Abstract:
This invention relates to a means of remotely coupling and decoupling various devices connected to: 1) Municipal drinking (potable), reuse (non-potable), industry process water, and wastewater treatment systems; and, 2) Industrial fluid distribution systems by means of a remotely actuated cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment device capable of remotely locking and unlocking the locking handles found on conventional female cam-lock couplings while simultaneously containing the forceful spray discharge ordinarily encountered when decoupling occurs.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a means of remotely coupling and decoupling various devices connected to: 1) Municipal drinking (potable), reuse (non-potable), industry process water, and wastewater treatment systems; and, 2) Industrial fluid distribution systems by means of a remotely actuated cam-lock coupling while simultaneously containing the spray discharge ordinarily encountered when decoupling occurs. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The need to periodically flush portions of pressurized water distribution systems to maintain the water quality is well known in the prior art. There are many reasons for this. First, when such systems are first constructed or enlarged, flushing is required to remove post-construction contaminants from the lines. Second, such systems suffer breaks and leaks with resulting infiltration by contaminants requiring post repair flushing. Third, properly functioning pressurized water distribution systems contain “dead-end” mains or pipes and distribution branches that necessarily suffer “low-flow” conditions. For example, fire codes and land development ordinances often dictate that oversized water mains must be installed to deliver sufficient water when needed. Such water mains necessarily suffer low-flow conditions with extended water residence time in the mains. 
         [0004]    Low-flow conditions and extended water residence times are well known to cause water quality problems, including loss of disinfectant residual, disinfection by-product (DBP) formation (i.e. the formation of disinfectant by-products when organic and inorganic products naturally present in the water react with the chemical treating agents in the water), bacteria and larval growth, increased turbidity, metal and mineral uptake from the pipes themselves, debris accumulation, and numerous other conditions that cause end-user taste and odor complaints. Periodic prophylactic flushing of such systems is thus necessary to replace old water with fresh water to remove contaminants from the system and improve water quality. 
         [0005]    Numerous examples in the prior art are available to facilitate the process of flushing a pressurized water distribution system. Many of these flushing devices are constructed underground below the freeze line and variously comprise manually and electrically actuated valves, pressure sensors, temperature sensors and the like and as such require periodic maintenance. Ordinarily, it is necessary to excavate and physically disconnect these components from the water system when maintenance is necessary. 
         [0006]    What is needed then is a means of remotely coupling and decoupling these flushing devices en bloc from a pressurized water system so that they may be removed and repaired without the need for excavation. Such a device should be implemented such that operation may be effectuated by means of simple hand levers, or, alternately, by means of a remote or self-contained electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic motor. Also, since a powerful, radially directed spray of water is ordinarily emitted when such flushing devices are disconnected from the pressurized water system, an integral means of containing this spray so that it does not damage the area in which the flushing device is installed is also required. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a central conduit or pipe externally threaded at both ends with a standard NPT thread. Threaded on to one end of this central conduit or pipe is a female-to-female NPT threaded adapter. Threaded onto the opposite end, is a female cam-lock coupling. Between the female-to-female NPT adapter and the female cam-lock coupling and slidably displaceable with respect to the central conduit or pipe is a cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment shroud. The cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment shroud is comprised of two concentrically disposed open end cylinders. The first open end cylinder is in intimate contact with the outer surface of the central conduit or pipe such that it is slidably displaceable along the entire length of the central conduit or pipe between the female-to-female NPT threaded adapter and the female cam-lock coupling. The second open end cylinder is of a larger diameter than the first, and is concentrically disposed with respect to the first and affixed to it, such that second extends beyond the first in the direction of the female cam-lock coupling so that when the first open end cylinder is slidably displaced towards the female cam-lock coupling with female NPT threaded adapter, the affixed second open end cylinder slides over and obscures the female cam-lock coupling and a portion of the pipe connected thereto. Further, the second open end cylinder has two longitudinal slots with beveled ends machined or otherwise formed in diametrically opposing sides such that each actuating arm of the female cam-lock coupling protrudes through one of the longitudinal slots. When the first, open end cylinder is slidably displaced towards the female cam-lock coupling with female NPT threaded adapter, the bevel-ended, longitudinal slots in the affixed second open end cylinder pick the arms of the female cam-lock coupling up, and swing them back and away, thus unlocking the female cam-lock coupling. Similarly, when the first, open end cylinder is slidably displaced away from the female cam-lock coupling with female NPT threaded adapter, the bevel-ended, longitudinal slots in the second open end cylinder pull the arms of the female cam-lock coupling back, and swing them down and towards the female cam-lock coupling thus locking the female cam-lock coupling. 
