System for controlling fluid flow

A system for regulating flow of fluid through a flow line, such as a supply line, the line having a flow controller such as a valve, the system having a sensor for generating a signal in response to a parameter, a transmitter for transmitting a corresponding signal to a receiver at a remote location, a receiver for receiving the signal from the transmitter, an actuator for operating a regulator in response to the signal received by the actuator for operating the valve or other flow regulator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates generally to the regulation of the flow of 
fluid through at least one fluid flow line having flow control apparatus 
according to a parameter sensed at a location remote from the apparatus. 
One aspect of the invention particularly relates to the shutting off of a 
supply line when a dangerous condition exits. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
The value and importance of supply line cut-off for dangerous situations 
are significant. Responses to dangerous situations involving the flow of 
water, other fluids and gases through supply lines that depend on an 
audible alarm are totally ineffective when rapid reaction is needed, or 
when no one is available to correct the situation. Telephone line warnings 
are no better if the call is undetected, or if people are too far away to 
take corrective action. Therefore, the need for automatic supply line 
cut-off systems is very important in compensating for detected dangerous 
conditions. 
Prior art devices come in several forms. Solenoid driven valve systems are 
fast, but require the cutting of a supply line to install the device. In 
most cases, this will require a professional plumber for installation, and 
can become very expensive to install and repair. Most non-intrusive valve 
shut-off systems require the use of electric motors. Electric motors 
require a great deal of electrical current to operate, and most systems 
require a source that can supply a high amount of power. Power also is 
required to operate the continuously operating control circuitry of the 
non-intrusive system. If a battery is used, the control circuitry will use 
the power from the battery, and in some cases not leave enough power for 
the motor to adequately drive a valve closed when a closure signal is 
received. Therefore, an AC power source or some other continuous source 
must be available to power the control circuit, the motor, or continuously 
recharge a battery. This limits the devices to areas where a continuous 
power source is available. Further, electric motor operated systems 
usually require limit switches or position sensors to tell a motor when to 
stop. This requires extra components and extra control circuitry for 
monitoring the device. 
Supply line cut-off systems require some method of sensing a dangerous 
condition. Most of these sensor types are local devices that are hardwired 
to a control circuit for detecting a dangerous condition. In the few cases 
where remote sensors are used they are hardwired. This requires that 
wiring be run through floors, ceilings and walls to be connected to the 
control circuitry for detecting and shutting off one or more valves. A 
broken wire may be detected as a dangerous condition and perform an 
unnecessary shutdown. Worse yet, a dangerous condition may not be detected 
at all, because the control circuit does not receive a required dangerous 
condition signal. 
Sensor types from the prior art devices include those responsive to flow, 
pressure, temperature, moisture, gas detection and other measurable 
parameters. The majority of these systems allow for using only one type of 
sensor in their system, which leaves other dangerous conditions 
undetectable. A consumer must choose between what is thought to be the 
most dangerous parameter to measure. Further, consumers must purchase 
different systems for detecting different types of dangerous parameters 
and controlling the shut off of different types of supply lines. 
The current invention solves these problems of the prior art by providing a 
non-intrusive system with low power requirements. The system allows for 
the use of several different types of sensors for simultaneously detecting 
a variety of parameters. Additionally, the system can be used on a variety 
of supply lines and require minimal connection wiring or no connection 
wires at all. Further, preferred embodiments of the system eliminate the 
need for limit switches or position sensors associated with the use of 
electric motors, and the additional circuitry necessary for controlling 
and monitoring those sensors. 
The supply line cut-off described above is part of a more general flow 
control system where the flow is regulated. "Regulate" as used herein 
means to activate or terminate fluid flow, or to control the flow with 
respect to its volume (such as by altering a valve opening) and/or 
controlling the pulsing of fluid flow. 
Another area for controlling fluid flow relates to watering vegetation, 
such as vegetable plants, lawns, and the like. Presently, such systems 
which are automated involve applying a preset amount of water at given 
times. Hence, excessive water could be applied during wet weather, and 
inadequate water would be applied during dry weather. The inventor is 
unaware of a system which controls the watering of vegetation according to 
the saturation of the soil in which the vegetation is growing. 
There has not previously existed an inexpensive yet effective apparatus for 
monitoring some characteristic relating to the flow or supply of fluid and 
for controlling the regulation of the fluid flow according to such 
characteristic. These characteristics include the supply line for the 
fluid (such as the flow of water to a building), the flow of fluid in 
industrial processes, and the supply of water for vegetation, and the 
like. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The invention in one of its preferred forms is a low cost system for rapid 
supply line closure, which is actuated when an undesirable agent is 
detected or when an electrical failure is detected which could lead to a 
loss of heat, or to avoid the risk of freezing pipes carrying water or 
other liquids susceptible of becoming solid under cold conditions. A 
temperature dependent valve opening apparatus for system drainage is also 
included in the preferred embodiment. The cut-off procedure is achieved 
with sensors that detect the agent or other parameter, a responsive radio 
frequency (RF) transmitter for the indicative transmission of signals and 
a non-electrical spring motor, a gas source or ignitable powder for 
actuating a valve, wherein any of these non-electric power sources provide 
a near instantaneous motion that will close a valve in the supply line. 
For a battery-operated system, the spring motor, gas source, or powder 
allow for a smaller, less expensive, lower capacity, yet longer life 
battery in which the valve can also be closed as a safety precaution if a 
low battery warning is ignored for a predetermined period of time. 
A battery driven gear motor can also be used for closure or opening the 
supply line but would be more expensive and slower acting unless the 
motor/battery combination were considerably more powerful. The valve 
closure methods disclosed also avoid the need for force or position 
sensors to tell the motor when to stop and reduce concern for battery life 
because of excessive steady state drain. Reduced costs because of 
self-installation are an important advantage. This invention provides 
protection at an economical cost whether the user is or is not present 
during its operation. 
The system in a preferred form is for shutting off a supply line and 
comprises wireless sensor means for detecting an undesirable parameter at 
a remote location, transmitter means for transmitting a closure signal 
from the remote location, the transmitter means being responsive to the 
sensor means, receiver means for receiving the closure signal from the 
transmitter means, and motor actuator means responsive to closure signals 
for controlling a motor, the motor being connected to a valve for shutting 
off and, in the case of an electric motor or gas operated valve, opening 
the supply line as well. 
The invention in its preferred form further uses a non-electrical flow 
control means such as closure means for turning off a supply line valve, 
and comprises spring, gas or ignitable powder means for providing a torque 
or force to the valve means for amplifying the torque or force of the 
closure means, a plate for affixing the gear means to the valve, and in 
the case of the spring motor, winding means for winding the spring means, 
locking means for holding the spring means in a wound state, and trigger 
means for receiving a closure signal and releasing the spring from the 
wound state, causing the gears to rotate and apply torque to actuate the 
valve. In the case of the gas or powder means for closure, a pulse of 
energy to the closure actuator releases the gas or ignites the powder to 
close the valve. 
Another preferred embodiment relates to the watering of vegetation, such as 
watering lawns. One or more sensors determine a parameter indicative of 
the water needs of the lawn or other vegetation, such as a specified 
saturation point in the ground, and regulates the flow of water to the 
vegetation. The regulation can include activating or terminating the flow 
of water, regulating the amount of water supplied, the pulse rate or 
amount of water pulsed, and the like. 
An object of the present invention is to provide a versatile, low cost 
supply line cut-off system. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a non-invasive supply 
line cut-off system that is easy to install by a consumer without the need 
of a professional plumber. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a wireless supply 
line system for rapid supply line closure when an undesirable condition is 
detected, or if an electrical failure could lead to a change of the 
temperature conditions which could cause a dangerous change of state of a 
fluid flowing through the system. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a temperature 
dependent valve opening apparatus for system drainage. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a supply line 
cut-off system that eliminates the need for force or position sensors for 
effecting the stopping of a motor after the motor has closed a shut-off 
valve. 
It is a further object to provide an effective watering system for 
vegetation, for measuring a parameter indicative of the amount of water 
required by the vegetation, and regulating the flow of water accordingly. 
