Method and systems for detecting and preventing leakage

• US 7,926,504 B2
• Filed: 01/21/2009
• Issued: 04/19/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/21/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sharps Technology Inc.
• Original Assignee: Sharps Technology Inc.
• Inventors: Sharp, Terry D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee; Kevin L
• Application Number:
  US12/357,085
• Publication Number:
  US 20100180956A1
• Time in Patent Office: 818 Days
• Field of Search: 137/312, 137/15.11, 137/15.18, 340/605, 340/604
• US Class Current: 137/15.11
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 7/071 Arrangement of safety devices in domestic pipe systems, e.g. devices for automatic shut-off
• CPC Class Codes: F17D 5/06 using electric or acoustic means
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/16 using electric detection means G01M3/045, G01M3/06, G01M3/12, G01M3/20, G01M3/24, G01M3/26 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 20/15 Leakage reduction or detection in water storage or distribution
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0452 Detecting or repairing leak
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0491 Valve or valve element assembling, disassembling, or replacing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/5762 With leakage or drip collecting
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8342 Liquid level responsive indicator, recorder or alarm

Abstract

A valve assembly for use in detecting leaks is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve, a power source coupled to the valve, and a sensor coupled to the power source. The sensor is configured to close the valve when exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid.

Claims

1. A valve assembly for use in detecting leaks, said valve assembly comprising:

a housing comprising a generally impermeable top surface and an opposite bottom surface comprising an opening extending therethrough, wherein said top and bottom surfaces at least partially define a cavity within said housing;

a valve;

a power source coupled to said valve; and

a sensor coupled to said power source, said sensor positioned within the cavity underneath said top surface, said sensor configured to close said valve when exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid channeled through said bottom surface opening.

2. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises a conductor and a permeable material positioned adjacent to said conductor, said permeable material is electrically conductive when permeated with a fluid.

3. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 2, wherein said conductor is electrically coupled to at least one of said valve and said power source.

4. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said valve is maintained in a closed position after said sensor has been exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid.

5. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said valve comprises a manual reset for use in resetting said valve to an open position after said sensor has been exposed to a pre-determined amount of fluid.

6. A valve assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said power source is a battery.

7. A kit for use in detecting leaks, said kit comprising:

a housing comprising a generally impermeable top surface and an opposite bottom surface comprising an opening extending therethrough, wherein said top and bottom surfaces at least partially define a cavity within said housing; and

a valve assembly housed within the cavity underneath said top surface, said valve assembly comprises a valve, a power source coupled to said valve, and a sensor coupled to said power source, said sensor configured to close said valve when exposed to a pre-determined amount of fluid channeled through said bottom surface opening.

8. A kit in accordance with claim 7, wherein said sensor comprises a conductor and a permeable material positioned adjacent to said conductor, said permeable material is electrically conductive when permeated with a fluid.

9. A kit in accordance with claim 8, wherein said conductor is electrically coupled to at least one of said valve and said power source.

10. A kit in accordance with claim 7, wherein said valve is maintained in a closed position after said sensor has been exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid.

11. A kit in accordance with claim 7, wherein said valve comprises a manual reset for use in resetting said valve to an open position after said sensor has been exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid.

12. A kit in accordance with claim 7, wherein said power source is a battery.

13. A kit in accordance with claim 7, wherein said kit further comprises a second sensor.

14. A kit in accordance with claim 7, wherein said kit further comprises means for coupling said kit between a fluid source and a manual shut-off apparatus.

15. A method of assembling a valve assembly for use in detecting leaks comprising:

providing a valve;

coupling a power source to the valve;

positioning a sensor within a cavity defined by a housing that includes at least a generally impermeable top surface and an opposite bottom surface including an opening extending therethrough; and

coupling the sensor to the power source such that the sensor is configured to close the valve when exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid channeled through the bottom surface opening.

16. A method in accordance with claim 15, wherein the method further comprises coupling a manual reset to the valve, said manual reset for use in resetting the valve to an open position after the sensor has been exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid.

17. A method in accordance with claim 15, wherein coupling the sensor to the valve and the power source comprises coupling an upper conductor of the sensor to a battery and coupling a lower conductor of the sensor to the valve.

18. A method in accordance with claim 15 further comprising coupling the valve assembly between a fluid supply line and a manual shut-off assembly.