초록 ▼

An automatic fluid-sensing and fluid shut-off system (10) that allows a flow of water into a structure to be sensed, timed and stopped when the flow exceeds a preset time. The system (10), which operates in combination with a conventional main water valve (50) and pressure regulator (60), consists o

An automatic fluid-sensing and fluid shut-off system (10) that allows a flow of water into a structure to be sensed, timed and stopped when the flow exceeds a preset time. The system (10), which operates in combination with a conventional main water valve (50) and pressure regulator (60), consists of a flow-sensing valve (12) that incorporates an infrared emitter (14) and an infrared detector (16), an electric valve (18) and an electronics control unit (20). When a flow is sensed by the valve (12), the detector (16) produces a flow-trigger signal that is applied to a programmable timer (20n) in the unit (20). When the signal is received, the timer commences a countdown; when the time has lapsed, the unit (20) produces a signal that energizes a power relay (20h) that removes the power keeping the electric valve (18) open. Upon this power removed, the valve (18) closes and shuts off the water supply. The water flow remains off until the system is reset by depressing a reset switch (20t).

대표청구항 ▼

An automatic fluid-flow sensor and fluid shut-off system that functions in combination with a water supply source applied through a main water pipe connected in-line with a main water valve and pressure regulator, said system comprising: (a) an electrical valve connected in line with said main water

An automatic fluid-flow sensor and fluid shut-off system that functions in combination with a water supply source applied through a main water pipe connected in-line with a main water valve and pressure regulator, said system comprising: (a) an electrical valve connected in line with said main water valve, (b) a flow-sensing valve connected in-line with said electrical valve, where said flow sensing valve includes an optical path and means including a movable element that remains below the optical path when there is no fluid flow through said flow-sensing valve which causes a no-flow signal to be produced and that interrupts the optical path when there is a fluid flow which causes a flow trigger signal to be produced, and (c) an electronics control unit having the means to: (1) control the application of an a-c voltage that turns on said electrical valve, (2) receive and process the no-flow or flow trigger signals from said flow sensing valve, (3) start a programmable timer circuit that is directly coupled to receive the no-flow and flow trigger signals from said flow-sensing valve such that when the flow trigger signal is received, upon the lapsing of a preset time, a signal, that is free of microprocessor control, is produced that removes the a-c power being applied to said electrical valve which causes said valve to close and stop the fluid flow.