System and method for utility metering and leak detection

• US 7,669,461 B2
• Filed: 08/18/2008
• Issued: 03/02/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Lawrence Kates
• Inventors: Kates, Lawrence
• Primary Examiner(s): LARKIN, DANIEL SEAN
• Application Number:
  US12/193,641
• Publication Number:
  US 20080302172A1
• Time in Patent Office: 561 Days
• Field of Search: 73/40
• US Class Current: 73/40
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/2807 for pipes G01M3/2892, G01M3/30 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/2815 using pressure measurements
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/20 responsive to moisture

Abstract

The system and method for detecting water and/or gas leaks by monitoring usage patterns is described. In one embodiment, the existence of a leak is detected by looking for usage patterns wherein water or gas is always being used, at least at a low rate. A leak is indicated if usage does not drop to zero, at least for a period of time, during a given time interval (e.g., during a 24-hour period). The severity of the leak is indicated by the minimum amount of usage during the given time period. In one embodiment, the leak detection system is provided in connection with an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system.

Claims

1. A method for detecting leaks, comprising:

monitoring a utility meter at desired intervals using a sensor that senses a least one output of said utility meter;

recording a minimum utility usage; and

identifying an absence of a utility leak by searching for one or more time periods when recorded water flow does not exceed a predetermined non-zero threshold.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises an optical sensor.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises an imaging sensor.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises an illumination source.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises an acoustic sensor.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises an electronic utility meter interface.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a recorder interface.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a water flow sensor.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a gas flow sensor.