shown in  FIG. 9 ) through connector  48 . Additional status information, including the serial number of the system and the time and nature of an event occurrence, can also be provided to the communications module through this connector. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , many of the functions heretofore described with respect to  FIG. 9  can be more efficiently accomplished by a microprocessor implementation of the control system. In particular, a single microprocessor  129  can be provided with the various sensing and control inputs previously described and programmed to carry out the logic and timing functions required by the system. Previously described outputs to the green, red and amber indications of indicator  84  can be provided by the processor as well, as can the necessary data required for communication through communication port  48  to the external communications module  50  (not shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 ). The programming of microprocessor  129  is well within the capabilities of one skilled in the art of microprocessors and the preparation of associated firmware and software. 
         [0059]    The test and monitoring system described in the disclosure can also be effectively utilized to test and monitor a dual sump pump installation  130 . Referring to  FIG. 11 , in a dual sump pump installation, a second motor driven sump pump  131  is provided in sump container  11 , typically at a slightly higher level than the first motor driven pump  13 . Pump  131 , like previously described pump  13 , may include an integral float switch  132  which initiates operation of pump  131  when the water level in container  11  rises to a fourth predetermined level L4. Float switch  132  discontinues operation of pump  131  when, as a result of pump  131  discharging water from sump container  11 , the water level in container  11  falls to a predetermined lower level L5. As with pump  13 , second pump  131  has a discharge pipe  133  through which pump  131  discharges water from container  11 . A power cord  134  is provided together with circuitry associated with internal pump float switch  132  to power pump  131 . Additional support bricks  14  may be provided to raise pump  131  to a level higher than that of the first pump  13  so that in normal operation pump  131  only operates in the event of failure of the first pump  13 . 
         [0060]    In accordance with the present disclosure, test and monitoring system  130  includes additional components and circuitry to enable the system to test and monitor two sump pumps in a manner similar to that of previously described test and monitor system  30 . Referring to  FIG. 12 , test and monitoring system  130  includes a control module  136  similar to the control module  31  of system  30 , except that the module includes a second status indicator light  137  for indicating the operating status of second sump pump  131 , and a second AC receptacle  138  for receiving the AC plug associated with the power cord  134  of pump  131 . This control module  136  is intended to be mounted on a flat supporting surface in the same manner as the previously described control module  31 . Power is supplied to control module  135  by a power cord  44  in the manner previously described and a communication module  50  (not shown) may be connected to connector  48  as previously described. In addition, solenoid-actuated valve assembly  32  is connected by cable  38  to connector  45 , and single float switch assembly  40 , set at predetermined high water level L3 (which is still higher than predetermined water trigger level L4 of pump  131 ), is connected by cable  42  to connector  46 . Operation of control module  136  is identical to that of the previously described control module  31  with the exception of the previously identified provision of indicator  137  and receptacle  136  to accommodate the second sump pump  131 . 
         [0061]    The test and operation of the dual pump test and monitoring system  130  of the present disclosure is illustrated in the simplified functional block diagram of  FIG. 13 . As shown in that figure, the system performs two test cycles in sequence-one for pump  13  and one for pump  131 - and separately indicates the success or failure of each by means of separate tri-color indicators  84  and  137 . 
         [0062]    The pump  13  is tested in the manner previously described in connection with test and monitoring system  30 . As before, the occurrence of the first test cycle is governed by TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  which transitions to a SET state during the occurrence of a test cycle, and to a RESET state in the absence of a test cycle. TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  is periodically conditioned to a SET state by EVENT TIMER  101 , which provides a momentary output signal after a predetermined time interval has lapsed following the most recent input applied to the tinier. EVENT TIMER  101  may be set, for example, to generate a momentary output signal seven days after receipt of the most recent input signal, in which case the first test cycle (and the second test cycle of system  130 ) will occur at periods of not more than seven days. As before, it will be appreciated that a greater or lesser test interval may be set by EVENT TIMER  101  as desired by the user. 
         [0063]    When TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  is in a SET state, a signal is also applied through AND gate  102  and solenoid driver circuit  103  to solenoid  52  of valve assembly  33  to condition the valve assembly to admit water to sump container  11 . Water continues to be admitted until either TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  reverts back to a RESET state, as in the case of a successful test, or the high water float switch assembly  40  provides an inhibit signal to AND gate  102 , in the case of an unsuccessful test. 
         [0064]    When TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  is in a SET state, it provides an output signal which provides for an amber illumination by indicator  84 . Also, TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  in its SET state resets TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  106 , and TEST FAIL LATCH  111 . This terminates the output of these components such that during a test cycle indicator  84  can only present an amber illumination. 
         [0065]    As before, the output of TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  is also applied to TEST CYCLE TIMER  110  which times the duration of the test cycle and provides a momentary timeout output signal in the event the SET state of TEST CYCLE LATCH  100 , and hence the test cycle of pump  13 , exceeds a predetermined maximum time duration. In the event of this timeout, TEST CYCLE TIMER  110  conditions TEST FAIL LATCH  111  to a SET state, causing a red illumination of indicator  84 . Also, the output of TEST CYCLE TIMER  110  causes TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  to be reset, thereby terminating the test cycle and extinguishing the amber illumination of indicator  84 . The output of TEST FAIL LATCH  111  also conditions ALARM LATCH  115  to a SET state, thereby causing an audible alarm to occur. ALARM LATCH  115  can be reset by momentary actuation of RESET switch  87  in the manner previously described. RESET switch  87  also causes, through delay circuit  117 , when held for an extended period of time, the reset of TEST CYCLE LATCH  100 , TEST FAIL LATCH  111 , and TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  106 , as well as the to be described counterpart components associated with pump  131 , thereby conditioning the system for a subsequent test of the two pumps. As before, a manual test of the first sump pump  13  can be initiated by TEST switch  85  through signal conditioning circuit  119  and OR gate  120 . 
         [0066]    The output of MOTOR CURRENT SENSOR  121  provides a reset signal through signal conditioning circuit  122  to EVENT TIMER  101 , causing that timer to begin a new timing period with each operation of the motor. The output of MOTOR CURRENT SENSOR  121  is also applied to signal conditioning circuit  123 , which provides a momentary pulse upon the motor stopping. This pulse, signaling the completion of a successful test, is applied through OR gate  114  to reset TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  to terminate the test cycle. The same motor stop pulse also serves to condition TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  106  to a SET status to indicate a successful test of sump pump  13  by illuminating the green indication of indicator  84 . A further function of motor current sensor  121  is to initiate a timeout period in MOTOR RUN TIMER  124 . In the event pump  13  operates continuously for a period exceeding the timeout period of MOTOR RUN TIMER  124 , the timer generates an output signal which resets TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  and conditions TEST FAIL LATCH  111  to a SET state. This causes the red illumination of indicator  84 . Also, the output of MOTOR RUN TIMER  124  resets TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  106  to extinguish the green illumination of indicator  84  driven by that latch. 
         [0067]    In the event pump  13  fails to operate, the eventual closure of high water sensing switch assembly  40  causes an inhibit signal to be applied to AND gate  102 , preventing further operation of solenoid  82  and further fresh water from being admitted to sump container  11 . Also, as before, the closure of high water level switch assembly  40  causes TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  106  and TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  to be conditioned to a RESET state, and TEST FAIL LATCH  111  to be conditioned to a SET state. Thus, a high water condition results in no further water being admitted through valve  33  to sump container  11  and any amber and green illuminations of indicator  84  are extinguished while causing a red illumination of indicator  84 . 
         [0068]    As with the control module of system  30 , the control module of system  130  includes a conventional low voltage power supply  126  for supplying operating power to solenoid-actuated valve  33  and the various functional circuits of the controller. Power supply  126  includes a rechargeable battery  127  to supply operating power to the control module component in the event of AC power failure. During normal operation AC power is supplied to power supply  126  through AC power cable  44  and an internal protective fuse  128 . 
         [0069]    The status of TEST FAIL LATCH  111  and TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  106  as to sump pump  13  is provided to external communications module  50  through connector  48 . Additional status information, including the serial number of the system and the time and nature of an event occurrence, can also be provided to the communications module through this connector. 
         [0070]    To accommodate testing and monitoring of the second sump pump  131 , one embodiment of the dual pump test and monitoring system  130  of the disclosure incorporates additional circuitry within control module  136 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the occurrence of a test cycle for the second pump  131  is determined by a second TEST CYCLE LATCH  140  which transitions to a SET state during the occurrence of a test cycle for pump  131 , and to a RESET state in the absence of such a test cycle. 
         [0071]    In accordance with the present disclosure, TEST CYCLE LATCH  140  is conditioned to a SET state by TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  upon that device completing a test cycle for sump pump  13 . To that end, the output of the latch is applied to the SET input of latch  140  through a signal conditioning pulse circuit  93 . 
         [0072]    When TEST CYCLE LATCH  140  is in a SET state, a signal is applied through AND gate  142  and solenoid driver circuit  143  to the solenoid  52  of valve assembly  33  to cause the valve assembly to admit fresh water to sump container  11 . Fresh water continues to be admitted until either TEST CYCLE LATCH  140  reverts back to a RESET state, as in the case of a successful test, or the high water float switch assembly  40  provides an inhibit signal to AND gate  142 , in the case of an unsuccessful test. 
         [0073]    When TEST CYCLE LATCH  140  is in a SET state, it also provides an output signal which provides an amber illumination by indicator  137  through AND gate  144  and LED driver  145 . Also, the TEST CYCLE LATCH  140  in its SET state resets a TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  146  through a signal conditioning pulse circuit  147  and OR gate  148 . This terminates the output of TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  146  such that the green illumination of indicator  137  driven through LED driver  149  is extinguished. Thus, only the amber illumination of indicator  137  is present during a test cycle. 
         [0074]    The output of TEST CYCLE LATCH  140  is also applied to a TEST CYCLE TIMER  150  which times the duration of the test cycle and provides a momentary timeout output signal in the event the SET state of TEST CYCLE LATCH  140 , and hence the test cycle of pump  131 , exceeds a predetermined maximum time duration. In the event of this timeout, TEST CYCLE TIMER  150  conditions TEST FAIL LATCH  151  to a SET state through an OR gate  152 . This causes the red illumination of indicator  137  through AND gate  155  and LED driver  153 . Also, the output of TEST CYCLE TIMER  150  causes TEST CYCLE LATCH  140  to be reset by means of a signal provided through OR gate  154 , thereby extinguishing the amber illumination of indicator  137 . The output of TEST FAIL LATCH  151  also conditions ALARM LATCH  115  to a SET state through a signal conditioning pulse circuit  156 , thereby causing an audible alarm to occur. Alarm latch circuit  115  can be reset by momentary actuation of RESET switch  87 , in the manner previously described. RESET switch  87  also causes, through delay circuit  117 , when held for an extended period of time, the reset of TEST CYCLE LATCH  140 , TEST FAIL LATCH  151 , and TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  146 , thereby conditioning the system for a subsequent test of pump  131 . A manual test of the first and second pumps can be initiated by TEST switch  85  through signal conditioning circuit  119  and OR gate  120 . 
         [0075]    The output of MOTOR CURRENT SENSOR  161  is applied to signal conditioning pulse circuit  163 , which provides a momentary pulse upon the motor stopping. This pulse, signaling the completion of a successful test, is applied through OR gate  154  to reset TEST CYCLE LATCH  140  to terminate the test cycle for second pump  131 . The same motor stop pulse also serves to condition TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  146  to a SET status to indicate successful completion of a test cycle by illuminating the green indication of indicator  137 . A further function of motor current sensor  161  is to initiate a timeout period in MOTOR RUN TIMER  164 . In the event pump motor  113  operates continuously for a period exceeding the timeout period of MOTOR RUN TIMER  164 , the timer generates an output signal which resets TEST CYCLE LATCH  140  through OR gate  154  and conditions TEST FAIL LATCH  151  to a SET state through OR gate  152 . This causes the red illumination of indicator  137  through LED driver  153 . Also, the output of MOTOR RUN TIMER  164  resets TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  146  through OR gate  148  to extinguish the green illumination of indicator  137  driven by that latch through LED driver  149 . 
