초록 ▼

In a fluid flow supply system, monitoring a fluid supply system to accurately determine whether an abnormal flow condition or a catastrophic flow condition exists in such supply system. A parameter of fluid flow in the supply system is measured and a first signal is produced corresponding to such pa

In a fluid flow supply system, monitoring a fluid supply system to accurately determine whether an abnormal flow condition or a catastrophic flow condition exists in such supply system. A parameter of fluid flow in the supply system is measured and a first signal is produced corresponding to such parameter. A first timer, adapted to be reset by the first signal, produces a signal upon expiration of a preselected time period. A second timer, adapted to be reset by the signal produced by the first timer, produces an output signal upon expiration of a preselected time period substantially greater in duration than the preselected time period of the first timer. Accordingly if the time period of the first timer is not exceeded (i.e., it is continuously reset by first signals measuring the fluid flow parameter), then the time period for the second timer will be exceeded whereby an abnormal flow condition is determined to exist. Additionally, an accumulated running total of the first signal is compared to a second signal representative of a preselected fluid flow parameter, and an output signal is produced when the first signal exceeds the second signal, whereby a catastrophic flow condition is determined to exist. A control signal for the supply system is produced in response to the production of an output signal from the second timer or the comparator. The control signal can be used to restrict the fluid supply system and/or provide a perceivable indication that an abnormal or catastrophic flow condition exists.

대표청구항 ▼

In a fluid supply system, a method of monitoring fluid flow so as to produce a control signal upon determining that either an abnormal flow condition or a catastrophic flow condition exist in such supply system, said method comprising the steps of: (1) continuously sampling the flow of fluid in said

In a fluid supply system, a method of monitoring fluid flow so as to produce a control signal upon determining that either an abnormal flow condition or a catastrophic flow condition exist in such supply system, said method comprising the steps of: (1) continuously sampling the flow of fluid in said supply system and measuring the flow volume; (2) during a preselected time period, determining if the flow is less than a minimum preselected flow during a preselected shorter time period; (3) producing a control signal indicative of an abnormal flow condition if the flow determined in step (2) is not less than the minimum preselected flow volume during such preselected shorter time period; (4) comparing an accumulated running total of the flow in a third preselected time period with a predetermined maximum flow for such period; and (5) producing a control signal indicative of a catastrophic flow condition if such accumulated running total flow exceeds such predetermined maximum flow.