Multipurpose centralized flow detector

• US 7,377,184 B1
• Filed: 02/06/2007
• Issued: 05/27/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/06/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Raymond W. Schlachter
• Original Assignee: Raymond W. Schlachter
• Inventors: Schlachter, Raymond W.
• Primary Examiner(s): THOMPSON, JEWEL VERGIE
• Application Number:
  US11/702,775
• Time in Patent Office: 476 Days
• Field of Search: 738/615.3, 732/73, 235/379, 235/440, 235/439, 340/870.02, 340/870.03, 340/870.01
• US Class Current: 73/861.53
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 1/18 with arrangements for signalling that a predetermined value of an unspecified parameter has been exceeded G01D1/14 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 13/26 adapted to perform a further operation, e.g. making electrical contact
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/063 using electrical means
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/0755 involving digital counting
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/26 by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors

Abstract

A non-intrusive flow detector consists of an optical sensor assembly that attaches non-obstructively and non-invasively to a fluid flow meter. The sensor monitors dial movement of a least flow dial or wheel and generates an electrical signal representative of a flow through the meter. Electrical circuitry having an adjustable timing circuit is used to selectively detect either excessive flow during a predetermined time period or the absence of flow after a predetermined time period. The electrical circuitry is adapted to connect to an existing alarm system and may be housed either near the meter in a separate enclosure or placed in an existing alarm panel.

Claims

1. A system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system having a fluid flow meter associated therewith, comprising:

a) a sensor assembly adapted for adjustable placement proximate a meter in a fluid distribution system, said sensor assembly adapted to generate an electrical signal representative of a flow of fluid through said meter; and

b) an electrical circuit operably attached to said sensor assembly for receiving said electrical signal, comprising;

i) means for measuring time;

ii) means for indicating a magnitude of said electrical signal; and

iii) means for generating an alarm signal based on a predetermined relationship of flow and time.

2. The system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system as recited in claim 1, wherein said sensor assembly comprises an optical sensor assembly.

3. The system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system as recited in claim 2, wherein said sensor assembly is removably, adjustably attached to said meter.

4. The system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system as recited in claim 3, wherein said meter comprises a least flow dial or wheel and said sensor assembly is adjusted to monitor primarily said least flow dial or wheel.

5. The system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system as recited in claim 2, wherein said optical sensor assembly comprises a light-emitting element and a photosensitive element.

6. The system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system as recited in claim 5, wherein said light-emitting element comprises an IRLED and said photosensitive element comprises a phototransistor.

7. The system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system as recited in claim 5, wherein said light-emitting element and said photosensitive element are provided in a single mechanical package.

8. The system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for measuring time comprises at least one selected from the group:

a re-triggerable one-shot multivibrator (i.e., one-shot), and a delay timer.

9. The system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system as recited in claim 8, wherein at least one selected from the group:

a re-triggerable one-shot multivibrator, and a delay timer comprises a programmable device wherein a time associated therewith may be externally preset.

10. The system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system as recited in claim 9, wherein said programmable device may be externally preset using a binary device.

11. The system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system as recited in claim 10, wherein said binary device comprises a bank of electrical switches, each switch thereof representing a particular binary value.

12. The system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system as recited in claim 11, wherein said bank of electrical switches comprises a bank of dip switches.

13. The system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for indicating a magnitude of said electrical signal comprises an LED bar graph display.

14. The system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for generating an alarm comprises a relay.

15. The system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system as recited in claim 14, wherein said relay comprises at least one normally open contact and at least one normally closed contact.

16. The system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system as recited in claim 10, wherein said system monitors an excessive flow during a time determined by a setting of said binary device.

17. The system for non-intrusively monitoring flow in a fluid distribution system as recited in claim 10, wherein said system monitors an absence of flow during a time determined by a setting of said binary device.