Systems and methods for detecting and correcting a leak
First Claim
1. A system for automatically detecting and correcting a fluid leak, the system comprising:
- a sensor configured to provide a first voltage level when exposed to a fluid flowing from a fluid source, wherein the sensor is further configured to provide a second voltage level when not exposed to the fluid;
a valve module having at least one valve that is selectively switchable between an open position to allow fluid flow from the fluid source and a closed position to substantially arrest fluid flow from the fluid source;
an adjustable resistance device configured to provide a voltage threshold;
feedback circuitry configured to output a feedback voltage indicative of the position of the at least one valve; and
a processor coupled to the sensor, the valve module, the adjustable resistance device and the feedback circuitry, wherein the processor is configured to output a first control signal to cause the valve module to close the at least one valve when the sensor is providing the first voltage level and the feedback voltage has not attained the voltage threshold, and wherein the processor is configured to output a second control signal to cause the valve module to open the at least one valve when the sensor is providing the second voltage level and the feedback voltage has not attained the voltage threshold.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fluid leak detection system includes a sensor, a control module and a valve module. The sensor is adapted to be placed near a fluid source, such as a water supply line of an appliance. The valve module advantageously includes a motorized ball valve or a magnetic latch configured to arrest fluid flow through a supply line. The control module actuates the valve module and an audible alarm when the sensor detects a fluid leak. The valve module closes a valve positioned along the water line to restrict flow through the water line until the control unit has been manually reset or until the leaked fluid has been removed. The control module also features user inputs to allow the valve to be manually cycled for cleaning, for instance.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for automatically detecting and correcting a fluid leak, the system comprising:
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a sensor configured to provide a first voltage level when exposed to a fluid flowing from a fluid source, wherein the sensor is further configured to provide a second voltage level when not exposed to the fluid; a valve module having at least one valve that is selectively switchable between an open position to allow fluid flow from the fluid source and a closed position to substantially arrest fluid flow from the fluid source; an adjustable resistance device configured to provide a voltage threshold; feedback circuitry configured to output a feedback voltage indicative of the position of the at least one valve; and a processor coupled to the sensor, the valve module, the adjustable resistance device and the feedback circuitry, wherein the processor is configured to output a first control signal to cause the valve module to close the at least one valve when the sensor is providing the first voltage level and the feedback voltage has not attained the voltage threshold, and wherein the processor is configured to output a second control signal to cause the valve module to open the at least one valve when the sensor is providing the second voltage level and the feedback voltage has not attained the voltage threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for automatically detecting and restricting a fluid leak, the method comprising:
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receiving a first sensing signal from a sensor when the sensor detects a fluid and receiving a second sensing signal when the sensor does not detect the fluid, the second sensing signal being different from the first sensing signal; receiving a reference voltage from an adjustable resistance device; receiving a feedback voltage indicative of a current flowing through a valve module coupled to a source for providing the fluid; and outputting a first control signal to the valve module to rotate a ball valve of the valve module from an open position, which allows flow of the fluid, to a closed position, which substantially arrests flow of the fluid, when receiving the first sensing signal and until the feedback voltage reaches the reference voltage. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. An automatic leak detection and correction system comprising:
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means for sensing a fluid flowing from a fluid source, wherein said sensing means outputs a first voltage when detecting the fluid and outputs a second voltage when not detecting the fluid; means for selectively inhibiting fluid flow from the fluid source, said inhibiting means switchable between an open position to allow fluid flow and a closed position to inhibit fluid flow from the fluid source; means for adjusting a threshold voltage; means for providing a feedback voltage indicative of the position of said inhibiting means; and means for controlling said inhibiting means, wherein said controlling means outputs a first control signal to cause said inhibiting means to close when said sensing means outputs the first voltage and the feedback voltage has not attained the threshold voltage, and wherein said controlling means outputs a second control signal to cause said inhibiting means to open when said sensing means outputs the second voltage and the feedback voltage has not attained the threshold voltage. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification