Domestic water valve assembly
First Claim
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1. A domestic water valve assembly, comprising:
- a housing, said housing having a water inlet in fluid communication with a water outlet;
a means for determining a flow rate of a flow of water from said water inlet through said housing and out said water outlet;
a means for storing a predetermined high flow rate, a predetermined low flow rate and a predetermined time-out period;
a means for comparing said flow rate of water with said predetermined high flow rate and said predetermined low flow rate; and
a means for controlling said flow of water;
wherein said controlling means stops said flow of water when said flow rate of water exceeds said predetermined high flow rate;
and wherein said controlling means stops said flow of water when said flow of water is detected by said determining means and said flow rate of water falls below said predetermined low flow rate for a length of time exceeding said predetermined time-out period.
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Abstract
A domestic water valve assembly protects against water leaks by closing a valve if a leak is detected. A leak is detected when a water flow rate falls below a predetermined low flow rate for a length of time longer than a predetermined time-out period or when the water flow rate exceeds a predetermined high flow rate. The predetermined high flow rate, low flow rate, and time-out period may be changed by an operator. When a leak is detected, a control system activates an electric motor to close a valve, the valve remaining closed until reset by the operator.
57 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A domestic water valve assembly, comprising:
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a housing, said housing having a water inlet in fluid communication with a water outlet; a means for determining a flow rate of a flow of water from said water inlet through said housing and out said water outlet; a means for storing a predetermined high flow rate, a predetermined low flow rate and a predetermined time-out period; a means for comparing said flow rate of water with said predetermined high flow rate and said predetermined low flow rate; and a means for controlling said flow of water; wherein said controlling means stops said flow of water when said flow rate of water exceeds said predetermined high flow rate; and wherein said controlling means stops said flow of water when said flow of water is detected by said determining means and said flow rate of water falls below said predetermined low flow rate for a length of time exceeding said predetermined time-out period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification