METHOD OF GENERATING CONTROLLED FLOW EVENT IN PIPES TO REGULATE HYDRAULIC CONDITIONS

A device for generating a controlled flow event to regulate a hydraulic condition of a piping system of a building is an electrically-powered fluid pump or fluid valve, having a fluid inlet and fluid outlet. The fluid inlet is configured to be in fluidic communication with a tank of a toilet or is supplied water from the piping system of the building. The fluid outlet is in fluidic communication with either: i) a bowl of the toilet; ii) an overflow tube of the toilet tank; or iii) the tank of the toilet; iv) or a drain. An electronic controller controls the operation of the device and is configured to repeatedly turn on and off the electrically-powered fluid pump for a predetermined elapsed time when the hydraulic condition is identified. The hydraulic condition may be a potential freezing condition or an overly high pressure of the piping system of the building.

DESCRIPTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to preventing water pipes from freezing. More particularly, the present invention relates to using a toilet to create a flow condition that can prevent pipes from freezing and regulate other hydraulic conditions.

Background of the Invention

In various cold climates, the water pipes providing water to a residence or building may freeze. This freezing of the water pipes can cause notable damage and displacement due to pipe bursts and/or leaks. Millions of homes every year suffer from bursts due to sudden flash-freeze conditions in temperate climates or lower than normal conditions in traditional sub-freezing climates.

The most common and effective way to prevent pipes from freezing is to generate flow in the pipes. Traditionally a faucet in the building is left dripping to produce movement of the water in the upstream portion of the pipes. While this can work, in buildings that are not occupied (e.g. vacation homes, etc.) this method wastes a lot of water because the water runs for a long time irrespective of weather conditions. Furthermore, in extreme conditions and depending on the size of the drip, it may not be totally effective. Water in pipes start freezing from the wall of the pipe as the frozen portion of the water increasingly moves towards the inside of the pipe until all the water inside the pipe is fully frozen. Therefore, the downstream drip may not be sufficient for the intensity of the freezing temperatures and the pipe can still totally freeze thereby causing substantial damage.

Beyond the problem of freezing water pipes, other situations may occur that create elevated hydraulic pressure in water systems which again puts strain on system components of the plumbing resulting in reduced service life for these system components. In certain instances, a high pressure event can lead to a burst of pipes, fittings or fixtures. High pressure can be caused directly by failure of various pressure-regulating equipment such as a pressure reducing valve, a thermal expansion tank or a pressure-relief valve. As previously taught, high pressure can also be caused indirectly by freezing conditions.

Accordingly, there is a need for a better and more practical solution of preventing freezing pipes and/or preventing/mitigating various high-pressure events. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method of generating a controlled flow event of a piping system of a building to regulate a hydraulic condition of the piping system, the method comprising the steps of: providing an electrically-powered fluid pump having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the electrically-powered fluid pump configured to move a fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet; providing an electronic controller in electrical communication with the electrically-powered fluid pump, the electronic controller configured to control the operation of the electrically-powered fluid pump, wherein the electronic controller receives an electrical power from an electric cord configured to be plugged into an electrical system of the building, or, wherein the electronic controller receives the electrical power from a battery that is associated with the electronic controller; installing the fluid inlet of the electrically-powered fluid pump to be in fluidic communication with a tank of a toilet; and installing the fluid outlet of the electrically-powered fluid pump to be in fluidic communication with either: i) a bowl of the toilet, wherein the bowl of the toilet is in fluidic communication with a drainage system of the building; ii) an overflow tube of the tank of the toilet, wherein the overflow tube is in fluidic communication with the bowl of the toilet; or iii) a drain of the piping system of the building; wherein the electronic controller is configured to repeatedly turn on and off the electrically-powered fluid pump to run for a predetermined elapsed time or volume displacement when the hydraulic condition is identified.

The hydraulic condition may be a potential freezing condition of the piping system of the building.

