Water conservation system

In some embodiments, a water conservation system may include a main conduit which may be in fluid communication with a bypass conduit via a bypass inlet and a bypass outlet. An inlet isolation valve, a flow control valve, and an outlet isolation valve may be coupled in series on the main conduit. A pressure sensor may be coupled to the main conduit before the bypass conduit inlet and a flow meter may be coupled to the main conduit after the bypass conduit outlet. A processing unit may be in communication with an ambient temperature sensor and also in communication with the flow control valve, the pressure sensor, and the flow meter. The processing unit may operate the flow control valve to provide an unlimited range of programmable rates of water flows that can be achieved automatically and remotely for optimal supply in the facility in which the system is installed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent specification relates to the field of hydraulic engineering systems, which may be used for water conservation and real time monitoring, regulating, diagnosing and troubleshooting. More specifically, this patent specification relates to systems and methods that are configured for controlling and conserving water during distribution such as in residential, industrial and commercial facilities.

BACKGROUND

The shortage of water for residential, industrial and commercial use has generated a need for different technical mechanisms for minimizing the environmental impact. The shortage of the scarcely available water has forced many manufacturers to offer devices, systems and accessories for an efficient use of water, using the renewed infrastructure with innovations to minimize impact by reducing the over consumption of water used traditionally. Nevertheless, the utilization of water-saving devices with the use of flow monitoring and control devices are not currently addressed in the state of the art systems available in the market place.

Therefore a need exists for a novel water conservation system for automatically monitoring water flow, pressure and temperature, and for detecting, preventing and eliminating leaks. There is also a need for a novel water conservation system which is configured to develop savings and water efficiency in water distribution system or devices connected to the main line entering the given facility. Still another need exists for a novel water conservation system which allow for an unlimited range of programmable rates of water flows that can be achieved automatically and remotely for optimal supply in the facilities where the system is installed. A further need exists, for a novel water conservation system which enables the conservation of water by reducing water pressure in facilities which require continuous consumption of water from currently scarcely available and overburdened resources. Finally, a need exists for a novel water conservation system that is self learning and self programmable to obtain an unlimited and desired range of supply of water flow.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A water conservation system for use with any fluid is provided. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to automatically monitor water flow, pressure and temperature, which may be used for detecting, preventing and eliminating leaks in the water supply infrastructure of the facility which is in fluid communication with the system and the supply conduit. In further embodiments, the system provides for an unlimited range of programmable rates of water flows, via one or more flow control valves that can be achieved automatically and remotely for optimal supply in the facility in which the system is installed.

In some embodiments, the system may include a main conduit which may be in fluid communication with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The main conduit may be in fluid communication with a bypass conduit via a bypass inlet and a bypass outlet. An inlet isolation valve, a flow control valve, and an outlet isolation valve may be coupled in series on the main conduit with the inlet isolation valve relatively closer to the fluid inlet and the outlet isolation valve relatively closer to the fluid outlet. The bypass conduit may have a bypass valve and may be coupled to the main conduit so that when the bypass valve is open, fluid is able to bypass portions of the main conduit having the inlet isolation valve, flow control valve, and outlet isolation valve via the bypass conduit. A pressure sensor may be coupled to the main conduit before the bypass conduit inlet and a flow meter may be coupled to the main conduit after the bypass conduit outlet. A processing unit may be in communication with an ambient temperature sensor and also in communication with the flow control valve, the pressure sensor, and the flow meter.

In further embodiments, the processing unit may include software for controlling and receiving information from one or more pressure sensors, flow control valves, temperature sensors, and flow meters. Additionally, the programs may include one or more temperature, pressure, and flow rate thresholds of a pressure sensor, flow control valve, other automated valves, temperature sensor, and flow meter, thereby enabling the programs of the processing unit to automatically monitor the temperature, pressure, and the flow rate of the water flow through the system.

In still further embodiments, the system may comprise a control device which may be in wired and/or wireless electronic communication with the processing unit. Preferably, a user may use a control device to interact with the processing unit of the system, thereby allowing the user to control or receive information from one or more elements of the system which are in electronic communication with the processing unit such as an ambient temperature sensor, a flow control valve, any other automated valves, a flow meter, and/or a pressure sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element may be designated as the second element, and the second element may be likewise designated as the first element without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. Additionally, as used in this application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein.

New hydraulic engineering systems are discussed herein. While in some embodiments, the system may be used with water, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the system may be used with any type of fluid, such as gasses and liquids. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments.FIGS. 1-3illustrate an example of a water conservation system (“the system”)100according to various embodiments. In this and some embodiments, the system100may comprise a main conduit11which may be in fluid communication with a fluid inlet31and a fluid outlet32. The main conduit11may be in fluid communication with a bypass conduit21via a bypass inlet22and a bypass outlet23. An inlet isolation valve12, a flow control valve13, and an outlet isolation valve14may be coupled in series on the main conduit11with the inlet isolation valve12relatively closer to the fluid inlet31and the outlet isolation valve14relatively closer to the fluid outlet32. The bypass conduit21may have a bypass valve24and may be coupled to the main conduit11so that when the bypass valve24is open, fluid is able to bypass portions of the main conduit11, having the inlet isolation valve12, flow control valve13, and outlet isolation valve14via the bypass conduit21. A pressure sensor15may be coupled to the main conduit11before the bypass inlet22and a flow meter16may be coupled to the main conduit11after the bypass conduit outlet23. A processing unit50may be in communication with an ambient temperature sensor17and also in communication with the flow control valve13, the pressure sensor15, and the flow meter16.

In some embodiments, the system100may be configured to enable the conservation of water by reducing water pressure, hence water flow, in facilities which require continuous consumption of water from currently scarcely available and overburdened resources. The system100may be installed or coupled to a pipe or supply conduit200, which supplies water to the facility, via an inlet coupling33and an outlet coupling34. The inlet coupling33may also be coupled to the fluid inlet31of the system100thereby allowing water from the supply conduit200to enter the system100, and the outlet coupling34may also be coupled to the fluid outlet32of the system100thereby allowing water from the supply conduit200to exit the system100into the supply conduit200. In this manner, water flowing through the supply conduit200must pass through the system100.

In some embodiments, the system100may be installed on a supply conduit200by a user300that may isolate and drain one or more existing water supply lines of the supply conduit200. The user300may then cut into the existing supply conduit200and use the inlet coupling33and outlet coupling34to connect the system100to the water supply conduit200. Once the supply conduit200connection is established, the water supply to the system100is established, power may be supplied to the system100, and the processing unit50may be booted up and placed in operation. The programs59or software may be started up and connection or the I/O interfaces52to the processing unit50may be confirmed. The user300then configures the system100to meet his needs based on a menu of options provided with an application program59via a control device400in wired electronic communication41and/or wireless electronic communication42with the processing unit50. Once these options are selected, the processing unit51runs continuously and provides data from the I/O interfaces requested or on a scheduled or on-demand basis and automatically responds to any requirements that the user has selected for the conservation of water. The processing unit50may also provide data to an auto-learning algorithm which may provide recommendations to the user300to optimize water conservation based on requirements provided by the user300. The user300may also be provided with configurable settings to implement the recommended optimization parameters. While water is frequently referenced, the system100may be used for any fluid where there is any specific incentives to conserve fluid consumption for economic, environmental impact, or safety reasons.

In some embodiments, an inlet coupling33and an outlet coupling34may comprise any suitable conduit connection method. For example, an inlet coupling33and/or an outlet coupling34may comprise: any type of adapter which is commonly used to extend runs, or to simply change the connection type at the end of a pipe; any type of bushing which is commonly used to join pipes of different sizes, usually by reducing a larger fitting down to a smaller pipe; any type of coupling which may be used to extend the run of a pipe, or change pipe sizes (in the case of a reducing coupling, also sometimes called a “bell” reducer due to its shape and which are commonly available with female threads, or unthreaded for either plastic gluing (solvent welding) or copper soldering, these are among the most-used of fittings; any type of elbow which is commonly used to change the direction of flow; any type of flange which is commonly used to connect pipes by threading or welding the pipe to the flanges which are then sealed together (usually with bolts); any type of nipple which is a short stub of pipe, male-threaded at each end, that are used to connect straight pipe runs; and any other type of coupling or connector. In still further embodiments, an inlet coupling33and/or an outlet coupling34may comprise welding, heat bonding, chemical bonding, or the like.

In some embodiments, the system100may comprise one or more fluid modification provisions35which may be positioned anywhere on a main conduit11, bypass conduit21, and/or supply conduit200. Preferably, a fluid modification provision35may be located after the water meter of the facility, such as after the inlet coupling33on the fluid inlet31. Generally, a fluid modification provision35may comprise a removably coupled section of pipe or conduit that may be replaced with or coupled to a fluid modification device such as a commercially available water filter, water softener, water sanitizer, water heater, water cooler, salt dispenser, or other device that is capable of modifying liquid passing through the system100. In some embodiments, a fluid modification provision35may comprise one or more lengths or sections of pipe or conduit which are flanked or surrounded by one or more removable couplings. Once one or more sections of pipe or conduit and/or removable couplings are removed from a fluid modification provision35, one or more fluid modification devices may be installed or coupled to one or more other sections of pipe or conduit of the fluid modification provision35, other removable couplings of the fluid modification provision35, and/or other component or element of the system100such as to the fluid inlet31. Alternatively, once a fluid modification provision35is removed from the system100, one or more fluid modification devices may be installed or coupled to the system100in its place.

The water or fluid conducting ability of the main conduit11, bypass conduit21, bypass inlet22, bypass outlet23, fluid inlet31, and/or fluid outlet32may be provided by forming one or more of these elements from any type of pipe or conduit, such as Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe and fittings, Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride (CPVC) pipe and fittings, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe and fittings, galvanized pipe and fittings, black pipe and fittings, polyethylene pipe and fittings, copper pipe and fittings, brass pipe and fittings, stainless steel or other steel alloy pipe and fittings, vinyl pipe and fittings, or any other type of pipe or conduit.

In some embodiments, the system100may comprise one or more pressure sensors15which may be positioned before and/or after the flow control valve13in the system100, such as proximate to the fluid inlet31, which may be positioned anywhere in the system100, such as proximate to the fluid inlet31and/or at a provision for an outlet pressure sensor coupling location19, which may be used to detect the water pressure at the point or position in the system100where the pressure sensor15is installed or coupled. Each pressure sensor15may be in wired electronic communication41(FIGS. 2 and 3) and/or wireless electronic communication42(FIG. 1) with the processing unit50. A pressure sensor15may include silicon MEMS strain gauge sensors; pressure sensor piezoresistive silicon pressure sensors; analog output pressure transducer sensors; remote wireless pressure transducers; harsh media pressure sensors; digital output absolute pressure sensors; IsoSensor type pressure sensors; solid state pressure sensors; or any other type of pressure sensing method or device.

In some embodiments, the system100may comprise one or more pressure gauges18which may be positioned anywhere in the system100, such as proximate to the fluid inlet31, and which may be configured to provide a visual reading of the water pressure at the point or position in the system100where the pressure gauge18is installed or coupled. A pressure gauge18may comprise any available digital and/or analogue type pressure gauge which may provide visual information to an observing user300or individual.

In some embodiments, the system100may comprise one or more flow meters16which may be positioned anywhere in the system100and which may be or comprise any type of flow sensor. Each flow meter16may be configured to measure the speed or flow rate of water moving at the point or position in the system100where the flow meter16is installed or coupled. Each flow meter16may be in wired electronic communication41(FIGS. 2 and 3) and/or wireless electronic communication42(FIG. 1) with the processing unit50. In some embodiments, a flow meter16may comprise a turbine flow meter which may measure the speed of water by measuring the speed at which the water rotates a turbine positioned in the water. In other embodiments, a flow meter16may comprise a differential pressure flow meter, an orifice plate flow meter, a venture tube flow meter, a flow nozzle flow meter, a variable area flow meter or rotameter, a velocity flow meter, a pilot tube flow meter, a calorimetric flow meter, a vortex flow meter, an electromagnetic flow meter, an ultrasonic Doppler flow meter, a positive displacement flow meter, a mass flow meter, a thermal flow meter, a Coriolis flow meter, an open channel flow meter, or any other suitable device which is able to measure the flow rate of water and communicate this data to a processing unit50.

In some embodiments, the system100may comprise one or more temperature sensors17which may be positioned anywhere in the system100. Each temperature sensor17may be in wired electronic communication41(FIGS. 2 and 3) and/or wireless electronic communication42(FIG. 1) with the processing unit50. In further embodiments, a temperature sensor17may be positioned proximate to the system100or an element of the system100and the temperature sensor17may provide ambient air temperature information to the processing unit50. In still further embodiments, a temperature sensor17may be positioned anywhere in the system100and may provide temperature information describing the water temperature or system component temperature at the point or position in the system100where the temperature sensor17is installed or coupled. A temperature sensor17may comprise a thermocouple, a resistive temperature device (RTDs, thermistors), an infrared temperature sensor, a bimetallic device, a liquid expansion device, a molecular change-of-state device, a silicon diode, or any other type of temperature sensor configured to electrically communicate temperature information.

In some embodiments, the system100may comprise one or more valves such as a and inlet isolation valve12, a flow control valve13, an outlet isolation valve14, a pressure gauge shutoff valve20, and/or a bypass valve24. These valves12,13,14,20,24, may enable, disable, or otherwise modulate the flow of water to or through one or more elements or components of the system100and may comprise or include a ball valve, a gate valve, butterfly valve, diaphragm valve, globe valve, check valve, pressure balanced valve, locking valve, solenoid valve, or any other type of valve or controller which may be used to enable, disable, or otherwise modulate the flow of water to or through one or more elements or components of the system100. In some embodiments, one or more of these valves12,13,14,20,24, may be a manually operated valve so that the valve may be manually opened or closed by a user300. In further embodiments, one or more of these valves12,13,14,20,24, may be an automated valve so that the valve may be opened or closed without physical interaction of a user300with the valve.

In some embodiments, an inlet isolation valve12may be positioned between a bypass inlet22and a flow control valve13. When the inlet isolation valve12is closed fluid may be prevented from traversing portions of the main conduit11and optionally directed to or through the bypass conduit21. When the inlet isolation valve12is open fluid may be enabled to traverse the main conduit11through the inlet isolation valve12.

In some embodiments, a flow control valve13may be positioned between an inlet isolation valve12and an outlet isolation valve14, thereby allowing the inlet isolation valve12and outlet isolation valve14to provide a means to isolate the flow control valve13for maintenance or other purposes. Preferably, a flow control valve13may be an automated valve which may be remotely operated by the processing unit50and may be in wired electronic communication41and/or wireless electronic communication42with the processing unit50. The processing unit50may control the water pressure in the main conduit11by operating the flow control valve13. Opening or increasing the opening of the flow control valve13may provide or increase water pressure in the main conduit11, while closing or decreasing the opening of the flow control valve13may cease or decrease water pressure in the main conduit11. Examples of automated valves which may be used as flow control valves13include electronic automatic valves, such as motorized valves and solenoid operated valves, hydraulically operated valves, and electronic with hydraulic back-up valves. In preferred embodiments, the flow control valve13may be operated by the processing unit50to control or modulate the amount of fluid which may pass through the flow control valve13thereby controlling the pressure and or flow of fluid through portions of the main conduit. When the flow control valve13is closed fluid may be prevented from traversing portions of the main conduit11and optionally directed to or through the bypass conduit21. When the flow control valve13is open fluid may be enabled to traverse the main conduit11through the flow control valve13.

In some embodiments, an outlet isolation valve14may be positioned between a bypass outlet23and a flow control valve13. When the outlet isolation valve14is closed fluid may be prevented from traversing portions of the main conduit11and optionally directed to or through the bypass conduit21. When the outlet isolation valve14is open fluid may be enabled to traverse the main conduit11through the outlet isolation valve14.

In some embodiments, a pressure gauge shutoff valve20may be positioned between a bypass inlet22and an inlet coupling33. When the pressure gauge shutoff valve20is closed fluid may be prevented from traversing to a pressure gauge18and/or a pressure sensor15. When the pressure gauge shutoff valve20is open fluid may be enabled to traverse to the pressure gauge18and/or a pressure sensor15.

In some embodiments, a bypass valve24may be positioned on the bypass conduit21between a bypass inlet22and a bypass outlet23. When the bypass valve24is closed fluid may be prevented from traversing through portions of the bypass conduit21and optionally directed to or through the main conduit11. When the bypass valve24is open fluid may be enabled to traverse bypass conduit21.

