Patent Publication Number: US-2007095399-A1

Title: Valve system

Description:
The present invention relates to a new type of valve system. In particular, it relates to a valve system which can be used to control a cistern or water tank filling, or to control inflation devices.  
      One of the most common valves in use in the home today is the ball float valve which can be found in practically every home that contains a flushed WC or a storage system. Although there are different ball float valves on the market, the majority of differences between the valves are purely aesthetic. Although the initial cost of the ball float valve makes it a practical device for controlling water levels in the cistern, there are a number of problems with the valves that up until now have not been addressed. Firstly, maintenance of the valves after a period of time can be expensive, especially if replacement is required.  
      Another common problem with ball float valves is their failure, resulting in the external overflowing of water, which can cause structural damage if not checked in time, in addition to a waste of energy and water.  
      Yet another important problem with ball float valves is that the length of the arm and ball can restrict the size and shape of the vessel into which it is fitted, this is particularly noticeable in the case of flushing systems. The fittings attached to a WC, such as the handle for flushing, and a siphon also must be arranged in a set position to accommodate the valve.  
      As mentioned above, some manufacturers have tried to address these problems by redesigning the ball and lever position to work within the vertical plane of the valve. Another method is to use an equilibrium type valve which has a shorter ball and lever. Nevertheless, the general problems still exist in all of these amended valve types.  
      Ball float valves are automatic in action, with the principal design involving the use of a buoyancy float at the end of a lever, exerting its upward force on the end of a piston or similar device to close the orifice from which water is flowing. Currently on the market the only alternatives are water storage vessels that have been fitted with special control valves, such as motorised valves, or WCs fitted with flushing valves. These alternatives can be expensive and in many cases have to be supplied from a storage system that also uses a ball float valve. All ball float valves are graded in accordance with the water pressure they are required to withstand and the orifice through which the water flows. A whole array of valves are available to cope with the different water pressures, to ensure the reasonable supply of water to a cistern. The main type of ball float valves available on the market currently are high pressure, low pressure, full-way and equilibrium valve.  
      In a high pressure valve, the orifice will be proportionally smaller than a low pressure valve with the same rate of flow. Whereas, in a full-way valve, which is installed where low pressure flow rates exist, there is a larger orifice than that of a low pressure valve. Conversely, a high pressure equilibrium valve works on the principle that it transmits equal pressure to either end of its piston, such that the buoyancy of the ball does not have to withstand the pressure on the piston. Therefore, a larger orifice can be proportionally larger to that of a high pressure valve.  
      It can be seen that it would be beneficial to be able to provide a new type of valve system which does not suffer the same restrictions as the ball float valve system, but which can be used to control water levels in a similar manner.  
      It would also be useful to provide a valve system that is able to control other fluid levels as well, such as air levels. This could be particularly useful in situations such as flood barriers, wherein when the water level rises, an increase in air pressure can be used to inflate a flood barrier.  
      A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a valve system that does not experience the limitations associated with ball valves described in the prior art.  
      According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a valve system for use with a variable head of fluid, the valve system comprising a first diaphragm and a means for transferring a fluid pressure associated with the variable head of a first fluid to the first diaphragm wherein the position of the first diaphragm is controlled by the fluid pressure associated with the variable head of the first fluid.  
      Most preferably the valve system is deployed so that the first diaphragm is located above the variable head of fluid.  
      Preferably the valve system is connected to a supply line to the variable head of the first fluid such that the first diaphragm moves between an open position wherein the first fluid is free to flow within the fluid supply line and a closed position wherein the first fluid prevented from flowing within the fluid supply line.  
      Optionally the first diaphragm comprises blocking means to assist the first diaphragm move to the closed position.  
      Preferably the means for transferring a fluid pressure associated with the variable head of the first fluid comprises a compressible second fluid.  
      Optionally the compressible second fluid is contained within one or more tubes connected at a first end to the first diaphragm and positioned so that when in use the second end of the one or more tubes are located below the surface of the head of variable fluid.  
      Optionally the first diaphragm comprises an inflatable element so that the valve system can be employed as a flood barrier.  
      Most preferably the tube is connected to the first diaphragm via a diaphragm valve.  
      Preferably the means for transferring a fluid pressure further comprises one or more chambers located between the diaphragm valve and the first diaphragm.  