The hydraulic condition may be an overly high pressure of the piping system of the building.

The electronic controller may be configured to receive a wireless communication from an external electronic device.

The external electronic device may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile electronic device, a centralized server or a temperature sensor.

The external electronic device may be configured to send the wireless communication to the electronic controller when a local weather condition of the building could result in a potential freezing condition of the piping system.

The external electronic device may be configured to monitor a pressure of the piping system.

The external electronic device may be configured to send the wireless communication to the electronic controller when the hydraulic condition is an overly high pressure of the piping system of the building.

The electronic controller may include and may be in electrical communication with an audible alarm configured to produce an alarm sound when a low battery condition is detected from the battery.

The electrically-powered fluid pump may be configured to be submersible and may be disposed within the tank of the toilet.

The electrically-powered fluid pump may be disposed outside the tank of the toilet.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method of generating a controlled flow event of a piping system of a building to regulate a hydraulic condition of the piping system, the method comprising the steps of: providing an electrically-controlled fluid valve having a fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet, wherein the fluid inlet is configured to be fluidic communication with a fluid supply of the piping system of the building, and wherein a valve disposed within the fluid valve controls the flow to the first fluid inlet, and wherein the second fluid outlet is configured to be constant fluid communication with the fluid inlet; providing an electronic controller in electrical communication with the electrically-controlled fluid valve, the electronic controller configured to control the operation of the electrically-controlled fluid valve, wherein the electronic controller receives an electrical power from an electric cord configured to be plugged into an electrical system of the building, or, wherein the electronic controller receives the electrical power from a battery that is associated with the electronic controller; installing the fluid inlet of the electrically-controlled fluid valve to be in fluidic communication with the fluid supply of the piping system of the building; and installing the fluid outlet of the electrically-powered fluid valve to be in fluidic communication with either: i) a bowl of the toilet, wherein the bowl of the toilet is in fluidic communication with a drainage system of the building; ii) an overflow tube of the tank of the toilet, wherein the overflow tube is in fluidic communication with the bowl of the toilet; iii) the tank of the toilet, the tank having the overflow tube; or iv) a drain of the piping system of the building; wherein the electronic controller is configured to repeatedly turn on and off the electrically-controlled fluid valve for a predetermined elapsed time or volume displacement when the hydraulic condition is identified.

The hydraulic condition may be a potential freezing condition of the piping system of the building, or, wherein the hydraulic condition is an overly high pressure of the piping system of the building.

The electronic controller may be configured to receive a wireless communication from an external electronic device, wherein the external electronic device may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile electronic device, a centralized server or a temperature sensor.

The external electronic device may be configured to send the wireless communication to the electronic controller when a local weather condition of the building could result in a potential freezing condition of the piping system.

The external electronic device may be configured to monitor a pressure of the piping system, wherein the external electronic device may be configured to send the wireless communication to the electronic controller when the hydraulic condition is an overly high pressure of the piping system of the building.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a device for generating a controlled flow event of a piping system of a building to regulate a hydraulic condition of the piping system, the device comprising: an electrically-powered fluid pump having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the electrically-powered fluid pump configured to move a fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet; wherein the fluid inlet of the electrically-powered fluid pump is configured to be in fluidic communication with a tank of a toilet; wherein the fluid outlet of the electrically-powered fluid pump is configured to be in fluidic communication with either: i) a bowl of the toilet, wherein the bowl of the toilet is in fluidic communication with a drainage system of the building; ii) an overflow tube of the tank of the toilet, wherein the overflow tube is in fluidic communication with the bowl of the toilet; or iii) a drain of the piping system of the building; an electronic controller in electrical communication with the electrically-powered fluid pump, the electronic controller configured to control the operation of the electrically-powered fluid pump; wherein the electronic controller is configured to receive an electrical power from an electric cord configured to be plugged into an electrical system of the building, or, wherein the electronic controller is configured to receive the electrical power from a battery that is associated with the electronic controller; wherein the electronic controller is configured to repeatedly turn on and off the electrically-powered fluid pump for a predetermined elapsed time or volume displacement when the hydraulic condition is identified.

