Systems & Methods For Monitoring And Controlling Water Consumption
First Claim
1. A system that uses power from a power grid to control first and second fluid valves, comprising:
- first and second physically separable sensors that produce respective first and second signals;
a first networked docking station having a first connector, and further having first electronics that processes the first signal;
a second networked docking station having a second connector, and further having second electronics that processes the second signal; and
wherein the first and second networked docking stations are user-pluggable into the power grid.
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Abstract
Systems that utilize a power grid to monitor and control fluid flow within a water system are presented. The system can have first and second docking stations configured to process signals produced by respective first and second sensors. The docking stations are preferably user-pluggable into a power grid such that the docking stations can communicate with other docking stations, sensors, or a remote monitor. Methods of refitting an existing water system to monitor and control water consumption are also presented. Sections of the existing system can be replaced with new sections that include at least one valve and sensor to monitor and control fluid flow through that section.
42 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A system that uses power from a power grid to control first and second fluid valves, comprising:
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first and second physically separable sensors that produce respective first and second signals; a first networked docking station having a first connector, and further having first electronics that processes the first signal; a second networked docking station having a second connector, and further having second electronics that processes the second signal; and wherein the first and second networked docking stations are user-pluggable into the power grid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of retrofitting a water system to monitor and control water consumption, comprising:
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replacing a first section of the water system with a first replacement section that includes a first sensor that produces a first signal as a function of a first property selected from the group consisting of flow, temperature and pressure; replacing a second section of the water system with a second replacement section that includes a second sensor that produces a second signal as a function of a second property selected from the group consisting of flow, temperature and pressure; remotely monitoring the first and second signals over a power line; and remotely controlling a valve actuator to shut off water flow through a first valve disposed in the first replacement section. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification