Automatic device for the detection and shutoff of excess water flow in pipes
First Claim
1. A readily detachable fluid shutoff device for stopping the flow of excess fluid in plumbing pipes of a plumbing pipe system, said fluid shutoff device comprising a detachable acoustic flow monitor means disposed outside said plumbing pipe for sensing the flow of fluid through said pipe, a control means for determining flow duration time of the continuous flow of fluid sensed by said acoustic flow monitor means and a storage means to store a comparison shutoff time within said control means, a detachable value actuating means activated by said control means when flow duration time exceeds comparison shutoff time stored by said control means, a plumbing pipe valve means activated in response to said detachable valve actuating means whereby plumbing pipe system modifications are not required in order to stop the flow of excess fluid in said plumbing pipes.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A readily detachable automatic programmable water shutoff device for stopping the flow of excess water in plumbing pipes of a plumbing pipe system. This device requires no plumbing pipe system modifications for installation and use. The device comprises a detachable acoustic flow sensor which is placed externally on existing plumbing pipe, a detachable valve actuator which consist of a high torque motor attached to existing plumbing pipe valve stem, and a microprocessor based control circuit which a) monitors state of flow sensor, b) provides an operator control interface to the device, c) determines excess water flow conditions, d) provides an output signal to the high torque motor which shuts off the water for an excess water flow condition.
173 Citations
9 Claims
- 1. A readily detachable fluid shutoff device for stopping the flow of excess fluid in plumbing pipes of a plumbing pipe system, said fluid shutoff device comprising a detachable acoustic flow monitor means disposed outside said plumbing pipe for sensing the flow of fluid through said pipe, a control means for determining flow duration time of the continuous flow of fluid sensed by said acoustic flow monitor means and a storage means to store a comparison shutoff time within said control means, a detachable value actuating means activated by said control means when flow duration time exceeds comparison shutoff time stored by said control means, a plumbing pipe valve means activated in response to said detachable valve actuating means whereby plumbing pipe system modifications are not required in order to stop the flow of excess fluid in said plumbing pipes.
Specification