Conductive fluid leak detection system & automatic shut off valve

• US 20030066340A1
• Filed: 09/16/2002
• Published: 04/10/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/09/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Brian Edward Hassenflug
• Original Assignee: Brian Edward Hassenflug
• Inventors: Hassenflug, Brian Edward
• Granted Patent: US 7,032,435 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/46
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/28 by drag-force, e.g. vane type or impact flowmeter
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/045 with electrical detection means
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/184 for valves
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 13/0033 with electrical coupling to the indicating device

Abstract

A flood control device and system which controls conductive fluid(s) in a conductive fluid supply line and or path, using the conductivity of said fluid(s). The conductive fluid system comprises; a conductive fluid supply line, in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve, in-line conductive fluid detector, conductive fluid sensor(s) (attached in or to conductive fluid dependent appliances), a D.C. powered central processing unit, and control panel. The conductive fluid flows through said conductive fluid line, said in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve, intern reaching said in-line conductive fluid detector which detects the flow of conductive fluid, thereby sending data to said central processing unit. When said central processing unit receives said data, said central processing unit delays for a predetermined amount of time (example 3 seconds) waiting to receive data from one or more of said conductive fluid sensor(s). If said central processing unit doesn'"'"'t receive said data from said conductive fluid sensor(s) within said predetermined, said central processing unit will automatically send data to said in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve, to close, therefore terminating the forward flow of conductive fluid(s). System also includes audible signal(s) to signal an alarm condition, timing mode(s) for water conservation and monitoring in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve movements, a phone notifier for notifying user of said termination of conduct fluid due to a conductive fluid leak detection, and for (user-set) excessive water usage, means for communicating with said central processing unit by way of telephonic communication (to close or re-open said in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve), a battery back up system, and means of operating by way of manual means.

Claims

1. An improvement on a apparatus for managing and or interrupting forward fluid flow through a fluid supply path or system, using the conductivity of the fluid and the fluid supply line, said system comprising;

A conductive fluid supply line such as cooper or galvanized steel, for sending and receiving data to and from a central processing unit, in-line conductive fluid flow shut-off valve structured and disposed for the manual or automated shut-off of the forward conductive fluid flow in said conductive fluid supply path or system and for sending and receiving data to and from a central processing unit, a in-line conductive fluid flow detector structured and disposed for monitoring said conductive fluid flow through said conductive fluid supply path and for outputting data to said central processing unit, conductive fluid sensor(s) located on or in every conductive fluid dependent appliance and or connection(s) structured and disposed for sending and receiving said data to and from said central processing unit sensing the presence and or flow of said conductive fluids at said conductive fluid dependent appliance and or connection(s) and for outputting data to said central processing unit;

means for terminating said conductive fluid flow through said conductive fluid supply path or system;

a central processing unit communicating with said conductive fluid supply line, said in-line conductive fluid flow shut-off valve, said in-line conductive fluid flow detector and said conductive fluid sensor(s) at or in every conductive fluid dependent appliance and or connection(s), and said means for terminating said conductive fluid flow, said central processing unit including;

means for sending and receiving data to and from said conductive fluid supply line, data including a an A.C. signal that passes through said conductive fluid supply line, sending and receiving data to and from said in-line conductive fluid flow shut-off valve including data to open and close said in-line conductive fluid flow shut-off valve, also including data for the open or closed position, data for LED illumination for status of said conductive fluid control system, and data for switching the polarity of the D.C. motor of the said in-line line conductive fluid flow shut-off valve, receiving said output data from said in-line conductive fluid flow detector including data establishing the forward flow of conductive fluid in said conductive fluid supply path, and sending and receiving data to and from said conductive fluid sensor(s) located in or at the end of every conductive fluid dependent appliance and or connection(s), including data establishing the absence, presence/flow of said conductive fluid at said appliance(s),