In some embodiments, the system100may be configured to automatically monitor water flow, pressure and temperature, which may be used for detecting, preventing and eliminating leaks in the water supply infrastructure of the facility which is in fluid communication with the system100and the supply conduit200. In further embodiments, the system100provides for an unlimited range of programmable rates of water flows, via one or more flow control valves13that can be achieved automatically and remotely for optimal supply in the facility in which the system100is installed.

In some embodiments, the system100may comprise a fluid inlet31which may be coupled to the supply conduit200via an inlet coupling33. The fluid inlet31may connect to the main conduit11and the bypass conduit21which may be arranged in parallel. The main conduit11may comprise one or more devices for the manual regulation of the water flow through the main conduit11, such as a inlet isolation valve12and an outlet isolation valve14, which may be arranged in series on the main conduit11. The main conduit11may also comprise one or more devices for the automatic regulation of the water flow through the main conduit11, such as a flow control valve13, which may be arranged in series on the main conduit11between the inlet isolation valve12and outlet isolation valve14.

The bypass conduit21may provide a parallel flow path in case of failure of the main conduit11. The main conduit11and bypass conduit21may both be coupled to a bypass outlet23and the bypass outlet23may also be coupled to the supply conduit200via an outlet coupling34. The processing unit50may be in wired or wireless electronic communication41with a flow control valve13, a pressure sensor15, a flow meter16, and a temperature sensor17which may be positioned on the main conduit11. The processing unit50may be self configurable, self adjustable, and user300programmable and may use information provided by the flow control valve13, pressure sensor15, flow meter16, and/or temperature sensor17to monitor, regulate and shut-off the water flow of the main conduit21.

FIG. 4depicts a block diagram of an example of a processing unit50according to various embodiments described herein. In some embodiments and in the present example, the processing unit50can be a digital device that, in terms of hardware architecture, optionally comprises a processor51, a radio module53, a data store54, memory55, power source56, and/or input/output (I/O) interfaces52, such as a pressure sensor15, a flow control valve13, a temperature sensor17, and a flow meter16. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatFIG. 4depicts an example of the processing unit in an oversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additional components or elements and suitably configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features that are not described in detail herein.

The components and elements (51,52,15,13,17,53,54,55,56) may be communicatively coupled via a local interface57, wired electronic communication41(FIGS. 2 and 3), and/or wireless electronic communication42(FIG. 1). The local interface57can be, for example but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface57can have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among many others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface57may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

In some embodiments, a local interface57may be an integrated circuit (IC) that integrates one or more components (51,52,15,13,17,53,54,55,56) on a single chip sometimes called a system on a chip (SoC) or system on chip (SOC). In further preferred embodiments, a local interface57and one or more components (51,52,15,13,17,53,54,55,56) may be a microcontroller (or MCU, short for microcontroller unit) which may be a small computer (SoC) on a single integrated circuit containing a processor51, memory55, and programmable input/output interfaces52or peripherals. Program memory in the form of Ferroelectric RAM, NOR flash or OTP ROM is also often included on chip, as well as a typically small amount of RAM. Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers or other general purpose applications consisting of various discrete chips. Microcontrollers are used in automatically controlled products and devices, such as automobile engine control systems, implantable medical devices, remote controls, office machines, appliances, power tools, toys and other embedded systems. By reducing the size and cost compared to a design that uses a separate microprocessor, memory, and input/output devices, microcontrollers make it economical to digitally control even more devices and processes. Mixed signal microcontrollers are common, integrating analog components needed to control non-digital electronic systems.

In alternative embodiments, a local interface57may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) which mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components including MCU's using conductive tracks, pads and other features etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. PCBs can be single sided (one copper layer), double sided (two copper layers) or multi-layer. Conductors on different layers may be connected with plated-through holes called vias. In further embodiments, a local interface57may comprise a printed circuit assembly (PCA), printed circuit board assembly or PCB assembly (PCBA), a circuit card assembly (CCA), or a backplane assembly, or any other suitable electrical connection and communication method including standard wiring and the like.

The processor51is a hardware device for executing software instructions. The processor51can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), programmable logical controller, an auxiliary processor among several processors, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions. When in operation, the processor51is configured to execute software stored within the memory55, to communicate data to and from the memory55, and to generally control operations of the processing unit50pursuant to the software instructions. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor51may include a mobile optimized processor such as optimized for power consumption and mobile applications.

