CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING AIR HANDLER DRAIN LINE FLUSH AND SCENT INJECTOR
20220390133 · 2022-12-08
Inventors
Cpc classification
F24F13/222
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F24F11/89
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
Y02A50/20
GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
F24F11/30
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F24F2140/30
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F24F2221/225
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
International classification
F24F11/30
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
Abstract
Enhancements to an air handler of an air conditioning system. The enhancements can include a scent dispersion system, a heat exchanger rinse system, and/or an air handler condensation drain pipe flush system. The scent dispersion system employs a pressure differential established within the air handler to draw a scent mist from a scent reservoir. The scent is disbursed throughout the structure by the air conditioning ventilation system. The heat exchanger rinse system dispenses a rinse fluid onto the heat exchanger. A cleaning composition can be injected into the rinse fluid to aid in the cleaning process. The flush system automatically configures a check valve upstream of the flush injection point. A flush fluid flows through the drain pipe applying a pressure to dislodge a blockage therein. A chemical composition can be added into the flush fluid to assist in the dislodging process.
Claims
1. An air handler of an air conditioning system comprising: an air handler drain pipe providing fluid communication between a condensation collection tray of the air handler and a discharge end of the air handler drain pipe; the air handler drain pipe segmented into an upstream portion extending between the air handler and a condensation backflow check valve and a downstream portion extending between the condensation backflow check valve and the discharge end of the air handler drain pipe, the condensation backflow check valve comprising: a float activated check valve and switch enclosure, an actuator body slideably located within an interior of the float activated check valve and switch enclosure, an inlet flow control aperture and a discharge flow aperture formed proximate a first end of the actuator body formed proximate a second, opposite end of the actuator body, and a float element carried by the float activated check valve and switch actuator body; a backflow actuated switch; an automated air conditioning air handler condensation drain pipe flush system adapted to inject flush fluid into the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe, the automated air conditioning air handler condensation drain pipe flush system comprising: a flush fluid supply pipe providing fluid communication between a flush fluid supply source and the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe, an air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve adapted to control a flow of flush fluid between the flush fluid supply source and the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe, an air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit adapted to control operation of the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve; wherein the condensation backflow check valve enables flow of collected condensation between the upstream portion of the air handler drain pipe and the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe during normal operating conditions, wherein the condensation backflow check valve one of restricts flow or blocks flow between the upstream portion of the air handler drain pipe and the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe when draining flow stops resulting from the drain pipe blockage, wherein the float element is arranged to raise the actuator body when the drain pipe blockage blocks flow of collected air handler condensation through the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe and the actuator body actuates the backflow actuated switch when the float element reaches a predetermined position.
2. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 1, the inlet flow control aperture is located to align with a passageway of the upstream portion of the air handler drain pipe during normal operating conditions.
3. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 1, the actuator body further comprising a plurality of the inlet flow control apertures spatially arranged about a circumference of the actuator body.
4. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 1, wherein the float element is located within an interior of the float activated check valve and switch actuator body.
5. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 1, the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit further comprising a microprocessor, a digital memory in signal communication with the microprocessor, and a clocking circuit in signal communication with the microprocessor.
6. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 1, the air conditioning system further comprising a thermostat, the thermostat being adapted to control operation of the air conditioning system, wherein the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit is provided in signal communications with the thermostat.
7. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 1, the air handler drain pipe flush system further comprising a chemical composition injection system, the chemical composition injection system adapted to dispense a flush assisting chemical composition into the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe to aid the flush fluid in clearing the drain pipe blockage within the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe.
8. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 1, further comprising an air handler heat exchanger rinse system, the air handler heat exchanger rinse system comprising: a heat exchanger rinse fluid delivery conduit providing fluid communication between a rinse fluid source and at least one rinse fluid delivery component positioned to dispense rinse fluid onto an air handler heat exchanger of the air handler of the air conditioning system; a rinse supply flow control valve adapted to control a flow of rinse fluid between the rinse fluid source and the at least one rinse fluid delivery component; and an air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit adapted to control operation of the rinse supply flow control valve.
9. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 8, the air handler heat exchanger rinse system further comprising a rinse cleaning composition delivery system, the rinse cleaning composition delivery system adapted to introduce a volume of a chemical cleaning composition into the rinse fluid.
10. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 9, the chemical cleaning composition being at least one of: a disinfectant composition, an antibacterial composition, an antimicrobial composition, an antifungal composition, and a scented composition.
11. An air handler of an air conditioning system comprising: an air handler drain pipe providing fluid communication between a condensation collection tray of the air handler and a discharge end of the air handler drain pipe; the air handler drain pipe segmented into an upstream portion extending between the air handler and a condensation backflow check valve and a downstream portion extending between the condensation backflow check valve and the discharge end of the air handler drain pipe, the condensation backflow check valve comprising: a float activated check valve and switch enclosure, an actuator body slideably located within an interior of the float activated check valve and switch enclosure, an inlet flow control aperture and a discharge flow aperture formed proximate a first end of the actuator body formed proximate a second, opposite end of the actuator body, and a float element carried by the float activated check valve and switch actuator body; a backflow actuated switch; an automated air conditioning air handler condensation drain pipe flush system adapted to inject flush fluid into the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe, the automated air conditioning air handler condensation drain pipe flush system comprising: a flush fluid supply pipe providing fluid communication between a flush fluid supply source and the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe, an air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve arranged to control a flow of flush fluid between the flush fluid supply source and the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe, an air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit adapted to control operation of the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve; wherein the condensation backflow check valve enables flow of collected condensation between the upstream portion of the air handler drain pipe and the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe during normal operating conditions, wherein the float element is arranged to raise the actuator body when at least one of the collected condensation and the flush fluid collects within the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe, the raised float element positioning the actuator body to block flow between the upstream portion of the air handler drain pipe and the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe during at least one of the following conditions: (a) when draining flow stops resulting from the drain pipe blockage, and (b) when the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve is activated and flush fluid enters the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe.
12. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 11, the inlet flow control aperture is located to align with a passageway of the upstream portion of the air handler drain pipe during normal operating conditions.
13. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 11, the actuator body further comprising a plurality of the inlet flow control apertures spatially arranged about a circumference of the actuator body.
14. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 11, wherein the float element is located within an interior of the float activated check valve and switch actuator body.
15. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 11, the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit further comprising a microprocessor, a digital memory in signal communication with the microprocessor, and a clocking circuit in signal communication with the microprocessor.
16. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 11, the air conditioning system further comprising a thermostat, the thermostat being adapted to control operation of the air conditioning system, wherein the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit is provided in signal communications with the thermostat.
17. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 11, the air handler drain pipe flush system further comprising a chemical composition injection system, the chemical composition injection system adapted to dispense a flush assisting chemical composition into the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe to aid the flush fluid in clearing the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage within the downstream portion of the air handler drain pipe.
18. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 11, the air handler further comprising an air handler heat exchanger rinse system, the air handler heat exchanger rinse system comprising: a heat exchanger rinse fluid delivery conduit providing fluid communication between a rinse fluid source and at least one rinse fluid delivery component positioned to dispense rinse fluid onto an air handler heat exchanger of the air handler of the air conditioning system; a rinse supply flow control valve adapted to control a flow of rinse fluid between the rinse fluid source and the at least one rinse fluid delivery component; and an air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit adapted to control operation of the rinse supply flow control valve.
19. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 18, the air handler heat exchanger rinse system further comprising a rinse cleaning composition delivery system, the rinse cleaning composition delivery system adapted to introduce a volume of a chemical cleaning composition into the rinse fluid.
20. An air handler of the air conditioning system as recited in claim 19, the chemical cleaning composition being at least one of: a disinfectant composition, an antibacterial composition, an antimicrobial composition, an antifungal composition, and a scented composition.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0121] The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which:
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[0144] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0145] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular embodiments, features, or elements. Specific structural and functional details, dimensions, or shapes disclosed herein are not limiting but serve as a basis for the claims and for teaching a person of ordinary skill in the art the described and claimed features of embodiments of the present invention. The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims.
[0146] For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
[0147] A central air conditioning system 100 comprising a scent dispersion system 200 is illustrated in
[0148] The compressor assembly 130 includes a compressor 134 and a compressor fan 136 integrated into a compressor housing 132. The air conditioning air handler 110 includes an air handler fan 120 and a heat exchanger 122 integrated within an air handler housing 112. The air handler housing 112 is segmented into a low pressure section 116 and a high pressure section 118 by a pressure divider wall 114. The air handler fan 120 creates a pressure gradient between the low pressure section 116 and the high pressure section 118 as referenced.
[0149] The air conditioning system utilizes a refrigerant to provide a thermal adjustment to the ambient air. The refrigerant is supplied to the compressor assembly 130 by a refrigerant supply conduit 140, and then compressed by the compressor 134. As the refrigerant is compressed, the refrigerant increases in temperature in accordance with Boyle's law (alternately referred to as the Ideal Gas law). The compressor fan 136 cools the compressed refrigerant, preferably returning to an ambient temperature. The pressurized refrigerant is transferred to the air conditioning air handler 110 by a refrigerant return conduit 142. The refrigerant expands within the heat exchanger 122. As the refrigerant expands, the refrigerant cools in accordance with Boyle's law. Ambient air passes across the heat exchanger 122. The heat exchanger 122 conditions the air temperature to the desired temperature. The conditioned air is transferred through the facility by the air handler fan 120 and the air conditioning ducting 150. The air handler fan 120 creates the airflow and the air conditioning ducting 150 distributes the conditioned air.
[0150] A trunk ducting 152 transfers the conditioned air from the air conditioning air handler 110 to a branch ducting 154. A ducting transition 156 provides fluid communication between the trunk ducting 152 and the branch ducting 154. The branch ducting 154 is routed throughout the facility to distribute the conditioned air accordingly. The conditioned air is discharged from the branch ducting 154 through a plurality of vents 158.
[0151] A scent dispersion system 200 is integrated into the air conditioning air handler 110 of the central air conditioning system. The scent dispersion system 200 comprises a scent injection assembly 210, a pressure application conduit 230 and a scent injection conduit 236. The exemplary scent injection assembly 210 includes a scent reservoir 212 and an integrated scent injection body 216, wherein it is preferably that the scent reservoir 212 is removably attached to the integrated scent injection body 216 by any reasonable mechanical interface. The scent reservoir 212 can be fabricated of a translucent or transparent material allowing a service person to view and monitor the remaining volume of a scent generating liquid 260 disposed within the scent injection assembly 210. An exemplary interface utilizes a releasable reservoir coupling 214 comprising a threaded interface. The integrated scent injection body 216 includes an inlet coupler 220 for attachment to the pressure application conduit 230 (or other integrated pressurized component, such as a post valve pressure application conduit 234 as illustrated) and a discharge coupler 224 for attachment to the scent injection conduit 236. An inlet orifice 222 is provided through the inlet coupler 220 for transference of the pressurized airflow from the high pressure section 118 into the scent injection assembly 210. A discharge orifice 226 is provided through the discharge coupler 224 for transference of the scented airflow from the scent injection assembly 210 into the low pressure section 116 for mixing with the conditioned air.