         [0076]    In the event pump motor  131  fails to operate, the eventual closure of high water sensing switch assembly  40  causes an inhibit signal to be applied to AND gate  142 , preventing further operation of solenoid  52  to prevent further fresh water from being admitted to sump container  11 . Also, the closure of high water level switch assembly  40  causes a pulse to be applied through signal conditioning pulse circuit  165  and OR gate  148  to reset TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  146 , and through OR gate  154  to reset TEST CYCLE LATCH  140 , and through OR gate  152  to condition TEST FAIL LATCH  151  to a SET state. Thus, a high water condition results in no further water being admitted through valve  33  to sump container  11  and any amber and green illuminations of indicator  137  are extinguished while causing a red illumination of indicator  137 . As previously described in connection with the single pump system  30 , a FLASHER CIRCUIT  172  may be provided to cause a flashing red illumination of indicator  137  prior to actuation of RESET switch  87 , and a FLASHER CIRCUIT  173  may be provided to cause a flashing amber illumination of indicator  137  when TEST CYCLE LATCH  140  is SET and valve  33  is open. 
         [0077]    The status of TEST FAIL LATCH  151  and TEST SUCCESSFUL LATCH  146  is provided to external communications module  50  (not shown in  FIG. 13 ) through connector  48 . Additional status information related to pump  131 , including the time and nature of an event occurrence, can also be provided to the communications module through this connector. 
         [0078]    To provide for sequential testing of pumps  31  and  131 , the AC supply circuit to the pump motors includes single pole normally closed relays  168  and  169  and associated respective relay driver circuits  170  and  171 . When TEST CYCLE LATCH  100  is in a SET state to test the motor of pump  13 , relay  168  associated with pump  131  is energized open, preventing the motor of pump  131  from operating. Subsequently, when TEST CYCLE LATCH  140  is in a SET state to test the motor of pump  131 , relay  169  associated with pump  13  is energized open, preventing the operation of the motor of pump  13 . Thus, each motor of each pump is independently tested. 
         [0079]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , many of the functions heretofore described with respect to  FIG. 13  can be more efficiently accomplished by a microprocessor implementation of the control system. In particular, a single microprocessor  180  can be provided with the various sensing and control inputs previously described and programmed to carry out the logic and timing functions required by the system. Previously described outputs to cause the green, red and amber illuminations of indicators  84  and  137  can be provided by processor  180  as well, as can the necessary data required for communication through communication port  48  to external communications module  50  (not shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 ). The programming of microprocessor  180  is well within the capabilities of one skilled in the art of microprocessors and the preparation of associated firmware and software. 
         [0080]    Thus, each of the two pumps  13  and  131  in sump container  11  is individually monitored and the successful or unsuccessful test of each pump is separately indicated. Additional reporting is provided to communications module  50  to indicate the status of each pump. Visual and aural warnings are given in the event that either pump  13  or pump  131  is inoperative. Thus, the dual pump system  130 , like the single pump system  30 , is fully automated and proactively provides the user with a warning of pump failure prior to the pump actually being required for evacuating ground water from the pump reservoir. As before, it is contemplated that additional functions, such as power failure or low battery, or a low temperature condition in the environment of the pump system can also be communicated by means of the communications module. The communications module may communicate with the user by means of an interact connection, a cellular data connection, a phone connection, or by means of a hardwired connection to a separate building alarm system, to the owner or one or more persons designated by the owner of the system. 
         [0081]    The information given to the user can include the time and date of the successful tests, the time and date of unsuccessful tests and additional information such as power failure or temperatures falling below a predetermined level. The information can be copied or redirected to multiple destinations and users, including plumbing and property management services. The system can be readily installed in conventional single and dual sump pump installations without modification to the pump mechanisms, or the physical construction of the pump reservoir or associated plumbing. Moreover, the system is the completely fail safe in that the monitored pumps will continue to operate in a normal manner in the event of removal or complete inoperability of the test and monitoring system. 
         [0082]    The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the intent in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.