Abstract:
The instant invention describes a device and system for dispensing microbial solutions into a wastewater treatment environment. The device contains one or more removable modules that provides the user with the capability of quickly and easily removing one or more of the modules without the need for replacing or removing the entire unit. The modules are preferably designed to hold bags filled with a microbial solution. The bags are fluidly connected to a pump which dispenses the solution to a predetermined location.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), 120, 121, and/or 365(c) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/585,288, entitled “A Modular Smart Biofeeding Device”, filed Jan. 11, 2012. The contents of which the above referenced application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to wastewater treatment; and more particularly to a modular device and system for dispensing biological materials within a wastewater system environment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Removal and treatment of wastewater is a major task for local governments. In the early 20th century, municipalities began to adopt biological methods that now form the basis by which wastewater treatment plants function. Microorganisms act to catalyze the oxidation of biodegradable organics and other contaminants generating innocuous by-products such as carbon dioxide, water and biomass (sludge). In these systems, bacteria grow and divide, producing biosolids and clean water effluent. Today, this metabolism occurs in wastewater treatment plants which have the limits of size, retention time, processing capacity, and municipal budgets. 
     Technology exists, such as that described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,578,211 and 5,788,841 and commercialized by In-Pipe Technology Company, Inc. (Wheaton, Ill.) to effectively enhance the fundamental wastewater treatment process by starting treatment at strategic locations throughout the sewer collection system. Miles of sewer pipe are transferred into an active part of the wastewater treatment process, optimizing the entire infrastructure. This improves operating economics without additional capital expenditure. Since it uses natural, biological methods that work with the treatment plant&#39;s own processes, such technology is an environmentally and economically sound sustainable solution. However, maintaining bacteria concentrations at proper levels is a significant cost associated with systems employing the &#39;211 and &#39;841 patents. 
     Thus, what is needed in the art is a device that dispenses biological solutions into a wastewater treatment environment which reduces overall costs associated with delivery of the microbial agents into the system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The instant invention describes a device and system for dispensing biological solutions into a wastewater treatment system containing a biological dispensing unit located within the wastewater environment, such as a sewer system, remote programming devices, and a main control device located remotely from the dispensing unit. The dispensing unit device contains one or more removable modules that provide the user with the capability of quickly and easily removing biological solutions stored within, without the need for replacing or removing the entire unit. The modules are preferably designed to hold bags filled with biological, i.e. microbial, solutions. The bags are fluidly connected to at least one material delivery unit which includes a pump to dispense the solution to a predetermined location through one or more tubing. 
     Accordingly, it is a primary objective of the instant invention to provide a modular smart device and system for dispensing biological solutions into a wastewater treatment environment. 
     It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a system using a modular smart device for dispensing biological solutions into a wastewater treatment environment. 
     It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a modular smart biofeeder device and system which can be controlled remotely. 
     It is a still further objective of the instant invention to provide a modular smart biofeeder device and system which operates with wireless technology. 
     It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a modular smart biofeeder device and system which minimizes costs associated with supplying a bacterial solution to a particular environment. 
     Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the modular smart biofeeder device in accordance with the instant invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the modular smart biofeeder device in accordance with the instant invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the modular smart biofeeder device in accordance with the instant invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the modular smart biofeeder device in accordance with the instant invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the modular smart biofeeder device in accordance with the instant invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the main unit of the modular smart biofeeder device illustrated in  FIG. 1  with the modules removed; 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the main unit of the modular smart biofeeder device with the modules removed; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of the main unit of the modular smart biofeeder device with the modules removed; 
         FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of the main unit of the modular smart biofeeder device with the modules removed; 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of a module; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the second module; 
         FIG. 12  is a left side perspective view of the second module shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a right side perspective view of the second module shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom perspective view of the second module shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of the second module shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom view of the second module shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the module with a bio-solution bag stored within; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the module with a plurality of batteries stored within; 
         FIG. 19  is a partial view of the bottom of the base, illustrating the attachment of a dispensing bar; 
         FIG. 20  is a front perspective view of the biofeeder device with an illustrative embodiment of an attachment structure; 
         FIG. 21  is a rear perspective view of an attachment structure shown in  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the biofeeder device with an alternative embodiment of the attachment structure; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates the attachment structure shown in  FIG. 22  prior to attachment to a manhole; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates the attachment structure shown in  FIG. 23  being extended, just prior to attachment to the manhole; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates the extended attachment structure shown in  FIG. 24  being placed over the manhole; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates the attachment structure shown in  FIG. 25  being attached to the manhole; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates removal of one of the modules; and 
         FIG. 28  is a block diagram illustrating the components of the system in accordance with the instant invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, an illustrative example of a modular smart biofeeder device  10  is illustrated. The biofeeder device  10  comprises a main dispensing unit  12  and one or more removable modules  14  and  16 . While the biofeeder device  10  is described as having two removable modules, additional modules may be utilized as well. The main dispensing unit  12  comprises a vertical support structure  18  and a base  20 . The support structure  18  and the base  20  are preferably integrally constructed as a single unit, but may be constructed as individual units connected or secured together using techniques known in the art. The one or more removable modules  14  and  16  are constructed and arranged to be securable to the support structure  18  and the base  20 . Each module is preferably made of a durable plastic material. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6-9 , the biofeeder device  10  is illustrated with the removable modules  14  and  16  detached from the main dispensing unit  12 . The support structure  18  is shown having a generally rectangular shape; however, such shape is not intended to be limiting as the support structure  18  can take on other shapes without departing from the spirit of the invention. The top end  22  of the support structure  18  forms the top end of the main dispensing unit  12 . The base  20 , which is attached to the bottom of the support structure  18 , forms the bottom end  24  of the main dispensing unit  12 . The base  20  contains a partially cylindrical portion  26  and a planer portion  28 , see  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The interior surface  30  of the support structure  18  is generally planer and allows for a portion of the modules  14  and  16  to abut and rest flush with the support structure  18 . The interior surface  30  contains a first module securing member  32 , illustrated herein as a partially cylindrical structure  34 . The partially cylindrical structure  34  contains a first end  36  and a second end  38 . The first end  36  contains opening  40  which exposes an interior cavity  42  therein. The second end  38  is closed and rests on the upper surface  44  of the base  20  at or near where the support structure  18  intersects with the base portion  20 . The length and width of the partially cylindrical structure  34  is preferably sized and shaped to accommodate a portion of the removable module  14  or  16  to prevent lateral, or side-to-side, movement of the modules away from or off the main unit  12 . 
     Positioned on the upper surface  44  of the base  20  is a second module securing member, illustrated herein as cylindrically shaped plug members  46  and  48 . Each of the plug members  46  and  48  is constructed and arranged to provide secured mating with a portion of the removable modules  14  and  16 . The plug members  46  and  48  may be solid, or alternatively may contain an opening  50  which exposes an internal cavity. The plug members  46  and  48  may contain a rimmed or lipped outer surface  52  to provide a friction or snap fit connection to secure the removable module  14  or  16  to the base  20 , thereby preventing both lateral movement and horizontal movement. The rimmed or lipped outer surface  52  is constructed and arranged to prevent the modules from upward and/or side-to-side movement while allowing the modules to be detached under a sufficient predetermined force. 
