CA2475980C - Remotely controlled water line shut off system - Google Patents
Remotely controlled water line shut off system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2475980C CA2475980C CA 2475980 CA2475980A CA2475980C CA 2475980 C CA2475980 C CA 2475980C CA 2475980 CA2475980 CA 2475980 CA 2475980 A CA2475980 A CA 2475980A CA 2475980 C CA2475980 C CA 2475980C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- water
- remotely controlled
- line shut
- valve
- shut
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
- G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
- G01M3/2807—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
- E03B7/00—Water main or service pipe systems
- E03B7/07—Arrangement of devices, e.g. filters, flow controls, measuring devices, siphons, valves, in the pipe systems
- E03B7/071—Arrangement of safety devices in domestic pipe systems, e.g. devices for automatic shut-off
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17D—PIPE-LINE SYSTEMS; PIPE-LINES
- F17D5/00—Protection or supervision of installations
- F17D5/02—Preventing, monitoring, or locating loss
- F17D5/06—Preventing, monitoring, or locating loss using electric or acoustic means
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
- Y02A20/15—Leakage reduction or detection in water storage or distribution
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/86389—Programmer or timer
Abstract
A remotely controlled water line shut off system having particular utility as a convenient means to avoid internal water damage to a dwelling, or to the excessive use of water through a sprinkler system, where the dwelling is not occupied continuously, such as a summer rental. System includes a housing or enclosure mounted between a water intake and water discharge lines, where the housing includes a water meter, a water cut off valve, a preset quantity control metering mechanism, a solid state radio transceiver, and an electrical power source, where controlling thereof may be by remote means in wireless communication with the solid state radio transceiver.
Description
REMt~TELY C('~NTR~LL~I~ '~VA1~R. LINE SHUT t~F'F SYSTEM
Field of the Invention This invention is directed to a remotely controlled shut off system for a water line to a structure, such as a residence, where such a system has particular utility in vacated structures uninhabited for various periods of tune by absentee owners.
Background of the Invention The present invention relates to a remotely controlled Water line shut off system to prevent serious water damage to the interior of a structure, or excessive use of water through a broken sprinlder system, where it is especially useful in unattended structures, such as a vacation home. Often residents vacate premises over a long period of time whereby either internal or eternal water discharging continuously can cause seri~rus damage or high water bills. Also, rental properties open leave the water on between rentals for sometimes months at a time and ruptures unattended can. cause serious damage before they may even be aware of the problem.
Such serious damage can be one of tile most cataslxophie types of damage which can occur to one's home, particularly an unattended or unknown broken or leaking water line. Since water supply lines may run thrrougi~:out a house or other building, a leak n~.ay occur in the heart of the house or other building, and may result in extensive damage both to the structure and to the contents prior to the water supply being manually shut The main causes of runaway water leakage are ruptured pipes, tubes or fittings; faulty washing machine hoses, water beaters, supply lines and otbex plumbing equip~.ent; rusty or aging co~pQnents, electrolysis, poor installation practices, poor qualitpmaterials, frozen pipes, tubes or hoses, e~.rthquake activity and pressure surges. With so many different factors that can create plumbing failures and runaway water leaks, one can readily reali2e the need for a fluid shutoff safety device. Flooding in a home or other building brings water damage resulting in extensive destruction and expense. Massive difficulties ensue in the wake of interior structural flooding as families and businesses must contend v~itla. problems including substantial loss of time, money and the home, once or other building involved.
Automated systems for controlling water Bow into a residence andlor water sprinlder systems l~zave been known and published in the prior art, where exemplary systems are descrl'bed in the following 't.T.~.
Patents;
6 a.~ I~To. 6,119,720, to Isaacson et al., teaches a flood control device for measuring fluid flow into a house or building and shuts off the fluid flow if measured flew conditions indicate an overly high consumption due to a leak break, or other abnorn~ax. condition which is present an the plumbing system of the house or building. Briefly, the device thereof is a cutoff valve relating to a eountlng or measuring ~nechanisin. which in turn, when triggered, shuts down the shut off valve.
b.) No. 6,202,b79, to Titus, relates to a system for controlling demand of a fhud. The system includes measuring a fluid supply Pressure in a supply pipe, determining that the fluid supply pressure is lower than a predetermined threshold supply pressure, and directing a control signal :from the W ud information unit to the one or ~nor~e demand control units to xeduce demand for the fluid. In addition, the system includes means for measuring density of a fluid flowing through a demand pipe, .Additionally, means acre provided for determining that fluid flaw througli the demand pipe is stable, xneasuring fluid flow rate through the demand pipe, preventing the fluid from Bowing into the demand pipe for a. sample period of time, measuring a drop in fluid pressure in the demand pipe during the sample period, and determining the density from the measz~red pressure drop. Finally, a utility meter for metering a fluid flowing through a supply pipe and a demand pipe having an audible indicator to provide an audible signal to a user is provided.
8 c.) No. 6,259,9SS, to Brundisini, et al., describes an electronic control unit comprising an electronic circuit with a programmable processing unit and operating buttons to execute and to vary manually the prograuubing of the processing unit and a display for the visualization of the programming stages. Tlre programmable processing unit is organized to individuate a programming menu that is subdivided into a plurality of parts seleetionable at will. Each part comprising at least one chapter.
The chapter being formed of at least one setting page of at least one respective programming parameter, arid in that each part of the menu is directly selectionable by pressure on at least one respective operating button. To su~narizea the system thereof relates to an electronic control ~,u~it comprising an electric ciro~.ut with a programmable processing unit, operating buttons to execute and to vary the pragraranning of said processing unit, and a display for the visualisation of the programming stages. Further, it deals with a secondary watering system rather than the priux~ary water supply.
9 d.) No. 6,259,970, to Brundisini, is directed to an electronic interface associable to au electronic control unit for an automatic watering system for the remote controlled management of the watering system.
The electronic unit has a plurality of output lines siutable to control a respective plurality of electro-valve lines of the watering system. The electronic interface includes a rnicxoprocessor, a connector for connecting the electronic interface with the watering system, a bast interface with at least one communication channel having a remote controlled management apparatus, a second interface with a first plc~rality of input lines connectable with respective output lines of the control unit to control directly the electro-valves, and a brst memory associated with the microprocessor in such a way that the microprocessor can detect the changes of state of the output lines of the control unit and stare the changes of state in the first memory. The micrapracessox can comu~iu~iaate the changes of state to the remote eontxolled management apparatus, upon request. briefly, the system thereof relates to a programmable electric control unit for controlling an automatic watering system, and differs from the invention hereof, as it deals with a secondary watering system and not the primary Water supply.
The present invention, directed to a remotely contTOlled water line shut off system, differs from the foregoing prior art in a number of aspects. The manner by Which this invention differs will become more apparent in the description which follows, particularly When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Summar~of the Tnvention 11 'fins invention relates to a remotely controlled water line shut off system that has particular utility for use at dwellings that are nc~t continuously occupied, such as summer rentals, and the like, by way of example. The system of the invention may be remotely controlled from.
several locations, such as in the dwelling or by a remote handheld means outside the dwelling. The major component of the system is an inground mounted housing, such as fabricated from PVG, positioned in line with the Water conduit for metering and controlling the flout of water to the dwelling and ancillary systems, such as a sprinkler system, where the housing includes an incoming water meter, a cut off valve mechanism.
down stream therefrom, and means for activating the cut off valve mechanism. The means includes a storage battery anal above ground solar collector for maintainixlg said battery, a preset water meter to allow the dwelling owner or agent to preprogram the quantity of water allowed to flow before an automatic shut off, a solid state radio transceiver maunxing an antenna for remotely operating sa~ue, and a lawn sprinkler over ride cut ofF sensor and a cut afF switch.
12 t~ccordir~gly, a feature of this invention is a system to remotely control water flaw input to a dwelling and ancilliary systems, such as a lawn sprinkler, to prevent unnecessary damage due to water breaks or leakage.
13 Another feature hereof is the provision of a built in override system to allow the dwelling owner/agent to override the system to allow water flow in a predetermined quantity.
14 Still another feature of the invention is the provision of a remotely controlled water line shut off system operable by a storage battery supported by a solar collector.
15 These and other features of the invention will become clearer in the description which follows, especially when read along with the attached dx~.wings.
Brief Description of Drawings 1. ~ FIGU'I~.E l is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the manner of remotely controlling the wager line shut off system. according to the pxesent invention.
17 FIGI3RE ~ is a side view, with parts removed, slaovving the ground rmounted shut off valve mechanism forming a part of the invention.
Laetailed T~escri lion of pr ferred Embo ' ent 18 This invention is directed to a remotely controlled water line shut off system that is especially suited for dwellings that may be idle for periods of time, such as summer rentals, where water damage, or broken and leaking sprinkler systems, may occur during such idle periods. The invention will now be described with regard to the tyro Figures, where like reference numerals represent like components or features in the respective views.
19 Turning now to Figures 1 and 2, the overall system comprises a water shut off and metering housing 10, or enclosure, where one wall has been removed to reveal the internal components therewithin. In any case, the housing is preferably fabricated of polyvinyl chloride (P'~Cj, where the internal components are controlled remotely by a handheld device 1 ~, that may include an antenna 14, radio transmitter 1 b, and timing control mechanist 18, as known in the art, that might be used by the owner's agent, for example, without having to enter the dwelling 2~ for which the system is being used. Alternately, or in support thereof, the system 22, as more clearly illustrated in Figure 2, may be remotely controlled by a comparable remote unit ~4 within the dwelling, or a wall mounted remote ~u~it ~6 that includes a year time clock ~8, radio transmitter 30, axed transmitter antenna ~2.
20 Figure ~ illustrates in detail the water shut off and metering housing 1 Q, where the housing is positioned in line to the water intake line 34 and water outlet or discharge line ~6, while a portion is exposed above ground level 38 fox reasons to become apparent hereafter. The system ~2 includes a water meter 40, as known commercially, positioned in. direct fluid communication with the water intake line 34, and down stream tl7.erefrom and in Communication with water meter 40 via conduit 41, a cut off valve 42 ad,~acent said discharge line 36, which transmits water to the dwelling 20 an~.d/or ~ ground water sprinkler system, as commonly found at many structures, 21 Additionally, the system ~2 includes a preset, quantity control metering means 44 to allow the owner/agent to preset the amount of water to pass through the system before a cut of~thereof is imposed on the system. Further, the system 22 includes a solid state transceiver 4G
incorporating a lawn sprinkler override cut off sensor 48 and antenna Sd.
Finally, to provide uninterTUpted electrical power to the system 22, especially on. those occasions while power may be lost during a. severe storm, a. storage battery S2 is included. Additionally, a solar collector 54, as known in the art, is provided far recharging of the storage battery to ensure continued operation of the system. ~2. hTote that the solar collector 54 is above ground level 38 on the top of housing lU and exposed to the sun rays.
22 As seen in Figure 2, the respective internal components are in electrical communication with other components. Fear example, the storage battery 5~ is electrically connected to the solid state transceiver 4f~, which in turn is electrically connected to the quantity control metering means 44. The quantity control metering means, through low voltage connectors 56, 5g, respectively, to the water metex 40 and cut off valve 42, are included to complete the electrical circuitry.
Field of the Invention This invention is directed to a remotely controlled shut off system for a water line to a structure, such as a residence, where such a system has particular utility in vacated structures uninhabited for various periods of tune by absentee owners.
Background of the Invention The present invention relates to a remotely controlled Water line shut off system to prevent serious water damage to the interior of a structure, or excessive use of water through a broken sprinlder system, where it is especially useful in unattended structures, such as a vacation home. Often residents vacate premises over a long period of time whereby either internal or eternal water discharging continuously can cause seri~rus damage or high water bills. Also, rental properties open leave the water on between rentals for sometimes months at a time and ruptures unattended can. cause serious damage before they may even be aware of the problem.
