Plumbing vent cap remote removal system

A system, method and apparatus for removing a test seal part from a vent positioned on a roof of a structure and being removable without requiring a person on site to accomplish the same includes a test seal part having a surface for connection enabling removal, wherein the seal part removably sealably connects to the plumbing vent pipe, and a remote controlled apparatus and/or remote controller directly or indirectly removes the test seal part. The remote controlled apparatus can includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or a powered actuator having a receiver operably disposed adjacent the seal part in manner to actuate the seal part out of sealable connection with the vent pipe.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to plumbing systems. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for use in a plumbing vent pipes during testing of the system. The remote removal system may be conducted by an operator remote to the vent pipe site.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plumbing codes require that plumbing systems be vented through a plumbing vent pipe extending above the building roof. Additionally, codes require a plumbing system to be pressure tested during rough-in inspections, and that a final manometer plumbing test be performed after the plumbing fixtures have been set in place.

Test caps are used for sealing the plumbing system vent pipe during pressure testing. Once testing is completed, the test cap must be removed so that the plumbing vent pipe may provide adequate venting of the installed plumbing system.

Some statutes require that all test caps on plumbing vent pipes be visible from ground level. Such laws were enacted to allow an inspector to see if the test cap was in place and to see if the test cap is removed after final plumbing inspections. Failure to remove plumbing vent pipe test caps results in inadequate or no ventilation of the plumbing system and the air has to escape out one of the other plumbing fixtures.

Many systems exist for capping plumbing roof vents for testing purposes. Such systems include the use of glue on caps, plastic wafers, rubber caps, screw-in plugs, or temporary caps.

All of these prior systems require removal post inspection. Additionally, some of these can fail prior to testing if not secured properly. Some are positioned in places where the inspector can hardly tell from ground level whether the test cap is in place or has been removed and one must climb up onto the building roof to determine this.

In this situation as well as post inspection, getting on a roof with a steep pitch is very undesirable particularly in inclement weather. Currently, after testing is completed, the test cap is removed by climbing onto the roof and mechanically removing the cap by means of a screwdriver or cutting the test cap off.

Additional construction problems exist in installing roof flashing and boot around plumbing vent pipes without breaking an existing cap. A typical plastic test cap system includes gluing a plastic test plug or vent cap over the plumbing vent pipe. Again, in order to remove the test cap, usually the plumber must climb onto the building roof and saw it off. In some applications, the plumber enters the attic and removes the cap by cutting off the part and then putting a new connection in and pushing it through the exiting roof hole which of course leads to leak issues around the dotted boot on the roof. Often times this method requires a plumber to climb a ladder into a restricted attic space resulting in damaged attic insulation and additional time expended in removal of the test cap and clean-up of insulation. Often times, this is done without complying with OSHA requirements, specifically, using a rope and harness to secure their safety. Additionally, there are possibilities that the plumber may forget to clean-out plug, allowing sewer gases to escape into the house. Other means for removing the test exit, but all typically require the plumber to be on site post the structure completion which is months after the plumber's job is essentially completed.

The present invention overcome the deficiencies in the art related to test caps for use in capping a plumbing system vent pipe during the pressure testing of the plumbing system. The present invention allows for easy removal of the equipment after a completed inspection without the need for anyone to climb onto the building roof to remove the test seal part.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object to improve the system, method and apparatus of pressure testing of the plumbing system.

A further object is to provide a system, method and apparatus for remotely removing pressure testing devices from the plumbing system.

Still another object is to provide a remote control system, method and apparatus for pressure testing of the plumbing system.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for removing a test seal part from a vent positioned on a roof of a structure and being removable without requiring a person on site to accomplish the same. The test seal part includes an surface for connection to aid in removal.

The system, method and apparatus for removing a test seal part from a plumbing vent pipe includes seal part removably sealably connected to the plumbing vent pipe, and a remote controlled apparatus for removing the test seal part. In one embodiment, the remote controlled apparatus includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which is a remote controlled aircraft (e.g. flown by a pilot at a ground control station) or can fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plan or more complex dynamic automation systems, wherein the UAV is equipped with means for removing the seal part from the plumbing vent pipe post inspection.

In a preferred version, it is envisioned the seal part includes a connection removal surface to which the means for removing connects for removal. The means for removing can include a tool for connection to the connection removal surface. In an embodiment, the tool can include a hook and the connection removal surface can include an eyelet.

