Leak collection and supply shut off system

• US 6,084,520 A
• Filed: 07/30/1998
• Issued: 07/04/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 07/30/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John G. Salvucci
• Original Assignee: John G. Salvucci
• Inventors: Salvucci, John G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu, Daniel J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen, Tai T.
• Application Number:
  US09/124,729
• Time in Patent Office: 705 Days
• Field of Search: 340/605, 340/603, 340/606, 340/612, 340/618, 200/84 R, 200/61.04
• US Class Current: 340/605
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 9/0005 for water heaters

Abstract

A new leak collection and supply shut off system for closing off the supply of water and energy to a water heater in the event of a leak. The inventive device is designed for use with a water heater that has a tank, a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe, and an energy supply line. The leak collection and supply shut off system comprises a container that is adapted for positioning under a water heater and holding water. The container has a base, a sidewall, and an open top. A water valve closes the water inlet pipe of the water heater when the level of water in the container is equal to or greater than a predetermined level. An energy shut off device closes the energy supply line of the water heater when the level of water in the container is equal to or greater than the predetermined level.

Claims

1. A leak collection and supply shut off system for a water heater having a tank, a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe, and an energy supply line, said system comprising:

a container being adapted for positioning underneath a water heater and being for holding water therein, said container having a base, a sidewall, and an open top;

a water valve for closing a water inlet pipe of the water heater when the level of water in said container is equal to or greater than a predetermined level;

a second water valve for closing the water outlet pipe of the water heater when the level of water in said container is equal to or greater than a predetermined level to prevent the water remaining in a piping system from draining back into the leaking tank of the water heater, said second water valve being biased towards an open position;

an energy shut off device for closing an energy supply line of the water heater when the level of water in said container is equal to or greater than said predetermined level;

a pump for removing water from said container, said pump being activated when the level of water in said container is equal to or greater than said predetermined level;

an alarm device for producing an audible sound when the level of water in said container is equal to or greater than said predetermined level;

a spring biased reset switch being operatively connected to said water valve, said energy shut off device, and said alarm device;

said water valve remaining closed until said reset switch is activated;

said energy shut off device closing the energy supply line such that power is cut off to that water heater until said reset switch is activated;

said alarm device producing an audible sound until said reset switch is activated;

a float switch having an electrical switch and a float actuator pivotally coupled thereto, said float actuator extending into said container for measuring the level of water therein, said float actuator having a buoyant portion thereon;

said float actuator activating said float switch when the level of water in said container is equal to or greater than said predetermined level;

a power source being electrically connected to said float switch;

said water valve having a solenoid being electrically connected to said float switch, said solenoid selectively opening and closing said water valve, said float switch activating said solenoid of said water valve when the level of water in said container is equal to or greater than said predetermined level, said solenoid of said water valve closing said water valve when said solenoid is activated;

said float switch activating said energy shut off device when the level of water in said container is equal to or greater than said predetermined level, said energy shut off device closing the energy supply line of the water heater when said energy shut off device is activated;

said electrical switch permitting flow of electricity therethrough when said float switch is actuated, said electrical switch blocking flow of electricity therethrough when said float switch is not actuated;

said float switch activating said alarm device when the level of water in said container is equal to or greater than said predetermined level;

said float switch selectively activating said pump when the level of water in said container is equal to or greater than said predetermined level.