Systems and methods for detecting and eliminating leaks in water delivery systems for use with appliances
First Claim
1. An appliance comprising an integral water system and a leak detecting and eliminating device, the device comprising:
- a flow sensor operatively positioned to measure an inlet flow rate to the integral water system and generate a signal related to a measured inlet flow rate;
an isolation valve operatively positioned to selectively allow or stop inlet water flow to the integral water system; and
a control unit operatively interconnected to the flow sensor and the isolation valve, the control unit comprising a control processor that compares the measured inlet flow rate from the signal generated by the flow sensor to a preselected flow range defined by a lower limit flow rate and an upper limit flow rate, and that directs the isolation valve to a closed configuration when the measured inlet flow rate is outside the preselected flow rate range.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for detecting and eliminating water flow leakage conditions within appliances having integral water filtration systems. Leak free water delivery systems for use with an appliance can include an isolation valve and flow sensor for providing a response mechanism for possible water leakages within the integral water filtrations system. The appliance makes use of a flow sensor to sense water flow rates within a preselected flow range. When water flow rates outside the preselected flow range are sensed, the isolation valve is closed to prevent non-transient water flow through the water system. The isolation valve can be remotely located on an inlet line or can be as a part of the integral water filtration system. The integral water filtration system can include a manual or automatic reset mechanism such that a user can restore water flow after a low flow or high flow situation has been rectified.
92 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An appliance comprising an integral water system and a leak detecting and eliminating device, the device comprising:
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a flow sensor operatively positioned to measure an inlet flow rate to the integral water system and generate a signal related to a measured inlet flow rate;
an isolation valve operatively positioned to selectively allow or stop inlet water flow to the integral water system; and
a control unit operatively interconnected to the flow sensor and the isolation valve, the control unit comprising a control processor that compares the measured inlet flow rate from the signal generated by the flow sensor to a preselected flow range defined by a lower limit flow rate and an upper limit flow rate, and that directs the isolation valve to a closed configuration when the measured inlet flow rate is outside the preselected flow rate range. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for eliminating water system leakages within an appliance comprising:
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measuring an inlet flow rate to a water system with a flow sensor; and
comparing with a flow processor, the inlet flow rate to a preselected operational flow range defined by an operational flow rate lower limit and an operational flow rate upper limit wherein an isolation valve is closed when the inlet flow rate falls outside the preselected operational flow range. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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20. A refrigerator comprising:
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a refrigeration compartment;
a water system having a replaceable filter element, wherein at least a portion of a flow path of the water system passes through the refrigeration compartment;
a flow sensor operatively positioned to measure inlet flow to the filter element and generate a signal indicative of the inlet flow;
an isolation valve operatively positioned to measure an inlet flow rate to the filter element; and
a control unit operatively connected to the flow sensor and isolation valve, the control unit comprising a control processor that compares the measured inlet flow from the signal from the flow sensor to a preselected flow range defined by an allowable flow rate lower limit and an allowable flow rate upper limit, and that directs the isolation valve to a closed configuration when a system leak is identified by having the measured inlet flow fall outside the preselected flow range.
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Specification