Patent Publication Number: US-7900650-B1

Title: In-line water shut-off system and method of use thereof

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/854,477 filed on Oct. 27, 2006, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an automatic and remote shutoff control for the main water supply to a structure and, more particularly, to said apparatus being capable being operated in an unattended manner. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Water damage from a broken pipe, a worn out water heater or other water supplied appliance can cause major property damage and serious financial consequences. The only certain method to guarantee that this does not occur is to shut off the main water line. Unfortunately, many people are incapable of locating the shut-off valve for their water line and may be physically unable to shut it off. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which main water flow into a home, building or business can be easily, quickly and remotely shut off without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the invention herein described fulfills this need. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to provide a means and a method for a quick and effective shut-off system for in-house utilities, especially main line water valves, particularly during extended periods of non-use. U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,536 issued to Dalton discloses a remote shut-off valve. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that operates on demand using a wireless remote control. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,580 issued to Foster discloses a multifunction valve assembly. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that operates on demand using a wireless remote control. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,607 issued to Caise discloses a microprocessor controlled water shut-off device. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that operates on demand using a wireless remote control. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,536 issued to Polverari discloses an automatic shut-off valve that operates when it senses a leak in the system. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that operates on demand using a wireless remote control. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,171 issued to Dwyer discloses a shut-off system for preventing water damage that operates when it detects a leakage of water in the system. This patent does not appear to disclose a solenoid to activate the control valve nor does the apparatus appear to operate on demand using a wireless remote control. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,653 issued to DeSmet discloses a water shut-off valve and control system that operates on a timer. This patent does not appear to disclose a control valve operated by a wireless remote control. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,269 issued to Moseley discloses an inline pneumatic/mechanical flow control valve system. This patent does not appear to disclose a control valve that operates on demand using a wireless remote control. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for an on demand remote wireless control for the main water supply valve to a structure. 
     The in-line remote control water shut-off system provides a convenient, easy to use method for controlling the flow of water into a residence or commercial structure. 
     The in-line remote control water shut-off system is comprised of a solenoid, spring return valve, transformer and a wireless RF remote controller. 
     The in-line remote control water shut-off system is an electrically operated and RF wirelessly controlled apparatus to control the flow of water into a structure. 
     The in-line remote control water shut-off system is wall mounted downstream of the water meter. 
     The in-line remote control water shut-off system automatically responds to an interruption in electrical service by closing the main water valve thereby keeping main water pressures elevated for use by emergency services. 
     The in-line remote control water shut-off system possesses a manual by-pass valve permitting override of the system. 
     The in-line remote control water shut-off system has a 110 volt electrical supply line which runs to a GFCI outlet and a step down transformer converting the electrical charge to 24 volts for operation of the spring return valve. 
     The in-line remote control water shut-off system may be used by individuals with physical disabilities which may make it difficult for them to access and manipulate a conventional main water shut-off valve. 
     The in-line remote control water shut-off system can avoid costly damage to residences and businesses by providing a means to immediately terminate water service in the event of a broken pipe, or inefficient or broken appliance. 
     The in-line remote control water shut-off system is housed in a lockable cabinet. 
     The in-line remote control water shut-off system, in an alternative embodiment, possesses an audible or visual alarm to indicate the activation of the spring control valve to alert occupants that the water supply delivery has been altered. 
     The in-line remote control water shut-off system, in an alternate embodiment, possesses X-10 communication capabilities that enable control of the system via the interne and a remote computer. 
     The prior art discloses devices which provide control main water supply line water flow through various means. The prior art does not appear to teach a main water line control valve that operates on demand through the use of a wireless remote control with a manual override function. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an in-line remote control water shut-off system  10  depicting an open cover portion  25  and remote controller  80 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of an in-line remote control water shut-off system  10  depicting a closed cover portion  25  and associated plumbing, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3  is an electrical block diagram of an in-line remote control water shut-off system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  in-line remote control water shut-off system 
               20  enclosure 
               21  hinge 
               25  cover 
               26  key lock 
               27  hasp 
               30  solenoid 
               35  terminal strip 
               36  solenoid wire 
               40  spring return valve 
               50  transformer 
               55  switched power cord 
               57  speaker 
               58  audible alarm 
               60  ground fault circuit interrupt (GFCI) receptacle 
               70  remote control switch 
               75  power supply cord 
               80  remote controller 
               85  radio frequency (RF) signal 
               90  water inlet 
               95  water outlet 
               100  water flow 
               110  union fitting 
               120  water supply plumbing 
               125  bypass piping 
               130  bypass valve 
               135  tee-fitting 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a system and method that provides for the remote control shutoff of the main water valve to a structure and/or household appliance in an unattended manner. The in-line water shut-off system (herein described as the “system”)  10  provides water flow to cease in the event of a power failure or remotely upon activation of a remote control switch  70  by a remote controller  80 . The system  10  comprises a solenoid  30  activated shutoff valve  40  typically mounted immediately downstream of a main water shutoff valve and a locking enclosure  20  containing a remote control switch  70  and audible alarm unit  58 . The system  10  further provides a manual bypass valve  130  as an override, should it be required. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a front view of the system  10  depicting an open cover portion  25  and remote controller  80 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. 
     The system  10  comprises electrical supply and conditioning components comprising a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle  60  at a remote location, a step down transformer  50 , and a power supply cord  75 . The GFCI receptacle  60  provides electrical power thereto the system being in electrical communication with an existing residential 110-volt electrical power system. The GFCI receptacle  60  comprises a conventional design with a rectangular face, two (2) female adapters embedded therein, and a reset button. The GFCI receptacle  60  provides continuous power to the step down transformer  50 . The step down transformer  50  in turn provides 24-volt electrical power to the remote control switch  70  via the power supply cord  75 . The step-down transformer  50  comprises a commercially available unit providing a standard 110-volt to 24-volt DC conversion means in an expected manner. It is envisioned that the GFCI receptacle  60  may be provided with X-10 communication capabilities, thereby enabling activation/deactivation of the system  10  via a remote computer and/or internet means, thereby halting or reestablishing a water flow  100  therethrough the system  10 . It is further envisioned that the GFCI receptacle  60  may be provided as a common duplex outlet without ground fault protection based upon electrical codes and a user&#39;s preference. 
     The power supply cord  75  provides continuous 24-volt power thereto a lockable enclosure  20  providing a housing and mounting means thereto system components comprising a key lock  26 , a hasp  27 , a plurality of hinges  21 , a cover  25 , a remote control switch  70 , a power supply cord  75 , a switched power cord  55 , an audio alarm  58 , a terminal strip  35 , and a solenoid wire  36 . The enclosure  20  comprises a common lockable cabinet with a plurality of hinges  21  along an outer side edge providing an attachment means thereto a cover  25  in an expected manner. The door mounted key lock  26  and hasp  27  provide a security means to the system  10  to prevent tampering. The enclosure  20  is to provide sufficient interior volume to contain the aforementioned components. The enclosure  20 , key lock  26 , and hinges  21  are envisioned to be made using durable water-proof materials such as stainless steel, fiberglass, plastic, or the like. 
     The remote control switch  70 , when activated by a remote controller  80 , conducts power to the terminal strip  35  providing a 24-volt power distribution means and a timely component replacement aid if required. Said 24-volt current is supplied thereto the solenoid  30  activated shutoff valve  40  via a solenoid wire  36 . The spring return valve  40  would typically be mounted thereupon a wall surface using common fasteners and located immediately downstream of an existing main water shutoff valve in a residence or business. The system  10  is envisioned to utilize a water inlet source  90  thereto a spring return valve  40  exiting thereto a water outlet  95 . The spring return valve  40  is envisioned to be in fluid communication between the water inlet  90  and water outlet  95  for the assisting in the regulation of a flow of water  100  by closing, thereby obstructing the flow of water  100  therethrough the water line. The spring return valve  40  is in the open state as by which meaning water flow  100  is distributed establishing open communication between the water inlet  90  and the water outlet  95 . The spring return valve  40  is envisioned to be a normally-closed spring return valve  40  being opened by conducting an electric current therethrough an electrical solenoid  30  mounted thereon said spring return valve  40 , thus changing to an open state. The solenoid  30  is controlled directly by a remote control switch  70  located within the enclosure  20 , and thus providing a very low reaction time. The spring return valve  40  comprises two (2) ports, in which the water flow  100  is switched on or off. The spring return valve  40  is envisioned to be a commercially available valve such as a gate valve, a ball valve, or equivalent type designed to minimize restriction to the water flow  100  when in an open state. The spring return valve  40  is envisioned to comprise metal or rubber seals designed to effectively seal the water flow  100  when in the closed state. 
     A user may engage a halting or opening action acting upon a continuous water flow  100  of a main water line by successive actuation of the remote controller  80 . More specifically, to engage a halting of said water flow  100 , said remote controller  80  transmits a controlled RF signal  85  thereto a remote control switch  70 , thereby halting an electrical current thereto the solenoid portion  30  of the spring return valve  40 , thereby closing said valve  40 . This action closes the spring return valve  40  in communication between water inlet  90  and water outlet  95  halting the water flow  100  therethrough the system  10 . To reestablish water flow  100  therethrough the water line, actuation of the remote controller  80  provides an opening action thereto the spring return valve  40 , thereby providing a reestablishment of fluid continuity therebetween the inlet  90  and the outlet  95 . The remote controller  80  provides transmission of a radio frequency (RF) signal  85  thereto the remote control switch  70 . The remote control switch  70  is envisioned to provide a sealed housing to prevent water and/or corrosion from coming in contact with said remote control switch  70 . 
     In addition to the remote activation of the spring return valve  40  as described above, the system  10  provides a halting function thereto the water flow  100  upon the loss of electrical power therefrom the power supply cord  75  in the event of a local power failure, an open electrical breaker, or the like. 
