Water leakage protector apparatus

• US 5,992,218 A
• Filed: 08/25/1997
• Issued: 11/30/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mark Slafkovsky, Stephen A. Tryba
• Original Assignee: Mark Slafkovsky, Stephen A. Tryba
• Inventors: Slafkovsky, Mark, Tryba, Stephen A.
• Primary Examiner(s): BROCK, MICHAEL J
• Application Number:
  US08/917,405
• Time in Patent Office: 827 Days
• Field of Search: 73/40.5 R, 73/40, 73/49.1, 340/604, 340/605, 200/61.04, 200/61.05, 138/104, 138/36, 138/124, 138/134, 138/137, 138/138, 138/139, 138/140, 138/149, 174/47
• US Class Current: 73/40.50R
• 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: G01M 3/18 for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves; for welds; for containers, e.g. radiators
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/183 for pipe joints or seals
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/2807 for pipes G01M3/2892, G01M3/30 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/5762 With leakage or drip collecting

Abstract

A water leakage protector apparatus for appliances subject to leakage includes a first device for detecting water leakage from the water supply line coupled to the appliance and a second device for detecting water leaking from the appliance itself. A control apparatus is coupled to a valve, affixed to the water supply line, is connected to a source of electrical power, and controls the water flowing to the appliance. The appliance is connected to the control apparatus to obtain electrical power for operation. The first and second sensing devices are coupled to the control apparatus so that when a water leak is detected by either the first or the second detecting device the control apparatus stops the water from flowing in the water supply line and interrupts electrical power to the appliance.

Claims

1. A continuously operable water leakage protector apparatus for appliances subject to leakage, comprising in combination:

A. first electrical sensing means for detecting water leaking from a water supply line coupled to an appliance and second electrical sensing means for detecting said water leaking from said appliance;

B. electrical control valve means, affixed directly to said water supply line, for controlling the flow of said water to said appliance, said control valve means being connected to a source of electrical power and said appliance being coupled to said control valve means to obtain electrical power; and

C. first and second means coupling said control valve means to said first and said second electrical sensing means;

wherein, when a water leak is detected by either said first or said second sensing means, said electrical control valve means stops said water from flowing from said water supply line to said appliance.

2. A water leakage protector apparatus for appliances, according to claim 1, wherein said first and said second detecting means comprises:

A. a woven insulating central layer sandwiched between two electrically conductive layers, said two electrically conductive layers having a specific resistance therebetween, said resistance changing with droplets of said water appearing within said woven insulating central layer;

B. an electrically conducting terminal affixed on each said electrically conductive layer; and

C. means for indicating said resistance change.

3. A water leakage protector apparatus for appliances, according to claim 1, further including a plurality of devices for indicating the operating condition of said apparatus.

4. A water leakage protector apparatus for appliances, according to claim 3, wherein said indicating devices include a plurality of illuminating means.

5. A water leakage protector apparatus for appliances, according to claim 4, further including an audible device to alert the user of said appliance to a water leak.

6. A water leakage protector apparatus for appliances, according to claim 3, wherein the operating condition of said apparatus is determined by at least four illuminating means and a reset means such that:

a) said first illuminating means being illuminated indicates that electrical power is coupled to said control valve means;

b) said second illuminating means being illuminated indicates that electrical power is being drawn by said appliance;

c) said third illuminating means being illuminated indicates that a leakage has been detected and electrical power is removed from said appliance and that said control valve means has turned off the flow of said water;

d) said fourth illuminating means being illuminated indicates that a there is no electrical power being coupled to the control valve means to turn said water flow on and no electrical power is available to operate said appliance, thereby requiring a system reset; and

e) reset means, coupled to said control valve means, for providing said electrical power to said appliance when activated.

7. A water leakage protector apparatus for appliances, according to claim 6, further including an audible device to alert the user of said appliance to a water leak.

8. A water leakage protector apparatus for appliances, according to claim 1, wherein said first means stops water leaking onto the floor from said water supply line coupled to said appliance.

9. A water leakage protector apparatus for appliances, according to claim 1, further including a reset means to prevent said appliance from being turned on after a water leakage is detected unless said reset means is activated.