      Most preferably the first diaphragm comprises an aperture that provides a means for communicating a sample taken from the supply line to the variable head of the first fluid to the one or more chambers.  
      Preferably when the diaphragm valve moves to a closed position a pressure build up in the one or more chambers so causing the first diaphragm to move from the open position to the closed position.  
      Optionally the valve system further comprises an adjuster wherein the adjuster provides a means for varying the dependency of the position of the first diaphragm to the fluid pressure associated with the variable head of the first fluid.  
      Optionally the adjuster comprises a plurality of apertures and a sleeve located on an outer surface of the tube wherein the sleeve provides a means for covering one or more of the plurality of apertures.  
      Alternatively the adjuster comprises a means for varying the resistance required to activate the diaphragm valve. Preferably the means for varying the resistance required to activate the diaphragm valve comprises a bias means and an adjustment screw wherein the position of the adjustment screw defines the resistance force applied by the bias means to the diaphragm valve.  
      Optionally the valve system further comprises an automatic cut off means so that in the event of mechanical failure the valve system is moved to the closed position.  
      Preferably the automatic cut off means comprises one or more sections of absorbent material wherein when the fluid is incident on the absorbent material expansion occurs so as to cause the diaphragm valve to close.  
      Optionally the diaphragm valve comprises a plunger that assists movement to the closed position. A further optional feature is that the diaphragm valve further comprises a lever gate that further assists the movement to the closed position.  
      Optionally the means for transferring a fluid pressure comprises a second diaphragm and actuating rod connected at first end to the second diaphragm wherein the second diaphragm is located below the surface of the head of fluid and provides a means for varying the position of the actuating rod.  
      Preferably the means for transferring fluid pressure further comprises a pin connected to a second end of the actuating rod, an aperture located within the first diaphragm and one or more chambers located below the first diaphragm wherein movement of the actuating rod causes the position of the pin to move relative to the first diaphragm and the one or more chambers.  
      Most preferably the pin comprises one or more central sections of a first diameter that is smaller than a second diameter of end sections of the pin such the position of the pin determines whether fluid from the supply can enter the one or more chambers.  
      Preferably the first diaphragm is in the closed position when the pin is located so as to allow fluid to enter the one or more chambers. Thus the first diaphragm is in the open position when the pin is located so as to prevent fluid from entering the one or more chambers. When the first diaphragm is in the open position fluid within the one or more chambers is expelled via one or more capillaries.  
      Optionally the means for transferring fluid pressure further comprises a second bias means to aid the first diaphragm move from the closed position to the open position.  
      Optionally the compressible second fluid is air.  
      Alternatively the compressible second fluid is water.  
      According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a valve system which comprises: 
          a first chamber; and     a compression tube which leads into the first chamber        

      wherein the compression tube contains a first fluid and a second fluid, and wherein an increase of the second fluid in the compression tube compresses the first fluid, resulting in a transposition of pressure into the first chamber.  
      According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention, adapted to regulate water levels in a cistern.  
      According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is a provided a valve system according to the first aspect of the present invention adapted to be used in a flood defense system. 
    
    
      In order to provide a better understanding of the present invention, embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings, in which:  
       FIG. 1  shows a prior art Portsmouth equilibrium float valve;  
       FIG. 2  shows a prior art diaphragm equilibrium float valve ;  
       FIG. 3  presents a diagram of a valve system for use in regulating water levels(i.e. in a standard flushed WC) in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;  
       FIG. 4  shows two alternative pressure spring adjusters employed with the valve system of  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 5  shows an automatic cut-out employed with the valve system of  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 6  presents a diagram of an alternative embodiment of the valve system that comprises a gate closure;  
       FIG. 7  presents a diagram of a yet further alternative embodiment of the valve system that comprises a diaphragm suitable for location under a water level within a cistern;  
       FIG. 8  presents further detail of the operation of a needle diaphragm valve of the valve system of  FIG. 7  in:  
      (a) an open configuration; and  
      (b) a closed configuration;  
       FIG. 9  presents an alternative embodiment of the needle diaphragm valve of  FIG. 8 ; and  
       FIG. 10  is a diagram of the valve system of  FIG. 1  employed as an automatic flood barrier in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.  
    
    
     WORKING PRINCIPLES  
      In order to fully understand the working principles behind the new valve system, it is important to understand force and water pressure.  
