Abstract:
An automatic shut-off valve shuts off fluid flow in the event of abnormal amounts of fluid flow. A rotor inside the valve turns when fluid flows through the valve. The rotor causes a pneumatic pump to operate and cause increased air pressure. The increased air pressure causes a shut-off piston to move to a closed position when a predetermined air pressure is achieved. The shut-off valve also includes an adjustable bleeder needle to slowly bleed off air pressure when the fluid flow stops and thereby resets the valve. A detent is provided for holding the shut-off piston in the open position. A detent spring and compression bolt are provided for adjusting force on the detent. The shut-off valve is manually closed using a trip arm connected to the detent. The shut-off piston is reset by actuating a reset plunger that moves the piston back to the open position.

Description:
This applications is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Provisional Application No. 61/423,172, entitled Automatic Water Shut-Off Valve, filed Dec. 15, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates primarily to fluid shut-off valves and the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatically shutting off fluid flow in a supply line when an abnormal amount of fluid flows through the supply line over a period of time. The invention is particularly useful in automatically shutting off fluid flow when a machine, hose, or pipe malfunctions or breaks. The invention responds to the excessive fluid flow by stopping fluid flow and thereby limits damage. 
     Homes, offices, factories and business have many appliances, machines, devices, and pipes that require the flow of fluids. For example, in homes and offices there are many devices that use water. These devices include sinks, toilets, sprinkler systems, water heaters, drinking fountains, coffee makers, and the like. Similarly, factories and businesses have an even greater variety of devices that rely on a water or fluid supply. In addition to devices that rely on a water supply, there are many devices that rely on other fluids such as gas, oil, fertilizers, insecticides, chemicals, and the like. The prior art teaches many ways to control and distribute fluids yet the problem of leaks remains. 
     Fluid leaks continue to be a major problem. Every year many millions of dollars in damage is caused from leaking pipes, machines, and devices. In a home even a small water leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage if it is not stopped quickly. When a homeowner is gone on vacation or if a vacation cabin is left unattended for weeks or months, even a small water leak can cause substantial damage. If the water leak is large, significant damage can be caused in a short amount of time. In a home it is not uncommon for leaks to occur in toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, pipes, and hoses. Factories and business face these problems and more. 
     Factories and businesses face additional leak problems since they use a wide variety of fluids and machines. They also use larger volumes of fluids that can cause more damage in less time. The fluid used in factories may also be more dangerous. The variety of fluids used in factories and businesses is numerous and includes chemicals, drugs, and petroleum products to name a few. The cost of the lost fluid itself can be substantial but the damage to facilities and human safety can be even greater. 
     Finally, another problem relates to power. Some solutions in the prior art rely on electrical power to operate an automatic shut-off device. These devices may work when there is a functioning power supply, but may not work well when the electrical power fails. When the power supply fails, the device maybe designed to automatically shut off. This may require resetting the device whenever there is a power interruption and may cause a loss of production, inconvenience, or the like. Some devices overcome this problem by having self contained electronics and power sources. These devices still require a change of batteries and also become non-functional if the electrical components fail. This also causes inconvenience, loss of production, and the like. 
     With concerns about fluid leaks many people and organizations are willing to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on solutions to this problem. Current solutions include fluid detectors, various automatic shut-off valves, sump pumps, or even hired staff to detect and report leaks. It is therefore advantageous to provide improved solutions to this problem. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for a new automatic shut-off valve and method that provides an alternative solution to the fluid leak problem. There exists a need for a solution that can be easily adapted to existing fluid/water systems and implemented in future systems. Further, there exists a need for a simple, stand alone, solution that can be scaled to work in the home, business, and industry. Finally, there exists a need for a solution that does not rely on electric power, batteries, or electronic circuits. Such an apparatus would reduce damage, reduce costs, improve safety, and enhance the state of mind of home owners and business owners that worry about fluid leaks. Therefore, an improved automatic fluid shut-off valve and method that provides the aforementioned advantages is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The aforementioned drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior automatic shut-off devices have been identified and a solution is set forth herein by an inventive automatic fluid shut-off valve and method which comprises a valve with a fluid flow powered pneumatic pump activating a shut-off piston. The preferred embodiment uses a rotor inside the valve that rotates when fluid flows through the valve. The rotor is then coupled to the pneumatic pump. The preferred embodiment uses magnetic coupling between the rotor and pump. The new shut-off valve does not rely on electrical connections, batteries, or electronic circuits. It is easily adapted to most fluid delivery systems, is low cost, and operates with fluid flow in either direction. 
