Overflow system
First Claim
1. An overflow detector for detecting when overflow liquid flows out of a vessel through an overflow outlet of the vessel, at a flow rate that exceeds a predetermined flow rate, the overflow detector comprising:
- a body for mounting to the overflow outlet, wherein the body comprises a conduit for conveying overflow liquid, the conduit comprising an inlet and an outlet;
a sensor for sensing the presence of overflow liquid and providing a signal in response to the overflow liquid;
wherein the conduit comprises a divider dividing the conduit into an upper portion and a lowermost portion with reference to the orientation of the overflow detector when the overflow detector is orientated for use, wherein the upper portion provides a liquid communication path between the inlet and the sensor, and wherein the lowermost portion provides a liquid communication path between the inlet and the outlet.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An overflow system suitable for use in controlling the level of water in, for example, a bathtub (3) is described. The overflow system comprises a conduit attached to the overflow outlet (21) of the bathtub (3) and is arranged so that when the bathtub (3) is overfilled, any excessive flow rate of overflow water through the conduit (19) is detected. The excessive flow rate is detected by arranging for the outlet (25) of the conduit to have a smaller maximum flow rate than the inlet (23) of the conduit so that water backs up within the conduit during an excessive flow rate condition. The backed up water may be detected by a reed switch (31) in conjunction with a magnetic float (27) in order to actuate a solenoid valve (9) to prevent any more water from entering the bathtub (3).
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An overflow detector for detecting when overflow liquid flows out of a vessel through an overflow outlet of the vessel, at a flow rate that exceeds a predetermined flow rate, the overflow detector comprising:
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a body for mounting to the overflow outlet, wherein the body comprises a conduit for conveying overflow liquid, the conduit comprising an inlet and an outlet;
a sensor for sensing the presence of overflow liquid and providing a signal in response to the overflow liquid;
wherein the conduit comprises a divider dividing the conduit into an upper portion and a lowermost portion with reference to the orientation of the overflow detector when the overflow detector is orientated for use, wherein the upper portion provides a liquid communication path between the inlet and the sensor, and wherein the lowermost portion provides a liquid communication path between the inlet and the outlet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An overflow system comprising:
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a vessel having an overflow outlet;
supply pipes for supplying liquid to the vessel;
an overflow detector including;
a body for mounting to the overflow outlet, wherein the body comprises a conduit for conveying overflow liquid, the conduit comprising an inlet and an outlet;
a sensor for sensing the presence of overflow liquid and providing a signal in response to the overflow liquid;
wherein the conduit includes a divider dividing the conduit into an upper portion and a lowermost portion with reference to the orientation of the overflow detector when the overflow detector is orientated for use, wherein the upper portion provides a liquid communication path between the inlet and the sensor, and wherein the lowermost portion provides a liquid communication path between the inlet and the outlet;
valve means operable to reduce the flow rate of liquid being supplied to the vessel by the supply pipes; and
control means operable to activate the valve means in response to the signal from the overflow detector. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A kit of parts comprising:
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an overflow detector including;
a body for mounting to an overflow outlet of a vessel, wherein the body comprises a conduit for conveying overflow liquid, the conduit comprising an inlet and an outlet;
a sensor for sensing the presence of overflow liquid and providing a signal in response to the overflow liquid;
wherein the conduit comprises a divider dividing the conduit into an upper portion and a lowermost portion with reference to the orientation of the overflow detector when the overflow detector is orientated for use, wherein the upper portion provides a liquid communication path between the inlet and the sensor, and wherein the lowermost portion provides a liquid communication path between the inlet and the outlet;
valve means operable to reduce the flow rate of liquid being supplied to the vessel by a supply pipe; and
control means operable to activate the valve means in response to the signal from the overflow detector.
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Specification