[0152] The pressure application conduit 230 obtains pressure from the high pressure section 118, which generates an airflow therethrough. Pressure is applied across a pressure application orifice 232 provided at a first end of the pressure application conduit 230. The pressure generates a pressure airflow 250, which enters the pressure application orifice 232, passes through the pressure application conduit 230 and into the scent injection assembly 210 through an inlet orifice 222. The scent generating liquid 260 steadily vaporizes forming a scent generating vapor 262. The scent generating vapor 262 mixes into the passing airflow forming a scent injection airflow 252, where the scent injection airflow 252 exits the scent reservoir 212, passing through the discharge orifice 226. The scent injection airflow 252 continues traveling along the scent injection conduit 236, exiting through the scent injection orifice 238 to enter into the low pressure section 116 of the air conditioning air handler 110. The scented air mixture combines with the conditioned air to form a scented and conditioned air mixture 254, which is distributed throughout the facility.
[0153] An optional scent operation control valve 240 can be inserted into the system segmenting the pressure application conduit 230 into a shortened pressure application conduit 230 and a post valve pressure application conduit 234. The scent operation control valve 240 can be manually operated or automated. The automated control can be operated by a timer controlling circuit, a remote control, a user directed control, a scent management circuit, and the like. The scent management circuit can determine the quantity of scent remaining in the reservoir, the amount of scent residing within the atmosphere within the facility, and the like. Alternately, a scent dispersion flow valve control 228 can be integrated into the scent injection assembly 210 to limit the exposure of the scent generating liquid 260 to the pressure airflow 250. This can include activating and deactivating the scent dispersion system 200.
[0154] The vaporization process of the scent injection assembly 210 can be enhanced in any variety of scent enhancing apparatus. The scent enhancing apparatus accelerates a process of converting a scent generating liquid 260 into a scent generating vapor 262. A first exemplary scent enhancing apparatus utilizes a plurality of scent dispersing reeds 270 as illustrated in
[0155] A second exemplary scent enhancing apparatus utilizes an ultrasonic system to vaporize the scent generating liquid 260 as illustrated in
[0156] A third exemplary scent enhancing apparatus aerates the scent generating liquid 260. The aeration process can be provided by any known by those skilled in the art. A first exemplary aeration system 300 directs the pressure airflow 250 into the scent generating liquid 260 as illustrated in
[0157] A second exemplary aerator 400 utilizes a rotational assembly comprising at least one aerating blade assembly 460 for aerating the scent generating liquid 260 as illustrated in
[0158] Although the primary disclosure presents a scent dispersion system, it is understood that a disinfectant may be utilized ether in place of or in conjunction with the scent generating liquid 260.
[0159] The scent dispersion system 200 can be integrated into any air conditioning system, including automotive applications, trains, planes, and the like. The pressure application orifice 232 would be placed in an upstream region of a heat exchanger/air movement fan or blower and the scent injection orifice 238 would be placed in a position downward from the fan, drawing the scented air inward.
[0160] The air conditioning air handler 110 includes an air handler heat exchanger 122. Any dust, lint, debris; or other contamination; condensation build up; and the like upon the air handler heat exchanger 122 can affect the efficiency of the air conditioning system 100. A heat exchanger rinse system 500, introduced in
[0161] The air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 would preferably include a microprocessor 552, a non-volatile digital memory 554 in signal communication with the microprocessor 552, and a clocking circuit 556 in signal communication with the microprocessor 552. The microprocessor 552 would operate in accordance to an instruction set, wherein the instruction set would be resident on either the microprocessor 552 or the non-volatile digital memory 554. The clocking circuit 556 provides digital clocking or timing information to the microprocessor 552.
[0162] The air conditioning thermostat 180 would preferably include an air conditioning thermostat microprocessor 182, an air conditioning thermostat thermometer 184 in signal communication with the air conditioning thermostat microprocessor 182, and an air conditioning thermostat system controller 186 in signal communication with the air conditioning thermostat microprocessor 182 and the operating components of the air conditioning system 100. The air conditioning thermostat microprocessor 182 would operate in accordance to an instruction set, wherein the instruction set would be resident on either the air conditioning thermostat microprocessor 182 or a non-volatile digital memory device (not shown).
[0163] The air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 can be configured to receive signals from the air conditioning thermostat 180 and direct actions based upon the signals received from the air conditioning thermostat 180.
[0164] An optional rinse cleaning composition delivery system 530 can be integrated into the heat exchanger rinse system 500. The rinse cleaning composition delivery system 530 would preferably be configured to inject a chemical cleaning composition 536 into the rinse fluid during the rinsing cycle. The rinse cleaning composition delivery system 530 would be located along the heat exchanger rinse fluid delivery conduit 510 between the sourcing end of the heat exchanger rinse fluid delivery conduit 510 and the delivery end of the heat exchanger rinse fluid delivery conduit 510. In the exemplary configuration, the rinse cleaning composition delivery system 530 is located between the heat exchanger rinse supply flow control valve 520 and the delivery end of the heat exchanger rinse fluid delivery conduit 510.