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a small battery 
operated, inexpensive system that provides for a long battery life or can 
be used with AC operation and battery back-up if AC power is available. 
A general object of the invention is to automatically regulate the flow of 
a fluid according to a parameter reflective of the factor(s) according to 
which the flow is to be regulated, where the parameter is sensed by 
sensors remote from the means for regulating the flow. 
These and other objects will become apparent from the following description 
of a preferred embodiment taken together with the accompanying drawings 
and the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of 
illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention only, and not for 
purpose of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows functional blocks comprising a 
system 15. System 15 includes a sensing and transmitting system 17 and a 
receiving and regulating system 19. Sensing and transmitting system 17 is 
located at a detection site, and is remote from receiving and regulating 
system 19. Sensing and transmitting system 17 includes at least one sensor 
1 connected to a sender power device 6 and a power level sensor 16. Sensor 
1 is electrically connected to a transducer 2 which provides a useful 
signal to a sender processor and self-test function 3 to which it is 
electrically connected. Sender processor 3 interfaces with a display 4 and 
a transmitter 5. Transmitter 5 sends a signal to receiving and regulating 
system 19 when a parameter (such as the presence of, temperature of, 
composition of, pressure of, saturation of, etc., liquid, gas or other 
materials) indicating an undesirable characteristic is detected by sensing 
and transmitting system 17. Receiving and regulating system 19 includes a 
receiver 7 for receiving a signal from the sensing and transmitting system 
17. A receiver processor and self-test function 8 interfaces with receiver 
7 and a display 12. Receiver processor 8 cooperates with an actuator 9 to 
send a drive signal to a regulator 10, which can be a closure, 
closure/opening, fluid pulsating, or valve means. An actuator power device 
11 also has a power level sensor 16 and is connected to regulator 10. 
Regulator 10 operates a valve V in a supply line S for (in this example) 
closing supply line S. If regulator 10 is an electric motor for closing 
valve V, it can also be reversed to open valve V. An optional AC and 
temperature sensor block 13 may be included in system 15 for transmitting 
an AC off signal to receiving and regulating system 19 to close valve V in 
supply line S and open valve V' in drain line D. The preferred embodiment 
uses a sensing and transmitting system 17 for each location of sensor(s) 
and a receiving and regulating system 19 for each regulator. 
By way of example, the system is described for shutting off water supply 
lines of a building. Referring to the cooperation and operation of the 
functional components, FIG. 1 shows one or more sensing devices, sensors 
or sensing modules 1, that provide a signal representative of an 
undesirable parameter variation when an unwanted condition or conditions 
occur. The variable parameter can cause changes in an electrical 
resistance, inductance, capacitance, radiant energy, sound or ultrasound, 
and provides the source for generating a useful signal in response to an 
unwanted condition, which is transmitted to a transducer 2. Each sensor 
module can be powered by its own battery, or by AC grid power if 
available, and have an optional battery back-up to emit the cut-off and/or 
opening signal, if predetermined low temperatures occur when AC power is 
lost. For a totally battery powered system, AC and temperature sensor 13 
can be supplied as a plug-in accessory to sense the loss of AC power and 
emit a hazard signal to cut off the supply line valve V and open valve V' 
in drain line D for situations where an existing heating system is no 
longer functional and freezing temperatures exist. 
Other features could include a sensor override since water may be needed 
regardless of other factors if smoke is detected. Also, an audible and/or 
visual warning can be issued when sensor 1 is activated. Although the 
system is described by way of example for shutting off of water supply 
lines of a building, the system may be useful for any type of detectable 
gas, fluid, or moisture, and can even detect excessive flow rates or 
pressure drops commensurate with burst supply lines. Low profile, broad 
based sensors can be used to avoid the risk of the sensors falling on 
their side. This would very likely prevent the sensor input from coming in 
contact with a surface where a deleterious fluid or moisture might be 
present. This, of course, is not a problem associated with a sensor 
concerned with gas detection. Examples of the dangerous gases that can 
most likely be detected with the inventive system are carbon monoxide, 
natural gas, propane, motor fuel fumes, and other toxic or explosive 
substances. 