     The back surface  54  of the main dispensing unit  12  contains opening  56  which exposes an interior compartment  58 . The interior compartment  58  is constructed and arranged to hold a variety of hardware to provide the device with fluid dispensing functionality.  FIG. 28  is a diagrammatic representation of the system in accordance with the instant invention showing several components of a preferred embodiment of the hardware contained within the interior compartment  58 . A pump  60  for dispensing microbial solutions to a wastewater environment  62  is controlled and operated by a control unit, such as a microcomputer  64  or printed circuit board. The control unit is constructed and arranged to operatively control the functioning of the device. For example, the control unit can be programmed to deliver predetermined concentrations of a biological solution at a predetermined rate. Additionally, the control unit may contain or be coupled to a programmable clock for dispensing of the type of bacterial solution and or concentrations based on predetermined factors including, but not limited to, time of year, month, or week, diurnal cycles, or seasonal changes. The control unit may also be adapted to dispense microbial loads based on the type of wastewater generated in the wastewater system. The pump  60  is fluidly connected to a solution supply  66  located outside of the interior compartment  58  (preferably within the removable module  14  through a tubing  68  and dispensed to the wastewater environment  62  through a second tubing  70 . The microcomputer  64  and the pump  60  are powered by a power source  73 . Preferably, the power source is located outside of the interior compartment  58 , such as but not limited to, within the module  16 . In this configuration, the device utilizes independent compartments which can be removed and replaced without the need for disrupting other components of the device, such as the other module  14 . Each of the components located in the interior compartment  58  is accessible through a door panel  72 , see  FIG. 3 . The door panel is hingedly connected to the back surface  54  through hinges  74  and  76  to allow the user easy and quick access to the interior compartment  58 . Maintaining the door panel  72  in a closed position protects the internal components from the external environment. The door panel  72  may be secured to the base portion  20  through a securing member  78 , such as a locking clasp or other securing means known to one of skill in the art. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10-16 , the removable modules  14  and  16  are shown. Both of the removable modules  14  and  16  are preferably constructed and arranged in the same way. Accordingly, only the removable module  14  is described in detail. However, each of the elements described for removable module  14  is applicable to the removable module  16 . The removable module  14  contains a first end  80 , a second end  82 , and a main body  84  extending there between, see  FIG. 11 . The front surface  88  is partially rounded and arranged to face away from the interior surface  30  of the main dispensing unit  12 . Two generally planar interior surfaces  90  and  92 , see  FIGS. 12 and 15 , converge along the longitudinal axis  94  ( FIG. 13 ) to form the module&#39;s back surface. Surface  90  is constructed and arranged to align with or contact a portion of the interior surface  30  of the main dispensing unit  12 . Surface  92  is constructed and arranged to align with and/or contact a corresponding interior surface of the adjacent removable module  16 . Preferably aligned with or extending from the longitudinal axis  94  is a finger-like protrusion  96  constructed and arranged to be coupleable to the first removable module securing member  32 . To secure the removable module  14  to the main dispensing unit  12 , the finger-like extension  96  is inserted into the opening  40  of the first end  36  of the cylindrical structure  34  and into the interior cavity  42 . The curved portion  100  of the removable module  14 , see  FIG. 12 , is designed to align with the curvature  102  ( FIG. 7 ) along the first end  36  of the cylindrical structure  34 . The length and width of the partially cylindrical structure  34  is preferably sized and shaped to accommodate a portion of the removable module  14  or  16  to prevent lateral movement away from or off the main unit  12 . Once inserted within, all or a portion of the first removable module securing member  32  is located within a cut out portion  104  ( FIG. 14 ) positioned within the back surface of the removable module  14 . 
     The main body  84  of the removable module  14  contains at least one internal compartment  106 , see  FIG. 14  or  FIG. 17 , which is constructed and arranged to hold one or more objects. Preferably, the internal compartment  106  contains a bag  108 , similar to a plastic medical style intravenous bag, which contains a solution  110 , such as a microbial solution of one or more bacteria species, to be dispensed, see  FIG. 17 . The at least one internal compartment  106  may contain a window, made of glass, or clear plastic, positioned on the internal surface  90  or  92  to provide visualization of the contents within. Alternatively, no window or viewing mechanisms is provided. While the preferred embodiment includes the use of a bio-solution bag, the solution  110  may be directly placed within the internal compartment  106  without the use of a bag. The bag  108  may be inserted or removed through the use of a panel door (not shown) or through the use of a removable top or bottom portion (not shown) so that the user can unscrew or pop off the top to place the bio-solution bag  108  within the interior. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates the removable module  16  containing a power source. The power source, illustrated herein as a plurality of batteries  112 , is stored within the internal compartment  106 . The removable module may be constructed such that the power source is rechargeable, whereby plugging the unit into an electrical outlet may recharge the batteries or provide the necessary power to run the unit. Moreover, attaching the module  16  to the base unit  20  provides electrical connection to power one or all of the hardware. Alternatively, the batteries  112  may be disposable batteries. A hinged panel  114  secures the batteries within the internal compartment  106  and provides a mechanism for easy access. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 16 , the bottom surface  118  of the removable module  14  contains a module securing member receiving element  120 . The module securing member receiving element  120 , illustrated herein as a circular receptacle containing an opening  122  is sized and shaped to receive plug members  46  or  48 . The module securing member receiving element  120  may be stepped to provide a better securing means. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 15 , the top surface  124  of the removable module  14  contains a retrieving or gripping member, illustrated herein as a handle  126 . The retrieving member may contain one or more openings  128  to allow a device to be inserted within and secured there to. In addition to the retrieving member  126  of the removable modules  14  or  16 , the main dispensing unit  12  also contains a retrieving or griping member, or handle  126  placed at the upper end, see  FIG. 1 , to allow for handling and placement of the biofeeder  10  to an area. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 5 and 19 , the base  20  contains a dispensing bar  130  attached to the surface  132  through a securing means, such as but not limited to a screw  134 . The dispensing bar  130  is sized and shaped to receive and hold the dispensing tube or drip line  70  which is fluidly connected to the pump  60 . A cut out portion  136  allows the dispensing tube  70 , which is extendable through the cut out portion  136 , see  FIG. 19 , to be placed within the dispensing bar  130 . The opening  136  preferably contains a mechanism to prevent liquids from entering or exiting, such as a stopper  138 , a membrane (not illustrated), or other means known to one of skill in the art. 
     By providing individual modules  14  or  16 , the biofeeder device  10  is designed to be placed within a particular environment and remain in place over an extended period of time. When the contents of the modules have been depleted, the user retrieves the module from the main unit  12 , removes its content, and replaces it with new materials. The module is then secured to the main unit  12 . This is accomplished without the need to remove the entire device  10 . As an illustrated example, the biofeeder  10  is placed in a wastewater environment, such as a sewer pipe where its primary function is to dispense fluid, i.e. a biological solution, preferably a bacteria solution having one or more strains of bacteria, to the pipes, thereby providing a bacteria flora that helps increase the efficiency of the wastewater treatment plant and extend the life of existing infrastructure. The biofeeder  10  is designed to attach to existing structures within any environment. In the sewer pipes, the biofeeder device  10  may contain a securing bracket  140 , see  FIGS. 20 and 21 , attached to the back surface  54  of the main dispensing unit  12 . 
     The bracket  140  contains a first end  142  constructed and arranged to contain a first mechanism  144 , illustrated as a generally u-shaped member, for attaching or hooking onto an existing structure within the environment, such as but not limited to a ladder rung  146 . Such ladder rungs are typically located within sewers and are used to provide city workers a means of accessing the sewer system. A second end  148  contains a second mechanism  150 , illustrated as a generally u-shaped member (the u-shape formed in the opposite direction as the first mechanism  144 ) for attaching or hooking onto adjacent or other ladder rungs  152 . The second mechanism  150  is preferably spring loaded so that it may move in an upward direction, see arrow  154 , or downward direction depending on the distance between adjacent ladder rungs in order to connect to ladder rungs that are not uniformly spaced apart. 
     Alternatively, the biofeeder  10  may be secured to the opening  155  of a sewer system manhole  156 , see  FIGS. 22-26 . A crossbar  158  is placed into position so that each of the bars  160 ,  162 ,  164 , and  166  rests within the manhole  156 . Each of the bars contain an extender bar  168  which is slidably movable within a channel  170  in order to extend the length of each bar to fit variously sized manholes. An overhang portion  172  located at the end of the extender bar  168  rests on the surface  173  of the manhole  156  to provide secure attachment. One or more securing members, illustrated herein as cables  174 , are attached to one or more portions of the crossbar  158  at one end and to one or more portions of the biofeeder device  10  at a second end. The cable  174  may be attachable to the biofeeder  10  through the handles  126  or O-rings, hooks, or eyelets  176  positioned at various places on the biofeeder  10  and/or crossbar  158 . In this manner, the biofeeder device  10  is secured to the manhole  156  and hangs down into the sewer system. 