The I/O interfaces52can be used to input and/or output information. In some embodiments, I/O interfaces52may include one or more turnable control knobs, depressible button type switches, a key pad, slide type switches, dip switches, rocker type switches, rotary dial switches, numeric input switches or any other suitable input which a user may interact with to provide input. In further embodiments, I/O interfaces52may include one or more light emitting elements or other display device, e.g., a LED (light emitting diodes), a speaker, or any other suitable device for outputting or displaying information. The I/O interfaces52can also include, for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a small computer system interface (SCSI), an infrared (IR) interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and the like.

In some embodiments, the I/O interfaces52may include one or more pressure sensors15, flow control valves13, temperature sensors17, and flow meters16. In further embodiments, the I/O interfaces52may comprise one or more wired connections or couplings which may enable wired electronic communication41between one or more pressure sensors15, flow control valves13, temperature sensors17, and flow meters16.

An optional radio module53may enable wireless electronic communication42to an external access device, network, and/or one or more pressure sensors15, flow control valves13, temperature sensors17, and flow meters16through an antenna. The radio module53may be integrated with the processing unit50or the radio module53may be a standalone module that may be in electronic communication with the processing unit50. A radio module53may comprise a wireless communication receiver and optionally a wireless communication transmitter. In some embodiments, a radio module53may operate on a cellular band and may communicate with or receive a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or other wireless network identifier. Any number of suitable wireless data communication protocols, techniques, or methodologies can be supported by the radio module53, including, without limitation: RF; IrDA (infrared); Bluetooth; ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15 protocol); IEEE 802.11 (any variation); IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any other variation); Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum; Near-Field Communication (NFC); Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum; Long Term Evolution (LTE); cellular/wireless/cordless telecommunication protocols (e.g. 3G/4G etc.); wireless home network communication protocols; paging network protocols; magnetic induction; satellite data communication protocols; wireless hospital or health care facility network protocols such as those operating in the WMTS bands; GPRS; proprietary wireless data communication protocols such as variants of Wireless USB; and any other protocols for wireless communication.

The data store54may be used to store data and information including information from one or more pressure sensors15, flow control valves13, temperature sensors17, and flow meters16. The data store54may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the data store54may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media.

In some embodiments, the processing unit50and/or the system100in general may optionally comprise a power source56which may provide electrical power to any component (51,52,15,13,17,53,54,55,56) of the system100that may require electrical power. In some embodiments, a power source56may comprise a battery, such as a lithium ion battery, nickel cadmium battery, alkaline battery, or any other suitable type of battery, a fuel cell, a capacitor, a super capacitor or any other type of energy storing and/or electricity releasing device. In further embodiments, a power source56may comprise a power cord, kinetic or piezo electric battery charging device, and/or inductive charging or wireless power receiver. In alternative embodiments, electrical power may be supplied to any component (51,52,15,13,17,53,54,55,56) of the system100that may require electrical power through a wired connection to a power source56. In further embodiments, a power source56may be a two-voltage-level power supply that may be configured for providing low-level voltage for digital electronic components and high-level voltage for analog electronic components.

The memory55may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, etc.), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the memory55may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory55may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another, but can be accessed by the processor51. The software in memory55can include one or more software programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. In the example ofFIG. 4, the software in the memory system55may include a suitable operating system (O/S)58and programs59. An operating system58essentially controls the execution of input/output interface52functions, and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The operating system58may be, for example, LINUX (or another UNIX variant) and any Linux-kernel-based operating systems, Raspbian, Ubuntu, OpenELEC, RISC OS, Arch Linux ARM, OSMC (formerly Raspbmc) and the Kodi open source digital media center, Pidora (Fedora Remix), Puppy Linux, Android (available from Google), Symbian OS, Microsoft Windows CE, Microsoft Windows 7 Mobile, iOS (available from Apple, Inc.), webOS (available from Hewlett Packard), Blackberry OS (Available from Research in Motion), and the like. The programs59may include various applications, configured to provide end user functionality.

The processing unit50may optionally include a main memory, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device (e.g., dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), and synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)), coupled to the local interface57for storing information and instructions, sometimes called “firmware” that is written in codes such as “assembly”, “C” and “Basic”, to be executed by the processor51. In addition, the main memory may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions by the processor51. The processing unit50may further optionally include a read only memory (ROM) or other static storage device (e.g., programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), and electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM)) coupled to the local interface57for storing static information and instructions for the processor51.

In some embodiments, the programs59may comprise software for controlling and receiving information from one or more pressure sensors15, flow control valves13, temperature sensors17, and flow meters16. In further embodiments, the programs59may comprise software for sending information to and receiving information from a control device400. Additionally, the programs59may include one or more temperature, pressure, and flow rate thresholds of the I/O interfaces52, such as pressure sensors15, flow control valves13, temperature sensors17, and flow meters16, thereby enabling the programs59of the processing unit50, and therefore the system100, to automatically monitor the temperature, pressure, and the flow rate of the water flow through the system100.

In some embodiments, the programs59of the processing unit50, and therefore the system100, may be configured to automatically regulate and/or monitor water flow, water pressure, and temperature. In further embodiments, the programs59of the processing unit50, and therefore the system100, may be configured to operate as remote automatic programmable logic to enable a user300to remotely perform regulation of water flow and pressure, such as during one or more time periods of an hour, day, week, month, etc., and detecting, preventing and eliminating leaks of the water flow via a control device400.

In preferred embodiments, the processing unit50of the system100may allow a user300to input or output information through a control device400having a user interface such as a computer screen and a keyboard or a touch activated screen. Optionally, the user interface may be a website accessible from a remote control device400such as a computer, a fire alarm system, a burglar alarm system, a mobile computer, a home management system, a portable electronic device or in-situ radio frequency operable local controller.

In some embodiments, the programs59of the processing unit50, and therefore the system100, may be software that is self learning in “learn mode” and self adjusting based on the water usage, habits and patterns, of the facility having a supply conduit200to which the system100is coupled. In some embodiments, the programs59of the processing unit50, and therefore the system100, may be system may be programmed for a plurality of learning periods. For example, the programs59or software may operate in a learning mode time period, such as two weeks, and the processing unit50would monitor the usage and characteristics of the water under what is considered by the user as “Normal Conditions”. Then, after the learning mode has been completed and deployed, if the water characteristics stray outside of the limits of the Normal Condition a notification can be sent to a control device400. This added functionality would be helpful in identifying unusual occurrences that would normally go unnoticed.

In further embodiments, the programs59or software may include the steps of automatically alerting the user300via a control device400when either the temperature, the pressure or the flow rate exceeds at least one or more the thresholds which may be entered or selected by a user300via a control device400,400A,400B. In preferred embodiments, the alert provided to the user300via a control device400may include a warning light, a warning sound, a text message, an email, a pager notification, a voicemail, or any other electronic communication means.

In some embodiments, the programs59of the processing unit50, and therefore the system100, may be used temporarily as a diagnostic and troubleshooting system for detecting leaks during facility construction and installation. This may be accomplished through programs59having capabilities including computerized continuous data acquisition, monitoring and processing of flow, pressure and temperature parameters with algorithms to conserve and optimize.

As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the system100can have other devices (wired or wireless) added to the system100or in communication with the system100at any time to provide added capability and functionality. The system100is not to be limited to just the devices and components disclosed herein as the processing unit50of the system100can detect and integrate a variety of devices and inputs available.

FIG. 5illustrates a block diagram of an example of a control device400according to various embodiments described herein. A control device400may be a type of computer generally operated by a person or user300of the system100. Generally, a user300may use a control device400to interact with the processing unit50of the system100, thereby allowing the user300to control or receive information from one or more elements of the system100such as an ambient temperature sensor17, a flow control valve13, any other automated valves, a flow meter16, and/or a pressure sensor15.

In some embodiments, a control device400may be a mobile control device400A such as a smartphone or computer configured to receive and transmit data to a server, processing unit50, or other electronic device which may be operated locally or in the cloud via wireless electronic communication42. Non-limiting examples of mobile control devices400A include: personal computers (PCs), workstations, laptops, tablet PCs including the iPad, cell phones including iOS phones made by Apple Inc., Android OS phones, Microsoft OS phones, Blackberry phones, or generally any electronic device capable of running computer software and displaying information to a user. Certain types of mobile control devices400A which are wearable computers such as Apple Watch, other smartwatches, Fitbit, other wearable fitness trackers, Google Glasses, and the like.