LED illumination means to illuminate one or a series of distinctive colored LED'"'"'s on a central control panel for informing the user of the status of said conductive fluid supply system;

central control panel means a centrally located said control panel that houses a series of said distinctive colored LED'"'"'s, activation buttons, and digital readout display;

activation buttons means buttons that activate desired functions of the preferred embodiment;

digital readout display means a digitally responsive display panel that receives data from said in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve, in-line conductive fluid flow detector, timers and said conductive fluid flow detector that displays the current status of said conductive fluid supply system;

means for receiving output data from said in-line conductive fluid supply line, said in-line conductive fluid flow detector, and receiving output data from said conductive fluid sensor(s) correlating to said central processing unit and on-delay timer,

means for detecting initiating and subsequent termination of said conductive fluid flow through said conductive fluid supply path or line, said in-line conductive fluid flow shut-off valve, said in-line conductive fluid flow detector to thereby detect the forward flow of said conductive fluid, and said conductive fluid sensor(s) to thereby detect the absence or presence/flow of said conductive fluid from in or at the end of every conductive fluid dependent appliance and or connection(s), thereby having the central processing unit comparing the data of the of said input forward flowing conductive fluids with the data of said output forward flowing conductive fluids,

on-delay timer means to delay a predetermined amount of time to receive data from said in-line conductive fluid supply line, said in-line conductive fluid flow detector and said conductive fluid sensor(s) before the central processing unit sends data to said in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve to prevent premature termination of said forward conductive fluid flow,

means for delaying said evaluating and comparing by said data processing means for a predetermined amount of time after initiation of said in-line conductive fluid flow detector;

data processing means for evaluating and comparing said data received from said in-line conductive fluid supply line, said in-line conductive fluid flow detector and said data from said conductive fluid sensor(s), means in order to identify an alarm condition when said in-line conductive fluid flow detector sends data to said central processing unit informing it'"'"'s activation, and one or more of said conductive fluid sensor(s) fails to send the proper data to said central processing unit notifying the absence of said conductive fluid, in the said predetermined amount of time used by said on-delay timer,

means for triggering actuation of said means for terminating said conductive fluid flow upon identifying said alarm condition;

alarm condition means to activate an distinct audible signal when a conductive fluid leak is detected and said in-line conductive fluid flow shut-off valve is actuated moving it from a open position to a closed terminating the forward flow of said conductive fluids through said conductive fluid supply lines;

alarm condition means to activate an distinct audible signal when said conductive fluid has been flowing through said conductive fluid flow detector for a user-determined excessive amount of time;

means for selectively bypassing said evaluating and comparing by said data processing means to thereby prevent actuation of said means for triggering actuation of said means for terminating said conductive fluid flow;

means for entering and programming said input data into said central processing unit;

phone notifier means to activate said phone notifier using said user-programmed input data into said central processing unit'"'"'s memory providing an distinctive alert when said alarm condition and said triggering actuation terminating said conductive fluid flow exist;

phone notifier means to activate said phone notifier using said user-programmed input data into said central processing unit'"'"'s memory providing an distinctive alert when said conductive fluid flow is flowing in said conductive fluid supply path for a user-determined, excessive amount of time;

user-determined time means programming said central processing unit'"'"'s memory said timing mode with the individual'"'"'s preferable unit of time before initiating the desired action;

memory means for storing said input data;

programming input data means storing user-desired units of time, or numbers into said central processing unit'"'"'s memory for each of the user-determined actions;

user-desired units of time means, the amount of time the user desires to elapse before the desired action is actuated;

user-determined numbers means, a sequence of numbers used for said central processing unit'"'"'s phone notifier to contact said user to alert said user by way of telephonic communication of an alarm condition or the current status of said conductive fluid supply system;

means for initiating a user-determined timing mode to start a timer when said conductive fluid flow initiates said conductive fluid flow detector in said conductive fluid flow supply path or system, and to time out after said user-determined amount of time triggering said phone notifier to use telephonic communication to signal a distinctive alert;

means for initiating a user-determined timing mode to start said timer, when said conductive fluid flow activates said conductive fluid flow detector, for actuation of said in-line conductive fluid flow shut-off valve to terminate the forward flow of said conductive fluid, when said user-determined timing mode has timed out;

means for initiating a predetermined timing mode to start said timer each time said in-line conductive fluid flow shut-off valve is actuated, either by automated or manual means, and to reset said timing mode after each actuation, if time between actuations exceeds said pre-determined amount of time, said timing mode will then time out and actuate said in-line conductive fluid flow shut-off valve to said closed then it'"'"'s re-open position, thereby automatically resetting said timer to re-start it'"'"'s said timing mode over again;

D.C battery back up power means to initiate said D.C. battery back up power if there is an interruption of normal A.C. operating power to the disclosed invention, “

conductive fluid leak detection system and automatic shut off valve”