The electronic controller may be configured to receive a wireless communication from an external electronic device, wherein the external electronic device may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile electronic device, a centralized server or a temperature sensor.

The external electronic device may be configured to send the wireless communication to the electronic controller when a local weather condition of the building could result in a potential freezing condition of the piping system.

The external electronic device may beconfigured to monitor a pressure of the piping system, wherein the external electronic device may be configured to send the wireless communication to the electronic controller when the hydraulic condition is an overly high pressure of the piping system of the building.

The electronic controller may include a fill detection sensor configured to monitor a height of the fluid in the tank.

The device may include a water flow sensor in electrical communication with the electronic controller, wherein the water flow sensor may be configured to determine a water flow in a fill tube for the overflow tube of the toilet.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a device for generating a controlled flow event of a piping system of a building to regulate a hydraulic condition of the piping system, the device comprising: an electrically-controlled fluid valve having a fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet; wherein a valve disposed within the electrically-controlled fluid valve controls the fluid flow to the first fluid inlet; wherein the second fluid outlet is configured to be constant fluid communication with the fluid inlet; wherein the first fluid inlet is configured to installed to be in fluidic communication with a fluid supply of the piping system of the building; wherein the first fluid outlet of the electrically-powered fluid valve is configured to be installed to be in fluidic communication with either: i) a bowl of the toilet, wherein the bowl of the toilet is in fluidic communication with a drainage system of the building; ii) an overflow tube of the tank of the toilet, wherein the overflow tube is in fluidic communication with the bowl of the toilet; iii) the tank of the toilet, the tank having the overflow tube; or iv) a drain of the piping system of the building; an electronic controller in electrical communication with the electrically-controlled fluid valve, the electronic controller configured to control the operation of the electrically-controlled fluid valve; wherein the electronic controller is configured to receive an electrical power from an electric cord configured to be plugged into an electrical system of the building, or, wherein the electronic controller is configured to receive the electrical power from a battery that is associated with the electronic controller; wherein the electronic controller is configured to repeatedly turn on and off the electrically-controlled fluid valve for a predetermined elapsed time or volume displacement when the hydraulic condition is identified.

The electronic controller may be configured to receive a wireless communication from an external electronic device, wherein the external electronic device may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile electronic device, a centralized server or a temperature sensor.

The external electronic device may be configured to send the wireless communication to the electronic controller when a local weather condition of the building could result in a potential freezing condition of the piping system.

The external electronic device may be configured to monitor a pressure of the piping system, wherein the external electronic device may be configured to send the wireless communication to the electronic controller when the hydraulic condition is an overly high pressure of the piping system of the building.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG.1is a sectional side view taken through a typical toilet10. The toilet10has a bowl12that is fed water11from a tank14. The toilet tank14receives water from the plumbing system of the building the toilet is located within. When a user presses the trip lever (handle)16, the flapper valve18is opened such that water can rush into the bowl through the inlet20and dispose of the waste within the bowl12as the water13in the bowl empties. It is noted that water11flows through the inlet20and into a multitude of rim holes22disposed around the circumference of the bowl that help provide water all along the entire inner surface of the bowl12. Water13rushing into the bowl rises above the weir24such that water passes through the trapway26and through the outlet28. As shown inFIG.1, one can see that the water level15is aligned with the top of the weir24, but when more water flushes into the bowl the water is able to evacuate out through the outlet28. It is well known to those skilled in the art of toilets that the shape of the trapway26and weir24are designed to prevent unpleasant gasses from coming out of the toilet.