      Water pressure acting on the base of a tank is proportional to the head of water and not just the volume of liquid present in the tank. For example, the pressure at the base of a tank with a 1 m 2  base, holding 1 m 3  of water is the same as a tank with a 10 m 2  base, holding 10 m 3  of water. However, the force acting on the base of the larger tank is greater.  
      In the described valve system, one aspect of the invention is concerned with the closing off of incoming water to any cistern or tank without the use of a ball float valve and lever. The design utilizes the fact that an alternative pressure can be exerted to close the orifice from which water is flowing and in fact, if reclaimed, a much greater pressure can be achieved. By experimentation, it was found that by placing a manometer tube into a tank, the head of water at the base of a tank will register a head of water on the manometer, even if the manometer tube is held above the tank. This effect occurs because the force of the water at the base of the tube transfers the water pressure via the air in between the two water columns. However, it should be noted that to register nearly the same bottom tank pressure on the manometer, the volume of air between the tube must be of such a capacity that this transposition takes place with a minimal loss of registered pressure head. Therefore, too great or too little a volume of air in-between the tubes would result in the prevention of any significant movement of water in the manometer. It is known that the volume of a fixed mass of air or any gas at a constant temperature is always inversely proportional to the pressure (according to Boyle&#39;s Law). Therefore, the volume of air in between the water and the tank and the manometer can be calculated to maximise the pressure transposition. For example, if the volume of air in a tube is halved, the pressure is doubled, and vice versa.  
      An example of the principles in action is shown below.  
      Where P=absolute pressure=101.33 kPa, V=volume, C=constant and P 1 V 1 =P 2 V 2  (the application of this equation enables a difference in volume to be determined).  
      In order to find the pressures of air in a tube and confirm the pressure head, the following calculation can be carried out. The initial volume of the tube is: 
 
Π r   2   h= 3.142×0.006×0.006×0.480=0.0000542m 3 
 
      When water is added to create a pressure head of 300 mm, the upthrust due to the pressure reduces the height of air within the tube by 15 mm. This volume can be calculated as follows:  
         3.142   ×   0.006   ×   0.006   ×     (     0.480   -   0.15     )       =     .0000525   ⁢     m   3           
         P   1     =   101.33       
         V   1     =   .0000542       
         V   2     =   .0000525       
           P   2     =       ?     
     ⁢     Where   ⁢           ⁢     P   1     ⁢     V   1         =       P   2     ⁢     V   2           ,       then   ⁢           ⁢     P   2       =         P   1     ⁢     V   1         V   2             
       Which   ⁢           =       101.33   ×   0.0000542     0.0000525         
       Which   =         104.66   -     gauge   ⁢           ⁢   101.33       =     3.82   ⁢           ⁢   KN   ⁢           ⁢   pressure   ⁢           ⁢   in   ⁢           ⁢   tube       9.81         
 
      Which=0.334 m approximate pressure head  
      By experimentation, it was found that only 5% of pressure head was lost when 300 mm head of water was applied. This is due to the upthrust pressure of the water in the inner tube, compressing the air until the pressure equalises with the applied water pressure. When the pressure head is reduced to half, the upthrust is proportionally reduced.  
      When the volume of air within the tube is increased to 960 mm, the percentage of upthrust is increased, reducing the pressure head.  
      However, sealed tubes of different diameters but similar lengths inserted into the water vessels for the same pressure head will produce the same upthrust (as explained previously).  
      However, although a force of water can be transferred from the base of a tank to the upward area to nearly equalise against the similar force, in practice the pressure head within a cistern acting on the base would generate an insufficient force to act on a piston or similar device to close an orifice from which water is flowing. However, by acting the force on a larger area, this would produce an adequate force to act on the piston or similar device to close the orifice. This is because the greater the area, equals the greater the force.  
      The fact that water or air pressure equalises in all directions, means that the transposition of water pressure by air from a much small area to a larger area will greatly increase its force. However, it should be noted that the air volume must be of certain cubic capacity to maximise the pressure.  
      The new valve system operates as there is a correlation between the size of the diaphragm and the pressure head available, i.e., the greater pressure head, the smaller the diaphragm, the smaller the pressure head the greater the diaphragm. In the present invention, due to variable water pressures and different markets, the cistern will be arranged for an option in size for the domestic market, but can be proportionally altered to be adapted for industrial uses, etc.  
      Example of the Valve System  
       FIG. 3  shows a diagram of the valve system  1  for use relating to closing off automatically any incoming water to a cistern or tank. The water enters the valve system  1  through the inlet tube  14   a . It is unimpeded in flow when the valve system  1  is open. The water flows through the inlet tube  14   a  into the third chamber  13  and fills the cistern through the outlet tube  15 . At the same time, water flows into the second chamber  11  through the metering hole  16  incorporated in the flexible diaphragm  14   b . The water in the second chamber  11  seeps out through the inlet hole  12  into the first chamber  2 , which prevents any build up of pressure in the second chamber  11 . This results in the pressure on either side of the flexible diaphragm  14   b  being equalised, resulting in no movement of the flexible diaphragm  14   b . In this state, the new valve system  1  is fully open.  
      However, as the cistern fills with water, it covers the compression tube  3  and any adjuster holes  6  that have not been covered by a removable seal  7 . A pressure head of water starts to build up in the compression tube  3 , compressing the air within the compression tube  3 . When the water level reaches a predetermined height in the cistern to generate sufficient pressure, it acts on the diaphragm valve  8 . In the preferred embodiment there is a surrounding cage around the diaphragm valve  8  which prevents any back pressure occurring, such that the diaphragm valve  8  extends forward, such that its plunger  10  is compressed against the inlet hole  12 , closing the water seepage off. When this occurs, pressure within the second chamber  11  builds up until it equalises with the incoming water pressure which causes the inner flexible diaphragm  14   b  and blocking means  17  to move forward, closing off the water from the inlet tube  14   a . In this state the valve  1  is fully closed.  
      When the water level in the cistern falls, the pressure in the compression tube  3  is reduced, which automatically results in the diaphragm valve  8  moving back, opening the inlet hole  12 , such that water seepage again occurs from the second chamber  11  into the first chamber  2 . The result is that the flexible diaphragm  14   b  drops back into its original position so that the inlet tube  14   a  is no longer blocked by the blocking means  17 .  
      It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that an anti-siphon means (not shown) can also be connected to the outlet tube  15 . The anti-siphon means can be in the form of a pipe designed to prevent foul water from the cistern entering the main service pipes. This can occur if the water supply to the cistern is turned off when the cistern is full. The anti-siphon means may alternatively be in the form of a soft rubber hinged flap that in operation acts as a one way valve.  
      Slide Sleeve Water Level Adjuster  
      In order to adjust the pressure required to close off the valve system  1 , the compression tube  3  comprises a series of level adjuster holes  6  drilled into it at different levels. The level adjuster holes  6  can then be covered with an outer removable seal  7 . When this removable seal  7  is moved upwards along the length of the compression tube  3 , it exposes further level adjuster hole  6  so breaking the pressure head and thus allowing more water into the cistern before the diaphragm needle valve  8  activates. When the removable seal  7  is pushed downwards, it allows less water into the cistern before the diaphragm needle valve  8  activates.  
      Compression Spring Adjusters  
       FIG. 4   a  shows an alternative adjuster  7   b  that can be fitted to change the amount of water required to activate the diaphragm valve  8  to close off the valve system  1 . The adjuster comprises se typ a compression spring adjusters that can be mounted at any position. In the described embodiment the adjuster  7   b  is located in the middle of the body of the valve system  1 .  
      Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 5  the adjuster  7   b  can be located on top of the body of the valve. To adjust the water level, the thumb or adjuster screw  19  is turned to compress the spring  18  which causes a resistance on the diaphragm valve  8 , forcing it further away from the face of the inlet hole  12 . Therefore, more water has to enter the cistern to build up a greater pressure head to push the diaphragm valve  8  forward further to close the inlet hole  12 .  
      In  FIG. 4   b  a yet further alternative adjuster  7   c  is presented. In this embodiment the spring  18  of the adjuster  7   c  is not in direct contact with the diaphragm  8 . Instead the spring  18  is mounted on a stopper shaft  31  so that the adjuster screw  19  is now in contact with the diaphragm  8 . The adjuster  7   c  then operates in a similar manner to that described above. When the adjuster screw  19  is turned on the stopper shaft  31  the length of the stopper shaft  31  available to interact with the inlet hole  12  can be varied. A longer length results in less water being required to enter the cistern before the valve  1  is closed off. Conversely a shorter length results in more water being required to enter the cistern before the valve  1  is closed off.  