     Regardless of the mechanism of attachment to the sewer system, the biofeeder device  10  functions primarily to dispense predetermined amounts of the bacteria solution into a precise location within the sewer pipe at predetermined times. The bacteria solution  110  placed in the bag  108  and stored in the removable module  14  is fluidly connected to the pump  60  through tubing  68 , see  FIG. 28 , and dispersed out using the tubing  70 . The pump  60  is controlled by the on board microcomputer  64  which may also include an AVR microcontroller from Atmel Corporation. The solution  110  is preferably dispensed at a designated rate and at designated times. For example, the biofeeder device  10  may operate on diurnal cycles, having circuitry and a time clock to deliver various amounts of the microbe solution based on pre-determined factors, such as historical loads, time frames when wastewater generation is high/low, time periods within a 24 hour period, or seasonal time periods. Dispensing of the solution  110  can be programmed on board or remotely using a remote unit  178  having a receiver  180  and/or transmitter  182  to send information through a wireless link such as Bluetooth or cellular phone communication technology to a receiving and/or transmitting device  184  in communication with the microcomputer  64 . Alternatively, the biofeeder device  10  can be adapted to use radio Frequency (RFID) or Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. In this manner, the biofeeder device  10  can communicate with an independent devices located externally or may be designed to communicate to one or more units placed within the wastewater system. A pressure sensor  186  may be connected to tube  68  (connected to fluid bag  66 ) to detect the weight of the solution as well as variations in pressure when the fluid is pumping. Using static pressure, the amount of fluid remaining in the bag can be detected and monitored. During dispense cycles, predetermined variations in pressure indicate that the pump  60  is working correctly. The pump  60  may include status indicators, green light  188  or red light  190 , to visually indicate the pump&#39;s working status. Low levels of fluid can be relayed to the microcomputer  64  and sent wirelesses to the remote unit  178 . The remote unit  178  is designed to be in communication with a main control computer  192  through wirelesses technology (main computer may have a transmitting/receiving device  194 ) or hardwired through the use of a USB port  196  and cable  198 . The main control computer  192  maintains a database containing the locations of all the biofeeder devices  10  in a system, including its dispensing profiles as well as real time information. In this manner, all the biofeeder devices  10  can be monitored remotely so that when the fluid levels in the bags are depleted or there is a malfunction, individual units can be serviced. 
     The biofeeder device  10  is preferably powered using rechargeable batteries generating 12V to drive the pump  60 . The battery voltage is monitored by an A/D input on the microcomputer  64 . Battery level indicators are included to visually indicate if proper charge on the battery remains. Real time monitoring of the battery life can be kept through the use of a RTCIC. If the battery or the biological solution must be replaced, the user retrieves the removable module  14  or  16  from the base  20  by inserting a retrieving device  200 , illustrated herein as a hook, see  FIG. 27 , within openings  128  of handle  126 , and lifting in an upward direction. The batteries or fluid is replaced and the modules  14  or  16  are lowered back into the correct, secured position onto the base  20 . In an alternative embodiment, the biofeeder  10  may contain one or more solar panels  202  which can be used to generate or be operatively connected to one or more components of the biofeeder device  10  to supply electricity to the device. As an illustrative example, the biofeeder device  10  would receive sunlight form one or more manholes within the wastewater system that are made of materials that allow sunlight to pass there through. 
     The present invention also contemplates the use of a plurality of biofeeder dispensing units within a wastewater treatment system to provide for a system for dispensing biological solutions into a wastewater system. Each of the biofeeder unit  10  may be in communication with one or more independently functioning biofeeder units within the system, as well as with one or more main computers which function to monitor and provide instructions for the entire system. By placing a plurality of biofeeder devices  10  within the system, a large area of the wastewater system can be controllably dispensed with one or more types of microbes or bacterial solutions. For example, one biofeeder device  10  may contain a bacterial solution having a single bacterial species. A second biofeeder device  10  within the system may have a bacterial solution with different species. For example, the system may include 5 biofeeder units  10  having Bacillus concentrations at high and low concentrations, 3 biofeeder units that dispense heavy grease bugs (HGB) to remove fats, oils, grease (FOG) concentration, and two biofeeder units  10  in specific locations dispensing different consortium of microbes for heavy load problems. Such system allows for delivery of microbes to different areas of the system based on residential, commercial, or industrial loading. 
     All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
     It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
     One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.