Patent Publication Number: US-2019197892-A1

Title: Flood warning system and process for detecting a level of water in a waterway

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/937,996, filed Mar. 28, 2018, presently pending. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/937,996 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/474,873, filed Mar. 30, 2017, now abandoned. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/474,873 claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/344,823, filed on Jun. 2, 2016. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIALS SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to flood warning systems for processes for detecting a level of water in a waterway. More particularly, the present invention relates to flood warning systems that can transmit a warning system to a location a significant distance away from a flooded waterway. 
     2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98 
     Roadways are often flooded without warning. Motorists and pedestrians have no idea whether the current level of water of an area that is prone to flooding is dangerous until they attempt to cross the roadway. Often, a motorist will try to visually gauge the water depth as they cross the road. This often result in a flooded vehicle when the level of water is too deep. 
     Currently, flood warning systems use a static sign that includes a gradient to measure water depth. The sign must be read by physically approaching the body of water and manually reading the sign. This presents a danger to the person reading the sign since the area may already be too dangerous to enter when flood waters are present. It is common for a government employee to post a road closure only after someone has been caught in flooded waters. Once a motorist gets caught in a flooded area, they will have to be rescued by fast-running water rescue squads or by an air lift. Both of these approaches are expensive and hazardous. Even when the person is rescued, the automobile becomes overwhelmed with water. This can cause extensive damage to the vehicle and require expensive repairs and/or replacement. 
     It is object of the present invention to provide a flood warning system that alerts persons on the roadway of the potential for or of current flooding of an area. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a flood warning system that does not require a person to manually evaluate flood conditions. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a flood warning system that does not require placement in the non-flooded waterway. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a flood warning system that minimizes the risk of damage to components when a flooding condition occurs. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a flood warning system that avoids the needs for extensive wiring. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a flood warning system that can be easily installed. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention provide a flood warning system which does not require the motorist to have any training in order to ascertain the level of water. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention the process a process for detecting a level of water in a waterway and or for providing a warning of the level of water in the waterway. As used herein, the term “waterway” includes rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, along with flood-prone roads and highway crossings. This process includes the steps of: (1) positioning a gauge unit in a location on a surface away from the waterway when the level of water in the waterway is at a low position; (2) sensing a level of water within the gauge unit when the level of water in the waterway raises above the low position; (3) positioning a display at a location remote from the waterway and adjacent to a roadway; (4) transmitting a signal from the gauge unit to the display relative to the level of water in the gauge unit; and (5) displaying an indicator on the display relative to the transmitted signal. The indicator provides information to a person on or at the roadway of the level of water in the waterway. 
     The process of the present invention further includes flowing the water from the waterway into a lower end of the gauge unit such that the water in the gauge unit raises or lowers relatives a level of water in the waterway. The step of sensing includes optically sensing the level of water. In particular, a plurality of optical sensors are arranged in vertically-spaced relation within the gauge unit. The plurality of optical sensors are directed toward the interior of the gauge unit. 
     The step of displaying an indicator includes forming an enclosure having a plurality of lights thereon. The plurality of lights are directed toward the roadway in a direction away from the waterway. The plurality of lights are of different colors. The step of transmitting the signal includes transmitting a signal to the plurality of lights so as to illuminate a first color of the lights when the water in the gauge unit has not reached a first level within the gauge unit. Another signal is transmitted to the plurality of lights so as to illuminate a second color when the water in the gauge unit has reached a second level in the gauge unit. The step of transmitting further includes transmitting a further signal to the plurality of lights so as to illuminate a third color of the lights when the water in the gauge unit has reached a third level within the gauge unit. The first signal is indicative of a safe condition. The second signal is indicative of a near-flooded or “caution” condition. The third signal is indicative of a flooded condition. The lights are green, yellow and red. The first color is illuminated when the water in the gauge unit is below a lowermost optical sensor of the plurality of optical sensors. An optical sensor is applied at a level within the gauge unit that is higher than the level of water in the waterway when the level of water in the waterway is at the low position. Another optical sensor is applied within the gauge unit at a level above the surface of the roadway adjacent to the waterway. 