     The preferred embodiment operates as follows. The invention is a valve that connects to a fluid supply line and shuts off fluid flow when excessive fluid flow occurs over a period of time. As fluid flows through the shut-off valve it turns a rotor. The rotor imparts rotational motion to a cam which causes reciprocal motion in a pump arm. The pump arm actuates a bellows that flexes and creates air/gas pressure in the closed system. The air/gas pressure is in fluid communication with a shut-off piston. The shut-off piston is held open by a detent exerting force on the piston. As fluid continues to flow through the shut-off valve, the pump continues to operate and the air/gas pressure increases. When the air/gas pressure on the piston becomes sufficient to overcome the resistance of the detent, the piston moves to the closed position and fluid flow through the valve is stopped. 
     The preferred embodiment includes a magnetic coupling between the rotor and the cam. At least one magnet is attached to the rotor and at least one magnet is also attached to the cam. The magnets are coupled such that when the rotor is turning, the magnets cause the cam to also turn. The magnets are physically separated from one another through the wall of the valve body. This design reduces the need for seals and the like and prevents fluid from leaking from the rotor to the cam and pneumatic pump assemblies. This embodiment therefore has an advantage of lower malfunction risk due to corrosion and the like. However, it is envisioned that a mechanical link between the rotor and cam would be an alternate embodiment. 
     One feature of the present invention is the pneumatic pump. The pneumatic pump creates air/gas pressure that operates other parts of the valve. Using the simple pneumatic pump allows the invention to function without the need for electricity, batteries, or electronics of any kind. The combination of air/gas pressure and mechanical resistance also allows the invention to be adjusted by a user or preset by the manufacturer. These adjustments are discussed below. In operation, air/gas pressure increases as the pneumatic pump operates responsive to fluid flow through the shut-off valve. If fluid flow is excessive the air/gas pressure will increase to a level that will overcome the detent and cause the shut-off piston to close. The inventive and simple design reduces cost and reduces the risk of malfunctions. 
     Another feature of the present invention is a bleed system. The air/gas bleeder allows air/gas pressure to slowly bleed off over time. This amounts to an automatic reset of the shut-off valve when fluid flow stops. It operates as follows. When a machine (e.g. a washing machine) begins to fill with water, water flows through the shut-off valve. The rotor turns and the pneumatic pump begins pumping causing air/gas pressure to increase. When the machine is full the water demand stops and the pneumatic pump stops. However, the air/gas pressure needs to be released to put the shut-off valve back to an initial or reset state. The bleeder feature accomplishes this task by having an adjustable bleeder needle to slowly release the air/gas pressure. Alternate embodiments can have a fixed bleeder system to slowly release air/gas pressure. A user can thereby adjust the bleeder needle as desired. If the bleeder needle allows air/gas to be vented too quickly, the pressure is released faster and thereby resets the shut-off valve more quickly. Conversely, if air/gas is vented too slowly the pressure is released more slowly and thereby it will take a longer time for the shut-off valve to reset. 
     Yet another feature of the present invention is the detent. The detent holds the piston in an open position until a force overcomes the detent. The detent preferably has a ball shaped head that mates with a groove in the piston. The detent exerts a resilient force on the shut-off piston and thereby holds it in the open position. When there is excessive fluid flow through the valve, the air/gas pressure from the pump increases and overcomes the resistance of the detent thereby triggering the shut-off piston to move to the closed position. In the preferred embodiment the detent mechanism includes a detent spring for resiliently forcing the detent against the piston. Also included is an adjustable compression bolt. The compression bolt allows a user to manually adjust the force the detent spring exerts on the detent. In this manner the shut-off valve is adjusted to trigger on different amounts of air/gas pressure. 
     Yet another feature of the present invention is the manual shut-off. The manual shut-off feature allows a user to manually shut-off fluid flow through the valve. For example, if a repair is needed on a machine, a user may want to shut-off the fluid supply while making the repair. The manual shut-off is accomplished by a trip arm attached to the detent. Pulling on the trip arm releases pressure from the detent and thereby releases the piston to move to the closed position. 