[0165] The rinse cleaning composition delivery system 530 would include a rinse cleaning composition reservoir 532 for containing a volume of the chemical cleaning composition 536. Access to the rinse cleaning composition reservoir 532 can be provided by an aperture, wherein the aperture would be accessed and sealed by a rinse cleaning composition reservoir fill cap 534. A rinse cleaning composition supply valve 540 would be integrated between the rinse cleaning composition reservoir 532 and the heat exchanger rinse fluid delivery conduit 510, wherein the rinse cleaning composition supply valve 540 governs retention and delivery of the chemical cleaning composition 536 within and from, respectively, into the heat exchanger rinse system 500. The rinse cleaning composition supply valve 540 would be operated in accordance with a signal provided to a rinse cleaning composition supply valve actuator 542. A rinse cleaning composition supply valve coupling element 544, such as a piping T, can be included to place the rinse cleaning composition supply valve 540 in fluid communication with the heat exchanger rinse fluid delivery conduit 510.
[0166] An exemplary operation of the heat exchanger rinse system 500 is described in an air handler heat exchanger rinse process 1000 presented in
[0167] The air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 would be programmed to activate the system based upon any of a variety of conditions (decision step 1020). In one exemplary condition, the air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 would activate the system based upon a predetermined number of operating cycles of the air conditioning system 100. The cycles would be identified by a communication link between the air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 and the air conditioning thermostat 180. The air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 can be programmed to activate the system 500 after each cycle, after every other cycle, after any predetermined quantity of cycles, or randomly. In a second exemplary condition, the air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 would activate the system 500 based upon a predetermined time span, such as once a day, once every other day, once every predetermined number of days, once a week, once every two weeks, once a month, once every other month, randomly, or any other suitable setting. In a third exemplary condition, the air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 would activate the system 500 based upon a predetermined number of operating cycles of the air conditioning system 100 and based upon a predetermined time span, whichever is shorter or whichever is longer, all dependent upon the user's desired settings.
[0168] Upon activation of the heat exchanger rinse system 500, the air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 would transmit an actuation signal to the heat exchanger rinse supply flow control valve actuator 522 to actuate the heat exchanger rinse supply flow control valve 520. The heat exchanger rinse supply flow control valve 520 would move into an open state (step 1030), allowing flow of rinse fluid from a heat exchanger rinse fluid source 560 to a delivery end of the heat exchanger rinse fluid delivery conduit 510. The rinse fluid would be dispensed onto the air handler heat exchanger 122 through the at least one heat exchanger rinse fluid delivery component 512, referenced as a heat exchanger rinse application 562 (step 1036).
[0169] The heat exchanger rinse system 500 can include an optional rinse cleaning composition delivery system 530. The air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 can direct the rinse cleaning composition delivery system 530 to dispense and introduce a chemical cleaning composition 536 into the rinse fluid by actuating or opening the rinse cleaning composition supply valve 540 (step 1034). The air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 would transmit an actuation signal to the rinse cleaning composition supply valve actuator 542 to actuate the rinse cleaning composition supply valve 540. Operation of the rinse cleaning composition supply valve 540 can be determined by a programming of the air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550. In one example, operation of the rinse cleaning composition supply valve 540 can synchronized with the operation of the heat exchanger rinse supply flow control valve 520. The rinse cleaning composition supply valve 540 can be closed prior to the closure of the heat exchanger rinse supply flow control valve 520 enabling the rinse fluid to rinse off any of the applied chemical cleaning composition 536. In a second example, operation of the rinse cleaning composition supply valve 540 can based upon a cycle count of the operation of the heat exchanger rinse supply flow control valve 520. The cycle count can be each operation of the heat exchanger rinse supply flow control valve 520, every other operation of the heat exchanger rinse supply flow control valve 520, or every nth operation of the heat exchanger rinse supply flow control valve 520. Alternatively, operation of the rinse cleaning composition supply valve 540 can be based upon a predetermined time span, such as once a day, once every other day, once every predetermined number of days, once a week, once every two weeks, once a month, once every other month, randomly, or any other suitable setting. The rinse cleaning composition delivery system 530 can include a device to monitor the stored volume or inventory of the chemical cleaning composition 536. The air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 can include an indicator to identify when the volume or inventory of the chemical cleaning composition 536 reaches a predetermined level to inform a service person of a need to replenish the chemical cleaning composition 536 within the rinse cleaning composition reservoir 532. The chemical cleaning composition 536 can include a bleach based composition, an antibacterial element, an antifungal element, and the like.
[0170] The heat exchanger rinse system 500 would apply the rinse fluid (with or without the chemical cleaning composition 536) until the air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 determines the rinse cycle is complete (decision step 1040). This can be based upon a pre-established time period, a volume of applied rinse fluid, monitoring clarity of the rinse fluid discharged from the air handler heat exchanger 122, and the like. Once the air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 determines that the rinse cycle is complete (decision step 1040), the air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 de-actuates or closes the heat exchanger rinse supply flow control valve 520 and, when applicable, the rinse cleaning composition supply valve 540. The heat exchanger rinse application 562 would be collected in the condensation collection tray 168 located at the base of the air handler housing 112 and drain through the air handler drain pipe 162. During the rinse process, the air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 would direct the air conditioning thermostat 180 to maintain the air conditioning system 100 in an inactive state. Upon completion of the rinse process, the system returns the air conditioning system 100 to a standard operating mode.
