Water- and vibration-sensing protection apparatus
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Accused Products
Abstract
A water-sensing protection device for use with home appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers, incorporating a water-sensing probe that detects high water levels in a sink basin, wall discharge receiver or a stand pipe. The protection device also has a sensor that can be placed on the floor to detect the presence of water from the failure of the above-described appliances or the drainage system of the sink basin or the sink basin itself. The signal from the sensing probes may be used to deactivate the power to the appliance, resulting in the activation of an auditable alarm and warning light that a water overflow condition exists due to an obstruction in the drainage system, or the failure of the appliance or drainage system has occurred. An optional vibration sensor is also disclosed, since excessive vibration due to load imbalance could be indicative of a potential water problem.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1-3. -3. (cancelled)
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6-11. -11. (Cancelled)
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13. Water-sensing and protection apparatus configured for use with a water-utilization device such as a washing machine, dishwasher or other appliance having a first plug for making connection to a first electrical outlet, the apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of water sensors and at least one vibration sensor;
a second plug for making connection to the first electrical outlet;
a second outlet for receiving the first plug of the water-utilization device; and
an enclosure containing electrical circuitry, including;
a relay having a first set of contacts controlling the electrical path between the second plug and the second outlet, and a second set of contacts controlling the first set of contacts; and
electrical components interfacing the sensors to the second set of contacts, such that if any sensor is electrically activated the relay trips causing the second set of contacts to open the electrical path between the second plug and the second outlet. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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15. (Cancelled)
Specification