     Yet still another feature of the present invention is the reset mechanism. When the shut-off valve is closed there needs to be a way to reset the valve to the open position. The reset plunger accomplishes this task. The reset plunger is mounted on an opposing side of the valve body and in alignment with the piston. A portion of the plunger extends from the valve body. A user pushes the plunger into the valve body, the plunger engages the piston and pushes the piston back to the open position. The detent re-engages with the piston and the valve is again in the open position. 
     One of the advantages of the invention is reduced property damage. Using the invention reduces property damage when fluid is automatically shut-off. Damage is reduced to the machine, the building, and other equipment and items that may be damaged by fluid. 
     Another advantage is cost. Cost is reduced since expensive electronics and sensors are not required to manufacture the valve. Fluid cost is reduced by shutting off the fluid flow and thereby saving the cost of the otherwise wasted fluid. 
     Another advantage is time. The simple operation of the invention eliminates any learning curve to understand its operation. In addition, the invention is not affected by power outages or battery failures. There is no interruption in operation when there is a brief power outage. Electrically powered shut-off devices may require resetting in such instances. 
     Yet another advantage is that the invention is bi-directional. In other words it operates with fluid flow in either direction. This is an advantage in that it cannot be installed in the ‘wrong’ direction. It is also envisioned that there exist some applications where fluid flow in both directions is required. A shut-off valve that operates bi-directionally is an advantage in such a situation. 
     Therefore, goals of the invention include fluid damage prevention, ease of use, low cost, non-electric, safety, and reduced anxiety. 
     To address the goals stated above, the inventive fluid shut-off valve and method is provided. By solving the many difficulties associated with fluid leaks in homes, offices, factories and businesses the invention provides a cost effective way to address these problems for homeowners, engineers, maintenance staff, and owners around the world. 
     The invention is applicable to many fluid control applications whether in the home or industrial setting and is scalable to small and large applications. 
     Other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present disclosure so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosures that will be described hereinafter which will form the subject matter of the claims. 
     In this respect, before explaining the preferred embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The shut-off valve and method of the present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for description and not limitation. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims are regarded as including such equivalent constructions as far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with the patent or legal terms of phraseology, to learn quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is intended to define neither the invention nor the application, which is only measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
     These and other objects, along with the various features, methods, and structures that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     As such, while embodiments of the automatic fluid shut-off valve and method are herein illustrated and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       As a compliment to the description and for better understanding of the specification presented herein, six pages of drawings are disclosed with an informative, but not limiting, intention. 
         FIG. 1A  is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is bottom view of the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 1C  is a side view of the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  shows a cross section view of  FIG. 1C  illustrating the pneumatic pump; 
         FIG. 3  shows a cross section view of  FIG. 1B  illustrating the magnetic coupling of the rotor and cam; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross section view of  FIG. 1A  illustrating the bleeder system; 
         FIG. 5A  is a cross section view of  FIG. 1C  illustrating the shut-off plunger in the open position. 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross section view of  FIG. 1C  illustrating the shut-off plunger in the closed position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of the preferred embodiment. Similar referenced characters designate corresponding features throughout the several figures of the drawings. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “left”, “right”, “top”, and ‘bottom” shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1A  unless otherwise stated. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and methods illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, these same referenced numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Like features between the various embodiments utilize similar numerical designations. Where appropriate, the various similar features have been further differentiated by an alphanumeric designation, wherein the corresponding alphabetic designator has been changed. Further, the dimensions illustrated in the drawings (if provided) are included for purposes of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  1 C.  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  1 C show front, bottom, and side views respectively of invention. While the preferred embodiment is a consumer size shut-off valve for use in the home, the invention is not meant to be so limited. Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be scaled to other sizes. Large valves are envisioned for industrial applications and smaller sizes are envisioned for specialized applications. Those skilled in the art understand that the invention may be manufactured using a variety of materials including various metals and plastics. It is also understood that the shape and configuration of the invention may be changed while still practicing the spirit of the invention. 
     The components of the invention will first be briefly described and then described in detail. Referring to  FIG. 1A , shut-off valve  10  is comprised valve body  11 , piston housing  12 , bleeder housing  13 , detent housing  14 , inlet fitting  15  and outlet fitting  16 . Inlet fitting  15  and outlet fitting  16  are also referred to as fluid inlet  15  and fluid outlet  16 . Also shown are reset plunger  17  and trip arm  18 . Trip arm  18  allows a user to manually close valve  10 . Reset plunger  17  allows a user to manually reset valve  10  to the open position after it is closed. Conventional fluid flow direction is shown with arrows  19   a  and  19   b . While inlet fitting  15  and outlet fitting  16  are depicted as threaded fittings, it is understood that various other types of fluid couplings may be used. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1B  there is illustrated the bottom view of valve  10 . Shown are pump housing  20 , inlet check cap  22 , pump outlet  23   a , and air/gas flow indicated by arrows  21   a  and  21   b . Air/gas is drawn into pump housing  20  as indicated by arrow  21   a  and air/gas exits pump housing  20  as indicated by arrow  21   b . The term ‘air/gas’ is used in the specification to acknowledge that the pump portion of the invention can operate with a variety of gases. However, the preferred embodiment merely operates using the ambient air in the home, office, or factory. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1C  there is illustrated the side view of valve  10 . Shown is bleeder inlet  23   b . Pump outlet  23   a  and bleeder inlet  23   b  are in fluid communication with each other via a tube (not shown). Air/gas exits pump outlet  23   a  and enters bleeder inlet  23   b.    
     Henceforth, one preferred embodiment will be described. However, this is merely for description and the size, proportions, indicia, and the like on shut-off valve  10  may be changed to suit the particular requirements of the application and the desires of the users. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a cross section view of  FIG. 1C  illustrating the pneumatic pump function of the invention enclosed in pump housing  20 . Pump  24  includes cam  24   a , pump arm  24   b , bellows  24   c , inlet check valve  24   d , and outlet check valve  24   e . Air/gas flow is shown by arrows  21   a ,  21   b ,  21   c , and  21   d . When fluid flows through valve  10  in the direction of arrows  19 , cam  24   a  rotates in a clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow on cam  21   a . Pump arm  24   b  is attached to cam  24   a  offset from center such that pump arm  24   b  reciprocates. Pump arm  24   b  connects to bellows  24   c  causing movement and drawing in air/gas through inlet check valve  24   d  and exhausting air/gas through outlet check valve  24   e . Operation of pumps are well known to those skilled in the art and need not be explained further. It is also understood that this is merely the preferred embodiment of a pump assembly and other implementations of pumps may also be adapted to work in the invention. It should be noted that only a low pressure needs to be generated by pump  24  to operate valve  10 . In the preferred embodiment only a fraction of 1 psi (pounds per square inch) is needed to cause shut-off plunger  50  (described below) to move. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , additional elements of the preferred embodiment are shown. Check valves  24   d  and  24   e  are of a conventional design. Inlet check valve  24   d  includes inlet check cap  22 , inlet o-ring  25 , inlet check ball  26 , and inlet check spring  27 . These function in a conventional manner known to those skilled in the art. Outlet check valve  24   e  is of the same design. Also shown are pump outlet  23   a  and bleeder inlet  23   b . Air/gas that exits pump outlet  23   a  is delivered to bleeder inlet  23   b  through a tube (not shown). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a cross section view of  FIG. 1B  illustrating the coupling between rotor  30  and cam  24   a . Rotor  30  is a fluid flow meter mounted in valve body  11  and is in fluid communication with the fluid moving through valve  10 . Rotor  30  rotates responsive to fluid flowing through valve  10 . In the preferred embodiment rotor  30  and cam  24   a  are magnetically coupled. Rotor  30  includes at least one rotor magnet  30   a  that is preferably a permanent magnet. Cam  24   a  also includes at least one cam magnet  31   a  and  31   b . Rotor magnet  30   a  and cam magnets  31  are separated by valve body  11  but are sufficiently close to each other to magnetically couple. Further, rotor magnet  30   a  and cam magnets  31  are sufficiently strong such that rotation of rotor magnet  30   a  causes cam  24   a  to rotate. 
     Cam arm  32  is offset from the center of cam  24   a  and is rotatably coupled to pump arm  24   b . Pump arm  24   b  moves in a reciprocal motion responsive to rotation of cam  24   a  and actuates bellows  24   c  as discussed previously. Other element of the preferred embodiment include rotor shaft mount  33  and rotor shaft mount o-ring  34  for securing rotor  30  in valve body  11 . Shaft mount  33  thread into valve body  11  and allows rotor  33  to move freely without contacting the valve body  11 . Also shown are pump housing  20 , alternate outlet plug  35 , and outlet plug seal  36 . It is envisioned that a mechanical coupling between rotor  30  and cam  24   a  would be an alternate embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a cross section of  FIG. 1A  illustrating the bleeder portion of the invention. Shown are bleeder housing  13 , bleeder inlet  23   b , bleeder needle  40 , and bleeder needle nut  41 . Air/gas flows into bleeder housing through bleeder inlet  23   b  as shown by arrow  21   e . Most of the air/gas flow moves into piston housing  12  as indicated by arrow  21   f . A portion of the air/gas is vented from bleeder housing  13  through a vent as shown by arrow  21   g . In the preferred embodiment the portion of air/gas that is vented is controlled by adjustable bleeder needle  40 . Bleeder needles  40  are well known to those skilled in the art. It is also envisioned that the bleeder system could be of static design (i.e. none adjustable). The rate at which the air/gas is vented controls the time it takes to reset valve  10  to a static state. 
     Bleeder needle  40  is preferably adjustable so a user can adjust the air/gas venting for optimal operation. If the air/gas venting is either too large or too small, valve  10  may not function properly. For example, if air/gas is vented too rapidly, then valve  10  may never build up sufficient pressure to close. Consequently, a small fluid leak in an attached device (e.g. a washing machine) may not cause valve  10  to close and the small leak would continue. This would not be desirable. In the alternative, if air/gas is vented too slowly, then valve  10  may take too long to reset. Consequently, normal fluid flow demand from an attached device could cause valve  10  to close during normal operation when there is no fluid leak. This would cause inconvenience for a user. However, these are extreme examples and in a typical application preset factory settings would be satisfactory for many applications. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5A , there is shown a cross section view of  FIG. 1C  illustrating the shut-off piston  50  of the invention in the open position. Also shown is a cross section view of detent housing  14 . When piston  50  is in the open position fluid is able to flow through valve body  11  as indicated by arrows  19   a  and  19   b . Piston  50  is held in the open position by detent  53 . Piston spring  51  is compressed in piston chamber  52  and exerts force to urge piston  50  to the closed position (see  FIG. 5B ). Piston seal  57   a  is shown compressed. 
     In operation, fluid flows through valve body  11  causing rotor  30  to turn. As discuss previously, rotor  30  causes pneumatic pump  24  to operate and generate air/gas pressure in the closed system. Air/gas pressure is communicated to chamber  52  via bleeder housing  13  causing pressure in chamber  52  to increase. As fluid continues to flow through valve body  11 , pump  24  continues to operate, and the pressure in chamber  52  continues to increase. If the fluid continues to flow the increased pressure in chamber  52  overcomes the resistance of detent  53 . Piston spring  51  and the air/gas pressure cause piston  50  to move to the closed position thereby shutting off the fluid supply. 
     The detent function of the invention includes detent housing  14 , detent  53 , detent spring  54 , spring compression bolt  55 , and compression bolt lock nut  56 . Detents are known to those skilled in the art and therefore will only be briefly described. Detent  53  preferably has a rounded head that seats into a groove in piston  50 . Adjustable detent spring  54  exerts resilient force on detent  53 . The force exerted by detent spring  54  is adjustable by spring compression bolt  55 . Compression bolt lock nut  56  secures compression bolt  55  to the desired position. It is understood that other various detent mechanisms are know in the art and may also be used in the invention. It is also understood that a non-adjustable detent mechanism may be used. However, the preferred embodiment uses an adjustable mechanism. 
     The function of detent  53  is to hold piston  50  in the open position until a predetermined air/gas pressure builds in chamber  52 . The air/gas pressure is responsive to fluid flow through valve  10 . Therefore, by adjusting the force exerted on detent  53 , shut-off valve  10  can be adjusted to shut-off responsive to a predefined amount of fluid flow through valve  10 . If a greater quantity of fluid flow is needed, detent  53  is adjusted as follows. Compression bolt  55  is tightened causing detent spring  54  to compress and exert greater force on detent  53 . The increased force has the result that greater air/gas pressure in chamber  52  is needed to overcome detent  53 . Therefore, a greater quantity of fluid flow is required before piston  50  moves to the closed position. It should be appreciated that the invention operates on quantity of fluid flow and not just a large, but brief, fluid flow. Conversely, if it is desired to have the valve close responsive to a lesser quantity of fluid flow then compression bolt  55  may be loosened. 
     Several other aspects of valve  10  are shown in  FIG. 5A . Trip arm  18  enables a user to manually turn off valve  10 . Moving trip arm  18  in the direction of arrow  58  causes detent  18  to release piston  50  thereby closing valve  10 . Also shown are several seals for blocking either fluid, air/gas, or both. Some of the many seals include piston seal  57   a , detent seal  57   b , reset seal  57   c , inlet fitting seal  57   d , and outlet fitting seal  57   e . It is envisioned and understood that alternate embodiments of the invention can be implemented without the above listed seals. Some embodiments may eliminate the need for seals or alternatives to seals may be used such as permanently attached fittings, various thread sealants, and the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5B , there is shown a cross section view of  FIG. 1C  illustrating the shut-off piston  50  of the invention in the closed position. Piston  50  is shown in the closed position. Piston seal  57   a  is now extended and the left side (as viewed in  FIG. 5B ) of piston seal  57   a  is in contact with valve body  11  thereby blocking the fluid channel through valve  10 . Fluid flow indicated by arrows  19   a  and  19   b  is halted. There are two ways valve  10  may be put in the closed state. One way is if trip arm  18  is manually retracted as discussed above. The other way is if fluid flow through valve  10  is sufficient to cause air/gas pressure in chamber  52  to increase to a predetermined level and overcome detent  53 . The preferred embodiment requires less than 1 psi of air/gas pressure to overcome detent  53 . It is envisioned that some embodiments will require less than ¼ psi to overcome detent  53 . However, it is understood that some embodiments may require more than 1 psi. For example, large scale implementations of the invention. 
     Also illustrated is reset plunger  17 . The purpose of reset plunger  17  is to reset a closed valve  10  to the open position. A user pushes plunger  17  into valve body  11  as shown by arrow  59  causing plunger  17  to contact piston  50 . Plunger  17  is pushed further until piston  50  is moved to the open position and is held open by detent  53 . Also shown is reset mount  17   a.    
     The method of the invention follows from the description of the apparatus above. The method of shutting off fluid flow in a supply line comprise the steps of: 
     Providing a valve having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; 
     Connecting said fluid inlet to said supply line; 
     Providing a rotor positioned inside said valve and rotating responsive to said fluid flow; 
     Providing a pneumatic pump operating responsive to rotation of said rotor and creating increased air/gas pressure; 
     Providing a shut-off piston in fluid communication with said pump and wherein said shut-off piston moves to a closed position responsive to said increased air/gas pressure. 
     Providing a detent in contact with said shut-off piston and exerting sufficient force on said detent to hold said piston in an open position; 
     Providing a bleeder valve in fluid communication with said pump and venting a portion of said air/gas; 
     Providing a reset plunger and exerting force on said rest plunger to move said shut-off piston to an open position; 
     Wherein said rotor is magnetically coupled to said pump; 
     Replacing the step of moving said shut-off valve with the step of providing a trip arm and moving said trip arm to release force on said detent; 
     Wherein said shut-off piston moves to a closed position responsive to an increase of said air/gas pressure of less than 1 psi; 
     Wherein said shut-off piston moves to a closed position responsive to an increase of said air/gas pressure of less than 0.25 psi. 
     Those skilled in the art understand that these examples are illustrative of the invention and that many other configurations of fittings, rotors, pumps, bleeder valves, detents, pistons, and plunger designs can be extrapolated from these descriptions. 
     These descriptions illustrate the advantages of the invention. For example, the simple mechanical and pneumatic design that requires no electricity or circuits. The magnet coupling that improves reliability. There is also the advantage that valve  10  is simple to operate and is adjustable to various fluid demand applications. The improvement in safety and the reduced damage costs are also significant advantages. Finally, the advantage of reducing frustrating and anxiety are advantages of the invention. 
     The specific configurations and features of the invention may vary according to specific requirements. In the preferred embodiment, the invention is generally used in consumer applications in the home. However, the invention is also useful in offices, businesses, and factories. Further, although only a few embodiments of the invention have been illustrated, it is understood that many adaptations of the invention may be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     The solutions offered by the invention disclosed herein have thus been attained in an economical, practical, and facile manner. To whit, a novel automatic shut-off valve and method which is cost effective, easily adapted to most types of fluid delivery systems, and quickly understood and appreciated by users has been invented. While a preferred embodiment and example configurations of the inventions have been herein illustrated, shown, and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It is intended that the specific embodiments and configurations disclosed herein are illustrative of the preferred and best modes for practicing the invention, and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, and it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.