Apparatus and method for protection against appliance leaking

• US 6,950,032 B1
• Filed: 12/26/2001
• Issued: 09/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/10/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Stay Dry International, LLC
• Original Assignee: Dry Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Cina, Ronald Andrew, Hewitt, John K., Cina, Ronald August
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffrey
• Assistant Examiner(s): Previl, Daniel
• Application Number:
  US10/027,225
• Time in Patent Office: 1,371 Days
• Field of Search: 340/605, 340/616, 340/693.1, 340/693.2, 340/686.1, 340/603, 340/604, 340/620, 200/61.04, 200/61.05, 200/61.06, 200/61.08, 137/312, 137/386, 137/392, 137/393, 137/395, 733/04.R, 732/90.R
• US Class Current: 340/686.1
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/081 Safety arrangements for preventing water damage
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/5762 With leakage or drip collecting
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7313 Control of outflow from tank

Abstract

A water protection system apparatus for detecting and stopping a flow of water which includes a power supply, a water ionization switch, and a controlled valve assembly. The water ionization switch selectively conducts electricity when exposed to water and includes an initially dry non-conductive crystallized compound. The compound ionizes when exposed to water to form an electrolyte which conducts electricity. This switch is connected to a controlled valve assembly to stop the flow of water in response to the detection of water by the switch. Other refinements include modifications to the switch housing and condition indicators for monitoring the system and signaling water detection and shutdown operations.

Claims

1. A water protection system apparatus for detecting and stopping a flow of water, comprising:

a power supply for generating a direct current electrical signal;

a water ionization switch connected to the power supply, said water ionization switch including a container, wherein the water ionization switch selectively conducts the direct current electrical signal when exposed to water,

the water ionization switch including an initially dry non-conductive crystallized compound constrained only by said container, wherein the compound ionizes to form an electrolyte when combined with water; and

a controlled valve assembly connected to the power supply and the ionization switch, wherein the valve assembly stops the flow of water in response to a change in the direct current electrical signal.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrical signal utilizes a voltage of less than 12 volts as a safety feature for reducing electrical shock hazards.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, the power supply including a main power supply and a backup battery which allows operation of the system during periods of inadequate power from the main power supply.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, said water ionization switch including:

a container with openings to allow for water entry;

a first and second electrodes located within the container and separated by the compound.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, said controlled valve assembly including:

an electric relay connected to the sensor;

a valve actuator connected to the relay;

a reset switch connected between the sensor and the relay.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, said controlled valve assembly further including a reset button connected to said reset switch.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a condition indicator operatively connected to said ionization switch and said power supply for indicating the operation of said valve assembly.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said condition indicator includes a light source.