METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING AND PREVENTING LEAKAGE

• US 20100180956A1
• Filed: 01/21/2009
• Published: 07/22/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/21/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sharps Technology Inc.
• Original Assignee: Sharps Technology Inc.
• Inventors: Sharp, Terry D.
• Granted Patent: US 7,926,504 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/15.180
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 7/071 Arrangement of safety devices in domestic pipe systems, e.g. devices for automatic shut-off
• CPC Class Codes: F17D 5/06 using electric or acoustic means
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/16 using electric detection means G01M3/045, G01M3/06, G01M3/12, G01M3/20, G01M3/24, G01M3/26 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 20/15 Leakage reduction or detection in water storage or distribution
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0452 Detecting or repairing leak
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0491 Valve or valve element assembling, disassembling, or replacing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/5762 With leakage or drip collecting
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8342 Liquid level responsive indicator, recorder or alarm

Abstract

A valve assembly for use in detecting leaks is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve, a power source coupled to the valve, and a sensor coupled to the power source. The sensor is configured to close the valve when exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid.

Claims

1. A valve assembly for use in detecting leaks, said valve assembly comprising:

a valve;

a power source coupled to said valve; and

a sensor coupled to said power source, said sensor is configured to close said valve when exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid.

2. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises a conductor and a permeable material positioned adjacent to said conductor, said permeable material is electrically conductive when permeated with a fluid.

3. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 2, wherein said conductor is electrically coupled to at least one of said valve and said power source.

4. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said sensor is configured to electrically couple said power source and said valve when exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid.

5. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said valve is maintained in a closed position after said sensor has been exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid.

6. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said valve comprises a manual reset for use in resetting said valve to an open position after said sensor has been exposed to a pre-determined amount of fluid.

7. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said power source is a battery.

8. A kit for use in detecting leaks, said kit comprising:

a housing; and

a valve assembly housed within a cavity defined in said housing, said valve assembly comprises a valve, a power source coupled to said valve, and a sensor coupled to said power source, said sensor is configured to close said valve when exposed to a pre-determined amount of fluid.

9. A kit in accordance with claim 8, wherein said sensor comprises a conductor and a permeable material positioned adjacent to said conductor, said permeable material is electrically conductive when permeated with a fluid.

10. A kit in accordance with claim 9, wherein said conductor is electrically coupled to at least one of said valve and said power source.

11. A kit in accordance with claim 8, wherein said sensor is configured to electrically couple said power source and said valve when exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid.

12. A kit in accordance with claim 8, wherein said valve is maintained in a closed position after said sensor has been exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid.

13. A kit in accordance with claim 8, wherein said valve comprises a manual reset for use in resetting said valve to an open position after said sensor has been exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid.

14. A kit in accordance with claim 8, wherein said power source is a battery.

15. A kit in accordance with claim 8, wherein said kit further comprises a second sensor.

16. A kit in accordance with claim 8, wherein said kit further comprises means for coupling said kit between a fluid source and a manual shut-off apparatus.

17. A method of assembling a valve assembly for use in detecting leaks comprising:

providing a valve;

coupling a power source to the valve; and

coupling a sensor to the power source such that the sensor is configured to close the valve when exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid.

18. A method in accordance with claim 17, wherein the method further comprises coupling a manual reset to the valve, said manual reset for use in resetting the valve to an open position after the sensor has been exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid.

19. A method in accordance with claim 17, wherein coupling the sensor to the valve and the power source comprises coupling an upper conductor of the sensor to a battery and coupling a lower conductor of the sensor to the valve.

20. A method in accordance with claim 17 further comprising coupling the valve assembly between a fluid supply line and a manual shut-off assembly.