     The present invention is also a flood warning system that comprises a gauge unit adapted to be positioned adjacent to a waterway and a display adapted be positioned away from the waterway and adjacent to a roadway. The gauge unit has a plurality of sensors arranged in vertically spaced relation within a housing of the gauge unit. The housing has a fluid inlet adapted to allow water to enter the housing when the level of water in the waterway raises above a low position. The plurality of sensors are adapted to detect the level of water within the housing of the gauge unit. The display has a warning indicator thereon. The display is cooperative with the gauge unit such that the warning indicator is actuated when the level of water in the housing of the gauge unit is above one of the plurality of sensors. 
     In the flood warning system of the present invention, the plurality of sensors are a plurality of optical sensors. A first sensor is positioned at a level higher than the low position of the level of water in the waterway. A second sensor is positioned at a level higher than a surface of the roadway adjacent to the waterway. The plurality of sensors are adjustably positioned within the housing. 
     The display has a housing with a plurality of lights positioned thereon. The plurality of lights are directed away from the waterway. The plurality of lights correspond to a level of water in the waterway. One of the plurality of lights is green. Another of the plurality of lights is red. The green is indicative of a non-flooded roadway. The red is indicative of a flooded roadway. A solar panel is affixed to the housing of the gauge unit. A battery is connected to the solar panel. The battery supplies power to the plurality of sensors in the gauge unit. The gauge unit is wirelessly connected to the display such that the plurality of sensors transmit signals wirelessly to the display. 
     This foregoing Section is intended to describe, with particularity, the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that modifications to these preferred embodiments can be made within the scope of the present claims. As such, this Section should not to be construed, in any way, as limiting of the broad scope of the present invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of the flood warning system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view the gauge unit shown in the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of a control unit in of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the control unit of  FIG. 2  is shown with the door open. 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of the display unit in the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is an electronic schematic for the warning lights in the display of the present invention as related to the optical sensors of the gauge unit. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In general, the present invention provides an alert system that provides motorists an alert in advance of flooded areas or areas that are being flooded with rising water. As will be appreciated, aspects of the disclosed system provide real-time information on water levels adjacent or on top of the roadway. The present invention is intended to prevent loss of life and to avoid costly automotive repairs due to water damage. The present invention also serves to reduce or avoid expensive rescue efforts associated with motorists entering flooded waterways. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the flood warning system  10  is shown in its preferred embodiment. The flood warning system  10  includes a remote gauge unit  20  in communication with the control unit  40  and one or more displays  70 . Wiring can exist between the gauge unit  20 , the control unit  40  and the warning light  70 . However, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, signals between the various units are transmitted wirelessly. The wireless transmission of information is intended to avoid the possible shorting effects caused by the flooded conditions and to avoid damage to wiring that can occur whenever areas are flooded. The use of wireless transmission also serves to reduce the costs associated with installation. The wireless transmission of signals between the gauge unit  20 , the control unit  40  and the display  70  avoids improper operation under the circumstances where the wiring connection could be cut or damaged. 
     In operation, the flood warning system  10  is positioned adjacent to a waterway that is proximate to a roadway or a pedestrian path. The flood warning system  10  can also be positioned near roadways that are not necessarily next to a body of water that are subject to flash flooding when heavy rains come down. As used herein, the term “waterways” include river, streams, lakes, reservoirs, along with flood-prone road and highway crossings. 
     The gauge unit  20  is positioned proximate to the water in the waterway. The gauge unit  20  can be positioned near terrain that feeds flooding to the roadway. The gauge unit  20 , shown in  FIG. 1 , is not positioned in the water but positioned to the side of the water or on a bank of the waterway when the water in the waterway is not in a flooding condition or is in a low-level/normal flow condition. The positioning of the water unit away from the water in the waterway (when the water is in a normally-flowing condition) enhances the ease and effectiveness of installation. Past efforts have positioned indicators within the actual waterway so that the level of water can be ascertained. The present invention is in contrast to markers or other indicator devices since it is not placed in the waterway but simply in an area that could be potentially flooded. As such, during installation, it is only necessary to take the gauge unit and to place the gauge unit on to a solid surface adjacent to those areas that can potentially become flooded. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the gauge unit can be placed adjacent to a roadway or bridge that could be subject to flooding conditions. The gauge unit  20  can be positioned along the banks of the river  14  near a bridge  12  that includes a roadway  16  for vehicles. The display  70  can be positioned in advance of one or both ends of the bridge  12 . The control unit  40  is positioned in proximity to the gauge unit  20  and the display  70 . However, the control unit can be positioned distantly from the river  14  to avoid being overtaken by flood waters. 