         [0008]    In a first embodiment of the present invention, the coupling actuator and discharge containment shroud is slidably displaced by means of rigid rods attached to two lever arms. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the coupling actuator and discharge containment shroud is slidably displaced by means of a separate electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic motor affixed to the central conduit or pipe between the female to female NPT coupling and the coupling actuator and discharge containment shroud. This motor is mechanically coupled to the coupling actuator and containment shroud and is thus capable of alternately causing the female cam-lock coupling to couple and decouple. 
         [0009]    The first embodiment of the present invention is used in the following manner: First, a male cam-lock coupling is affixed to a municipal drinking distribution system. Second, the system or device to be attached to the water distribution system (flush valve, sample station, etc.) is attached to the female NPT coupling at one end of the device. Third, by means of operating levers transmitting force by means of rigid rods, the user slidably displaces the coupling actuator and containment shroud towards the female cam-lock coupling such that the arms of the female cam-lock coupling are picked up, and swung back and away, thus unlocking the female cam-lock coupling. Fourth, the system or device to be attached to the water system with the present invention affixed is juxtaposed with the male cam-lock coupling attached to the water distribution system such that the female cam-lock coupling of present invention may be slidably coupled with to the male cam-lock coupling attached to the water distribution system. Fifth, by means of operating levers transmitting force by means of rigid rods, the user slidably displaces the coupling actuator and containment shroud away from the female cam-lock coupling such that the arms of the female cam-lock coupling are pulled back, and swung down and towards the female cam-lock coupling thus locking the female cam-lock coupling and hydraulically connecting the system or device to the water distribution system. Sixth, at some future time by means of operating levers transmitting force by means of rigid rods, the user slidably displaces the coupling actuator and containment shroud towards the female cam-lock coupling such that the arms of the female cam-lock coupling are picked up, and swung back and away, thus unlocking the female cam-lock coupling. The containment shroud then contains and attenuates any high pressure residual water spray inside the shroud so that it does not damage the area in which the system or device is installed or harm individuals in close proximity. Seventh, the system or device is removed en bloc with the present invention attached so that the system or device may be repaired or modified. Eighth, after the system or device has been repaired or modified the system or device with the present invention attached is replaced en bloc and recoupled with the water distribution system. Ninth, by means of operating levers transmitting force by means of rigid rods, the user slidably displaces the coupling actuator and containment shroud away from the female cam-lock coupling such that the arms of the female cam-lock coupling are pulled back, and swung down and towards the female cam-lock coupling thus locking the female cam-lock coupling and hydraulically reconnecting the system or device to the water distribution system 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1   a  is a longitudinal, cross-section view of a first embodiment of the present invention showing its internal construction and appearing as it would when coupled to a water supply system. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1   b  is a longitudinal view of a first embodiment of the present invention appearing as it would when coupled to a water supply system. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2   a  is a longitudinal, cross-section view of a first embodiment of the present invention showing its internal construction and appearing as it would after the invention has been decoupled from a water supply system. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2   b  is a longitudinal view of a first embodiment of the present invention appearing as it would when decoupled from a water supply system. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a longitudinal, cross-section view of a first embodiment of the present invention showing its internal construction and appearing as it would after the invention has been decoupled and withdrawn from the male cam-lock coupling attached to the water supply system. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4   a  is a longitudinal, cross-section view of a second embodiment of the present invention showing its internal construction and appearing as it would when coupled to a water supply system. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4   b  is a longitudinal view of a second embodiment of the present invention appearing as it would when coupled to a water supply system. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5   a  is a longitudinal, cross-section view of a second embodiment of the present invention showing its internal construction and appearing as it would after the invention has been decoupled from a water supply system. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5   b  is a longitudinal view of a second embodiment of the present invention appearing as it would when decoupled from a water supply system. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  are longitudinal views of the first embodiment of the present invention illustrating its mode of use when connecting a flushing device to a public water system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    In the following description, numerous specific details regarding possible componentry (e.g., NPT threaded pipe, electric solenoids, pneumatic actuators, and hydraulic actuators) are set forth. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced apart from these specific details. For example, the invention may be constructed of polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe and assembled by means of glue or adhesive. All such variations in materials used to construct the present invention are specifically included in the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Similarly, details well known and widely used in the process of manufacturing such equipment (e.g., threading and assembling pipe, plastic injection molding, techniques for assembling electro-mechanical devices, etc.) and various miscellaneous components have been omitted, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
         [0021]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , the remote cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment device  100  of a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a central conduit or pipe  101  externally threaded at both ends with a standard NPT thread. Threaded on to one end of central conduit or pipe  101  is female-to-female NPT threaded adapter  102 . In this embodiment of the present invention female-to-female NPT threaded adapter  102  is used to affix remote cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment device  100  to a separate system or device (not shown) by means of connection pipe  123 . It will be readily apparent that other types of threaded adapters may be freely substituted for female-to-female NPT threaded adapter  102  it terms of affixing remote cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment device  100  to a separate system or device or, indeed, the separate system or device may be directly affixed to central conduit or pipe  101  in lieu of female-to-female NPT threaded adapter  102 . Threaded onto the opposite end central conduit or pipe  101  is female cam-lock coupling  103 . The female cam-lock coupling is of the ordinary type and further comprises a pair of locking handles  104  interoperating with locking cam lobes  105  such that when locking handles  104  are pivoted out, locking cam lobes  105  pivot also and unlock the female cam-lock coupling. Between female-to-female NPT adapter  102  and female cam-lock coupling  103  is cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment shroud  110 . Further, cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment shroud  110  is slidably displaceable with respect to central conduit or pipe  101 . Cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment shroud  100  is comprised of two concentrically disposed open end cylinders  111  and  113 . First open end cylinder  111  is in intimate contact with the outer surface of central conduit or pipe  101  such that it is slidably displaceable along the entire length of central conduit or pipe  101  between female-to-female NPT threaded adapter  102  and female cam-lock coupling  103 . Second open end cylinder  113  is of a larger diameter than the first, and is concentrically disposed with respect to the first and affixed to it, preferably by truncate cone  112  such that second open end cylinder  113  extends beyond first open end cylinder  114  in the direction of female cam-lock coupling  103  so that when first open end cylinder  114  is slidably displaced towards female cam-lock coupling  103 , second open end cylinder  113  slides over and obscures female cam-lock coupling  103  and a portion of any male cam-lock coupler  120  and water system pipe  122  connected thereto. Second open end cylinder  113  further comprises two longitudinal slots  114  each with a closing (locking) beveled end  115  and opening (unlocking) beveled end  116  machined or otherwise formed in diametrically opposing sides of second open end cylinder  113  such that each locking handle  104  of female cam-lock coupling protrudes into one of longitudinal slots  114 . Opening (unlocking) beveled ends  116  are angled such that when cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment shroud  110  is pushed towards female cam-lock coupling  103  locking handles  104  are picked up and swung back and away, thus unlocking the female cam-lock coupling. Similarly, when cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment shroud  110  is slidably displaced away from female cam-lock coupling  103 , closing (locking) beveled ends  115  are angled such that they pull locking handles  104  back and swing them down thus locking the female cam-lock coupling. Cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment shroud  110  is slidably displaced along central conduit or pipe  100  by means of force transmitted via rigid rods  117  and pivots  118  to truncate cone  112 .  FIG. 1   a  and  FIG. 1   b  show cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment device  100  interconnected between connection pipe  123  and male cam-lock coupler  120  with water system pipe  122  such that locking handles  104  interoperating with locking cam lobes  105  are rotated such that locking cam lobes  105  lock into locking cam groove  121  machined or otherwise formed into the mating surface of male cam-lock coupler  120  and secure the assembly together. 