Transducer 2 cooperates with sensor(s) 1, and provides a useful signal to 
the signal processor and self-test function 3. Display 4 is optional and 
can be connected to signal processor 3 to provide useful visual 
information about system status, such as where and when a problem causing 
agent is detected and the nature of that agent. It can also provide visual 
information along with an audible signal for indicating a low battery 
condition. An audible signal and/or a blinking LED at the sensor can also 
be included to identify which sensor went off. These features could help 
avoid a lengthy and/or complicated inspection for a multi-sensor 
installation. 
Sensing and transmitting system 17 may transmit a coded or uncoded signal. 
For some RF applications, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 
requires that a coded signal, such as that used in garage door openers or 
auto locks, be used for higher power transmitters to prevent interference 
with other RF devices, but in either a coded or uncoded signal system, a 
valid signal is needed to activate receiving and regulating system 19. 
Depending on the application, more than one system format for signal 
transmission may be needed, i.e., the least expensive for short distances 
such as in a standard residence, or a more powerful, coded transmitter for 
greater distances. For systems containing sensors for detecting more than 
one substance, different codes can also be used to dictate which valves 
are closed and/or opened. Other ways one might transmit the cut-off signal 
from the sensor to a receiver/actuator are coupling into the AC lines, 
light or IR beams when no form of obstruction is possible, coded vibration 
or ultrasound signals on the water pipes, coded audible output and audible 
decoders, or hardwiring system elements. For power conservation with 
battery operation, transmitter 5 is only actuated when the agent is 
detected and a pulsed signal is transmitted. Once the hazard is detected, 
this signal is repeated to ensure that it reaches receiver 7 which also 
comes on periodically for short intervals to see if a valid signal is 
present. Sender power 6 is preferably comprised of a battery at each 
sensor/sender location unless central power is available. Standard or 
rechargeable batteries can be used. A storage capacitor, solar charger and 
a minimal back-up battery are also possible. 
In order to conserve power with battery operation, receiver 7 only comes on 
periodically to see if a signal is present, and will respond if a valid 
frequency and code are detected. If receiver processor and test function 8 
determine the transmitted signal is valid, closure will follow. The 
closure signal triggers closure actuator 9, which can be an 
electromechanical device for actuating a spring motor, or to provide power 
for energizing an electric motor. 
Regulator means 10 could be a spring, a device actuated by pressurized gas 
or ignitable powder, or electrically powered, but in each case it serves 
to close the valve in supply line S and/or close the valve in drain line 
D. If a spring motor is used, spring motion is geared down to provide a 
greater closure force, especially when actuating very stiff valves often 
found in natural or propane gas lines. The same type of spring or electric 
motor, normally used in reverse to close a valve, may be used to open an 
existing drainage valve for applications where large volumes of stored 
water pose an additional leakage risk to a building. The receiver power 
may also be comprised of a battery at the receiver location unless central 
power is available. The processor may include a display 12 and performance 
functions similar to display 4 found in sensor and transmitting system 17. 
The user normally resets the system; however, with electric motor closure, 
the line can be automatically reopened when the temperature increases by 
simply reversing motor direction. A gear box is normally used with the 
small, low torque electric motor. Since a small, geared-down motor will 
require a relatively small amount of current, this procedure is possible 
even if the unit is battery operated. If supply line water is needed in 
spite of a leak, sensor 1 is preferably of the type which can be bypassed 
and valve V manually reset. The system can include a self-test feature 
shown in function 3, where the processor periodically emits a properly 
coded signal. If the test signal does not appear at receiver 7 within a 
designated period of time, an audible signal is emitted to warn the user 
of a possible system malfunction. 
The following description discusses valve actuation in a supply line. 
