Patent Publication Number: US-8110096-B1

Title: Septic system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Non-provisional Application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/323,958, filed 14 Apr. 2010, titled “Septic System,” which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present application relates generally to fluid systems and, more particularly, to septic systems. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Septic systems are well known in the art for disposing waste material found in gray water, black water, sewage, and the like and are typically used in rural residential areas where city sewage systems are unavailable. Septic systems include one or more tanks for storing and treating liquid waste. After treatment, the effluent is leached from the septic system and deposited in the soil surrounding the septic system. Under ideal conditions the septic systems effectively remove odors, waste material, and harmful bacteria from the liquid waste. It should be understood that the effectiveness of the process varies considerably upon different factors, including the capacity of the system in relation to the number of persons utilizing the facilities serviced by the septic tank and the type of waste matter entering into the septic system. 
     Enzymes and/or other organisms are typically added to the liquid waste, which in turn effectively disposes of the waste material. Commercial enzymes, such as RID-EX, effectively decompose the waste matter in the liquid waste. It should be understood that merely adding enzymes will not result in the full decomposition of the waste material. For example, some enzymes have the tendency to settle to the bottom of the tank, never reaching the floating waste material. In addition, some septic systems do not provide sufficient time for the enzymes to dispose of the waste material. 
     Although great strides have been made in septic systems, considerable shortcomings remain. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a septic system according to the preferred embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the septic system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of an aeration subsystem of the septic system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of an injector section of the aeration subsystem of  FIG. 3 ; and 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of an injection cone of the injector section of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the aeration subsystem of the septic system of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart illustrating the method of diagnosis according to preferred embodiment. 
     
    
    
     While the system and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the system and method are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The septic system of the present application overcomes common disadvantages associated with conventional septic systems. The septic system of the present application comprises one or more aeration subsystems adapted for exciting enzymes added to the liquid waste. The aeration subsystem greatly reduces waste material by the process of breaking apart the molecular bonds of the enzymes, and then, injecting oxygen into the liquid waste material. The dual process results in an enzyme feeding frenzy. 
     The septic system of the present application will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the septic system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments may be specifically illustrated in the drawings. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1  in the drawings, a side view of septic system  101  according to the preferred embodiment is shown. Septic system  101  is utilized to store, treat, and dispose of liquid waste such as gray water, black water, and sewage from a residential building. However, it should be appreciated that the features of septic system  101  could easily be incorporated in any application for disposing of liquid waste, i.e., a cattle pond wherein cow manure is frequently deposited, feed lots, portable waste systems for disposing of pet waste material, and/or waste systems. It will be appreciated that the features of septic system  101  could easily be adapted to retrofit existing septic systems. 
     Septic system  101  comprises one or more of a tank  103  adapted to store and treat liquid waste  105  entering from a residential building (not shown), an aeration subsystem  107  being positioned in tank  103  for providing oxygen to liquid waste  105  disposed therein, and a driver subsystem  109  for driving aeration subsystem  107 . 
     Septic system  101  is preferably a gravity pulled system, wherein liquid waste  105  travels through system  101  via the earth&#39;s gravitational pull. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, tank  103  is positioned underground, below the residential fluid reservoirs, i.e., the household sink, dishwasher, shower, toilet, and the like. The household fluid reservoirs are in fluid communication with conduit  111 , which is adapted for channeling liquid waste  105  to a cavity  113 . Liquid waste  105  enters cavity  113  via conduit  111  and exits via a conduit  115 . While in cavity  113 , liquid waste  105  is stored and preferably treated with enzymes or other similar types of organisms or material adapted to dispose of waste material. Liquid waste  105  eventually exits cavity  113  via conduit  115  when a predetermined fluid capacity in tank  103  is reached. Thereafter, effluent is leached to an area surrounding septic system  101 , i.e., to the lawn. It should be appreciated that alternative embodiments of septic system  101  could include a tank positioned aboveground in lieu of the preferred embodiment; however, this type of embodiment would likely require additional driver subsystems, i.e., pumps, for channeling the waste water through the septic system. In addition, it will be appreciated that system  101  could be adapted as a portable system. For example, in an alternative embodiment, system  101  could be adapted to mounting on a truck and/or other mobile apparatus, thus allowing system  101  to effectively dispose of waste in multiple locations. 
