Abstract:
A water supply control apparatus for use in homes or other structures is provided that incorporates a radio frequency transmitter and a receiver regulating the open or closed state of an electrical solenoid valve in fluid communication with a structure&#39;s water supply. A by-pass switch enabling manual regulation of the solenoid valve is mounted on the valve itself. Also provided is a method of controlling the flow of water supplied to a structure utilizing radio frequency pulse broadcasts to regulate the open or closed state of the solenoid valve.

Description:
INDEX TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/096,881, filed, Sep. 15, 2008 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/219,159, filed, Jun. 22, 2009, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a convenient home, or other structure, water supply control apparatus and a method for using same. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Virtually all owners of improved property recognize the threat to their structures posed by water damage caused by plumbing leakage. Investigation of this problem reveals that cleanup and repair costs attributable to water damage exceed one billion dollars annually. It destroys wallboard, wallpaper and paint, electrical fixtures and wiring, carpeting and padding, vinyl flooring, subflooring, and all manner of furniture and decorative items. Irreplaceable items such as financial records, photos, and mementos are destroyed beyond retrieval. Additionally, the occupants of the damaged property can expect to be driven from their structures during cleanup and repairs. Following such repairs, the structure will likely be permanently subject to mildew and related odors. 
     Structural water damage due to plumbing leakage occurs most often while the occupants are not present. Causes of such leakage range from frozen pipes that break resulting in water flow when thawing occurs, broken lines connected to shut-off valves attached to toilet tanks, refrigerator ice-makers, dishwashers, or a broken hose connected to a washing machine. The breaks in these lines are often caused by the nearly instantaneous closing of associated valves. Such closing causes a hammering effect on the line, in turn causing breakage in any weak areas. 
     Many people do not know the location of the main water shut-off valve in their structure. In addition, it is often the case that water leakage occurs due to a natural catastrophe, which is typically accompanied by an electrical power outage. Because water damage can be severe in a relatively short amount of time, a search throughout a structure, particularly a darkened one, for the water shut-off valve can result in disaster. 
     What is needed in the art is an apparatus allowing a structure&#39;s occupant to conveniently turn off the water supply to his or her structure each time they leave. Additionally, in the event of a power outage, the apparatus should enable automatic shutoff of the structure&#39;s water supply, thereby alleviating the necessity of manual shut-off. The present invention accomplishes these objectives by utilizing a battery-operated radio frequency wall switch transmitter and an electrical plug-in receiver controlling an electrical solenoid valve or electrically-actuated ball valve in fluid communication with a structure&#39;s water supply. When plugged in to an energized electrical wall outlet, the default setting of the solenoid valve is open, thus allowing water flow through the valve and into the structure. In the event of a power outage with concomitant loss of power to the wall outlet, the solenoid valve closes thereby preventing water flow into the structure. The solenoid valve incorporates a by-pass switch allowing, if desired, water flow through the line into the structure during a power outage. When activated, the wall switch transmitter broadcasts a radio frequency pulse to the receiver which in turn shuts the solenoid valve off, thereby preventing water flow into the structure. Upon deactivation, the wall switch transmitter broadcasts a second radio frequency pulse to the receiver which in turn opens the solenoid valve, thereby allowing water flow into the structure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The primary aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus allowing a structure&#39;s occupant to conveniently turn off the water supply to his or her structure each time they leave. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that enables automatic shut-off of the structure&#39;s water supply in the event of a power outage, thereby alleviating the necessity of manual shut-off. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an automatic water supply shut-off apparatus incorporating a by-pass switch allowing, if desired, water flow through the line into the structure during a power outage. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of conveniently controlling the ingress of water flow into a structure. 
     Additional aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The aspects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
     The present invention provides an apparatus allowing a structure&#39;s occupant to conveniently turn off the water supply to his or her structure each time they leave. Additionally, in the event of a power outage, the apparatus enables automatic shut-off of the structure&#39;s water supply, thereby alleviating the necessity of manual shut-off. The present invention accomplishes these objectives by utilizing a battery-operated radio frequency wall switch transmitter and an electrical plug-in receiver controlling an electrical solenoid-valve or electrically-actuated ball valve in fluid communication with a structure&#39;s water supply. When plugged in to an energized electrical wall outlet, the default setting of the solenoid valve is open, thus allowing water flow through the valve and into the structure. In the event of a power outage with concomitant loss of power to the wall outlet, the solenoid valve closes thereby preventing water flow into the structure. The solenoid valve incorporates a by-pass switch allowing, if desired, water flow through the line into the structure during a power outage. When activated, the wall switch transmitter broadcasts a radio frequency pulse to the receiver which in turn shuts the solenoid valve off, thereby preventing water flow into the structure. Upon deactivation, the wall switch transmitter broadcasts a second radio frequency pulse to the receiver which in turn opens the solenoid valve, thereby allowing water flow into the structure. 