;

hardwired means to directly connect said central processing unit to said conductive fluid supply lines, said in-line conductive fluid flow shut-off valve, said conductive in-line fluid flow detector, and said conductive fluid sensor(s) with said hardwires;

wireless means the absence of said hardwires to communicate data, using radio frequency signals instead of said hardwires for said conductive fluid supply lines, said in-line conductive fluid flow shut-off valve, said conductive in-line fluid flow detector, and said conductive fluid sensor(s) to communicate data with said central processing unit;

means for communicating with said central processing unit using telephonic communication for triggering actuation of said in-line conductive fluid flow shut-off valve to close said in-line conductive fluid flow shut-off valve, terminating said forward conductive fluid flow in said conductive fluid supply line, and or re-open said in-line conductive fluid flow shut-off valve, therefore allowing forward conductive fluid to flow through said conductive fluid supply path or line.

2. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for terminating said conductive fluid flow through said conductive fluid supply path comprises a D.C. actuated conductive fluid shut-off valve positioned along said conductive fluid supply path or line and being operable between a open position to allow said conductive fluid flow through said conductive fluid supply path and a closed position to interrupt and or terminate said conductive fluid flow through said conductive fluid supply path thereby preventing said conductive fluid flow through the conductive fluid supply path and or line comprising;

a D.C powered in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve coupled to said conductive fluid supply line wherein said in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve includes;

a central conductive housing having an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice;

a water proof housing to house the D.C. motor, gearbox, electrical wires, and switches;

a pivotal ball member coupled to move 90 degrees from a open position to an closed position, and the ability to return from an closed position back to an open position, without the requirement of power to hold the pivotal ball member in either position;

means for terminating said forward flowing conductive fluid by receiving said data from said central processing unit in said conductive fluid supply path when a alarm condition exist, or receiving said data from said central processing unit for closing said in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve by manual means;

3. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for a conductive fluid supply line comprising;

a copper, galvanized steel, steel, conductive carbon material, or any other conductive material can be used for said supply line for said conductive fluids.

4. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said means in-line conductive fluid flow detector comprises;

a in-line flap valve coupled to said conductive fluid supply line wherein said in-line flap valve includes,

a central conductive housing having an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice;

a pivotal valve member pivotally coupled to move from a closed position to an open position, and a magnet which exerts a magnetic force;

means for detecting said forward flowing conductive fluid to said forward magnetic force to detect said pivotal valve flap member in said open position separating itself from said magnetically responsive switch thereby opening said magnetically responsive switch;

said forward conductive fluid detecting means for switching from a first state to a second state as said magnet moves when said pivotal valve flap member has pivoted from said closed position by forces exerted by flowing water;

second magnetically responsive means for switching from a first state to a second state as said magnet moves when said pivotal valve flap member pivots from said open position toward said closed position when said flowing conductive fluid ceases flowing;

said first and second magnetically responsive switch means being positioned in side-by-side spaced relation.

5. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for entering and programming said input data into said central processing unit comprises a control panel structured and disposed to house and electronically communicate with said central processing unit, said control panel comprising;

a housing designed to house electronics of said system and to be located in an easily visible and accessible location;

a digital visual display;

an audible transducer structured and disposed to transmit an audible distinct tone when said alarm condition(s) are triggered;

colored LED'"'"'s that illuminate to indicate the status of said conductive fluid control system including a flashing LED to flash when said alarm condition is triggered;

buttons and or switches to manually operate said conductive fluid supply system, said buttons and or switches to input data into said central processing unit, said buttons and or switches to reset said systems timers, conductive fluid shut-off valve, audible transducer;

means for selecting and entering said input data;

means for communicating with said central processing unit to activate said means for selectively bypassing said evaluating and comparing by said data processing means;

