Leak Control System

• US 20080246621A1
• Filed: 04/09/2007
• Published: 10/09/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/09/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Huaben Wu
• Original Assignee: Huaben Wu
• Inventors: Wu, Huaben
• Application Number:
  US11/733,099
• Publication Number:
  US 20080246621A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/605
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/16 using electric detection means G01M3/045, G01M3/06, G01M3/12, G01M3/20, G01M3/24, G01M3/26 take precedence

Abstract

A leak detection system includes a first water container, a water detection probe disposed in close proximity to the first water container, the probe having a sensing circuit for generating electrical signals when moisture is sensed by the probe, a water input conduit coupled with the first water container for supplying the first water container with water from an external water source, and a water shut-off controller electronically coupled with the detection probe for regulating the supply of water from the eternal source to the first water container in response to the signals generated by the sensing circuit of the probe. The system further includes an electronic shut-off valve, and the electronic controller includes a trigger circuit for converting signals from said probe to signals for operating the shut-off valve. The water detection probe includes a first circuit having conductor means for detecting moisture-inducing electrical resistance changes, and a second circuit for converting said changes into signals for the trigger circuit. The leak detection system may also include a second container for substantially isolating the first water container and the detection probe therewithin. Preferably, the second container comprises a flexible bag having releasable closure means. The shut-off controller is electrically coupled with one or more of a light, an alarm or a buzzer, for alerting a user that a leak has been detected. The shut-off valve is caused to be closed in response to signals generated by said electronic controller. Preferably, the electronic controller includes first circuit means for determining if the strength of the signals from the water detection probe exceed a predetermined value, and second circuit means for generating a water shut-off signal that causes the shut-off valve to be closed.

Claims

1. A leak detection system, comprising:

a first water container,

a water detection probe disposed in close proximity to the first water container, said probe having a sensing circuit for generating an electrical signal when moisture is sensed by the probe,

a water input conduit coupled with the first water container for supplying the first water container with water from an external water source, and

a water shut-off controller, functionally coupled with said water input conduit and electronically coupled with the detection probe, for regulating the supply of water from the external source to the first water container in response to electrical signals generated by the sensing circuit of the probe.

2. The leak detection system of claim 1, wherein said electronic controller includes a trigger circuit for converting signals from said probe to signals for operating said shut-off valve.

3. The leak detection system of claim 1, wherein said water detection probe includes a first circuit having conductor means for detecting moisture-inducing electrical resistance changes, and a second circuit for converting said changes into signals for said trigger circuit.

4. The leak detection system of claim 1, and further including a second water container comprising means for substantially isolating said first water container and said detection probe therewithin.

5. The leak detection system of claim 4, wherein said second water container comprises a flexible bag having releasable closure means.

6. The leak detection system of claim 1, wherein said water shut-off controller is electrically coupled with a light for alerting a user that a leak has been detected.

7. The leak detection system of claim 1, wherein said controller is electrically coupled with an alarm for alerting a user that a leak has been detected.

8. The leak detection system of claim 1, and further including an electronic shut-off valve functionally coupled with the electronic controller, wherein said shut-off valve is caused to be closed in response to signals generated by said electronic controller.

9. The leak detection system of claim 1, wherein said electronic controller includes first circuit means for determining if the strength of the signals from the water detection probe exceed a predetermined value, and second circuit means for generating a water shut-off signal that causes the shut-off valve to be closed.

10. The leak detection system of claim 1, wherein said water shut-off controller includes a circuit board, said circuit board being completely encased in a sealing material so that the board is isolated from any moisture-laden environment in which the leak detection system is disposed.

11. The leak detection system of claim 1, wherein said water shut-off controller includes a power supply.

12. The leak detection system of claim 11, wherein said power supply comprises one or more batteries packaged together.

13. The leak detection system of claim 11, wherein said water shut-off controller also includes one of an AC or DC connector for connection to an appropriately configured external power source.