[0171] Condensation generated during operation of the air conditioning air handler 110 is collected by a condensation collection element, such as a condensation collection tray 168. The collected condensation 801 (
[0172] The automated air handler drain pipe flush system 600 includes a float valve actuator assembly 700 inserted in fluid communication between the air handler drain pipe 162 and a series of piping sections forming a downstream portion of an air handler drain pipe 610, 612, 614, 616. A flush fluid supply system (including an air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve 760 which controls flow from a flush fluid supply source 850 of
[0173] In more detail, the float valve actuator assembly 700 includes a float assembly 730, 732, 734 configured to act as a valve (as shown) or actuate a valve (understood by description). The float assembly can include a float element 730, a float actuator column 732 extending radially or vertically upward from the float element 730, and a float actuator plate 734 adapted to engage with an operate a backflow actuated switch 740. A float valve seal 715 or in the illustrative example, a float valve ring seal 715 is supported by a float valve ring 714. The float valve ring 714 is a solid ring extending radially inward from an interior sidewall of the float valve actuator enclosure 710. A float valve ring seal 715 is formed circumscribing an interior circumference of the ring formed by the float valve ring 714. The float valve ring seal 715 and the float valve ring 714 are designed to create a fluid impervious seal when the float element 730 is seated against the float valve ring seal 715. A float valve lower control arm 716 and a float valve upper control arm 718 extend radially outward from the interior sidewall of the float valve actuator enclosure 710. A float valve lower control arm guide aperture 717 is formed through the float valve lower control arm 716. Similarly, a float valve upper control arm guide aperture 719 is formed through the float valve upper control arm 718. The float valve lower control arm guide aperture 717 and the float valve upper control arm guide aperture 719 are located to be in vertical registration with the float actuator column 732. It is preferred that the float valve lower control arm guide aperture 717, the float valve upper control arm guide aperture 719, and the float actuator column 732 be located centrally through an opening defined by the float valve ring seal 715. The float valve upper control arm 718 can be located above the air handler drain pipe 162, and provide a fluid impervious seal, protecting the backflow actuated switch 740 from contact with water.
[0174] A float body support member 712 can extend upward from a lower surface of the float valve actuator enclosure 710 (as shown) or radially inward from the interior sidewall of the float valve actuator enclosure 710. A float body support member contact surface 713 is formed about an upper surface of the float body support member 712, wherein the float body support member contact surface 713 is adapted to support the float element 730 during draining flow of collected condensation 801 from the air conditioning air handler 110, through the air handler drain pipe 162. The float body support member 712 would be designed to allow passage of the draining collected condensation 801 (provided from air handler condensation source flow 800) from the air handler drain pipe 162, through the float body support member 712 (air handler condensation float valve bypass flow 802) and to the air handler drain pipe 610.
[0175] During normal, unblocked flow, as illustrated in
[0176] The flush fluid supply pipe 770, 772 injects a flush fluid from a flush fluid supply line source 850 into the air handler drain pipe 610, 612, 614, 616. An air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve 760 is assembled between the upstream flush fluid supply pipe 770 and the downstream flush fluid supply pipe 772. The air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve 760 controls the flow of the flush fluid 841 from the flush fluid supply line source 850 into the air handler drain pipe 610, 612, 614, 616. An air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve operating element 762 of the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve 760 is toggled between a closed configuration and an open configuration by a signal provided from an air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 to an air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve controller 764.
[0177] The air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 controls the operation of the automated air handler drain pipe flush system 600. The air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 is similar to the air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550. The air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 includes a microprocessor 752, a non-volatile digital memory device 754 in digital signal communication with the microprocessor 752, and a clocking circuit 756 in digital signal communication with the microprocessor 752.
[0178] In one configuration, the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 can be in digital signal communication with the backflow actuated switch 740 to utilize the float valve actuator assembly 700 to determine when to utilize the automated air handler drain pipe flush system 600. The backflow actuated switch 740 can be mounted to a float switch mount 744 within the float valve actuator enclosure 710, or external to the float valve actuator enclosure 710, with the float switch actuator arm 742 being in operational engagement with the float actuator plate 734. The float element 730 would rise upward when an air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899 forms within the air handler drain pipe 610, 612, 614, 616. The draining collected condensation 801 would back up, lifting the float element 730. The lifted float element 730 would engage with and move the float switch actuator arm 742, which would actuate the backflow actuated switch 740, toggling an electrical state from a closed circuit to an open circuit or an open circuit to a closed circuit. The change in state of the switch is monitored by the microprocessor 552 of the air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550. The air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 would act accordingly.
[0179] In a second configuration, the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 can be in digital signal communication with the air handler float switch assembly 170 to determine when to utilize the automated air handler drain pipe flush system 600. The air handler float switch assembly 170 comprises a float element 172 and a float operated switch 174. The float element 172 controls a state of the float operated switch 174. The float element 172 of the air handler float switch assembly 170 would rise as condensation is collected on the condensation collection tray 168 located at the base of the air conditioning air handler 110 and lower when collected condensation 801 is discharged from the condensation collection tray 168. The electrical state provided by the float operated switch 174 within the air handler float switch assembly 170 would toggle from a closed circuit to an open circuit or an open circuit to a closed circuit. The change in state of the float operated switch 174 is monitored by the microprocessor 552 of the air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550. The air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 would act accordingly. In another configuration, the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 can be in digital signal communication with the air conditioning thermostat 180 to utilize cycles of the air conditioning system 100 to determine when to cycle the automated air handler drain pipe flush system 600. In this configuration, the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 would operate in a manner similar to the way the air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 550 operates as described above.