In some embodiments, a control device400may be a stationary control device400B such as a desk top computer or work station, a wall mounted work station, and a console which may typically used in a single location. A stationary control device400B may be or comprise a computer configured to receive and transmit data to a server, processing unit50, or other electronic device which may be operated locally or in the cloud via wired electronic communication41.

Control devices400,400A,400B, can be a digital device that, in terms of hardware architecture, generally includes a processor402, input/output (I/O) interfaces404, a radio module406, a data store408, and memory410. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatFIG. 5depicts a control device400,400A,400B, in an oversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additional components and suitably configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features that are not described in detail herein. The components (402,404,406,408, and410) are communicatively coupled via a local interface412. The local interface412can be, for example but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface412can have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among many others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface412may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

The processor402is a hardware device for executing software instructions. The processor402can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the control device400,400A,400B, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions. When the control device400,400A,400B, is in operation, the processor402is configured to execute software stored within the memory410, to communicate data to and from the memory410, and to generally control operations of the control device400pursuant to the software instructions. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor402may include a mobile optimized processor such as optimized for power consumption and mobile applications.

The I/O interfaces404can be used to receive user input from and/or for providing system output. User input can be provided via, for example, a keypad, a touch screen, a scroll ball, a scroll bar, buttons, bar code scanner, and the like. System output can be provided via a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), touch screen, and the like. The I/O interfaces404can also include, for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a small computer system interface (SCSI), an infrared (IR) interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and the like. The I/O interfaces404can include a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables a user to interact with the processing unit50(FIG. 4) via the control device400,400A,400B. Additionally, the I/O interfaces404may further include an imaging device, i.e. camera, video camera, etc.

The radio module406enables wireless communication to an external access device or network. Any number of suitable wireless data communication protocols, techniques, or methodologies can be supported by the radio406, including, without limitation: RF; IrDA (infrared); Bluetooth; ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15 protocol); IEEE 802.11 (any variation); IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any other variation); Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum; Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum; Long Term Evolution (LTE); cellular/wireless/cordless telecommunication protocols (e.g. 3G/4G etc.); wireless home network communication protocols; paging network protocols; magnetic induction; satellite data communication protocols; wireless hospital or health care facility network protocols such as those operating in the WMTS bands; GPRS; proprietary wireless data communication protocols such as variants of Wireless USB; and any other protocols for wireless communication. The data store408may be used to store data. The data store408may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the data store408may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media.

The memory410may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, etc.), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the memory410may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory410may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another, but can be accessed by the processor402. The software in memory410can include one or more software programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. In the example ofFIG. 5, the software in the memory410includes a suitable operating system (O/S)414and programs416.

The operating system414essentially controls the execution of other computer programs, and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The programs416may include various applications, add-ons, etc. configured to provide end user functionality with the control device400,400A,400B, and the processing unit50. For example, exemplary programs416may include, but not limited to, a web browser, social networking applications, streaming media applications, games, mapping and location applications, electronic mail applications, financial applications, and the like. In a typical example, the end user typically uses one or more of the programs416to communicate with the processing unit50of the system100to accomplish one or more functions of the processing unit50described above, such as to enter or manipulate one or more temperature, pressure, and flow rate thresholds of the I/O interfaces52, such as pressure sensors15, flow control valves13, temperature sensors17, and flow meters16, thereby enabling the programs59of the processing unit50, and therefore the system100, to automatically monitor the temperature, pressure, and the flow rate of the water flow through the system100.

While some materials have been provided, in other embodiments, the elements that comprise the system100such as the main conduit11, bypass conduit21, one or more optional control units400,400A,400B, and/or any other element discussed herein may be made from durable materials such as aluminum, steel, other metals and metal alloys, wood, hard rubbers, hard plastics, fiber reinforced plastics, carbon fiber, fiber glass, resins, polymers or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. Additionally, one or more elements may be made from or comprise durable and slightly flexible materials such as soft plastics, silicone, soft rubbers, or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. In some embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the system100may be coupled or connected together with heat bonding, chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other types of fasteners, or any other suitable joining method. In other embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the system100may be coupled or removably connected by being press fit or snap fit together, by one or more fasteners such as hook and loop type or Velcro® fasteners, magnetic type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, snap fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. In further embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the system100may be coupled by being one of connected to and integrally formed with another element of the system100.