         [0022]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , the user has applied force by means of rigid rods  117  and pivots  118  to truncate cone  112  thus slidably displacing coupling actuator and containment shroud  110  towards the female cam-lock coupling  103 . By this means, opening (unlocking) beveled ends  116  of longitudinal slots  114  slide under locking handles  104  and swing them back and away thus rotating lock cam lobes  105  out of locking cam groove  121  and unlocking the female cam-lock coupling from male cam-lock coupler  120  and water system pipe  122  connected thereto. To reverse the process, the user applies a reverse force by means of rigid rods  117 , pivots  118 , and truncate cone  112  thus slidably displacing coupling actuator and containment shroud  110  away from female cam-lock coupling  103 . By this means, closing (locking) beveled ends  115  of longitudinal slots  114  slide over locking handles  104  and swing them down and towards female cam-lock coupling  103  thus rotating lock cam lobes  105  back into locking cam groove  121  and locking the female cam-lock coupling to male cam-lock coupler  120  and water system pipe  122  connected thereto. 
         [0023]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , remote cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment device  100  and any interconnected device or system attached to connection pipe  123  are then free to be decoupled from male cam-lock coupler  120  and water system pipe  122 . 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , a second embodiment of a remote cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment device  200  is disclosed. This second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in all respects except that cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment shroud  210  is slidably displaced along central conduit or pipe  200  by means of force generated by motor  224  and transmitted via rigid rods  217  and pivots  218  to truncate cone  212 . Motor  224  may be any of a number of well-known types including, but not limited to, an electric solenoid, a pneumatic actuator or a hydraulic actuator. Here, the user has actuated motor  224  to applied traction to rigid rods  217 , pivots  218 , and truncate cone  212  thus slidably displacing coupling actuator and containment shroud  210  away from female cam-lock coupling with female NPT threaded adapter  203 . By this means, closing (locking) beveled ends  215  of longitudinal slots  214  slide over locking handles  204  and swing them down and towards female cam-lock coupling with female NPT threaded adapter  203  thus rotating lock cam lobes  205  into locking cam groove  221  machined or otherwise formed in male cam-lock coupler  220 . This locks remote cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment device  200  and male cam-lock coupler  220  with attached water system pipe  222  together. 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b , the user has actuated motor  224  to applied force to rigid rods  217 , pivots  218 , and truncate cone  212  thus slidably displacing coupling actuator and containment shroud  210  towards the female cam-lock coupling with female NPT threaded adapter  203 . By this means, opening (unlocking) beveled ends  216  of longitudinal slots  214  slide under locking handles  204  and swing them back and away thus rotating lock cam lobes  205  out of locking cam groove  221  and unlocking remote cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment device  200  from male cam-lock coupler  220  and attached water system pipe  222 . 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , the first embodiment of the present invention is used to connect a flushing device  300  to a public water system. Here, flushing device  300  comprises solenoid activated valve  301 , discharge pipe  302 , and water diffuser  303 . Affixed to discharge pipe  302  near water diffuser  303 , are actuator handles  304 . Actuator handles  304  are connected to rigid rods  117 . In this example, female-to-female NPT threaded adapter  102  has been omitted and remote cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment device  100  directly connected to solenoid activated valve  301 . In “Step A” the user pulls actuator handles  304  upward thus causing a force to be transmitted via rigid rods  117  to cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment shroud  110 . Cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment shroud  110  is forced down as described supra and causes locking handles  104  to unlock female cam-lock coupling  103 . In “Step B” flushing device  300  with remote cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment device  100  affixed is lowered onto subterranean male cam-lock coupler  120  and affixed water system pipe  122 . In “Step C” the user pushes actuator handles  304  downward thus causing traction to be transmitted via rigid rods  117  to cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment shroud  110 . Cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment shroud  110  is forced up as described supra and causes locking handles  104  to lock female cam-lock coupling  103  onto male cam-lock coupler  120  and affixed water system pipe  122 . At some time in the future, these steps may be reversed and flushing device  300  with remote cam-lock coupling actuator and discharge containment device  100  may be removed from their subterranean location and easily accessed. 
         [0027]    While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in terms of an application wherein it is used to attach a flushing device to a public water system, it will be readily apparent that the present invention may be used to lock and unlock couplings associated with pipes carrying any of a variety of liquids or gaseous substances and that all such variations are included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.