Fluid metering system for preventing flood damage or fluid leakage

• US 20030197617A1
• Filed: 04/23/2002
• Published: 10/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/23/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: National Water Management, Inc.
• Original Assignee: National Water Management, Inc.
• Inventors: Weintraub, Zev, Gertzulin, Saul, Berger, Benjamin
• Application Number:
  US10/127,407
• Publication Number:
  US 20030197617A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/605
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/20 responsive to moisture
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/206 Flow affected by fluid contact, energy field or coanda effect [e.g., pure fluid device or system]

Abstract

A household fluid flow-rate monitor and control system is provided to prevent flood damage, fluid leakage and loss of fluid. The system includes a plurality of alarm units for monitoring fluid flow in the system; an automatic electrically operated valve for shutting off the fluid flow to prevent damage; a fluid meter for sending to a monitor an electrical signal for every unit of fluid flowing through the system; and a controller unit including a microprocessor unit and a memory unit connected to the automatic valve to shut off the system. The monitor receives input from the fluid meter or from a flood sensor and sends alarm signals for several types of events, such as burst flow, leakage, flood, etc. to the controller unit. The unit also has a manual override switch to bypass the electronics.

Claims

1. A househould fluid flow-rate monitor and control system to prevent flood damage, fluid leakage and loss of fluid, comprising:

a) a plurality of alarm units for monitoring fluid flow;

b) an automatic electrically operated valve for shutting off the fluid flow to prevent damage;

c) a fluid meter for sending to a monitor an electrical signal for every unit of fluid flowing through the system;

d) a monitor for receiving input from said fluid meter or from a flood sensor and for providing alarm signals for several types of events, such as burst flow, leakage, flood, etc. to a controller unit; and

e) a controller unit including a microprocessor unit and a memory unit connected to said automatic valve to shut off the fluid flow in the system.

2. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said monitor activates a unit which contains either visual (blinking light) or sound alarm devices, and after a presettable delay, may command said automatic valve to shut off the fluid flow in the system.

3. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said monitor is powered by the electric network and/or a rechargeable battery.

4. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said monitor can be set either through an infrared remote control unit or directly through a command from a P.C. program.

5. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said monitor transmits alarm signals to said control unit by a telephone line, an infrared radio or a cellular telephone.

6. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said unit includes management software for automatic and manual problem solving and repair.

7. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said automatic valve is a latching solenoid valve acting as the main shutoff valve for maintaining an Open or Close positions of fluid flow in the system.

8. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said entire system is contained in a compact housing.

9. A system in accordance with claim 1, comprising a special program to activate said automatic valve for a quick fluid flow shutoff when no one is at home.

10. A water control device comprising:

a) a housing having an inlet port and an exit port for water to flow therethrough; and

a water meter mounting flange and a water flow control valve seat member in fluid communication with each other and with said inlet and outlet ports;

b) said housing and said components forming an integral unit;

c) a water meter attached to said water meter mounting flange; and

d) a water flow control valve attached to said water flow control valve seat member.

11. The water control device according to claim 10, wherein said water meter includes a modular meter removably attachable to said water meter mounting flange.

12. The water control device according to claim 10, further comprising a controller which controls operation of at least one of said water meter and said water flow control valve.

13. The water control device according to claim 10, wherein said water meter includes a flow velocity water meter.

14. The water control device according to claim 10, wherein said water meter includes a volumetric flow water meter.

15. The water control device according to claim 10, wherein said water flow control valve includes a diaphragm control valve.

16. The water control device according to claim 10, wherein said water flow control valve is operable by a solenoid.

17. The water control device according to claim 10, further includes a solenoid operatively connected to said water flow control valve.