Remotely Activated Fluid Control System
First Claim
1. A fluid control system, comprising:
- a flow interface system comprising a first shut-off valve, wherein said flow interface system is configured to receive a system-on signal and a system-off signal, and configured to selectively control the flow of a first fluid in a first fluid supply line in response to the receipt of one of said system-on signal and said system-off signal by causing said first shut-off valve to restrict fluid flow in response to the receipt of said system-on signal and by causing said first shut-off valve to allow fluid flow in response to said system-off signal; and
a user-activated controlling device comprising a plurality of user-input buttons and configured for communication with said flow interface system; and
wherein said plurality of user-input buttons comprise a system-on control and a system-off control; and
wherein the manual engagement of said system-on control triggers the sending of said system-on signal to said flow interface system; and
wherein the manual engagement of said system-off control triggers the sending of said system-off signal to said flow interface system.
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Abstract
The remotely activated fluid control system prevents damage from leaking fluids (such as water or gas) escaping from damaged pipes by providing a user-activated controlling device that allows the user to activate a remote inline first shut-off valve in the main fluid supply line, such as when leaving the building. An integrated shut-off delay function delays the fluid shut off a preset amount of time to accommodate a currently running appliance, such as a dishwasher that needs to draw water to finish its cycle. An optional function is provided that allows a residual fluid flow to accommodate appliances that use a minimal flow to maintain normal operation. Optionally, a display control panel is provided to display system data from a flow measuring device and water temperature sensors. Optionally, a single engagement of the user-activated controlling device may restrict the fluid flow in one or multiple flow interface systems.
42 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A fluid control system, comprising:
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a flow interface system comprising a first shut-off valve, wherein said flow interface system is configured to receive a system-on signal and a system-off signal, and configured to selectively control the flow of a first fluid in a first fluid supply line in response to the receipt of one of said system-on signal and said system-off signal by causing said first shut-off valve to restrict fluid flow in response to the receipt of said system-on signal and by causing said first shut-off valve to allow fluid flow in response to said system-off signal; and a user-activated controlling device comprising a plurality of user-input buttons and configured for communication with said flow interface system; and
wherein said plurality of user-input buttons comprise a system-on control and a system-off control; and
wherein the manual engagement of said system-on control triggers the sending of said system-on signal to said flow interface system; and
wherein the manual engagement of said system-off control triggers the sending of said system-off signal to said flow interface system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A plumbing control system, comprising:
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a control panel configured with at least one display screen, a manually engageable system-on control, a manually engageable home system-off control, and a manually engageable delay button;
wherein said control panel is operable to wirelessly transmit a system-on signal based on the engagement of said system-on control;
wherein said control panel is operable to wirelessly transmit a system-off signal based on the engagement of said home system-off control;
wherein said control panel is operable to increment a system delay based on the manual engagement of said delay button; and
wherein said control panel is configured to retard the sending of said system-on signal an amount of time equal to said system delay; and
wherein said control panel is operable to receive metered water usage data;a shut-off valve operable to control the water flow within a water supply line; an actuator comprising a receiver operable for wirelessly receiving a system-on signal and for wirelessly receiving a system-off signal;
wherein, in response to receipt of said system-on signal, said actuator is configured to cause the shut-off valve to restrict the flow of water to a very low, preset residual flow rate; and
wherein, in response to receipt of said system-off signal, said actuator is configured to cause the shut-off valve to allow the flow of water;a flow metering device operable to measure the flow in said water supply line to obtain said metered water usage data; and a transmitter operable to wirelessly transmit said metered water usage data from said flow metering device to said control panel;
wherein said control panel is operable to calculate a daily water usage total, a monthly water usage total, and a current water usage total based on said metered water usage data; and
wherein said at least one display screen is operable to display said daily water usage total, said monthly water usage total, and said current water usage total.
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22. A plumbing control system, comprising:
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a control panel configured with at least one display screen, a manually engageable system-on control, a manually engageable home system-off control, and a manually engageable delay button;
wherein said control panel is operable to transmit a system-on signal based on the engagement of said system-on control;
wherein said control panel is operable to transmit a system-off signal based on the engagement of said home system-off control;
wherein said control panel is operable to increment a system delay based on the manual engagement of said delay button;
wherein said control panel is configured to retard the sending of said system-on signal an amount of time equal to said system delay; and
wherein said control panel is operable to receive metered water usage data;a shut-off valve operable to control the water flow within a water supply line; a flow metering device operable to measure the flow in said water supply line to obtain said metered water usage data; and an actuator electrically connected to said control panel and configured to receive a system-on signal and a system-off signal;
wherein, in response to receipt of said system-on signal, said actuator is configured to cause the shut-off valve to restrict the flow of water to a very low, preset residual flow rate;
wherein, in response to receipt of said system-off signal, said actuator is configured to cause the shut-off valve to allow the flow of water; and
wherein said at least one display screen is operable to display said daily water usage total, said monthly water usage total, and said current water usage total.
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Specification