In another embodiment, the remote controlled apparatus includes a battery powered actuator having a receiver operably disposed adjacent said seal part in manner to actuate the seal part out of sealable connection with the vent pipe and a remote control for sending a signal to the receiver causing actuation of the seal part out of sealed connection.

Still another aspect of the invention is to provide a locating device, such as an identification chip, such as an NFC chip, in the seal part and providing the UAV with a complementary locating device, such as an NFC locating device, for aiding in removal of the seal part.

Additionally, the there can be provided transducer which permits transmission of signal corresponding to pressure and is operably connected to the battery and wherein the sensed pressure can be transmitted.

To remove the seal part, the remote controlled apparatus is initiated connecting to the seal part causing the seal part to be moved breaking a seal with the vent pipe to permit air to pass through the vent pipe.

The second end of the retrieval device has a retrieval section for forcibly engaging the handle of the apparatus, causing the test plug body to fracture about the periphery. The apparatus is then removed from the vent without requiring access to the roof and/or vent location. Upon retrieval, the test plug body is removed from the apparatus and a new test plug may then be used with the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, a system for removing a test seal part from a vent positioned on a roof of a structure and being removable without requiring a person on site to accomplish the same is generally referred to by the numeral10. As noted inFIG.1Prior Art, there is provided a vent pipe12which extends through a roof14which, by conventional code, extends a minimum height from the roof14to a discharge opening16. The vent pipe12includes a test cap18which is conventionally sealed in a fixed way (typically epoxy) until a standardized pressure test is conducted. Once the pressure test is conducted, the test cap18is removed as previously described above by cutting or otherwise knocking it off the pipe.

As can be seen in the embodiment represented inFIG.2, the current system10has a removable test seal part20, which can include a test cap22having a sealable connectable neck24which can have a seal surface to prevent fluid flow thereby, and retains the part20in place within the vent pipe12to prevent flow therethrough at least up to a predetermined pressure, e.g., 5 lbs and/or vacuum at such pressure.

The test cap22can include an attachment surface26, such as a wire ring or loop26made of a suitable strength material and affixed to the test cap22and extending from the test cap22in a manner to not interfere with the installation of a boot28.

A remote controlled apparatus30in conjunction with a remote controller32is provided for removing the test seal part20. In this embodiment, the remote controlled apparatus30includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)33which is remote controlled aircraft (e.g. flown by a pilot at a ground control station) or can fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plan or more complex dynamic automation systems by remote controller32such as a computer based, wherein the UAV33is equipped with means for removing34(a hook) the test seal part20from the plumbing vent pipe12post inspection.

In a preferred version, it is envisioned the test seal part20includes a connection removal surface26, such a looped cable or other open surface formed on the cap22, to which the means for removing34connects for enabling removal. The means for removing34can include hook or other tool such as a robotic arm for connection to the connection removal surface26.

In another embodiment as seen inFIGS.3A and3B, the remote controlled apparatus33includes a battery powered actuator40. For example, the actuator can include a solenoid which comprises electromagnets made of a coil of copper wire with an armature42(a slug of metal) in the middle. When the coil is energized, the slug is pulled or pushed as a function of point of connection on the test cap22(e.g., a disk which slides through a slot15in the pipe14) connected to the armature into the center of the coil. This makes the solenoid able to pull (from one end) or push (from the other). This solenoid in particular is very small, with a 20 mm long body and a ‘captive’ armature42. This means that when activated with 5 VDC, the solenoid moves and then the voltage is removed leaving the disk in a displaced position, which is breaks the seal in the pipe and enables air to escape through the pipe. The actuator40can have a receiver44operably disposed therewith in manner to actuate the test cap22out of sealable connection with the vent pipe12by way of remote control32for sending a signal to the receiver44causing actuation of the test cap22out of sealed connection. A seal ring46can be provided in the pipe12to ensure a seal between the pipe12and the test cap22.

Still another aspect of the invention is to provide a locating device36, such as an identification chip, such as an NFC chip, in the test seal part20and providing the UAV30with a complementary locating device38, such as an NFC locating device, for aiding in removal of the test seal part20,20′.

Additionally, it is envisioned there can be provided transducer in the test seal part which permits transmission of signal indicative of a pressure within the pipe and this can be operably connected to the test seal part20,20′.

To remove the seal part, the remote controlled apparatus33and/or remote control32are initiated. Either directly or indirectly the remote controlled apparatus33and/or remote control32connects to the seal part20,20′ causing the test cap22to be moved breaking a seal with the vent pipe14to permit air to pass therethrough.