[0180] In one example, the air handler float switch assembly 170 can be a RULE-A-MATIC® Bilge Pump Float Switch manufactured by RULE®. A second example is a float located within a substantially vertically oriented tube, such as a SAFE-T-SWITCH® manufactured by Rectorseal Corp.
[0181] An example of a method of operation of the automated air handler drain pipe flush system 600 is illustrated in
[0182] The automated air handler drain pipe flush system 600 is shown having an air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899 blocking any flow of draining collected condensation 801 in
[0183] The blocked flow (identified by an air handler condensation drain discharge flow stoppage 810, air handler condensation float valve bypass flow stoppage 812, air handler condensation pre-J trap drain flow stoppage 814, and the air handler condensation J trap drain flow stoppage 816) would collect the draining collected condensation 801 in the air handler drain pipe 610, 612, 614 upstream of the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899, as illustrated in
[0184] The collecting draining condensation 801 would raise the float element 730. The rising float element 730 would contact the float switch actuator arm 742 and actuate the float operated switch 740, toggling the associated electrical switch therein. The toggled electrical state of the float operated switch 740 would signal the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 to activate the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve controller 764. The activated air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve controller 764 would rotate the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve operating element 762 from a closed configuration (
[0185] Once the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve 760 is actuated and placed into an open configuration (
[0186] The air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 can cycle the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve 760 to determine if the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899 has been dislodged. In a condition where flow from the flush supply line source flow 840 ceases and the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899 remains, the entrapped volume of flush fluid 841 would retain the float element 730 in a sealed state, retaining the electrical state of the float operated switch 740. Alternatively, in a condition where flow from the flush supply line source flow 840 ceases and the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899 is substantially dislodged, the entrapped volume of flush fluid 841 would flow outward from the downstream drain pipe section 616, removing the floating support of the float element 730, toggling the electrical state of the float operated switch 740. The air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 would monitor the state of the float operated switch 740 to determine if the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899 has been dislodged. If the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899 has not been dislodged, the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 would re-actuate the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve 760, opening the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve operating element 762 to repeat the flush cycle. If the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899 has been dislodged, the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 would return to a blockage monitoring state.
[0187] The automated air handler drain pipe flush system 600 can optionally include a chemical composition injection system 900, as illustrated in
[0188] An exemplary operation of the automated air handler drain pipe flush system 600 is outlined in a lair conditioning system 100 presented in
[0189] Upon an indication of an air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899, the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 would send a signal to the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve controller 764 to actuate the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve 760, causing the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve operating element 762 to toggle from a closed configuration (
[0190] When available, the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 would actuate the chemical composition injection flow control valve 960 (step 1134), dispensing a volume of flush assisting chemical composition 950 to combine with the flush fluid 841 to aid in dislodging and clearing the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899. The air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 can control the dispensing of the flush assisting chemical composition 950 over the entire flush cycle (step 1136), a portion of the flush cycle, over a predetermined time, to dispense a predetermined volume of flush assisting chemical composition 950, and the like. In a preferred operation, the chemical composition injection flow control valve 960 would dispense the flush assisting chemical composition 950 during an initial portion of a flush cycle and cease dispensing during a latter portion of the flush cycle, enabling the flush fluid 841 to rinse any residual flush aiding chemical composition from the air handler drain pipe 610, 612, 614, 616.
[0191] The flow of the flush fluid 841 would apply a pressure against the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899 to clear the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899 from the air handler drain pipe 610, 612, 614, 616 (step 1136), as shown in
[0192] An alternative operation of the automated air handler drain pipe flush system 600, referenced as an air handler drain clog flush process 1102, is presented in
[0193] In one exemplary condition, the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 would activate the system based upon a predetermined number of operating cycles of the air conditioning system 100. The cycles would be identified by a communication link between the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 and the air conditioning thermostat 180. The air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 can be programmed to activate the system 600 after each cycle, after every other cycle, after any predetermined quantity of cycles, or randomly. In a second exemplary condition, the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 would activate the system 600 based upon a predetermined time span, such as once a day, once every other day, once every predetermined number of days, once a week, once every two weeks, once a month, once every other month, randomly, or any other suitable setting. In a third exemplary condition, the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 would activate the system 600 based upon a predetermined number of operating cycles of the air conditioning system 100 and based upon a predetermined time span, whichever is shorter or whichever is longer, all dependent upon the user's desired settings.
[0194] The float valve actuator assembly 700 presents a first exemplary float valve actuator assembly. An alternative float valve actuator assembly is identified by reference numeral 1200 and illustration in
[0195] The float activated check valve and switch assembly 1200 includes a float activated check valve and switch enclosure 1210, which includes a first coupler for connecting to the air handler drain pipe 162 and a float switch discharge coupler 1228 for coupling to the upstream drain connection pipe section 610. An enclosure discharge aperture 1216 is provided through a section of the float activated check valve and switch enclosure 1210, the enclosure discharge aperture 1216 being in registration with the float switch discharge coupler 1228, for passing the collected condensation from air handler 801 into the upstream drain connection pipe section 610 and remaining portions of the condensation drain pipe assembly.
[0196] A float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1220 is slideably assembled within an interior of the float activated check valve and switch enclosure 1210. The float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1220 includes a tubular sidewall extending between an actuator body switch control surface 1234 and an opposite lower end.
[0197] A actuator body inlet flow control aperture 1222 is formed through the float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1220 and located in registration with the flow portion for the air handler drain pipe 162 enabling intake of the air handler condensation source flow 800 from the air handler 110 when the float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1220 is located in an open flow position. An actuator body discharge flow aperture 1226 is formed through the lower end of the float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1220 and located in registration with the enclosure discharge aperture 1216 enabling the air handler condensation float valve bypass flow 802 (
[0198] The float activated check valve and switch assembly 1200 is designed where the float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1220 slideably moves within the interior of the float activated check valve and switch enclosure 1210 between a free flow position and a stopped flow position. The float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1220 can include a feature to deter rotation about a central, vertical axis. For example, a cross sectional shape of the tubular sidewall of the float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1220 can be non-circular in shape. In another arrangement, a tongue and groove combination can be employed between an interior surface of the float activated check valve and switch enclosure 1210 and an exterior surface of the float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1220, wherein the tongue and groove retain an orientation of the float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1220 respective to the float activated check valve and switch enclosure 1210. Alternatively, the actuator body inlet flow control aperture 1222 can be designed to substantially circumscribe the sidewall of the float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1220, as illustrated in
[0199] A float element 1230 is internally carried by the float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1220. The float element 1230 can be fabricated of any buoyant material or arrangement, such as foam, entrapped air within an enclosed hollow body, or any other suitable buoyant material or arrangement. The float element 1230 is located within the interior of the float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1220 where the float element 1230 would raise the float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1220 in a condition where the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899 is formed within the condensation drain piping, such as shown in
[0200] Function of the float activated check valve and switch assembly 1200 is presented in
[0201] This flow continues until an air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899, as illustrated in
[0202] Upon activation of the float operated switch 1240, the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 toggles the configuration of the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve 760, allowing flush supply line upstream flow 842 to flow into the condensation drain plumbing, where the flush supply line downstream flow 843 passes through the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve 760. Since the flush supply line source flow 840 can only flow towards the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899, the flow of the flush supply line source flow 840 continues, becoming the flush post “J” trap drain flow 848. Pressure provided by the flush post “J” trap drain flow 848 dislodges the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899, causing the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899 to preferably break up and drives the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899 out from the condensation drain plumbing, exiting the drain pipe distal end 618, as illustrated in
[0203] The air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 can include instructions for a process of pulsing the flow through the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve 760 by alternating the state of the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve 760. This would allow the collected fluid (both the collected condensation and the flush fluid) within the condensation drain plumbing to discharge in a condition where the air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899 is removed from the condensation drain plumbing or at least no longer restricting flow through the condensation drain plumbing.
[0204] Alternatively, the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 can be programmed to operate in accordance with any schedule, such as those described above. When using a schedule, the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 would operate the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve 760. In a condition where the condensation drain plumbing is clear, the flush fluid 850 would flow down the condensation drain plumbing. If the flush fluid 850 flows towards the air handler 110, the flow of the flush fluid 850 would create a buoyancy, raising the float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1220, and sealing flow from entering the air handler drain pipe 162. The air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 750 would be programmed to deactivate the air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve 760 after a period of time or a reduction in a pressure. The fluid within the condensation drain plumbing would drain, removing the buoyancy and returning the float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1220 to a flow pass through arrangement.
[0205] The arrangement presented in
[0206] Although the disclosure defines several optional methods of operation, it is understood that any suitable method known by those skilled in the art can be employed to contribute to the heat exchanger rinse system 500 and/or automated air handler drain pipe flush system 600. For example, a flow meter can be placed at a drain pipe distal end 618 of the downstream drain pipe section 616 to determine if an air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 899 is present within the air handler drain pipe 610, 612, 614, 616. The float valve actuator assembly 700 can be replaced by a float switch activating an electrically operated valve or a check valve.
[0207] In one exemplary enhancement, the rinse additive provided by the rinse cleaning composition delivery system 530 can be scented, where the scent would then be disseminated through the air conditioning ducting 150.
[0208] In another exemplary configuration, the heat exchanger rinse system 500, the automated air handler drain pipe flush system 600, and/or the scent dispersion system 200 can be integrated into the same air conditioning air handler 110. The rinse fluid and the flush fluid 841 can be supplied from the same source or different sources. The heat exchanger rinse system 500 and the automated air handler drain pipe flush system 600 can be programmed to operate in conjunction with one another or independent of one another.
