Utility shut off apparatus

• US 4,833,461 A
• Filed: 02/01/1988
• Issued: 05/23/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Richard Yeager
• Original Assignee: Richard Yeager
• Inventors: Yeager, Richard
• Primary Examiner(s): Swann, III, Glen R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MULLEN, THOMAS J
• Application Number:
  US07/150,765
• Time in Patent Office: 477 Days
• Field of Search: 340/690, 340/636, 200/61.45 R, 361/170, 307/117, 307/121, 307/23, 307/64, 137/38-39, 251/74, 431/78
• US Class Current: 340/690
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/10 responsive to calamitous events, e.g. tornados or earthquakes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0753 Control by change of position or inertia of system

Abstract

Apparatus for shutting off utilities, such as gas and electricity, automatically in the case of an emergency, such as an earthquake. The utility can be a gas or electric line and, at shutdown, an alarm may be sounded and a light activated. The apparatus includes a box mounted adjacent the main power panel. The box includes a solenoid wired to the main breaker switch of the main power panel and a start/stop switch coupled to the solenoid valve at the main gas line. If an earthquake hits, the solenoid to the electric panel is activated to shut off the main switch. This in turn activates the solenoid to the gas line which turns off the gas. Simultaneously, a signal alarm coupled to the box sounds and a light also coupled to the box is lit. The alarm may be turned off manually and the light kept on, if desired. After the emergency, the control panel may be reset and the gas turned on after manually opening the gas valve and re-lighting the pilot. Power to the box may be provided by coupling the same to the main power panel. Optionally, the apparatus may also be used to shut off the main water line.

Claims

1. Apparatus for shutting off utilities in case of an emergency, such as an earthquake, adapted to be coupled to the main power panel of a house comprising:

a motion detector;

a switch box electroncally coupled to said detector;

first solenoid means electronically coupled to said box adapted to be mechanically coupled to the main switch of said power panel for shutting off the same, upon detection of movement by said motion detector; and

second solenoid means electronically coupled to said panel and also coupled to a shut off valve associated with the main gas line of the house to terminate gas flow upon cessation of power, and further including,

a start and stop switch coupled to the gas valve for resetting the gas flow.

2. In the apparatus of claim 1 including a reset switch coupled to said box for resetting the same upon tripping of said first solenoid after detection of movement by said motion detector.

3. In the apparatus of claim 1 including an audible buzzer electronically coupled to said box and normally inactivated when power is supplied to said box from said main power panel.

4. In the apparatus of claim 3 including an on/off switch coupled to said buzzer for selectively turning said buzzer on and off.

5. In the apparatus of claim 1 or 3 including a battery operated light electronically coupled to said box, said light being normally inactivated when power is supplied to said box from said main power panel.

6. In the apparatus of claim 5 including an on/off switch coupled to a battery coupled to said light for operating the same.

7. In the apparatus of claim 6 wherein said battery is also electronically coupled to a buzzer.

8. In the apparatus of claim 1 including third solenoid means electronically coupled to said box adapted to be coupled to a shut off valve for the main water supply to said house for shutting off the water upon detection of movement by said motion detector.

9. In the apparatus of claim 8 including an on/off switch coupled to said third solenoid means for resetting the same after tripping of said third solenoid means upon detection of movement by said motion detector.