In-line utility shut-off system and method of use thereof

• US 8,857,466 B1
• Filed: 02/03/2011
• Issued: 10/14/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 02/03/2011
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Thomas J. Wilson
• Original Assignee: Thomas J. Wilson
• Inventors: Wilson, Thomas J.
• Primary Examiner(s): CHAUDRY, ATIF H
• Application Number:
  US13/020,097
• Time in Patent Office: 1,349 Days
• Field of Search: 137/601.14, 137/551, 137/599.11, 251/129.04, 700/284
• US Class Current: 137/599.11
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 7/071 Arrangement of safety devices in domestic pipe systems, e.g. devices for automatic shut-off
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 20/15 Leakage reduction or detection in water storage or distribution
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8158 With indicator, register, recorder, alarm or inspection means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87338 Flow passage with bypass
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87507 Electrical actuator

Abstract

A system that provides for the remote control shutoff of a main supply of a utility to a structure in an unattended manner comprises a solenoid activated shutoff valve typically mounted immediately downstream of a main shutoff valve and a securable enclosure containing a remote control switch and audible alarm unit electrically connected to a power source. A manual bypass valve is provided as an override should it be required. Because the system requires electricity to operate, a general power failure will automatically shut off of the water supply. No back-up power source, such as a back-up battery, is utilized with the present system. Further, activation of the system is accomplished using a remote control to control the system from a distance.

Claims

1. A system for remotely controlling a shutoff of a main valve of a utility line to a structure, comprising:

an electrically active solenoid shutoff valve mounted after an existing manual shutoff valve;

a securable enclosure comprising;

a power supply, comprising;

an electrical connecting pair of blades removably connected to a power source; and

,

a step down transformer in electrical communication with said pair of blades;

a remote control switch in electrical communication with said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve and said transformer; and

,

an alarm unit in electrical communication with said transformer;

a remote control; and

,

a manual bypass valve and associated piping;

wherein said power source is a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle that provides continuous power to said transformer;

wherein said system ceases delivery of a flow of a utility in an event of a power failure or remotely upon activation of said remote control switch by said remote control;

wherein said enclosure is electrically connected to said power source of said structure adjacent to said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve at a distance required by local electrical codes;

wherein said manual bypass valve provides an optional shutoff to said utility line; and

wherein said GFCI receptacle further comprises X-10 communication capabilities, thereby enabling activation/deactivation of said system via a remote computer or smart phone, thereby halting or reestablishing said flow of said utility through said system.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said step down transformer is a standard 110-volt to 24-volt DC converter.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said enclosure is a waterproof and resilient device comprising:

a securable cover removably fastened to a rear portion and defining an interior within; and

,

a set of electronic components mounted and secured therein said interior, further comprising;

said transformer;

said remote control switch, further comprising an RF receiver;

said alarm unit; and

,

an electrically active shutoff valve wire electrically connecting said remote control switch to said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve;

wherein said cover provides a security means to said interior to prevent tampering;

wherein said alarm unit is activated during a power interruption; and

,

wherein said enclosure provides a sufficient interior volume to contain said set of electronic components.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising an antenna removably inserted into a cover aperture located on an upper surface of said cover and in electrical communication with said receiver;

wherein said antenna enables transmission of a signal from said remote control to said receiver from greater distances.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said alarm unit is an audible alarm comprising an internal battery, switching hardware, wiring, and a speaker.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein said alarm unit is a visual alarm comprising an indicating illumination lamp.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said remote control comprises a hand-held device with a transmitting button that, when depressed, transmits a first and a second RF signal to said RF receiver of said remote control switch;

whereupon receipt of said first RF signal, said remote control switch halts an electrical current to said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve, thereby closing said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve;

whereupon receipt of said second RF signal, said remote control switch permits said electrical current to said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve, thereby opening said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve; and

,

wherein said remote control provides a halting or opening action acting upon said utility line by successive actuation of said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said first and second RF signal comprises a one-way frequency modulated (FM) signal.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said manual bypass valve and associated piping further comprises various fittings and piping dimensions required to establish direct communication between an inlet and an outlet, thereby bypassing said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve so as to maintain a consistent flow and pressure through said system.

10. A system for remotely controlling a shutoff of a main valve of a utility line to a structure, comprising:

an electrically active solenoid shutoff valve mounted after an existing manual shutoff valve;

a securable enclosure comprising a securable cover removably fastened to a rear portion and defining an interior within;

a set of electronic components mounted and secured within said interior, having an electrical connecting pair of blades removably connected to said a power source, further comprising;

a step down transformer in electrical communication therewith said pair of blades;

a remote control switch in electrical communication with said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve and said transformer;

an alarm unit in electrical communication with said transformer; and

,

an electrically active shutoff valve wire electrically connecting said remote control switch to said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve;

a remote control comprising a hand-held device with a transmitting button that, when depressed, transmits a first and a second RF signal to said RF receiver of said remote control switch; and

,

a manual bypass valve and associated piping;

wherein said system ceases delivery of a flow of a utility in an event of a power failure or remotely upon activation of said remote control switch by said remote controller;

wherein said enclosure is electrically connected to said power source of said structure adjacent to said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve at a distance required by local electrical codes;

wherein said cover provides a security means to said interior to prevent tampering;

wherein said power source provides continuous power to said step down transformer;

wherein said step down transformer provides electrical power to said remote control switch and said alarm unit;

wherein said alarm unit is activated during a power interruption;

wherein said enclosure provides a sufficient interior volume to contain said set of electronic components;

whereupon receipt of said first RF signal, said remote control switch halts an electrical current to said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve, thereby closing said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve;

whereupon receipt of said second RF signal, said remote control switch permits said electrical current to said electrically solenoid shutoff active valve, thereby opening said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve;

wherein said remote control provides a halting or opening action acting upon said water flow by successive actuation of said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve;

wherein said manual bypass valve provides an optional shutoff to said utility line; and

wherein said power source further comprises a GFCI receptacle, further comprising X-10 communication capabilities, thereby enabling activation/deactivation of said system via a remote computer thereby halting or reestablishing said flow of said utility through said system.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein said step down transformer is a standard 110-volt to 24-volt DC converter.

12. The system of claim 10, further comprising an antenna removably inserted into a cover aperture located on an upper surface of said cover and in electrical communication with said receiver;

wherein said antenna enables transmission of a signal from said remote control to said receiver from greater distances.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein said alarm unit is an audible alarm comprising an internal battery, switching hardware, wiring, and a speaker.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein said alarm unit is a visual alarm comprising an indicating illumination lamp.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein said first and second RF signal comprises a one-way frequency modulated (FM) signal.

16. A method of installing and utilizing a system for remotely controlling a shutoff of an electrically active solenoid shutoff valve of a utility line to a structure comprises the following steps:

providing an enclosure comprising;

a securable cover removably fastened to a rear portion and defining an interior within;

a pair of blades extending outwardly from said rear portion;

a set of electronic components mounted and secured therein said interior, further comprising a transformer in electrical communication with said pair of blades, a remote control switch comprising an RF receiver and in electrical communication with said transformer, an alarm unit in electrical communication with said transformer;

installing said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve immediately downstream of said main shutoff valve;

installing a bypass valve around said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve;

connecting an electrically active solenoid shutoff valve wire from said remote control switch of said enclosure to said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve;

activating said system by electrically connecting said pair of blades of said enclosure to a power source adjacent to said main shutoff valve at a minimal distance determined by local codes;

wherein said power source further comprises a GFCI receptacle, further comprising X-10 communication capabilities, thereby enabling activation/deactivation of said system via a remote computer thereby halting or reestablishing said flow of said utility through said system;

transmitting a first RF signal from a hand-held remote control to said RF receiver of said remote control switch, thereby enabling a flow of a utility through said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve;

transmitting a second RF signal from said remote control to said RF receiver to said remote control switch, thereby stopping a water flow through said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve;

automatically broadcasting an alarm via said alarm unit to occupants of said structure indicating stoppage of said flow of said utility due to receipt of said second RF signal;

automatically broadcasting an alarm via said alarm unit to occupants of said structure indicating stoppage of said flow of said utility due to a general loss of power from said power source, which interrupts an electrical current to said electrically active solenoid shutoff valve and stops said flow of said utility; and

,

protecting said structure from damage due to a stopped flow of said utility.