FIG.2is a sectional perspective view taken through the tank14ofFIG.1to now see inside which better shows the various parts located inside of the tank. Once water is depleted inside the tank14, the flapper valve18shuts and the tank is refilled. The water from the building enters into the tank and is controlled by the fill valve30. As shown here, the fill valve30is at the top of a pipe extension32. The bottom of the pipe extension includes a seal34to the tank and has a connection on the other side of the tank for the building's water to be connected thereto. Water that passes through the fill valve then exits through a second pipe extension33that empties to refill the tank14. Water also passes through the fill valve and exits through the fill tube36to then partially fill the bowl12. In this manner, two water flows are created after a flush: the first being the water flow to fill the tank and the second being the water flow to fill the bowl.

A float arm38is connected at one end to the fill valve30and at the other end has a water float40. The float40rises as the water level rises and controls the fill valve30to close at a predetermined height. The height can be adjusted by a float adjustment screw42. In this particular embodiment, there is a chain44that connects a handle arm46to the handle/trip lever16. There is also an overflow tube48that prevents the tank from overflowing. The overflow tube is also designed to empty into the bowl12. Any water that rises above the top of the overflow is then routed into the bowl12of the toilet10. In this manner a fill valve that is stuck open cannot overflow the tank14. Also shown are bolts35that attach the tank14to the bowl12. The bolts35also have seals37to prevent water from escaping the tank.

The particular embodiment of a toilet shown and taught inFIGS.1and2are very similar to most of the toilets used today. Various parts and features can differ in other variations of the toilet as this teaching is not limited to this exact variation but is representative of how toilets generally work and allows those to now understand the workings of the present invention.

Turning now toFIGS.3-9, this disclosure teaches various embodiments of how to create an effective, economical, simple and automated (or on demand) method of creating a controlled flow event or series of events to affect the pressure in a plumbing system. Equipment used in this art does not require professional installation and is capable of either wireless electronic communication or a hardwired electronic communication.

In one of its simplest form, a small submersible fluid pump or regular (non-submersible) fluid pump50is used to draw water from a toilet tank in a building and discharge it to the toilet bowl or other drains. By pumping water from the toilet tank, the water level in the tank drops and the toilet fill valve opens to replace the discharged water from the tank by drawing water from the water line. This discharge/re-fill sequencing creates periodic flow in the supply piping. The frequency that toilet fill valve cycles depends on the volume of water that the pump discharges. This can be regulated to the desired level to achieve the desired cycling intervals.

It is noted that the pump discharge rate can be controlled by an inline valve on the delivery (fluid outlet) or suction sides (fluid inlet) of the pump. Alternatively, the pump discharge rate can be controlled by the selection of the size of the pump and/or the voltage applied to the pump.

Dissimilar to leaving a faucet running with a small stream of water, water discharge in this method is intermittent and discharges a larger volume of water (in comparison to a steady stream) at each interval. This surge of water helps move any frozen water along the walls of the pipe forward and can prevent various forms of damage to the piping system of a building. The final product can be in the form described above or any combination of that and/or the other embodiments described herein.

Now referring toFIG.3, it shows another sectional view of a prior art toilet tank now equipped with one embodiment of the present invention. An electrically-powered fluid pump50has a fluid inlet52and a fluid outlet54. The electrically-powered fluid pump50is configured to move a fluid (herein water) from the fluid inlet52to the fluid outlet54, whether the inlets and outlets are short or are very long. Here, the fluid inlet52can be made from a long and flexible fluid pipe (tubing) that can be routed from the top of the tank to then reside within the tank. Many times a toilet lid (not shown) will have a scalloped bottom such that various small wires and pipes can be routed underneath the toilet lid without being pinched. Alternatively, if the toilet lid does not have such scallops (recesses) for such routing a tank spacer could be used to provide enough relief to run such wires and tubing. To make sure the distal end of the fluid inlet remains below the water level a weight56can be attached thereto which keeps the fluid inlet52below the water level.

An electronic controller58is in electrical communication with the electrically-powered fluid pump. As shown here, the electronic controller is connected to the pump and can be packaged in a single unit. The electronic controller58is configured to control the operation of the electrically-powered fluid pump. As is understood by those skilled in the art, the electronic controller may be an electrical board with various electrical components necessary to make it function appropriately.

For example, the electronic controller may be configured to receive a wireless communication from an external electronic device70. Accordingly, the electronic controller would have a wireless receiver66disposed within the electrical board. Optionally, the electronic controller could also have a wireless transmitter68such that information could be sent outwardly. These wireless communications could be replaced with a hard line (electronic wire) that also transmits information to the external electronic device70. Accordingly, the external electronic device70may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile electronic device, a centralized server or even a temperature sensor.

The electronic controller50may receive an electrical power from an electric cord60configured to be plugged into an electrical system of the building. Alternatively, the electronic controller may receive the electrical power from a battery (permanent or rechargeable)62that is associated with the electronic controller. In either situation, it may be helpful for the electronic controller50to also include a speaker/audible alarm64that is configured to produce an alarm sound when a low battery condition is detected from the battery. The alarm64may also be activated if the electronic controller detects any other fault or a possible malfunctioning condition.

As shown inFIG.3, one would install the fluid inlet52of the electrically-powered fluid pump to be in fluidic communication with the tank of a toilet. This allows the pump50to take water from the tank14. However, there are more options when it comes to locating the fluid outlet54. The fluid outlet54may be in fluidic communication with either: i) the bowl12of the toilet, wherein the bowl of the toilet is in fluidic communication with a drainage system of the building; ii) the overflow tube48of the tank of the toilet, wherein the overflow tube is in fluidic communication with the bowl of the toilet; or iii) a drain of the piping system of the building, such as a floor, shower or sink drain. A shown inFIG.3, the fluid outlet54is placed within the overflow tube48. Therefore, when the pump50turns on it is able to move the water inside the tank to then flush through the overflow48and into the bowl12. In this way, once the water level in the tank drops far enough, the fill valve30will open and the tank will refill.

As can be understood, the electronic controller50is configured to repeatedly turn on and off the electrically-powered fluid pump for a predetermined elapsed time or volume displacement when the hydraulic condition is identified. The hydraulic condition may be a potential freezing condition of the piping system of the building. The external electronic device is configured to send the wireless communication to the electronic controller when a local weather condition of the building could result in a potential freezing condition of the piping system. Again, such a weather condition can be recognized by the external electronic device70.

Alternatively, the hydraulic condition may be an overly high pressure of the piping system of the building. For example, the external electronic device70can be a fluid monitoring and control system that includes a pressure sensor, as is taught by the Applicant in application Ser. No. 14/182,213 filed on Feb. 17, 2014 (Pub. No. 2014/0230925), the contents of which are fully incorporated herein with this reference. The external electronic device is configured to monitor a pressure of the piping system and if an overly high pressure is identified, the pump can activate which in turn will cause water to flow in the building's pipe system to therefore relieve such pressure. For example, the present invention can be used to relieve a pressure rise caused by thermal expansion, water hammer, pressure reducing valve bleed-through of main pressure, or for diagnostic purposes for system pressure response.

Also shown inFIG.3is an optional fluid valve72. This valve may be electronically actuated and controlled by the electronic controller50or may be manually actuated. Valve72can be used to adjust the amount of water that goes to the bowl12, because sometimes the pump may deliver too much water such that the valve72can regulate it. Normally, once the valve72is set it, it can stay at the same setting. Therefore, the valve72can provide a greater degree of control in various needed circumstances.

As shown inFIG.3, the electrically-powered fluid pump is disposed outside the tank of the toilet. However, turning now toFIG.4one can see that the electrically-powered fluid pump50is configured to be submersible and is disposed within the tank of the toilet. The electronic controller58could still be part of the pump50and either be sealed in a water proof container or have a water proof conformal coating. However, as shown here the electronic controller58is disposed outside of the tank14and includes an electrical communication cord74for communicating between the controller58and the pump50.

As shown inFIG.5, the pump50and the electronic controller58are once again disposed outside of the tank14, but now the fluid outlet is in fluidic communication with the bowl12. This can be accomplished by installing a fluid tube that exits into the bowl directly as it does not have to be placed within the overflow tube48. In either case, the water from the tank can be emptied into the bowl12to cause the tank to refill.

As shown inFIG.6, the pump50is disposed within the tank where now the fluid outlet54is again directed to exit into the bowl directly and bypass the overflow tube48.

Turning now toFIGS.7and8, in an alternative form of the present invention, rather than using an electrically-controlled fluid pump, now an electrically-controlled fluid valve50A can be used. The fluid valve50A is used in a similar as previously discussed embodying all the features of the pump50. However, the valve50A is now positioned in series with the water supply from the building's piping system. InFIG.7, the valve50A is disposed outside the tank14. It is understood that the valve50A can be anywhere along the water supply to the tank. The valve50A is configured to allow water to enter the fluid inlet and pass unobstructed to the pipe extension32and the fill valve30. However, the valve50A has a first fluid outlet54which can be routed to either: i) the bowl of the toilet, wherein the bowl of the toilet is in fluidic communication with a drainage system of the building; ii) the overflow tube of the tank of the toilet, wherein the overflow tube is in fluidic communication with the bowl of the toilet; or iii) the tank of the toilet, the tank having the overflow tube. As shown inFIG.7, the outlet54is routed to the bowl12.

It is also noted that the valve50A has a second fluid outlet54A. The second fluid outlet54A is in constant (uninterrupted) fluid communication with the fluid inlet52such that water can still flow through the fluid valve50A between the inlet52and the outlet54A (and the pipe extension32) such that when the toilet is used in its normal course it can operate as originally designed. Therefore, a valve76is disposed within the valve50A that controls the flow of water out through the fluid outlet54and does not control flow out through the second fluid outlet54A. The valve76may be a ball valve or any other suitable fluidic valve.

FIG.8shows a very similar design in regards toFIG.7, but now the valve50A is disposed within the tank14. Here, the valve50A is submersible, but could be disposed higher up and above the water level. Again, the fluid outlet54can be routed to the bowl, the tank or to the overflow. As shown here, it is simplistic to just let the outlet54flow into the tank such that water will eventually overflow the overflow tube and again drain into the tank.

FIGS.9A-9Cshow schematically various possible fluid piping flows. For example, inFIG.9Athe pump takes water in at52and pushes it out at54and through the optional valve72. Water is then moved to the tank overflow pipe or to the toilet bowl directly.

FIG.9Bshows another variations ofFIG.9A, where now the exit flow can be split, where each portion can also have an optional valve72. There is a first valve72aon the main exit line54a. Then the flow is split into a flow portion54bhaving its own valve72band also a flow portion54chaving its own valve72c.

FIG.9Cis a third piping schematic showing that the water flows can be combined. For example, water is moved by the pump50from layouts shown inFIGS.9A and9C. That flow can then be combined with the flow from the toilet fill valve30and fill tube36. This embodiment would then create a higher overall flow rate by combining the two flows at the same time. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, any of the embodiments taught inFIGS.9A-Ccan be used with any of the embodiments taught herein.

FIG.11is another embodiment of the present invention showing the device before it is installed into a tank14. The pump50is submersible and is configured to be disposed within the tank14. However, now a power cord78extends to the electronic controller58. The electronic controller has a bracket80, where the bracket is configured to hold the electronic controller58inside of the tank by attaching to the top of the tank. Many variations of brackets80are possible to those skilled in the art, including suction cups or other structures that could be used to mount the electronic controller58.

The electronic controller now has a fill detection sensor82. The fill detection sensor82can be made from a multitude of types known to those skilled in the art, as this teaching is not limited to this exact form. However, as shown herein, the fill detection sensor82comprises a small float (ballcock/float type sensor) at end of a cantilevered arm, where a pivot point of the arm controls the operation of an electronic switch.

The electronic controller58has a power cord84that is routed to a power adapter86that is configured to send the required voltage and amperage to the electronic controller58. Likewise, an electrical cord60is configured to be plugged into a standard electrical wall outlet. As taught previously, the electronic controller58could comprise a battery62for power.

In this embodiment, the external electronic device is an external temperature sensor70. The temperature sensor70would also have at least a wireless transmitter68to send wireless information to the electronic controller58. Alternatively, the temperature sensor70could have a wireless receiver66. Similarly, the electronic controller58has at least a wireless receiver66, and alternatively could include a wireless transmitter68, to communicate with the temperature sensor70.

The fluid outlet54of the pump can be various lengths of flexible tubing and includes a clip88at its distal end that allows it to be easily attached to the overflow tube48as seen inFIG.11. This way the fluid outlet54will move water into the overflow tube48which in turn flows to the bowl12.

Additionally, either fluid outlet54or the clip88has an additional sensor90, which is a water flow sensor. This sensor90can be electrically routed by wire92to the pump and in turn to the electronic controller58, or be wired directly to the electronic controller58. The sensor90is configured to detect the presence of water in the fill tube36. The sensor90is made of a conductive material and when powered by the microcontroller creates a charged electric field that changes when water is near the sensor. Alternatively, the sensor90could also be made as a separate device that is not part of the fluid outlet54. The sensor90could be simply attached to a portion of the fill tube36to sense when water was moving there through.

Alternatively, an additional sensor90,82or the like may be placed inside the bowl of the toilet to protect against flooding by the toilet bowl water overflowing due to a blockage in the draining system.

Referring toFIG.11, it is noted that the toilet mechanisms disposed within the tank14are a different version from the prior art versions shown inFIGS.1and2. These various toilet mechanisms are also known to those skilled in the art and does not impact the use and structure of the present invention, as the present inventions works the same way regardless of the toilet mechanisms disposed within the tank14. It is also noted that the flapper valve18and inlet20to the bowl12has not been shown for simplicity, but in reality would exist in the tank14.

There are many advantages of having a fill detection sensor82and a water flow sensor90. If one was to flush the toilet, the present invention can take this into account because it can detect a flush. One is also able to determine the rate of water filling the tank, such that calculations can be based on how frequently one needs to empty the toilet tank to reduce the hydraulic condition that may be present.

The flow sensor90provides more precise ability to measure and control the flow events of the toilet fill valve30. In application of the base concept to use the pump50to displace water from the tank to include a flush event there is a limitation where each fill valve30will respond differently relative to the volume displaced before starting a refill cycle. Control logic applies pump flow rate and duty cycle modulation to create a series of fill valve refill/flow events over a specific time interval. The count and frequency can be increased by increasing pump flow rate and duty cycle as temperature decreases.

In another embodiment, if the device of the present invention is coupled to an external flow sensor (i.e. the applicant's other device disclosed in the '213 application) there can be feedback relative to the actual flow rate. The fill detection sensor82is a simpler, integrated alternative to relying on a discrete flow meter signal. Instead of using existing pump speed and duty cycle modulation, the fill sensor82allows binary control logic for pump50. The pump50is turned on and a timer is started. The pump50can run until the fill detection sensor82detects flow going from the toilet fill valve to overflow fill tube48. The pump50is turned off at that point and timer stopped. Knowing flow rate of the pump50and the duration of pump's on time gives one the ability to quantify the volume of water for that specific toilet/fill valve combination.

Furthermore, property and plumbing system information provided by property owner (square footage, pipe diameter, pipe material, etc.) can provide those skilled in the art with an idea as to approximate volume of water in the piping system. For a typical 2,000 square foot home with ¾″ copper tubing one skilled in the art could estimate the volume of water in the system to be 3 to 6 gallons. To reduce risk of a pipe freezing, the objective is to achieve a complete purging of that volume within a specific time frame which is variable based upon ambient temperature reading from remote temperature sensor. Application of this knowledge with the event feedback in control logic will allow system purging in a most conservative manner such that not too much water is consumed/wasted.