However, the same applies for a drain line. While it is understood that an 
electric motor can also be used to regulate an existing valve cut-off or 
valve opening procedure, FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show a ratchet type spring motor 
20 for providing valve actuation. A power spring 22 is enclosed in a 
spring motor housing 24. Spring motor housing 24 is connected to a gear 
and trigger release housing 26. Gear and trigger release housing 26 
contains a release solenoid 54, a release trigger 52, a release cam 58, a 
small or power gear 28 and a large gear 30. Spring motor 20 further 
includes a safety ratchet housing 48. Safety ratchet housing 48 encloses a 
ratchet assembly 46 and a power spring drive nut 47. The power spring 
drive nut 47 is affixed to a power spring drive bolt 44. Spring 22, 
release cam 58 that holds spring 22 in a loaded position, and power gear 
28 for driving the large gear 30, are all mounted on bolt 44. A hex 
winding access 43 is formed by a cavity in the top surface of the power 
spring drive nut 47, as shown in FIG. 2. A spring winding T handle hex key 
42, as shown in FIG. 4, is included for inserting into the hex winding 
access cavity 43 of the power spring drive nut 47. Rotation of T handle 
hex key 42 after inserting it into the hex winding access cavity 43 allows 
for the winding of the spring 22 into a loaded condition. 
Valve V should be closed for installation (open for a drain valve) and 
power spring 22 should be in an unwound position. As shown in FIG. 2, a 
"Power Take Off" (PTO) point 32 of spring motor 20 is attached to the 
handle of an existing water or gas shut-off valve. This is accomplished by 
capturing the handle H with a plate 34, with two through put screws 36, 
and washers supplied with the unit (not shown). Plate 34 is secured to 
large gear 30 in the gear and trigger release housing 26. The attachment 
mechanism can also be adapted to a gate valve configuration. 
Referring to FIG. 5, the unit is secured in place by inserting a U-bolt 40 
over the supply or drain lines, into U-bolt receiver holes 38, and then 
locked in place with hex nuts 41. Power spring 22 is wound to the loaded 
condition by inserting T-handle hex key 42 (see FIG. 4) into the mating 
hex key winding access cavity or socket 43 of the power spring drive bolt 
44. Clockwise rotation of the key 42 drives the valve counterclockwise to 
the open position, and when fully open, a latch is set. The latch could 
have a "push button" format that is flush with the housing surface when 
the valve is open and will be extended with bright colored sides if the 
valve is closed. 
As shown in FIG. 5, teeth 45 are fixed into a case 24 and spaced to allow 
some reverse motion to help in trigger setting. Safety ratchet assembly 46 
contained in ratchet housing 48 protects key 42 from any reverse rotation, 
if the operator should accidentally lose grip when winding/loading power 
spring 22. Setting the latch releases the torsional forces on power spring 
22, and a T-handle safety spring 50 pushes hex key 42 out of mating socket 
43. Removal of hex key 42 prevents the unit from locking in the open 
position. A flexible sheet can be placed over the latch to prevent finger 
pinching when loading the spring. 
With spring motor 20 mounted in place, a remote receiver 7 is mounted on a 
wall or nearby structure, and a power cable plugged into a mating socket. 
System performance is verified by activating any or all of the desired 
sensor locations. The system is now operational and will protect against 
water or gas hazards as previously described. The power spring unit can be 
manually tested for valve closure by pushing release trigger 52 in the 
opposite direction. The system has to be reset after each test. However, 
for critical situations, or simply for user convenience, a manual or 
electrical bypass prevents actuation of the spring motor even though the 
sensors may be sending a valid closure signal. This can also be 
accomplished by disconnecting the receiver plug-in. 
Once armed and key 42 is removed, ratchet assembly 46 is no longer engaged 
and spring 22 is free to rotate for the closing motion when the hazard 
signal is received. Closure comes when an electromechanical device such as 
release solenoid 54 pushes release trigger 52, which in turn frees a 
release trigger roller arm 56 (shown in FIG. 3) allowing the release of 
cam 58 that holds spring 22 in the loaded position. Release of cam 58 
causes rotational torque from spring 22 to be amplified as small power 
gear 28 rotates large gear 30. Motion in large gear 30 will close the 
valve. A torque amplification of almost six times is shown in FIG. 2. 
However, torque amplification could be even greater for stiffer gate 
valves, commonly used on gas lines. 