6. The device(s) as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for sensing the presence or absence of conductive fluids by way of said conductive fluid sensor(s) comprises;

said conductive fluid sensor(s) whereby connecting to the end of an conductive fluid appliance include;

an externally and internally threaded non-conductive isolator which includes a stop at the top of the external threads, that threads over said conductive fluid dependent appliance'"'"'s fluid output'"'"'s threads for isolating purposes isolating it from,

a corrosive resistant conductive electrical connecting ring, which includes means for connecting sending and receiving electrical data wire(s), which slides up and over said externally threads of said non-conductive isolator until it reaches said non-conductive isolator'"'"'s stop, thereby retaining it'"'"'s isolation from said conductive fluid dependent appliance,

a conductive internally threaded cover that threads over said non-conductive isolator external threads until it reaches said corrosive resistant conductive electrical connecting ring, and said corrosive resistant conductive electrical connecting ring being connected to an A.C. signal provided by said central processing unit, making both said corrosive resistant conductive electrical connecting ring and said corrosive resistant conductive internally threaded cover connected as one, thereby using said conductive fluid dependent appliance and said conductive fluid sensor, more specifically said corrosive resistant conductive internally threaded cover of said conductive fluid sensor as “

probes”

, with an A.C. signal generated on chip is passed through the “

probes”

within the conductive fluid, a detector determines the presence of the conductive fluid by using the “

probes”

in a voltage divider circuit and measuring the signal level across the “

probes”

, and a A.C. signal is used to prevent plating or dissolving of the “

probes”

as occurs when a D.C. signal is used.

7. A device wherein said means for sensing conductive fluid flowing in said conductive fluid supply path or line by way of said conductive fluid sensor(s) comprises;

said conductive fluid sensor(s) whereby connected in-line to a conductive fluid appliance and or conductive fluid dependent appliance hookup(s) include;

an externally and internally threaded non-conductive isolator which includes a stop at the top of the external threads, a internal fluid chamber, and an internal fluid escape path, that threads on over said conductive fluid supply line output for isolating it from said conductive fluid supply line,

a non-conductive fluid stop thereby connected to a connecting spring, forcing pressure of said non-conductive fluid stop against said internal fluid escape path, thereby containing said conductive fluid in said internal fluid chamber,

said externally and internally threaded non-conductive isolator, houses said non-conductive fluid stop and said connecting spring, it also includes an fluid escape path, and is threaded over the external threads of said externally and internally threaded non-conductive isolator until it comes in contact with the external threads of said non-conductive isolator'"'"'s external stop, thereby forcing pressure of said spring to said non-conductive fluid stop against said internal fluid escape path, thereby containing said conductive fluid in said internal conductive fluid chamber,

an conductive cover that slides over encapsulating both said externally and internally threaded non-conductive isolator and it'"'"'s externally and internally threaded non-conductive counterpart, which includes a means for connecting electrical sending and receiving data wire(s), and also includes an access hole for the purposes of exposing the external threads of said externally and internally threaded non-conductive counterpart, and an external stop on said access hole , thereby allowing the connection of the external threads of said externally and internally threaded non-conductive counterpart, to be connected to said conductive fluid dependent appliance by way of threads, until said conductive fluid dependent appliance come in contact with the said external stop of the said corrosive resistant conductive cover having connected to it an A.C. signal provided by said central processing unit attached thereto, thereby making said corrosive resistant conductive cover and said conductive fluid dependent appliance connected as one,

means for sensing conductive fluid(s) when conductive fluid is requested by one or more of said conductive fluid dependent appliances, having said conductive fluid sensor attached thereto, it thereby lowering the pressure of said conductive fluid at said conductive fluid dependent appliance(s) following said conductive fluid sensor and raises said pressure in said conductive fluid supply path preceding said conductive fluid sensor, allowing said conductive fluid to travel'"'"'s through said externally and internally threaded non-conductive isolator, thereby forcing said non-conductive fluid stop and connecting spring forwards or away from said internal conductive fluid escape path, thereby allowing said fluid to escape through said internal fluid escape path in said internal fluid chamber thereby allowing said conductive fluid to flow on to and through said externally and internally threaded non-conductive counterpart, and ultimately in and on through said conductive fluid dependent appliance which it connected to said conductive cover, having connected to an A.C. signal provided by said central processing unit attached thereto, thereby making said conductive cover and said conductive fluid dependent appliance connected as one, and using said conductive fluid supply path or line and said conductive fluid dependent appliance an “

probes”

, with an A.C. signal generated on chip is passed through the “

probes”

within the conductive fluid, a detector determines the presence of the conductive fluid by using the “

probes”

in a voltage divider circuit and measuring the signal level across the “

probes”

, and a A.C. signal is used to prevent plating or dissolving of the “

probes”

as occurs when a D.C. signal is used.