Such serious damage can be one of tile most cataslxophie types of damage which can occur to one's home, particularly an unattended or unknown broken or leaking water line. Since water supply lines may run thrrougi~:out a house or other building, a leak n~.ay occur in the heart of the house or other building, and may result in extensive damage both to the structure and to the contents prior to the water supply being manually shut The main causes of runaway water leakage are ruptured pipes, tubes or fittings; faulty washing machine hoses, water beaters, supply lines and otbex plumbing equip~.ent; rusty or aging co~pQnents, electrolysis, poor installation practices, poor qualitpmaterials, frozen pipes, tubes or hoses, e~.rthquake activity and pressure surges. With so many different factors that can create plumbing failures and runaway water leaks, one can readily reali2e the need for a fluid shutoff safety device. Flooding in a home or other building brings water damage resulting in extensive destruction and expense. Massive difficulties ensue in the wake of interior structural flooding as families and businesses must contend v~itla. problems including substantial loss of time, money and the home, once or other building involved.
Automated systems for controlling water Bow into a residence andlor water sprinlder systems l~zave been known and published in the prior art, where exemplary systems are descrl'bed in the following 't.T.~.
Patents;
6 a.~ I~To. 6,119,720, to Isaacson et al., teaches a flood control device for measuring fluid flow into a house or building and shuts off the fluid flow if measured flew conditions indicate an overly high consumption due to a leak break, or other abnorn~ax. condition which is present an the plumbing system of the house or building. Briefly, the device thereof is a cutoff valve relating to a eountlng or measuring ~nechanisin. which in turn, when triggered, shuts down the shut off valve.
b.) No. 6,202,b79, to Titus, relates to a system for controlling demand of a fhud. The system includes measuring a fluid supply Pressure in a supply pipe, determining that the fluid supply pressure is lower than a predetermined threshold supply pressure, and directing a control signal :from the W ud information unit to the one or ~nor~e demand control units to xeduce demand for the fluid. In addition, the system includes means for measuring density of a fluid flowing through a demand pipe, .Additionally, means acre provided for determining that fluid flaw througli the demand pipe is stable, xneasuring fluid flow rate through the demand pipe, preventing the fluid from Bowing into the demand pipe for a. sample period of time, measuring a drop in fluid pressure in the demand pipe during the sample period, and determining the density from the measz~red pressure drop. Finally, a utility meter for metering a fluid flowing through a supply pipe and a demand pipe having an audible indicator to provide an audible signal to a user is provided.
8 c.) No. 6,259,9SS, to Brundisini, et al., describes an electronic control unit comprising an electronic circuit with a programmable processing unit and operating buttons to execute and to vary manually the prograuubing of the processing unit and a display for the visualization of the programming stages. Tlre programmable processing unit is organized to individuate a programming menu that is subdivided into a plurality of parts seleetionable at will. Each part comprising at least one chapter.
The chapter being formed of at least one setting page of at least one respective programming parameter, arid in that each part of the menu is directly selectionable by pressure on at least one respective operating button. To su~narizea the system thereof relates to an electronic control ~,u~it comprising an electric ciro~.ut with a programmable processing unit, operating buttons to execute and to vary the pragraranning of said processing unit, and a display for the visualisation of the programming stages. Further, it deals with a secondary watering system rather than the priux~ary water supply.
9 d.) No. 6,259,970, to Brundisini, is directed to an electronic interface associable to au electronic control unit for an automatic watering system for the remote controlled management of the watering system.
The electronic unit has a plurality of output lines siutable to control a respective plurality of electro-valve lines of the watering system. The electronic interface includes a rnicxoprocessor, a connector for connecting the electronic interface with the watering system, a bast interface with at least one communication channel having a remote controlled management apparatus, a second interface with a first plc~rality of input lines connectable with respective output lines of the control unit to control directly the electro-valves, and a brst memory associated with the microprocessor in such a way that the microprocessor can detect the changes of state of the output lines of the control unit and stare the changes of state in the first memory. The micrapracessox can comu~iu~iaate the changes of state to the remote eontxolled management apparatus, upon request. briefly, the system thereof relates to a programmable electric control unit for controlling an automatic watering system, and differs from the invention hereof, as it deals with a secondary watering system and not the primary Water supply.