      Automatic Cut-Out  
      An automatic cut-out can be included in the valve system  1  to ensure that if the valve system  1  fails, and the water levels in the cistern rise to an undesirable level, automatic cut-out will occur.  FIG. 5  shows a diagram of the automatic cut-out system. The automatic cut-out consists of a number of water absorbent washers  20  housed in a cup-type chamber  21  positioned in the diaphragm valve  8 . If, during operation, the valve system  1  fails and does not cause the diaphragm valve  8  to push forward to close the inlet hole  12 , water would automatically enter the first chamber  2  behind the diaphragm valve  8 . When this occurs, the water absorbent washers  20  housed within the chamber will automatically increase in volume due to water absorption. This increase in volume will force a cut-out plunger  22  attached to the water absorbant washers  20  to move forward, pushing the normal plunger  10 , such that it closes the inlet hole  12 . In this manner, any overflowing or wastage of water will be prevented, even if the valve system  1  fails for any reason.  
      In an alternative embodiment of the automatic cut-out (not shown) the cup-type chamber  21  is sealed with a chamber lid and a rubber seal. Holes are then provided within the cup-type chamber  21  that is also employed to house a spring (not shown). When water enters the cup-type chamber via the holes the water absorbent washers  20  are again caused to expand such that, in combination with the bias force of the spring, they eventually overcome the restraining force of the chamber lid. As a result the seal is broken resulting in the plunger  10  being pushed forward and so closing the inlet hole  12 .  
      Alternative Embodiments  
      An alternative embodiment of the valve system  100  is presented in  FIG. 6 . In this embodiment movement pressure within the compression tube  3  again control the position of a diaphragm valve  108  that in turn operates a lever gate  109 . The valve system then operates in a similar manner to that described above.  
       FIG. 7  presents a diagram of a yet further alternative embodiment of the valve system  200  in this embodiment the valve system  200  comprises first and second diaphragms  201  and  205  located at opposite ends a sealed water protection tube  202 . During operation the second diaphragm  205  is located under the water level within a cistern while the sealed water protection tube  202  extends above the water level. Located within the water protection tube  202  is an actuating rod  303  the top end of which is attached a pin  204 . From  FIG. 8  it can be seen that the pin  204  comprises a dumbbell shape and is orientated so as to interact with the first diaphragm  201  (as described in detail below).  
      Located above the first diaphragm  201  is an inlet tube  214  that provides a means for water to enter the valve  200 . The water is routed across the top of the first diaphragm  201  before exiting the valve  200  through an outlet tube  215 .  
      The operation of the valve  200  is as follows. When water enters the valve  200  the first diaphragm  201  is moved by the pressure of the input water to an open position, as depicted by  FIG. 8   a . Water then fills the cistern through the outlet tube  215 . As the system fills with water it rises up the outside of the water protection tube  202  and a pressure head is formed. This pressure head then acts on the second diaphragm  205 . A diaphragm cage  216  is harnessed to the second diaphragm  205  so as to prevent any back pressure being experienced by the second diaphragm  205 .  
      As the pressure head grows the second diaphragm  205  is forced upwards so as to engage with the actuating rod  203 . The actuating rod  203  and thus the pin  204  are also forced to move upwards. This upward movement results in the pin  204  being pushed through an orifice  217  located in the centre of the first diaphragm  201  which is otherwise fixed in position. As the pin  204  continues to move upwards its larger top diameter protrudes through the upper face of the first diaphragm  201  so as to expose the central smaller diameter section. At this point water is allowed to enter into chambers  219  located below the first diaphragm  201 , via harass weep holes  220 . As the cistern continue to fill the ongoing movement of the lower part of the pin  204 , which is equal in diameter to the top part, then plugs the lower part of first diaphragm orifice  217 . When this occurs water pressure within chambers  219  builds up so that it has equalised with the incoming water pressure and so causes the upper face of the first diaphragm  201  to again move upwards to the closed valve position, as shown in  FIG. 8   b.    
      It should be noted that since the surface area with which the water in chambers  219  can interact with the first diaphragm  201  is greater than the surface area with which the water from the inlet tube  214  can interact with the first diaphragm  201  there is a greater face resistance provided on the lower side of the first diaphragm  201  than on the upper side. The overall result of the pressure balance and upper and lower face resistance is that the first diaphragm  201  is maintained in this closed position.  