     The terminal strip  35  also provides 24-volt power to an audio alarm unit  35  within the enclosure  20 . The audio alarm unit  58  provides an audio alarm means, thereby providing an indication to occupants within a residence or commercial building of a stoppage of water supply resulting therefrom a general power failure within said residence or due to remote activation of the remote control switch  70 . The audio alarm  58  is envisioned to be a commercially available battery-backup alarm module comprising an internal battery, switching hardware, wiring, and a speaker  57 . The speaker  57  is envisioned to be a common miniature piezo-electrical type device. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a front view of the system  10  depicting a closed cover portion  25  and associated plumbing, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises an enclosure  20 , a pair of union fittings  110 , a bypass valve  130 , a pair of tee-fittings  135 , and various bypass piping  125 . 
     The union fittings  110  provide a plumbing connection means thereto existing water supply plumbing  120  in a residence or business as depicted here. Additionally, the system  10  comprises a bypass valve  130 , a pair of tee-fittings  135 , and various bypass piping  125  required to establish direct fluid communication therebetween the water inlet  90  and the water outlet  95  portions. The bypass valve  130  provides an override means to the system  10  should it be required. The spring return valve  40 , union fittings  110 , and bypass piping  125  are envisioned to comprise preferably a similar diametrical size as an existing plumbing system  120  within a residence so as to maintain a consistent flow and pressure through the system  10 . 
       FIG. 3  is an electrical block diagram of the system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system  10  as depicted here receives 110-volt AC power from a local GFCI receptacle  60 . A step-down transformer  50  is plugged thereinto said GFCI receptacle  60  in an expected manner, thereby conducting a 24-volt current to the remote control switch  70  via a power supply cord  75 . Said remote control switch  70  provides a switching function similar to common garage door opening devices being activated by a RF signal  85  transmitted therefrom a hand-held remote controller  80 . The remote controller  80  allows a user to remotely control the water flow  100  when desired during events such as, but not limited to, periods in which a residence is unoccupied, controlling water usage during particular periods of a day or week, and the like. The RF signal  85  is envisioned to be a one-way signal and does not provide for duplex communication or confirmation of a received RF signal  85 . It is envisioned that the RF signal  85  would be of a frequency modulated (FM) signal on a frequency authorized for such use; however, other methods of modulation such as amplitude modulation, single side band, digital, continuous wave and the like would work equally well, and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the system  10 . When activated to establish a water flow  100  therethrough, said remote control switch  70  conducts a 24-volt current thereto an audible alarm  58  and the solenoid portion  30  of the spring return valve  40 , thereby opening said valve  40  maintaining a water flow  100  therethrough. Conversely, if said remote control switch  70  is activated to initiate a stoppage of a water flow  100  therethrough the system  10 , said output current is interrupted causing the spring return valve  40  to close and halt said water flow  100 . Said output voltage thereto the audible alarm unit  58  provides a power interruption audible alarm via a piezo speaker  57  during water flow  100  stoppages being initiated by an interruption of said output current therefrom said remote control switch  70 . Stoppage of said water flow  100  due to a loss of electrical power thereto said solenoid  30 , may result from events such as activation of the remote control switch  70 ; or a general power supply failure. Additionally, activation/deactivation of the system  10  may be provided via a GFCI receptacle  60  comprising X-10 communication capabilities, thereby enabling remote activation via a computer and/or internet means. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. A skilled plumber or other professional may be required for the installation of the system  10 . After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be configured as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: mounting the enclosure  20  at a location either adjacent to or remote of the main shutoff valve of the main water line, installing the solenoid valve  40  immediately downstream of the main water shutoff valve using the union fittings  110 ; installing the bypass valve  130  using the provided tee-fittings  135  and bypass piping  125 ; activating the system  10  by connecting the transformer  50  thereto a GFCI receptacle  60  using the power supply cord  75 ; transmitting an OPEN signal  85  therefrom a remote controller  80  thereto the remote control switch  70 ; enabling a water flow  100  therethrough the spring return valve  40  reestablishing fluid continuity therebetween the inlet  90  and the outlet  95 ; transmitting a CLOSE signal  85  therefrom a remote controller  80 ; stopping a water flow  100  therethrough the spring return valve  40 ; automatically broadcasting an audible alarm  58  to occupants of a building indicating stoppage of said water flow  100 ; alternately, experiencing a general loss of power therefrom a central power source; interrupting an electrical current to the solenoid  30 ; stopping a water flow  100  therethrough the spring return valve  40 ; automatically broadcasting said audible alarm  58 ; and, benefiting from automatic and/or remote control shut-off of a main water supply, thereby protecting a residence or commercial building from water damage which may result from being temporarily unattended. 
     Additionally, the bypass valve  130  may be utilized as a water flow  100  override should it be required by disconnecting the transformer  50  therefrom the GFCI receptacle  60  and manually opening the bypass valve  130  by rotating a valve lever or knob thereupon in a counter-clockwise direction, thereby establishing an optional fluid path therebetween water inlet  90  and outlet  95  portions. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.