     In one embodiment, the solenoid is actuated or switched off by a water sensor that transmits a signal. Water sensors may be placed on the floor near sinks, toilets, bathtubs, water heaters and the like. If water is detected, the sensor can transmit a signal to the solenoid to shut off and prevent additional water from entering through the main water line. 
     In one embodiment, in the event of a power failure, the valve will remain in the position it was in at the time the power failed. For example, if the system had detected a leak and shut the valve off, and there was a subsequent power failure, the valve would remain in the closed position and therefore prevent continued leak or flooding. When the power resumed, it would again retain its position. If the valve was open, it will stay open. If it was closed, it will stay closed. The system may provide optimal protection during a power failure, by using an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) back-up power system. 
     The present invention further relates to a method of controlling the flow of water supplied to a structure through main water supply plumbing of the structure comprising the steps of:
     energizing a receiver;   providing a transmitter actuated by a water sensor in close proximity to said receiver;   placing a fluid flow regulator in fluid communication with the main water supply plumbing of the structure;   serially electrically connecting said receiver to said fluid flow regulator;   broadcasting a first radio frequency pulse selected from a plurality of frequencies from said transmitter to said receiver thereby setting said fluid flow regulator to a closed state; and   broadcasting a second radio frequency pulse selected from a plurality of frequencies from said transmitter to said receiver thereby setting said fluid flow regulator to an open state.   

     The transmitter and receiver are each constructed and arranged to select from 256 possible frequencies. The selection of a single unique frequency in which the receiver is configured to only turn on and off power based on a reception of a signal on the single frequency eliminates the possibility of an undesired shut off of power in the system. 
     In one embodiment, the receiver is a radio frequency receiver and the transmitter is a radio frequency transmitter. 
     The said fluid flow regulator is a solenoid valve that is an electrically-actuated ball valve. 
     The present invention also includes a method of controlling the flow of water supplied to a plurality of sinks in a single room through water supply plumbing of the system comprising the steps of:
     energizing a receiver;   providing a transmitter actuated by remote control with said receiver;   placing at least one fluid flow regulator in fluid communication with any of the main water supply, water supply to specific groups, water supply to individual sink fixtures, or combinations thereof;   electrically connecting said receiver to said fluid flow regulator;   broadcasting a first radio frequency pulse from said transmitter to said receiver thereby setting said fluid flow regulator to a closed state; and   broadcasting a second radio frequency pulse from said transmitter to said receiver thereby setting said fluid flow regulator to an open state.   

     The system of the present invention wirelessly controls water flow in a building potable water heater with components comprising:
         a. a relay switch attached to an electric supply of a water heater;   b. a radio frequency on-off relay switch;
           wherein said relay switch attached to an electric supply of a water heater is operatively connected to a radio frequency on-off relay switch and said radio frequency on-off relay switch is actuated from a remote wireless actuator.   
               

     The system has a solenoid valve connected to a main water supply line such that when said solenoid is actuated, said system ceases water delivery through said main water supply line and ceases electric supply to said water heater. 
     The present invention also includes a system for wirelessly controlling water flow in a building comprising:
         a. an electronic solenoid valve connected to a water supply;   b. a water sensor with wireless transmitter and alarm siren;   c. a radio frequency on-off relay switch;   wherein said water sensor is operatively connected to said radio frequency on-off relay switch and said radio frequency on-off relay switch is actuated from a signal when said water sensor detects water, the detection of water being an event that turns off the electronic solenoid valve connected to a water supply that subsequently stops water flow in said water supply.       

     The system event turns off said radio frequency on-off relay switch that turns off the electronic solenoid valve connected to a water supply also turns off electric to a potable water heater. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a transmittal unit configurable for 256 separate transmission codes. 
         FIG. 2  are components of a home water supply shut-off apparatus actuated by a transmittal unit of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  are components of a home water supply shut-off apparatus actuated by either a transmittal unit of  FIG. 1  or a water sensor. 
         FIG. 4  are components of a home water supply shut-off apparatus connected to electrical input of a water heater. 
         FIG. 5  are components of a water supply shut-off apparatus connected to the inlet of a water heater and controlled by a wireless actuator or a water sensor. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic showing components of an electronic solenoid valve with manual override. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Transmitter  10  is controlled by an incorporated electrical switch  20  and  22 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , switch  20  sends a wireless signal to receiver  70  and receiver  70  turns on electricity to solenoid-valve assembly  30  and switch  22  sends a wireless signal to receiver  70  and interrupts or turns off electricity to solenoid valve assembly  30 . Solenoid valve assembly  30  has valve body  40  with attached solenoid  50  and by-pass switch  60 . Solenoid  50  is in serial electrical connection with plug-in receiver  70 . 
     Solenoid-valve assembly  30  is serially connected to water supply piping  80  by compression nuts  90 . Plug-in receiver  70  is connected to wall electrical outlet  100 . Transmitter  10  is attached to wall  110  in close proximity to, that is, in operative range of, plug-in receiver  70 . When wall electrical outlet  100  supplies electrical power, solenoid  50  is in an open state, thereby allowing water to flow through valve body  40  and into the structure. When electrical power to electrical outlet  100  is interrupted, solenoid  50  changes to a closed state, thereby preventing water from flowing through valve body  40  and into the structure. By-pass switch  60  may be pressed in and rotated clockwise in order to open solenoid  50 , thereby allowing water flow through valve body  40 . By-pass switch  60  may be rotated counter-clockwise in order to close solenoid  50 , thereby preventing water flow through valve body  40 . When electrical switch  20  is activated, transmitter  10  broadcasts a radio frequency pulse to plug-in receiver  70  which in turn sets solenoid  50  to a closed state, thereby preventing water from flowing through valve body  40  and into the structure. When electrical switch  20  is deactivated, transmitter  10  broadcasts a second radio frequency pulse to plug-in receiver  70  which in turn sets solenoid  50  to an open state, thereby allowing water flow through valve body  40  and into the structure. 
     Valve body  40  is serially connected to water supply piping  80 . Water flow through valve body  40  is controllably prevented or allowed by either solenoid  50  or by-pass switch  60 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , transmitter  10  has an accompanying faceplate  140 . Faceplate  140  has a plurality of perforated orifices that correspond with buttons  120  on transmitter  10 . Toggle switch position  125  selects a first transmission mode and toggle switch position  130  selects a second transmission mode. Transmitter  10  has a rotatable dial selecter  28  with a central rotatable select switch  23  that moves and corresponds to indicia for varying transmission from transmitter  10 .  FIG. 1  includes examples of selecting openings in faceplate  140 . Configuration  151  selects buttons  120  in the first position of each column. By the term “selects, it is meant that the openings in faceplate  140  correspond to the first switch  120  in the first column of transmitter  10  and the first switch  120  of the second column of switches  120  on transmitter  10 . Configuration  152  selects buttons  120  in the second position of each column. Configuration  153  selects buttons  120  in the third position of each column. Configuration  154  selects buttons  120  in the fourth position of each column. Configuration  155  selects buttons  120  in the fifth position of each column. Configuration  156  selects buttons  120  in the sixth position of each column. Configuration  157  selects buttons  120  in the seventh position of each column. Configuration  158  selects buttons  120  in the eighth position of each column. Using combinations of two of switches  120  and sixteen positions on rotatable selecter switch  23 , transmitter  10  has 256 separate possible combinations of signal transmission. Receiver  75  is configured with first code selector  24  and second code selector  28  that are configured to receive a signal from transmitter  10 . The configuration of transmitter  10  with a receiver  75  using a single code selected from 256 possible codes allows the system of the invention to be used in an environment, such as an apartment or office building, without having a transmitter interrupt power to a solenoid apparatus  30  other than the particular solenoid apparatus  30  designated. 
     Solenoid apparatus  30  has electric valve actuator  50  connected to power line junction box  79 . Power line junction box  79  has a power supply cord  77  connected to receiver  75  and receiver  75  is connected to a source of power. A standard household receptacle  100  is one source of power, however, the present invention is not limited to power from household receptacle  100 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , floor sensor  35  has water sensory probes  37 . When water is detected by probes  37  a wireless signal  15  is transmitted to receiver  70  and electricity is turned off to valve actuator  50 . Valve assembly  30  then prevents flow of water from water supply  80 . Floor sensor  35  has manual switches  20  and  22  as found on transmitter  10 . Floor sensor  35  further has a manual sensor test  25  and a sensor reset button  26  incorporated thereon. Floor sensor  35  has first code selector  24   a  and second code selector  28   b  corresponding to first code selector  24  and second code selector  28  of receiver  75  such that transmission of an actuated signal from floor sensor  35  only sends a signal that is received by a receiver  70  similarly configured. Configuration of receiver  70  and floor sensor  35  to one of 256 possible transmission signals prevents floor sensor from actuation a system other than the one for which it is configured and positioned nearby. 
     Another aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus and method to wirelessly control electric potable water heaters. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4  a conventional electric water heater  230  has power line  215  connected to component box  202 . Box  202  has an internal power line  205  operatively connected to Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) switch  220 . Second internal power line  210  from circuit breaker box connects to SPDT relay switch  220 . Transmitter  10  wirelessly actuated receiver  70  and interrupts electricity to water heater  230 . 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5 , floor sensor  35  is configured to actuate receiver  70  and said actuation interrupts and ceases electricity supply to solenoid assembly  30 . The lack of electricity to solenoid assembly  30  prevents water from entering from supply line  80 . 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic showing water supply pipe  80  in which solenoid apparatus  30  has been inserted. Solenoid apparatus  30  has a valve  40  that is open when supplied with electricity and closes upon the cessation of electricity by valve actuator  50 . In the event of a power failure, solenoid apparatus  30  is equipped with a manual override  60  which opens valve  40  and permits water in supply pipe to flow therethrough. 
     In one embodiment, an electric supply control apparatus for use in homes or other structures is provided that incorporates a battery-operated radio frequency transmitter  10  and an electrical plug-in receiver  70  regulating the open or closed state of a 120VAC electrical relay switch  220  that opens or closes the contacts of a 240VAC switch connected between the electrical circuit breaker  210  and the potable electric hot water heater  230 . Also provided is a method of controlling the receiver  70  utilizing radio frequency pulse broadcasts to regulate the open or closed state of the relay switch  220 . 
     The present invention also relates to a novel apparatus and method which allows for an easy and convenient system for shutting off and turning on an electric water heater  230  in order to save the homeowner money and conserve electric energy. Prior to the art of this invention the dwelling potable water heater  230  can only be controlled at the dwelling circuit breaker box. Presently it is not convenient for the homeowner to turn off the power to the potable water heater  230  when leaving the dwelling for any length of time. 
     Improving energy efficiency is a first and most important step toward achieving sustainability in buildings and organizations. Energy efficiency helps control rising energy costs, reduces environmental footprints, and saves money for the homeowner. The current invention provides for a simple apparatus and method, conveniently located at an exit/entry to the dwelling to easily turn off the electric to the potable electric water heater  230  when the dwelling is unoccupied. Upon returning to the dwelling the electric power to the electric water heater  230  is quickly and easily restored at the entry to the dwelling. Most residential dwellings are unoccupied during the hours of 9 AM thru 5 PM. And during the hours of 10 PM thru and 6 AM the demand for potable hot water is not as great as between 5 PM and 10 PM. Electrical energy conservation is an important element of energy policy. Energy conservation reduces the energy consumption and energy demand per capita and thus offsets some of the growth in energy supply needed to keep up with population growth. This reduces the rise in energy costs, and can reduce the need for new power plants, and energy imports. The reduced energy demand can provide more flexibility in choosing the most preferred methods of energy production. By reducing emissions, energy conservation is an important part of lessening climate change. Energy conservation facilitates the replacement of non-renewable resources with renewable energy. Energy conservation is often the most economical solution to energy shortages, and is a more environmentally benign alternative to increased energy production. 
     The present invention further relates to a novel apparatus and method which allows for an easy, convenient and automatic system for shutting off the main water supply to a dwelling or structure when uncontrolled water is detected on the floor. A battery operated water sensor apparatus  35  sounds a 102 db alarm siren while simultaneously transmitting a radio frequency signal  15  to the plugged in receiver relay switch  70  that activates the closure of the solenoid valve  40  in main water supply line  80  to the dwelling or structure. 
     The area of flood control is one that has received considerable attention from engineers, inventors, property owners and insurance companies. As anyone who has experienced a flood can readily attest, the damage caused by an interior flood can be quite severe. 
     The worst interior flooding occurs when there is no one at home or when the entire household is sleeping. 
     The current invention provides for a simple apparatus and method, conveniently located on the floor at the base of all water appliances in a dwelling. The current floor sensor apparatus  35  detects uncontrolled water on the floor reaching a height of 1/32″ in a given area due to leaking or broken pipes, leaking of or pressure deteriorated water controlled fixtures, bursting of or damaged hoses, at any time of the day or night. 
     The apparatus is particularly well suited for offices, apartments and condominiums, or any facility where units are individually secured and share a common radio frequency controlled solenoid activated main water shut-off valve system. In such a setting when the floor sensor apparatus  35  detects uncontrolled water, a radio frequency signal  15  is transmitted to receiver  70 . Receiver  70  shuts off of the main water solenoid valve  40  in solenoid assembly  30  and sounds an alarm siren to identify the location where uncontrolled water is detected. The unit owner, facility manager or maintenance person can then easily and quickly determine the location of the water detected and affect a shut off of the appliance causing the uncontrolled water on the floor with minimal damage or loss to the property. 
     Once the cause of the uncontrolled water has been determined and rectified the main water supply is once again restored to the on position. 
     The present invention relates to a novel apparatus and method which allows for an easy, convenient method to turn off both the main water supply line and the electric power to the electric potable hot water heater simultaneously at will, or when leaving a dwelling or other structure unoccupied, and restore both water and electric power simultaneously at will, or when returning to the dwelling. 
     While the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.