Regarding the application/event case for the hydraulic condition of a pressure regulation, in most cases the volume of water displaced to trigger the fill valve response is a fraction of that from a standard flush. With flow feedback of the present invention, one is able to regulate the control of one fill valve cycle to drop the pressure. One skilled in the art could program pump50to achieve the gpf (gallons per flush) value of the toilet (in an optimum case). For example, on a 1.6 gpf toilet with the Applicant's approach, one could consume 1.6 gallons of a ‘pumped’ volume to guarantee a fill valve cycle. With flow feedback that volume could be reduced to 0.3 to 0.4 gallons.

Even though the embodiment inFIGS.10and11is directed to a pump, it is understood that same teachings can be applied to the electrically-controlled fluid valve as taught herein.

As taught herein, it is understood that the pump50/valve50A can be cycled on and off. Therefore, there is a first elapsed time that is the time for which the pump/valve is kept on. For example, if the pump/valve is kept on the toilet may flush and but keep filling as water is being moved from the tank into the bowl and out through the drainage system. This means a water flow can be kept moving indefinitely as needed based on the various hydraulic conditions present.

Secondarily, there is also a second elapsed time between which the pump/valve is activated, in other words, how often the pump/valve is being activated. For example, the pump/valve may be activated every hour, every half hour, every 15 minutes, every 5 minutes or the like dependent upon the various hydraulic condition. As can be appreciated, activating the pump/valve repeatedly may also be needed during various extreme hydraulic conditions, such as very cold temperatures that might lead to frozen pipes. Again, all of these calculations are taken into account with the device of the present invention.

In any of the various embodiments, the pump50/valve50A duty cycle and schedule can be independently controlled by the external electronic device70to further characterize the volume and frequency of flow.

In any of the various embodiments, the pump50/valve50A can be controlled by a temperature sensor70that is placed outside the building that is in wired or wireless communication with the control.

In any of the various embodiments, the pump50/valve50A can be controlled remotely through Wi-Fi, Internet, Cellular communication or other means.

In any of the various embodiments, the pump50/valve50A can be directly or remotely controlled by a third-party through remote and or wireless communication.

In any of the various embodiments, the pump50/valve50A can be controlled by weather forecast obtained from internet.

In any of the various embodiments, more than one toilet in a building can be equipped with the present invention. These devices can be controlled by separate controllers or by one controller. Control signals between installations can be conducted via direct connection or remotely via wireless communication means.

In any of the various embodiments, a latching-type solenoid valve50A connected between the inlet side of toilet fill valve and toilet overflow tube is pulsed open to relieve pressure caused by thermal expansion.

In any of the various embodiments, temperature or pressure telemetry can be provided via other smart devices within the premises that connect via local-communication or cloud infrastructure.

In any of the various embodiments, the pump50/valve50A operating state can be determined remotely via mobile application or web site interface.

In any of the various embodiments, the pump50/valve50A operation can be controlled remotely via mobile application or web site interface.

In any of the various embodiments, the pump50/valve50A is connected to an intermediate tank within or outside the main toilet tank, wherein intermediate tank contains media for treatment of main bowl residual water for sanitation and odor-remediation purpose.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, an alternative form of electrical energy may be harvested from either the water coming into the tank of the toilet or when water exits the tank of the toilet. This can be accomplished with a turbine that is rotated as water moves past it. The turbine then turns an electrical generator which can be stored in the battery62.

As used herein, the use of “hydraulic” relates to a liquid moving in a confined space under pressure. More specifically, the fluid referred to herein is water which is used throughout various building structures, such as the water supplied to faucets, showers, sinks, sprinkler, toilets and the like.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.