METHOD FOR UTILIZING A PHOSPHORESCENT SKID TO TRACK THE LOCATION OF A SEWAGE HOSE THROUGH DARK SEWAGE PIPES

Abstract

A method for tracking the location of a sewage hose. A sewage main line hose is connected to a sewage truck. A leader hose is connected to the end of the main line hose. A phosphorescent skid is connected to the leader hose. A nozzle is connected to the end of the phosphorescent skid. The nozzle, leader hose, main hose and phosphorescent skid are moved through the sewage line. The glow of the phosphorescent skid is observable through the dark sewage line. The location of the main line hose and the nozzle can be easily determined after observing the glow from the phosphorescent skid. In a preferred embodiment the phosphorescent skid utilizes europium phosphorescent powder for its phosphorescent properties.

Claims

1. A method for tracking the location of a sewage hose, comprising the steps of: A. obtaining a main line hose, B. connecting said main line hose to a truck, said main hose distal end, C. connecting a leader hose to said main line hose distal end, said leader hose having a known length, D. connecting a phosphorescent skid to said leader hose, E. connecting a nozzle to said phosphorescent skid, F. moving said nozzle, said leader hose, said main hose and said phosphorescent skid through a sewage line, G. observing said the glow of said phosphorescent skid in said sewage line, and H. calculating the location of said main line hose and said nozzle after said step of observing said glow.

2. The method as in claim 1, wherein safety is increased for workers in dark sewer due to said step of observing said glow.

3. The method as in claim 1, wherein said phosphorescent skid coated in a medium infused with europium phosphorescent.

4. The method as in claim 1, wherein said skid comprises a skid base surrounded by a plurality of skid fins.

5. The method as in claim 4, wherein said skid base is a phosphorescent skid base.

6. The method as in claim 5, wherein said plurality of skid fins is non-phosphorescent.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a preferred phosphorescent skid base.

[0013] FIGS. 2-4 show preferred phosphorescent skids.

[0014] FIGS. 5-6 show prior art skids.

[0015] FIGS. 7-8 show the utilization of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a clear medium (for example: epoxy, polyurethane, clear paint, or rubber) is infused with a phosphorescent material. Preferably, the phosphorescent material is europium phosphorescent powder. A phosphorescent medium is then created.

[0017] Skid base 1 (FIG. 1) is then coated in the phosphorescent medium. Skid base 1 will glow after being exposed to light for a period of time. Preferably, the light source utilized for charging skid base 1 is an ultraviolet (UV) light source. For example, a UV light source can fully charge skid base 1 in 10 minutes. Skid base 1 can also be charged by sunlight, a flashlight, and a light source that gives off UV rays. Given the proper mixing ratios the glow from skid base 1 can last up to 30 hours without ever needing to recharge. The glow will begin with an extremely bright glow depending on the mixing ratios and then to a moderate glow slowly diminishing over time.

Examples

[0018] FIG. 2 shows skid base 1 coated in a medium infused with europium phosphorescent. Skid base 1 is surrounded by skid fins 2.

[0019] FIGS. 3 and 4 shows skid 4. Skid 4 includes skid base 1 surrounded by skid fins 3. Skid base 1 is coated in a medium infused with europium phosphorescent.

Utilization of Phosphorescent Skid

[0020] FIG. 7 shows main line hose 200 inserted into sewer 300. Leader hose 100 is connected to the distal end of main line hose 200 as shown. Skid 4 is threaded onto leader hose 100 and nozzle 500 is threaded onto skid 4. As explained above, skid 4 is phosphorescent. This allows a worker walking through sewer 300 to realize when he is approaching the end of the hose. Skid 4 emits a long-lasting light that can last up to approximately 30 hours. Therefore, a worker will not need to rely on a flashlight to know when he is approaching the end of the hose.

[0021] In FIG. 8 a worker is positioned at the top of manhole 400. The distance from top of manhole 400 to sewer line 300 is approximately 30 feet. The worker can easily see the glow of phosphorescent skid 4 from the top of manhole 400. By viewing the presence of skid 4, the worker has a very good understanding the position of main line hose 200 and nozzle 500 as main line hose 200 is being pulled through sewer line 300.

[0022] Although the above-preferred embodiments have been described with specificity, persons skilled in this art will recognize that many changes to the specific embodiments disclosed above could be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the attached claims and their legal equivalents should determine the scope of the invention.