     Tank  103  is preferably a 275 gallon tank manufactured with an impermeable material, i.e., plastic, that allows sunlight or other forms of light to travel therethrough. It has been discovered that sunlight further increases the effectiveness of the treatment process due to sunlight exciting the enzymes, which in turn causes the enzymes to effectively decompose the waste material. Tank  103  is preferable supported underground with a concrete material  117  approximately 3 inches thick. Material  117  is used to support the bottom and sides of tank  103 . A top surface  119  of tank  103  remains exposed to receive sunlight. Of course, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments could include septic tanks having different storage capacities, composed of different materials, and supported with different types of support structures in lieu of the preferred embodiment. For example, a septic system for a commercial or industrial application would require a larger tank and could be supported with a metal support structure in lieu of the preferred embodiment. In addition, an alternative embodiment could include septic tanks manufactured with fiberglass, metal, and/or other suitable materials in lieu of the preferred embodiment. 
     Tank  103  is further provided with a lid  121  that enables a user to access cavity  113 . For example, a user can open lid  121  to visually inspect aeration subsystem  107  or add additional enzymes to liquid waste  105 . An optional sun bonnet  123  is provided and placed over lid  121 . Sun bonnet  123  serves to protect lid  121  and increases the aesthetic appearance of the septic system. Sun bonnet  123  is preferably composed of a transparent or translucent material, i.e., a form of plastic material, which allows sunlight to pass therethrough.  FIG. 1  illustrates bonnet  123  covering lid  121  and a small surrounding area; however, it should be appreciated that bonnet  123  could be adapted to cover the entire top surface area  119 . 
     Aeration subsystem  107  is preferably utilized to excite enzymes in waste water  105  and, thereafter, providing oxygen to the enzymes. This process has been shown to cause a feeding frenzy between the enzymes and the waste material. It should be appreciated that alternative embodiments of aeration subsystem  107  could include a less sophisticated subsystem by merely injecting oxygen into liquid waste  105  in lieu of preferred process. It will be appreciated that oxygenation systems adapted to provide merely oxygen, could be utilized in lieu of or in addition to aeration subsystem  107  in alternative embodiments. 
     Aeration subsystem  107  is adapted to circulate liquid waste  105  in cavity  113  such that the enzymes are constantly being circulated from aeration subsystem  107  to the waste material  125  floating on the surface of liquid waste  105 . In the preferred embodiment, aeration subsystem  107  is positioned at a depth below waste material  125 . It should be understood that waste material  125  is typically less dense than liquid waste  105 , thus having a tendency to float near the surface of liquid waste  105 . Placing aeration subsystem  107  below waste material  125  increases the overall effectiveness of circulating liquid waste  105  due to less waste material  125  clogging the components of aeration subsystem  107 . It should be appreciated that alternative embodiments could include an aeration subsystem adapted for receiving waste material  125 , i.e., a subsystem that shreds waste material  125  into smaller pieces while also providing oxygen to the liquid waste (see  FIG. 6 ). The particular features of aeration subsystem  107  are further illustrated and discussed in below with reference to  FIGS. 3-5 . 
     Septic system  101  further comprises an air subsystem  127  in gas communication with aeration subsystem  107 . Air subsystem  127  includes an air pump  129  adapted to channel air through tubing  131  and tubing  133 . Tubing  131  channels air to aeration subsystem  107 , while tubing  133  channels air to liquid waste  105  near conduit  115 . Tubing  131  and tubing  133  are preferably composed of a metal material, i.e., copper tubing; however, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments could include other types of tubing such as rubber tubing in lieu of the preferred embodiment. 
     In the preferred embodiment, air subsystem  127  is further provided a container  134  for storing enzymes. Container  134  is in fluid communication with conduit  133  and is adapted for providing a determined amount of enzymes in the stream of air channeled through conduit  133 . 