      When the cistern is emptied of water the pin  204  is forced downwards by a spring  221  and so plugs the upper side of the second diaphragm orifice  217  so as to prevent further water entering into the chambers  219 . At the same time the lower part of the pin  204  slightly protrudes through the bottom of the first diaphragm orifice  217  so as to expose the smaller diameter section of the pin  204 . In this pin position water within chambers  219  is able to exit the valve system  200  via small capillaries (not shown) back into the cistern. This results in the valve system  200  moving from the closed position of  FIG. 8   b  to the open position of  FIG. 8   a  and so the above described cycle can commence all over again.  
      In an alternative embodiment the weight of the actuating rod is employed to aid in moving the valve system  200  from the closed position to the open position. This embodiment removes the requirement for the spring  221  to be present.  
       FIG. 9  presents an alternative configuration for the first diaphragm. In this configuration the diaphragm has been separated into two distinct parts. However, operation of the pin  204  and the two-part diaphragm is similar to that described above.  
      Within a cistern the valve system  1  and  100  can be mounted in a variety of ways. For example the valve system can be mounted in a disc like casing and connected via a flexible inlet tube  14   a . Such a design provides great flexibility in the choice of location for the valve system  1  and  100  within the cistern.  
      Alternative Applications  
      Although the valve system  1 ,  100 ,  200  can be ideally used to regulate water flow in a cistern, as described in the above embodiment, it also has a number of alternative uses.  
       FIG. 10  shows a diagram of another possible use for the new valve system  1 , as an automatic flood barrier. It can be seen that as in the previous embodiment there is a compression tube  3  and a level adjuster holes  6 . A removable seal  7  can also be included, if required. The compression tube  3  leads to the first chamber  2 , which comprises a flexible material  9 . However, instead of the flexible material  9  being in the form of a diaphragm valve  8 , as in the previous embodiments, the flexible material simply inflates in response to the increase in pressure within the compression tube  3 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art the flexible material does not necessarily have to be the first chamber, but may alternatively be in a second, third or fourth chamber, etc., which is joined to the first chamber in some manner. If this system is used in a river, the compression tube  3  will be used on the river bank with the first chamber  2  incorporating the flexible material  9  being present on the riverbank. As river levels rise, water will enter the compression tube  3  at higher and higher levels, causing the flexible material  9  to inflate in response to the pressure increase within the compression tube.  
      In an alternative flood barrier system (not shown) the valve system is produced on a larger scale and housed in a pit or tank on a riverbank, or the like, or on the coast so as to monitor tides. The flexible chamber  9  is then connected to an actuating arm that is in turn is connected to a substantially horizontal barrier. At times when the river floods or high tides occur, water enters the pit or tank causing an increase in pressure in the compression tube and hence inflation of the chamber  9 . The causes the actuating arm to rotate the barrier from a substantially horizontal position to a vertical position so as to form a temporary flood barrier. When the water recedes the pit or tank can be drained off so that the barrier returns to the substantially horizontal position.  
      In an alternative use the valve system is employed as a containment barrier for oil spills and the like. Here the compression tube  3  leads to a first chamber  2 , which itself incorporates a flexible material  9 . When dropped into a body of liquid such as the sea around the periphery of an oil or chemical spill the flexible material will inflate to form a containment barrier. The compression tube and any internal valve units (if required) will be prepared such that as soon as the compression tube  3  is place in position the pressure would be sufficient to immediately inflate the barrier.  
      In a further alternative use the valve system is employed as to actuate a micro switch or other similar device. This finds particular application for the controlled operation of an electrical bilge pump employed to remove water from a sea vessel. Similarly the micro switch could simply activate a warning device so as to indicate to persons on the sea vessel that water was collecting within the bilge.  
      In a similar manner the valve system can be employed to monitor ballast systems commonly found within sea vessels for the purpose of stabilisation. Ballast systems typically employ water as the stabilisation medium hence the valve system can be used to indicate if there is too much ballast entering the vessel or if the ballast is unevenly distributed within the ballast tanks of the vessel. Furthermore the valve system could be employed to activate one or more pumps so as to address the problems of unsafe ballast conditions.  
      It can be seen that the valve system has a number of advantages over prior systems, in that it can be manufactured in a compact manner, it is easy to install and use, and maintenance costs should be relatively low.  
      The embodiments disclosed above are merely exemplary of the present invention, which may be embodied in different forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and for teaching one skilled in the art as to the various uses of the present invention in any appropriate manner.