Early warning water leak detection system
First Claim
1. In a building having a plurality of water-dependent appliances and water-carrying pipes, a water leak detection apparatus providing warning of a water leak in at least one of said plurality of water-dependent appliances and said water-carrying pipes, said water leak detection apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of flexible probe means for determining the location and extent of said water leak in one of said plurality of water-dependent appliances and said water-carrying pipes;
each of said probe means of said plurality of probe means configured for attachment to at least one of said plurality of water-dependent appliances and said water-carrying pipes;
a central control housing means configured for installation in said building for housing a circuit means and having multiconductor cable means for electrically interconnecting said plurality of water-dependent appliances and said water-carrying pipes with a plurality of sensor means encased within said plurality of probe means,each of said plurality of sensor means coded corresponding to each conductor of said cable means;
said central control housing means having a plurality of display means electrically interconnected with said circuit means for indicating the location and extent of said water leak in said building; and
electrical power means interconnected with said central housing means for driving said circuit means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for early detection of water leaks at particular locations in any water-dependent appliance and apparatus used in buildings such as homes, townhouses, apartments, mobile homes, and offices. A central control apparatus electrically interconnected with a plurality of circuits which enable water leaks to be accurately detected in a diversity of devices including air conditioners, compressor coils, hot water appliances, and pipes, and for communicating the severity of the water-related problem. A plurality of water sensors are incorporated into specially designed probes of the preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein water leaks may be accurately and reliably detected in a diversity of water-dependent appliances and devices. A fiber glass cloth means functions as a probe for sensing water leaks via its built-in plurality of sensors constructed from a corresponding plurality of conductive wires enables the location and extent of a water leak to be ascertained. The apparatus is designed to be easily installed and to be inherently devoid of any safety hazards. Specially color-coded wires enable particular appliances and pipes to be properly interconnected wherein water leaks may be detected early enough to prevent consequent water-damage. A telephone interface enables early warnings and alerts of water leaks to be communicated via conventional telephone lines.
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Citations
44 Claims
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1. In a building having a plurality of water-dependent appliances and water-carrying pipes, a water leak detection apparatus providing warning of a water leak in at least one of said plurality of water-dependent appliances and said water-carrying pipes, said water leak detection apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of flexible probe means for determining the location and extent of said water leak in one of said plurality of water-dependent appliances and said water-carrying pipes; each of said probe means of said plurality of probe means configured for attachment to at least one of said plurality of water-dependent appliances and said water-carrying pipes; a central control housing means configured for installation in said building for housing a circuit means and having multiconductor cable means for electrically interconnecting said plurality of water-dependent appliances and said water-carrying pipes with a plurality of sensor means encased within said plurality of probe means, each of said plurality of sensor means coded corresponding to each conductor of said cable means; said central control housing means having a plurality of display means electrically interconnected with said circuit means for indicating the location and extent of said water leak in said building; and electrical power means interconnected with said central housing means for driving said circuit means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)
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Specification