Ratchet assembly 46 will not re-engage until key 42 is again inserted into 
mating socket or access hole 43, and drive nut 47 is engaged for rewinding 
spring 22. If spring motor 20 should fail in the open position, set-up key 
42 can close the valve with counter-clockwise rotation. An audible alarm 
can be made to go off if spring 22 breaks in either position. The alarm 
will let the user know that the unit should be checked and repaired as 
soon as possible. Finally, if the trigger latch breaks, but the spring is 
operating properly, the valve can be held open by winding spring 22 and 
leaving key 42 in mating socket 43, wherein the torsional force from 
spring 22 will lock key 42 into the unit. 
FIGS. 6 and 7 disclose a means for actuating the supply line or drain line 
valve with a source of pressurized gas. As with the spring motor system, a 
receiver, processor and power supply functions 82 control system 
operation. A supply 70 of pressurized gas interfaces with a gas control 
valve 72. FIG. 7 shows a piston 88 inside gas control valve 72 in the 
neutral position. Depending on the command from the received signal, a 
solenoid 84 will move piston 88 in one direction or the other causing gas 
control valve 72 to reverse the direction of movement on the piston in the 
pneumatic cylinder 74 to close or open the supply line valve. Thus, if 
supply gas is applied to an input port 94, solenoid 84 moves piston 88 to 
the left directing the pressure to an output port 92 and through a 
connecting line 76 to actuate pneumatic cylinder 74, rotating a valve arm 
96 through a connecting rod 80 to close the valve. If solenoid 84 moves 
piston 88 to the right, gas pressure at output port 90 and a connecting 
tube 78 will reverse the direction of pneumatic cylinder 74 and open the 
valve. 
Because this system relies on a pressurized gas supply, electrical power 
requirements would be very modest. Sensing and solenoid activation would 
be the only demands on the batteries or AC source. The solenoid is only 
actuated with every short pulse of power at the moment of valve closure or 
opening. The gas could be conveniently supplied by a standard CO.sub.2 
cylinder 70 and feeds directly into control valve 72, which in its neutral 
position blocks off the gas supply. A pressure sensor 86 monitors the 
supply pressure. As a safety procedure, a supply line closure and an 
audible alarm are actuated if the gas pressure drops below acceptable 
levels. Valve arm 96 is shown, but closure action could also come, for 
example, from a rack and pinion or cam roller. The pneumatic cylinder 74 
could be made to move any number of mechanical interfacing devices to 
close any type of supply or drain line valve. 
FIG. 8 shows an embodiment for closing the supply line valve with a 
cartridge of ignitable powder 102 installed in cartridge chamber 104. The 
approach can also be made to open a drain line valve in the same manner as 
described for the spring motor. In either case, an actuation signal 
provides a short burst of power to a firing pin solenoid 100 that acts to 
ignite the powder in cartridge 102. The pressure developed by the burning 
powder drives the piston in drive cylinder 106 to the right in this 
figure. Piston motion will force drive rod 80 to the right and arm 96 will 
rotate to close the valve. This system is manually reloaded, and the valve 
should be opened before placing a new cartridge in the chamber 104. A 22 
caliber cartridge is ideal for this application. 
As can be seen from the description of the preferred embodiment, this 
system is not limited to structures or dwellings. For example, this system 
could be used to include lawn sprinkler installations. These types of 
systems often rely on "flood" type solenoids as a method for cutting the 
water supply. However, they are known to hang-up or jam open, often 
resulting in flooding. A moisture sensor with a variable, pre-selected, or 
an output level dependent on the degree of saturation, could be made to 
regulate (which includes to terminate) the flow rate accordingly. Because 
of the electrical nature of the system, the spring motor or solenoid could 
be used to cut the source, or a motor driven valve could be made to 
regulate the flow, and each of these would be actuated when pre-selected 
saturation triggers the transmitter. The RF design could be effective for 
closely arranged installations or those for vast areas such as golf 
courses, estates or the like, and would be especially useful if the rains 
come while the system is unattended. 
The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the present 
invention. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is described for 
the purposes of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and 
modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without 
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that 
all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come 
within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof.