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Leak detection and control system and method

  • US 9,298,191 B2
  • Filed: 01/26/2012
  • Issued: 03/29/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/19/2008
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A system for controlling the flow of a substance comprising:

  • a valve coupled to an intake and an outtake for the substance;

    a rotatable portion coupled to the valve that selectively places the valve into an open position that allows flow of the substance from the intake to the outtake or a closed position that blocks flow of the substance from the intake to the outtake;

    at least one sensor located remotely from the valve that can detect the presence of the substance;

    a control unit configured to receive signals from the sensor;

    an actuator coupled to the control unit by at least a pair of wires that are coupled to each the actuator and the control unit according to a predetermined polarity allowing the control unit to determine if the valve is in an opened or closed position, wherein the actuator will selectively control the valve to an open position or a closed position in response to at least one signal from the control unit placed upon at least one wire of the pair of wires;

    a motor operatively coupled to the actuator; and

    a valve control mechanism within the control unit configured to respond to an instruction to place the valve in either the open position or the closed position and place the signal on the pair of wires to control the valve to the open position or the closed position as dictated by the instruction;

    wherein upon reception from the sensor that the substance has been detected, the valve control mechanism will generate the instruction to place the valve into the closed position;

    wherein the control unit further comprises an error detection mechanism for determining if the pair of wires are attached incorrectly.

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