     As the water level of the river  14  increases or decreases, the gauge unit  20  measures the level and sends a signal to the control unit  40  indicating the current water level. The control unit  40  responds to the signal by issuing a signal to the display  70  commanding the display  70  to illuminate a warning light dependent on current water levels. Details of the display  70  are described hereinbelow in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In addition, the control unit  40  may issue commands to the other elements connected to the system  10 , such as gates, drawbridges etc. to open or close depending on the water level. 
     In  FIG. 1 , the water level  14   a  represents a safe water level that is below the surface of the roadway  16 . This would be considered the low position of the water level. Water level  14   b  represents an elevated water level as a result of increasing water flow, rain, etc. Water level  14   b  remains below the surface of roadway  16  that is dangerously close to flooding the roadway  16  and merits a caution level warning. In some cases, water level  14   b  may be at the roadway level (for example, due to direct contact by rain) but is not high enough to flood the roadway  16 . The water level  14   c  represents a water level that is risen substantially above the roadway  16  such that the roadway  16  is considered flooded and unsafe to pass through. Thus, water level  14   c  will trigger an indication that the roadway  16  ahead is flooded and should not be entered. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the gauge unit  20  is shown as used for the monitoring of the water levels  14   a,    14   b  and  14   c.  Generally, the gauge unit  20  is installed at the lowest elevation point in flood-prone areas. The gauge unit  20  includes a housing secured at a water inlet base  24  the ground adjacent to the waterway but not in the waterway. An inlet port  25  is positioned at the bottom of the inlet base for ingress of water as the level rises. The inlet port  25  could also be positioned on the sides of the housing adjacent to the bottom of the housing. The exterior of the housing may include a reflective water level scale  22  which provides a visible measurement of the current water level inside the housing. The housing is capped off by lid  26  to protect the interior components from damage. The gauge unit  20  is set at the lowest elevation point of the roadway  16  (for example, starting at zero inches from the road surface). The lowest elevation and location of placement may be determined by the user. For example, the gauge unit  20  location could be the shoulder of the roadway  16 , the crown in the roadway  16 , or even a sidewalk next to the roadway  16 . 
     The interior of the housing includes a plurality of optical sensors  28  that are vertically arranged in spaced relationship to each other within the housing. The plurality of optical sensors  28  measure water depth as water enters through the inlet port. The optical sensors  28  may be coupled to a supporting column rail  30  and is adjustable in height along the rail  30 . These are set in positions of water level height according to the user&#39;s requirements. By this feature, the predefined stages of water level warnings are programmable for applicability to the height relationship between the roadway  16  and the waterway  14 . The optical sensors are positioned in vertically-spaced relationship and generally directed toward the interior of the housing. These optical sensors are very low-powered optical sensors that will sense the level of water within the housing. The optical sensors avoid the need for float sensor switches or other mechanical devices that could easily fail under those circumstances of water and debris intrusion. Optical sensors are not prone to corrosion. Float switches of the prior art were found to be prone to failure. After water intrusion would occur, certain amount of corrosion or debris accumulation would occur. This corrosion and debris accumulation could affect the ability of the float switches to move to their desired position under those conditions of flooding. As such, these optical sensors avoid the corrosion and the adverse effect of debris accumulation. Additionally, optical sensors are relatively easy to install and are relatively inexpensive. The signals from the optical sensors  28  can trigger a signal sent along a power and control cable  32  within the rail  30  to a junction box  34 . The power and control cable  32  may be routed outside the housing to the control unit  40  as discussed above. At the very least, the signal from the power and control cable  32  is transmitted to the control unit  40  and/or display  70 .  FIG. 3  shows that the bottommost optical sensor  28  has been raised high enough to indicate that the water level  14  has been reached and is at warning levels. In addition, the next optical sensor  28  is positioned above the triggering point for the flooded water level  14   c  so as to generate the flooded signal. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , the control unit  40  is shown. The control unit  40  is installed at a higher elevation in the area adjacent the gauge unit  20 . The control unit  40  is mounted on support stand  42  so as to give the control unit  40  the ability to be moved up or down in order to remain out of the flood waters. The control unit  40  includes a power supply  58  powered by an incoming power source to a conduit  60 . Alternatively, the control unit could also include a solar panel and battery so as to provide the requisite power for the transmission of signals from the gauge unit  20  to the display  70 . 