[0209] The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations, combinations, modifications or equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all the embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
TABLE-US-00001 Element Descriptions Ref. No. Description 100 central air conditioning system 110 air conditioning air handler 112 air handler housing 114 pressure divider wall 116 low pressure section 118 high pressure section 120 air handler fan 122 heat exchanger 130 compressor assembly 132 compressor housing 134 compressor 136 compressor fan 140 refrigerant supply conduit 142 refrigerant return conduit 150 air conditioning ducting 152 trunk ducting 154 branch ducting 156 ducting transition 158 vent 160 air handler drain pipe connector 162 air handler drain pipe 168 condensation collection tray 170 air handler float switch assembly 172 float element for the air handler float switch assembly 174 float operated switch for the air handler float switch assembly 180 air conditioning thermostat 182 air conditioning thermostat microprocessor 184 air conditioning thermostat thermometer 186 air conditioning thermostat system controller 200 scent dispersion system 210 scent injection assembly 212 scent reservoir 214 releasable reservoir coupling 216 integrated scent injection body 220 inlet coupler 222 inlet orifice 224 discharge coupler 226 discharge orifice 228 scent dispersion flow valve control 230 pressure application conduit 232 pressure application orifice 234 post valve pressure application conduit 236 scent injection conduit 238 scent injection orifice 240 scent operation control valve 250 pressure airflow 252 scent injection airflow 254 scented and conditioned air mixture 260 scent generating liquid 262 scent generating vapor 264 generated scented air bubbles 270 scent dispersing reed 272 reed seating recession 280 ultrasonic system controller 282 ultrasonic scent disbursement head 284 electrical interface 286 fluid conduit 288 vaporized scent 300 aerator 310 aerating conduit 312 aerating conduit lower apex 320 backflow prevention device 322 aerator discharge port 340 scent injection assembly upper check valve 342 scent injection assembly lower check valve 400 aerator 410 aerating conduit 440 scent injection assembly upper check valve 450 aerator shaft 452 lower shaft bearing 454 upper shaft bearing 460 aerating blade assembly 462 drive blade assembly 500 heat exchanger rinse system 510 heat exchanger rinse fluid delivery conduit 512 heat exchanger rinse fluid delivery component 520 heat exchanger rinse supply flow control valve 522 heat exchanger rinse supply flow control valve actuator 530 rinse cleaning composition delivery system 532 rinse cleaning composition reservoir 534 rinse cleaning composition reservoir fill cap 536 chemical cleaning composition 540 rinse cleaning composition supply valve 542 rinse cleaning composition supply valve actuator 544 rinse cleaning composition supply valve coupling element 550 air handler heat exchanger rinse system controller circuit 552 microprocessor 554 non-volatile digital memory 556 clocking circuit 560 heat exchanger rinse fluid source 562 heat exchanger rinse application 600 automated air handler drain pipe flush system 610 upstream drain connection pipe section 612 downstream drain connection pipe section 614 J trap drain pipe section ″ 616 downstream drain pipe section 618 drain pipe distal end 700 float valve actuator assembly 710 float valve actuator enclosure 712 float body support member 713 float body support member contact surface 714 float valve ring 715 float valve ring seal 716 float valve lower control arm 717 float valve lower control arm guide aperture 718 float valve upper control arm 719 float valve upper control arm guide aperture 728 float switch discharge coupler 730 float element 732 float actuator column 734 float actuator plate 740 float actuated switch 742 float switch actuator arm 744 float switch mount 750 air handler drain pipe flush supply flow controller circuit 752 microprocessor 754 non-volatile digital memory device 756 clocking circuit 760 air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve 762 air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve operating element 764 air handler drain pipe flush supply flow control valve controller 770 upstream flush fluid supply pipe 772 downstream flush fluid supply pipe 774 flush fluid supply system connecting adapter 800 air handler condensation source flow 801 collected condensation from air handler 802 air handler condensation float valve bypass flow 804 air handler condensation pre-J trap drain flow 806 air handler condensation J trap drain flow 808 air handler condensation post J trap drain flow 809 air handler condensation drain discharge flow 810 air handler condensation drain discharge flow stoppage 812 air handler condensation float valve bypass flow stoppage 814 air handler condensation pre-J trap drain flow stoppage 816 air handler condensation J trap drain flow stoppage 820 air handler flush valve drain flow return 830 air handler flush valve drain flow return stoppage 840 flush supply line source flow 841 flush fluid 842 flush supply line upstream flow 843 flush supply line downstream flow 844 flush pre-J trap drain flow 845 flush valve actuating flow 846 flush J trap drain flow 848 flush post J trap drain flow 850 flush fluid supply line source 852 blocked flush fluid supply line source 899 air handler condensation drain pipe blockage 900 chemical composition injection system 910 chemical composition container 912 chemical composition container lid 950 flush assisting chemical composition 960 chemical composition injection flow control valve 962 chemical composition injection flow control valve operating element 964 chemical composition injection flow control valve controller 974 chemical composition injection system coupling T 1000 air handler heat exchanger rinse process 1010 cycle air conditioner step 1020 air conditioning cycle count or time criteria decision step 1030 actuate rinse valve step 1034 optional actuate chemical injection valve step 1036 rinse heat exchanger step 1040 rinse cycle complete decision step 1050 close rinse and optional chemical valve step 1100 air handler drain clog flush process 1110 run air conditioner step 1120 air handler drain line blocked decision step 1130 actuate flush valve step 1132 close float valve step 1134 optional actuate chemical injection valve step 1136 flush air handler drain line step 1140 drain blockage cleared decision step 1150 close flush and optional chemical valve step 1102 air handler drain clog flush process 1200 float activated check valve and switch assembly 1210 float activated check valve and switch enclosure 1216 enclosure discharge aperture 1220 float activated check valve and switch actuator body 1222 actuator body inlet flow control aperture 1224 float element backing formation 1225 float element backing formation flow passage aperture 1226 actuator body discharge flow aperture 1228 float switch discharge coupler 1230 float element 1231 float element flow passage aperture 1234 actuator body switch control surface 1240 float operated switch 1242 float switch actuator arm 1244 float switch mount