The present invention, directed to a remotely contTOlled water line shut off system, differs from the foregoing prior art in a number of aspects. The manner by Which this invention differs will become more apparent in the description which follows, particularly When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Summar~of the Tnvention 11 'fins invention relates to a remotely controlled water line shut off system that has particular utility for use at dwellings that are nc~t continuously occupied, such as summer rentals, and the like, by way of example. The system of the invention may be remotely controlled from.
several locations, such as in the dwelling or by a remote handheld means outside the dwelling. The major component of the system is an inground mounted housing, such as fabricated from PVG, positioned in line with the Water conduit for metering and controlling the flout of water to the dwelling and ancillary systems, such as a sprinkler system, where the housing includes an incoming water meter, a cut off valve mechanism.
down stream therefrom, and means for activating the cut off valve mechanism. The means includes a storage battery anal above ground solar collector for maintainixlg said battery, a preset water meter to allow the dwelling owner or agent to preprogram the quantity of water allowed to flow before an automatic shut off, a solid state radio transceiver maunxing an antenna for remotely operating sa~ue, and a lawn sprinkler over ride cut ofF sensor and a cut afF switch.
12 t~ccordir~gly, a feature of this invention is a system to remotely control water flaw input to a dwelling and ancilliary systems, such as a lawn sprinkler, to prevent unnecessary damage due to water breaks or leakage.
13 Another feature hereof is the provision of a built in override system to allow the dwelling owner/agent to override the system to allow water flow in a predetermined quantity.
14 Still another feature of the invention is the provision of a remotely controlled water line shut off system operable by a storage battery supported by a solar collector.
15 These and other features of the invention will become clearer in the description which follows, especially when read along with the attached dx~.wings.
Brief Description of Drawings 1. ~ FIGU'I~.E l is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the manner of remotely controlling the wager line shut off system. according to the pxesent invention.
17 FIGI3RE ~ is a side view, with parts removed, slaovving the ground rmounted shut off valve mechanism forming a part of the invention.
Laetailed T~escri lion of pr ferred Embo ' ent 18 This invention is directed to a remotely controlled water line shut off system that is especially suited for dwellings that may be idle for periods of time, such as summer rentals, where water damage, or broken and leaking sprinkler systems, may occur during such idle periods. The invention will now be described with regard to the tyro Figures, where like reference numerals represent like components or features in the respective views.
19 Turning now to Figures 1 and 2, the overall system comprises a water shut off and metering housing 10, or enclosure, where one wall has been removed to reveal the internal components therewithin. In any case, the housing is preferably fabricated of polyvinyl chloride (P'~Cj, where the internal components are controlled remotely by a handheld device 1 ~, that may include an antenna 14, radio transmitter 1 b, and timing control mechanist 18, as known in the art, that might be used by the owner's agent, for example, without having to enter the dwelling 2~ for which the system is being used. Alternately, or in support thereof, the system 22, as more clearly illustrated in Figure 2, may be remotely controlled by a comparable remote unit ~4 within the dwelling, or a wall mounted remote ~u~it ~6 that includes a year time clock ~8, radio transmitter 30, axed transmitter antenna ~2.
20 Figure ~ illustrates in detail the water shut off and metering housing 1 Q, where the housing is positioned in line to the water intake line 34 and water outlet or discharge line ~6, while a portion is exposed above ground level 38 fox reasons to become apparent hereafter. The system ~2 includes a water meter 40, as known commercially, positioned in. direct fluid communication with the water intake line 34, and down stream tl7.erefrom and in Communication with water meter 40 via conduit 41, a cut off valve 42 ad,~acent said discharge line 36, which transmits water to the dwelling 20 an~.d/or ~ ground water sprinkler system, as commonly found at many structures, 21 Additionally, the system ~2 includes a preset, quantity control metering means 44 to allow the owner/agent to preset the amount of water to pass through the system before a cut of~thereof is imposed on the system. Further, the system 22 includes a solid state transceiver 4G
incorporating a lawn sprinkler override cut off sensor 48 and antenna Sd.
