Patent ID: 6552647
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: G05B,G08B

Abstract:
An appliance monitor and control system, comprising:one or more system sensors each of which is arranged to detect a hazardous condition and to produce a corresponding alarm signal in an environment including a water service supply line, a fuel service supply line, and an electric service supply line, and one or more appliances including a combustion fueled water heater or boiler having a water feed inlet for communication with the water service supply line and a fuel inlet for communication with the fuel service supply line, wherein the fuel inlet is operative to close in the absence of an associated electrical connection; a number of control devices wherein each control device is constructed and arranged operatively to disconnect a corresponding service supply line from one or more of the appliances to which the supply line is connected, in response to a corresponding drive signal; a processor/driver having one or more inputs coupled to the system sensors and one or more outputs coupled to the control devices, wherein the processor/driver is configured so that a given control device is driven in response to an alarm signal originating from a corresponding one or more of the system sensors; one of the system sensors is a first water sensor constructed and arranged for location in the vicinity of the water heater or boiler; and the control devices include at least, (i) a switch mechanism constructed and arranged for connection to a part of the fueled water heater or boiler, wherein the switch mechanism is configured to remove the electrical connection associated with the fuel inlet of the water heater or boiler in response to a water alarm drive signal that is produced by the processor/driver in response to the alarm signal from the first water sensor, thus closing the fuel inlet to the water heater or boiler, and (ii) a first water control valve constructed and arranged for connection to the water feed inlet of the water heater or boiler, wherein the first water control valve is configured to shut off a supply of water from the water service supply line to the water heater or boiler in response to the water alarm drive signal from the processor/driver.