PEAK DEMAND FLOW CONTROLLER FOR WATER CONSERVATION
First Claim
1. A process executable by a programmed processor within an electronic fresh water flow controller for reducing or halting the flow of fresh water in consumers'"'"' homes and buildings for the conservation of water that responds directly to the external transmission of a signal initiated by a Water Utility mandating that the controller enters into a mode of operation specifically defined by the external communication, said process comprising:
- a. receiving at least one external communication mandating that the fresh water flow controller enter into a mode of operation defined by the external communication;
b. storing information contained within the external communication;
c. instructing the flow controller to modify the local operation of a solenoid valve installed in the plumbing at the point of consumption, said process further comprising;
i. at least one instruction to be used to modify the local operation of a solenoid valve installed in the plumbing at the point of consumption to reduce or halt the flow of water;
ii. indicating a status on the display so as to display the mode of operation to the consumer;
iii. storing information related to the time and date of the signal receipt;
iv. periodically inquiring as to whether the consumer has requested an override as initiated by pressing an override button;
v. terminating the mode of operation defined by the external communication in response to the consumer'"'"'s request to override the mode of operation, and;
vi. storing information that identifies that an override was requested by time and date
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Accused Products
Abstract
A Peak Demand Fresh Water Flow Controller For The Conservation of Water that can be directly and remotely controlled via the transmission of a signal as initiated in by a Utility for the express purpose of reducing or stopping the flow of water at the consumers'"'"' homes or buildings during times of water supply shortage or excess consumer demand.
29 Citations
2 Claims
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1. A process executable by a programmed processor within an electronic fresh water flow controller for reducing or halting the flow of fresh water in consumers'"'"' homes and buildings for the conservation of water that responds directly to the external transmission of a signal initiated by a Water Utility mandating that the controller enters into a mode of operation specifically defined by the external communication, said process comprising:
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a. receiving at least one external communication mandating that the fresh water flow controller enter into a mode of operation defined by the external communication;
b. storing information contained within the external communication;
c. instructing the flow controller to modify the local operation of a solenoid valve installed in the plumbing at the point of consumption, said process further comprising;
i. at least one instruction to be used to modify the local operation of a solenoid valve installed in the plumbing at the point of consumption to reduce or halt the flow of water;
ii. indicating a status on the display so as to display the mode of operation to the consumer;
iii. storing information related to the time and date of the signal receipt;
iv. periodically inquiring as to whether the consumer has requested an override as initiated by pressing an override button;
v. terminating the mode of operation defined by the external communication in response to the consumer'"'"'s request to override the mode of operation, and;
vi. storing information that identifies that an override was requested by time and date
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2. A peak demand fresh water flow controller having the capability to receive a remote request or transmission instructing the controller to enter into a mode of operation defined by the external communication, said controller comprising but not limited to:
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a. A receiver capable of receiving external signals;
b. memory for storing information;
c. relay or solid state logic and conditioning circuitry to drive or control an external solenoid valve;
d. a tamper switch attached to the product and control wires connected to the external solenoid valve that when activated, stores information related to the tamper event to the memory;
e. a circuit to detect power loss that when power loss is sensed, stores information related to the power loss event to memory;
f. an override switch that when activated, terminates the mode of operation initiated by the external communication and stores information related to the override event in memory;
g. a display that indicates the mode of operation of the controller;
h. a processor operative to receive at least one communication from the hierarchical control system requesting that the controller enter into a mode of operation defined by the external communication, the information contained in the communication including at least one instruction to command an external device, said processor being operative to store information contained in the communication in said memory, said processor being operative to read a portion of the stored information containing at least one instruction, said processor furthermore being operative to send a control signal or voltage to an external solenoid valve installed in the plumbing system at the point of consumption or demand. whereby said control will be employed to implement a peak demand, demand-side WATER RESTRICTION event that provides comprehensive water usage reduction and savings as initiated and controlled by the Utility.
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Specification