Patent ID: 6895990
Filing Date: 2005-05-24
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for automatically shutting off a water supply to a leaking water heater, said apparatus comprising: a) a water-collecting tray having a perimeter sidewall bounded by interior and exterior surfaces, and configured to be positioned beneath said water heater, b) a float adapted to rest upon water that may accumulate within said tray, c) guide means that permits vertical movement of said float while preventing substantial lateral movement thereof, d) a valve housing attachable to the interior surface of said sidewall and comprised of wall structure vertically elongated between upper and lower extremities and having: e) an action arm comprised of a cam portion and an elongated lever portion interactive with said float, said action arm being pivotably joined to said housing adjacent said upper extremity in a manner to permit movement of said action arm in a vertical plane while positioning said cam portion to exert downward force upon the top extremity of said drive rod, whereby, f) when water accumulates within said tray as a result of leakage from said water heater, said float rises, causing said lever portion to rise, thereby causing said cam portion to release downward force from said drive rod, allowing said spring to drive said first valve member into sealing relationship with said second valve member, thereby discontinuing flow of water to the water heater.