Finally, to provide uninterTUpted electrical power to the system 22, especially on. those occasions while power may be lost during a. severe storm, a. storage battery S2 is included. Additionally, a solar collector 54, as known in the art, is provided far recharging of the storage battery to ensure continued operation of the system. ~2. hTote that the solar collector 54 is above ground level 38 on the top of housing lU and exposed to the sun rays.
22 As seen in Figure 2, the respective internal components are in electrical communication with other components. Fear example, the storage battery 5~ is electrically connected to the solid state transceiver 4f~, which in turn is electrically connected to the quantity control metering means 44. The quantity control metering means, through low voltage connectors 56, 5g, respectively, to the water metex 40 and cut off valve 42, are included to complete the electrical circuitry.
2~ To ensure peace of mind to the owner/agent responsible for the smooth operation of the dwelling, and to ~aimize internal damage or excessive water usage through the sprinkler system, this invention permits the owners or agents to leave the main public water connected and.
provides the capability of the owner/agent to shut off the supply by means of the 365 day time clocl~ or timing control mechaxaism 18, or the hand held remote 12. Further, the 3G5 day time cloci~ or timing control mechanisna.18, can be preprograrruned for rentals or for the l~.oxne owners return timetable. This system 22 can also be left on continuously for 3~5 days due to the built in lawn sprinkler over ride cut off switch or sensor 5b. The built in switch or sensor override provides the ownerlagent the ability to preset water meter 40, to discharge 20 to 300 gallons uninterrupted before a complete shutoff of the system activated by preset water meter 40, which activates the cutoffvaive 42. Further, leaving the unit in it's programmed state will allow the sprinkler system to continue operation when premises are unattended. Quite often a sprinlder system may use in excess of the predetetxnined gallons of preset water meter 40, therefore, the lawn sprinkler over ride cut off switch or sensor 60 will disconnect preset Water meter 40, while sp~inklyng. Upon sprinkling completion, the lawn sprinkler over ride cut o~ switci~ or sensor ~0, cancels the open connection of the lawn sprinkler cut off switch ~0.
Aside from the lawn sprinkler over ride cut off sensor ~0, the preset water meter 40, when reading and detecting an uninterrupted continuous discharge, will activate cutoff valve 4~, shutting down the system until reset by the ownerlagent by either the 3G~ day tame clocl~ 18, oar the hand held remote 12 , 24 It is recognized that changes, variations and modifications, particularly by those skilled in. the art, may be made to the system of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
Accordingly, no lumitation is intended to be imposed thereon except as set forth in the accompanying claims.
provides the capability of the owner/agent to shut off the supply by means of the 365 day time clocl~ or timing control mechaxaism 18, or the hand held remote 12. Further, the 3G5 day time cloci~ or timing control mechanisna.18, can be preprograrruned for rentals or for the l~.oxne owners return timetable. This system 22 can also be left on continuously for 3~5 days due to the built in lawn sprinkler over ride cut off switch or sensor 5b. The built in switch or sensor override provides the ownerlagent the ability to preset water meter 40, to discharge 20 to 300 gallons uninterrupted before a complete shutoff of the system activated by preset water meter 40, which activates the cutoffvaive 42. Further, leaving the unit in it's programmed state will allow the sprinkler system to continue operation when premises are unattended. Quite often a sprinlder system may use in excess of the predetetxnined gallons of preset water meter 40, therefore, the lawn sprinkler over ride cut off switch or sensor 60 will disconnect preset Water meter 40, while sp~inklyng. Upon sprinkling completion, the lawn sprinkler over ride cut o~ switci~ or sensor ~0, cancels the open connection of the lawn sprinkler cut off switch ~0.
Aside from the lawn sprinkler over ride cut off sensor ~0, the preset water meter 40, when reading and detecting an uninterrupted continuous discharge, will activate cutoff valve 4~, shutting down the system until reset by the ownerlagent by either the 3G~ day tame clocl~ 18, oar the hand held remote 12 , 24 It is recognized that changes, variations and modifications, particularly by those skilled in. the art, may be made to the system of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
Accordingly, no lumitation is intended to be imposed thereon except as set forth in the accompanying claims.
Claims (8)
1. A remotely controlled water line shut off system for responding to inadvertant or excessive damand for water at a dwelling, wherein said dwelling includes aligned water intake and water discharge lines in fluid communication with each other for transmitting water to internal plumbing and an external sprinkler mechanism, said system comprising:
a.) a housing situated between said water intake line and said water discharge line, said housing including the following components;
i.) a water meter in direct fluid communication with said water intake line, ii.) a water cut off valve in fluid communication with said water discharge line, with a water conduit between said water meter and said water cut off valve, iii.) a preset quantity control metering means, iv.) a solid state radio transceiver for transmitting programmed signals to said control metering means, anal v.) an electrical power source and circuitry bringing said components into electrical communication to effect a predetermined operation of said water cut off valve;
b.) remote means in radio communication with said solid state radio transceiver to allow programming of said system from a remote location.
a.) a housing situated between said water intake line and said water discharge line, said housing including the following components;
i.) a water meter in direct fluid communication with said water intake line, ii.) a water cut off valve in fluid communication with said water discharge line, with a water conduit between said water meter and said water cut off valve, iii.) a preset quantity control metering means, iv.) a solid state radio transceiver for transmitting programmed signals to said control metering means, anal v.) an electrical power source and circuitry bringing said components into electrical communication to effect a predetermined operation of said water cut off valve;
b.) remote means in radio communication with said solid state radio transceiver to allow programming of said system from a remote location.
2. The remotely controlled water line shut off system according to claim 1, wherein said electrical power source includes a storage battery, and at least a portion of said housing is above ground level and mounts a solar collector for recharging said storage battery.
3. The remotely controlled water line shut off system according to claim 1, wherein said remote means is a handheld unit including a radio transmitter and a timing control mechanism to allow external operation of said system.
4. The remotely controlled water line shut off system according to claim 1, wherein said remote means is a fixed unit within said dwelling.
5. The remotely controlled water line shut off system according to claim 1, wherein said housing is fabricated of polyvinyl chloride.
6. The remotely controlled water line shut off system according to claim 1, including a programmable switch to override said water cut off valve to continue operating said system in a sprinkler mode.
7. The remotely controlled water .line shut off system according to claim 1, wherein said solid state radio transceiver includes an antenna in wireless communication with said remote means.
8. The remotely controlled water line shut off system according to claim 1, including means to program a predetermined quantity of water transmitting said system before said water cut off valve is activated.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/127,000 | 2002-04-22 | ||
| US10/127,000 US6491062B1 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2002-04-22 | Remotely controlled water line shut off system |
| PCT/US2003/010679 WO2003088737A1 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2003-04-21 | Remotely controlled water line shut off system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2475980A1 CA2475980A1 (en) | 2003-10-30 |
| CA2475980C true CA2475980C (en) | 2008-04-15 |
Family
ID=22427810
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2475980 Expired - Fee Related CA2475980C (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2003-04-21 | Remotely controlled water line shut off system |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6491062B1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1496736A4 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2003224867A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2475980C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2003088737A1 (en) |
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-
2002
- 2002-04-22 US US10/127,000 patent/US6491062B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2003
- 2003-04-21 EP EP03721560A patent/EP1496736A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-04-21 WO PCT/US2003/010679 patent/WO2003088737A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-04-21 CA CA 2475980 patent/CA2475980C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-04-21 AU AU2003224867A patent/AU2003224867A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2003088737A1 (en) | 2003-10-30 |
| EP1496736A1 (en) | 2005-01-19 |
| EP1496736A4 (en) | 2008-08-20 |
| CA2475980A1 (en) | 2003-10-30 |
| US6491062B1 (en) | 2002-12-10 |
| AU2003224867A1 (en) | 2003-11-03 |
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