     An optional baffle  135  is utilized for separating waste material  125  from conduit  115 .  FIG. 1  illustrates baffle  135  attached to the top interior surface of cavity  113  and extending to a position in liquid waste  105  below the depth of waste material  125 . Baffle  135  could be composed of a permeable material such as a perforated plate for allowing liquid waste  105  to pass therethrough. In the preferred embodiment, tubing  133  is positioned near the entrance of conduit  115  and has one or more ports (not shown) for providing air passage. The pressurized air leaving tubing  133  moves any waste material  125  away from the entrance of conduit  115 . The entrance of conduit  115  is covered with an optional screen  137  for keeping waste material  125  from entering into conduit  115 . The combination of providing a baffle, a conduit with pressurized air, and a screen effectively reduces the amount of waste material  125  entering in conduit  115 . 
     Driver subsystem  109  preferably comprises one or more of a motor  139 , a shaft  313  (see  FIG. 3 ), and a mast  141 . Motor  139  is adapted to rest securely on a cylindrical sleeve  143 . Sleeve  143  extends through top surface  119  and provides access to cavity  113 . In the preferred embodiment, sleeve  143  is sufficiently sized such that a user can conveniently remove mast  141  and aeration subsystem  107  through sleeve  143 . This accommodates situations when the aeration subsystem needs to be removed from cavity  113 , i.e., for maintenance. 
     Motor  139  is attached to a flange  145 , which in turn couples to a flange  147  attached to sleeve  143 . When assembled, flange  145  rests on flange  147  and is secured with one or more bolts. Flange  145  and flange  147  create a fluid seal such that liquid waste  105  cannot escape cavity  113  through sleeve  143 . In the preferred embodiment, air subsystem  129  also utilizes sleeve  143  for allowing tubing  131  and tubing  133  access to cavity  113 . It should be appreciated that alternative embodiments could include passages through surface  119  and/or lid  121  for allowing tubing  131  and tubing  133  access to cavity  113 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, driver subsystem  109  utilizes an electric motor conductively coupled to an electrical power source (not shown); however, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments could include different devices to drive driver subsystem  109 . For example, in rural areas where electrical means are limited, a bike can be modified to drive aeration subsystem  107 . In this embodiment, the back wheel of the stationary bike can be modified to rotate a flywheel or similar device for driving aeration subsystem  107 . 
     Septic system  101  is further provided with an optional control subsystem  149  comprising one or more of a control box  151 , a sensor  153 , and two conductors  155 . Conductors  155  are conductively coupled between control box  151 , motor  139 , and sensor  153 . In the preferred embodiment, sensor  153  is positioned in conduit  111  and adapted for detecting the flow of liquid waste  105  channeled therethrough. Upon sensing the flow of liquid waste  105 , sensor  153  relays a signal to control box  151 , which in turn activates motor  139  that drives aeration subsystem  107  for a predetermined time. It should be appreciated that control box  151  comprises circuitry, microprocessors, memory devices, sensors, switches, and other electronic components necessary to run and operate aeration subsystem  107 . In addition, it should be appreciated that control box  151  can be manually controlled via a switch  157  designated to activate and deactivate driver subsystem  109 . Alternative embodiments could also include a sensor being positioned at different locations, i.e., within cavity  113 , in lieu of the preferred embodiment. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 2  in the drawings, an alternative embodiment of septic system  101  is illustrated. In this embodiment, septic system  101  is further provided with an additional septic system  201 , which is adapted to further treat liquid waste  105  before the effluent is leached into an area surrounding the septic system. It should be appreciated that the features discussed above with respect to septic system  101  may be incorporated in septic system  201 . 
     Septic system  201  comprises one or more of a tank  203  and an air subsystem  205 . Treated liquid waste  105  leaving septic system  101  is channeled to an inner cavity  207 . Therein, liquid waste  105  is stored and treated before exiting through a conduit  209 . Like septic system  101 , tank  203  is preferable positioned underground and supported with a concrete material  211 . An optional sun bonnet  213  is provided to cover a top surface  215  of tank  203 . Sun bonnet  213  is manufactured with a material that allows sunlight to pass therethrough. 
     Air subsystem  205  includes an air pump  217  and a conduit  219 . Conduit  219  preferably passes through a wall  221  supporting sun bonnet  213 . Conduit  219  is in communication with liquid waste  105 . The added oxygen further excites the enzymes disposed in liquid waste  105 , thereby decomposing any remaining waste material  125  channeled from septic system  101 . It should be appreciated that conduit  219  could couple to pump  129 , resulting in only one air pump utilized between the two septic systems. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that air pump  217  could be operably associated with control system  149 , such that pump  217  is activated concurrently with aeration subsystem  107 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 3  in the drawings, a side view of aeration subsystem  107  is illustrated. Aeration subsystem  107  preferably includes a compressor section  301  and an injector section  303 . In the preferred embodiment, injector section  303  is threadedly coupled to compressor section  301  (see  FIG. 4 ); however, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments could include different attachment means, i.e., a quick-release device, in lieu of the preferred embodiment. During operation, liquid waste  105  enters compressor section  301 , where liquid waste  105  is compressed, and thereafter, channeled to injector section  303 , where the compressed liquid waste  105  is injected with oxygen. The application of adding pressure and oxygen to the liquid waste  105  has been found to be effective in exciting the enzymes, resulting in a feeding frenzy, wherein the enzymes actively decompose waste material  125 . 
     Compressor section  301  includes a casing  305  having an inner cavity  307  for housing a compressor  309 . In the preferred embodiment, compressor  309  creates sufficient pressure to break apart the enzymes&#39; molecular bonds. Compressor  309  preferably includes two or more intermeshing gears  311  driven by shaft  313  rotatably coupled to motor  139 . It should be appreciated that alternative embodiments could include other devices, i.e, actuators, piston, impellers, and the like for compressing liquid waste  105 . Alternative compressor sections could also be adapted with a compressor or similar device that merely directs liquid waste  105  from compressor section  301  to injector sector  303  without breaking apart the enzymes&#39; molecular bonds. 
     Casing  305  includes an opening  315  that provides access for liquid waste  105  to enter cavity  307 . In the preferred embodiment, opening  315  is covered with a screen  317  for preventing waste material  125  from entering into cavity  307 . An optional conduit  319  channels compressed liquid waste  105  from cavity  307  to opening  315  for blowing clogged waste matter  125  off screen  317 . 
     Injector section  303  is adapted for injecting oxygen in the compressed liquid waste  105  from compressor section  301 . Injector section  303  preferably includes a conduit  321 , a connector  323 , and a nozzle  325 . Connector  323  passes through conduit  321  and connects tubing  131  to nozzle  325 . During operation, air from pump  129  channels through tubing  131 , through connector  323 , and is injected into liquid waste  105  via nozzle  325 . Nozzle  325  is manufactured with one or more selectively positioned ports  327  for injecting air into the stream of liquid waste  105  passing through injector section  303 . In the preferred embodiment, nozzle  325  is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal centerline B of conduit  321 . Further illustration and discussion of injector section  303  is provided below with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
     Aeration subsystem  107  is securely held within cavity  113  via mast  141 . Mast  141  has an interior cavity  331 , which houses shaft  313 . Mast  141  includes a flange  329  adapted to securely fasten to a flange  333  attached to casing  305 . When assembled, flange  329  is secured to flange  333  with one or more bolts. Flange  329  and flange  333  create a fluid seal such that liquid waste  105  from compressor section  301  does not escape into cavity  331 . A channel  335  extends through flange  329  and flange  333  for allowing shaft  313  to snugly pass therethrough. 
     A bearing system  337  is utilized for retaining shaft  313  coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis C of mast  141 . Bearing system  337  is disposed within cavity  331  and comprises one or more of a support member  339 , a load bearing  341 , and a stop collar  343 . Support  339  is rigidly fastened to the inner wall of mast  141  with a fastening means  345 , i.e., a bolt the screws through mast  141  and partially through support  339 . When assembled, load bearing  341  and collar  343  rests on support  339 . Collar  343  is provided with an attachment means  347  for coupling with a hole  349  extending inwardly in shaft  313 . A channel  351  extends through bearing system  337  for allowing shaft  313  to snugly pass therethrough. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 4  in the drawings, a side view of an injector section  401  is illustrated. Injector section  401  is substantially similar in function to injector section  303 , wherein injector section  401  couples to compressor section  301  and is adapted for injecting oxygen from air subsystem  127  into liquid waste  105 . Injector section  401  preferably includes a member  403 , a conduit  405 , and a nozzle  407 . 
     Member  403  is preferably welded to casing  305 , thereby providing sufficient joining strength between the two components for resisting forces exerted by the pressurized liquid waste  105  exiting compressor section  301 . However, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments could include different attachment means for coupling member  403  to casing  305 . For example, both member  403  and casing  305  could include threaded ends such that member  403  is able to screw on casing  305 . Member  403  is preferably manufactured with a channel  409 , an injection cone  411 , and threaded ends  413 . 
     Nozzle  407  preferably comprises five equally spaced ports: a port  415  located near the entrance of cone  411 ; a port  417  located within cone  411 ; a port  419  located at the exit  420  of cone  411 ; a port  421  located in channel  409 ; and a port  423  located in conduit  405 . This configuration increases the efficiency of mixing oxygen with the enzymes. Liquid waste  105  is sped up, slowed down, expanded and contracted within injector section  401 , thereby creating a turbulent flow of liquid waste  105  which is ideal for injecting and mixing oxygen with the enzymes. In the preferred embodiment, each port is oriented at an angle with respect to each other, preferably around 60 degrees offset from each other. Also, it is preferred that an additional port (not shown) is positioned directly opposite to port  419 . Of course, it should be understood that different embodiments could include a nozzle having more or less ports, ports that do not align at different angles with respect to each other, and ports that are selectively positioned at different locations within injector section  401 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 5  in the drawings, a side view of injection cone  411  is illustrated. Injection cone  411  increases the speed, pressure, and heat of liquid waste  105  leaving compressor section  301 , thereby further exciting the enzymes. Injection cone  411  is preferably manufactured with a conical geometric shape, wherein cone  411  has a diameter D 2  of approximately 0.98 inches at the entrance, a diameter D 3  of approximately ⅝ inches at the exit, and a length L 1  of approximately ⅝ inches. 
     In the preferred embodiment, injection cone  411  has a surface  501  that linearly tapers down from D 2  to D 3 . However, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments could include a surface  501  having various surface profiles, including convex, concave, elliptical, and the like in lieu of the preferred embodiment. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7  in the drawings, a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the aeration subsystem is shown. Aeration subsystem  701  is substantially similar in function to aeration subsystem  107  described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 . It should be appreciated that the features of aeration subsystem  701  could easily be incorporated in the septic systems described above, and likewise, the features of the septic systems described above could be incorporated in aeration subsystem  701 . 
     Aeration subsystem  701  comprises one or more of a compressor section  703  and an injector section  705 , both being substantially similar in function to compressor section  301  and injector section  303 , respectively. In particular, compressor section  703  is adapted to compress liquid waste  105  passing therethrough, while injector section  303  is adapted to injected oxygen into the compressed liquid waste  105 . 
     Compressor section  703  comprises one or more intermeshing gears  707  and  709  adapted to compresses liquid waste  105  and the enzymes disposed therein. In the preferred embodiment, gears  707  and  709  causes sufficient pressure to break apart the molecular structure of the enzymes. Gears  707  and  709  creates a negative pressure, which in turn causes liquid waste  105  to channel through a first port  711  and enter a cavity  713  of housing  715 . Thereafter, the compressed liquid waste  105  is channeled through a second port  717  of housing  715  and injected with oxygen via injector subsystem  705 . 
     Shaft  313  is utilized to drive compressor section  703  and a rotating blade  719 . It should be appreciated that aeration subsystem  701  could be adapted with an optional transmission (not shown) adapted to vary the rotational speeds of the gears and the blade. Blade  719  effectively chops and shreds liquid waste  105  passing through port  711 . In the preferred embodiment, blade  719  is a single straight strip of metal having relatively no contouring. However, it will be appreciated that alternative blade embodiments could include multiple strips of material, either metal or other suitable materials, with or without contouring. In the exemplary embodiment, blade  719  extends over the entire entrance of port  711 ; however, alternative embodiments could be blades that extend partially over the entrance of port  711 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7  in the drawings, a flow chart  701  illustrating the preferred method of the present application is shown. Box  703  depicts the first step, which includes the process of providing a tank and an aeration subsystem positioned therein. Liquid waste enters the tank as depicted in box  705 . Thereafter, enzymes are added to the liquid waste as depicted in box  707 . The liquid waste is chopped with a blade as depicted in box  709 . Finally, the liquid waste is compressed and aerated as depicted in boxes  711  and  713 . 
     It is apparent that a system and method with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.