     The optical sensors  28  may be coupled to a solar panel or to a battery provide power through wiring  46  which is managed by a solar controller  52 . A battery  54  can be connected to the solar panel so as to store power provided by the solar panel. The battery  54  can be connected to the optical sensors so as to provide power to the optical sensors. The battery can also provide power to the optical sensors under those circumstances where the solar power is not available. The control unit  40  is housed in an enclosure  48  which is accessible by a door  50 . A controller  56  is inside the enclosure  48 . The controller has two functions. One of the function is to take the information from the gauge unit  20  and the other is to control the lights of the display  70 . In response to the signal from the gauge unit  20 , the controller  56  sends a signal to the display  70  to turn on or turn off lights so as to represent the different water level stages. As shown in these figures, one optical sensor is positioned at a level within the gauge unit  20  that is higher than the level of water in the waterway when the water level of water in the waterway is at the low position. Another optical sensor  28  is positioned at a level within the gauge unit that is above a surface of the roadway adjacent to the waterway. As such, the lowermost optical sensor would generally show that there is no water within the housing during normal non-flooded conditions. When flooding starts to occur, the water level within the waterway will rise in eventually reach the level of the lower most optical sensor  28 . This would send a signal so as to illuminate a caution indicator on the display  70 . As water within the waterway continues to rise, the water within the enclosure of the gauge unit  20  will eventually reach the upper optical sensor  28 . This would then transmit a signal to the display that the area is flooded and that a flooded condition be provided on the display  70 . 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show an exemplary embodiment of the display  70 . The display  70  provides a motorist or pedestrian with a clear visible signal of the current flood level information. A housing  71  is supported on a stand  72 . The housing  71  may include a plurality of warning lights  74 . Three lights  74   a,    74   b,  and  74   c  are shown which when illuminate represent water levels  14   a,    14   b  and  14   c , respectively. These would respectively be indicative of safe conditions, caution conditions, and flooded conditions. The display  70  can be wirelessly connected to the control unit  40  (of  FIG. 4 ) and receives the signal from the control unit  40  through a wire track  76  then through the housing through junction box  78 . The light  74  may be colored to provide a visual cue of the current flood level. For example (referring back to  FIG. 3  in conjunction with  FIG. 7 ), when the lowest optical sensor  28  remains un-triggered, the signal sent to the display  70  would illuminate light  74   a . This would be the color green to indicate that the roadway  16  ahead is safe to traverse. In response to the lowest optical sensor  28  being triggered, the light  74   b  (which may be of a yellow color) would be illuminated to indicate the water level is currently high and in danger of flooding the roadway  16  ahead. As such, caution should be used in proceeding through. Generally, as warning light  74  is illuminated, the previously illuminated warning light is turned off. In response to the uppermost optical sensor  28  being triggered, the warning light  74   c  (of a red color) is illuminated to indicate that the roadway  16  ahead is flooded and should not be traversed. 
       FIG. 8  shows an electrical logic schematic  80  for lighting the warning light  74  described above. A set of relays may be opened or closed to illuminate or turn off lights  74   a,    74   b,  or  74   c  depending on the conditions provided by the signals described. 
     Persons having ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that various modifications can be made to the claimed invention without the prior from the spirit of the invention. For example, while the gauge unit was described as using a plurality of optical sensors, other embodiments can use a single sensor that is configured to rise with the water level and trigger based on water height measured. Other embodiments could use a different type of sensor, other than an optical sensor, while still achieving similar effectiveness of the disclose system. Also, while colored lights as the warning lights in the display, other visual cues could also be used including text-based warnings audible warnings, and mechanical warnings, (such as a gate that is closed in response to the flooded condition). 
     The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details in the steps of the described process or in the details of the system may be made within the scope of the present claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.