Method for operating a multi family/commercial plumbing system

• US 6,962,162 B2
• Filed: 09/08/2004
• Issued: 11/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Act Incorporated, Advanced Conservation Technology Distribution, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Act Incorporated
• Inventors: Acker, Larry K.
• Primary Examiner(s): CHAMBERS, A MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US10/936,173
• Publication Number:
  US 20050022871A1
• Time in Patent Office: 426 Days
• Field of Search: 417/12, 417/32, 137/337, 137/565.01, 137/565.16, 137/357, 137/624.12, 137/1, 126/362
• US Class Current: 137/1
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 7/04 Domestic or like local pipe systems domestic plumbing E03C1/02
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 7/045 diverting initially cold water in warm water supply
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/05 Arrangements of devices on wash-basins, baths, sinks, or the like for remote control of taps remote control of taps or the like per se F16K
• CPC Class Codes: F24D 17/0078 Recirculation systems
• CPC Class Codes: F24D 19/1051 for domestic hot water
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/6497 Hot and cold water system having a connection from the hot to the cold channel
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/6969 Buildings
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/85978 With pump
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86027 Electric
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86397 With independent valve controller

Abstract

A method for operating a multi-family/commercial plumbing system includes sensing an event and recording for each sensed event at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of date, day of the week, start time, duration of the event, water flow, water temperature, and humidity. The parameters are analyzed to determine a pattern and thereafter water flow, circulation, water temperature, and water use are controlled in accordance with the determined pattern.

Claims

1. Method for operating a multi family/commercial plumbing system, the method comprising:

sensing an event, said event comprising at least one of a group consisting of measurement of water flow in and out of a boiler;

detection of water leaking in hot and cold water lines;

measurement of moisture in walls and floors;

detection of activation of dampers;

measurement of room temperature in each of a plurality of rooms;

detection of operation of a water circulating pump;

recording for each sensed events at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of date, day of the week, start time, duration of the event, water flow, with temperature and humidity;

analyzing the recording of each sensed event to determine patterns; and

controlling water flow, circulation, water temperature, and water use in accordance with the determined pattern.

2. The method according to claim 1 further comprises reiterating the steps of sensing, recording, analyzing, and activating.

3. The method according to claim 1 further comprising analyzing the determined patterns for potential problems and reporting therein.

4. The method according to claim 3 wherein the potential problem is excessive running of a pump.

5. The method according to claim 3 wherein the potential problem is a non-seasonal change in a relationship between hot and cold water use.

6. The method according to claim 2 further comprising analyzing the determined patterns for potential problems and reporting therein.

7. The method according to claim 6 wherein the potential problem is excessive running of a pump.

8. The method according to claim 7 wherein the potential problem is a non-seasonal change in a relationship between hot and cold water use.