Abstract:
The teachings presented herein provide a water distribution manifold assembly for distribution of water for mixed indoor and outdoor usage. The assembly finds direct application in water reclamation and conservation in that it allows for the use of runoff and gray water. The assembly integrates in-line filtration in a convenient, readily accessible way. In one or more embodiments, the assembly includes: a supply inlet and an associated check valve and pressure release valve; a filter unit connected to a second check valve; a pressure gauge; one or more outlets, each of which may be connected to a check valve; and a manifold or connecting pipe that interconnects the inlet, filter unit, and one or more outlets. The assembly also may include a controller, which in one or more embodiments provides control, monitoring, and communications for the assembly and/or associated water distribution systems.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from the U.S. provisional patent application filed on 23 Jul. 2008 and assigned Application No. 61/082,916, and which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to water reclamation and distribution, and particularly relates to a water distribution manifold assembly that is advantageous for water collection and distribution, such as used for rainwater harvesting, gray water reclamation, etc. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Water conservation has long been of interest in at least some locales, but that interest is now much more widespread. The broadened interest arises from the recognition that clean water is one of our more precious natural resources. Water conservation efforts implicate any number of lifestyle changes, and many such changes are laudable. However, even without significantly altering the overall amount of water we use, meaningful reductions in the amount of water drawn from potable water sources, such as municipal water systems, can be realized through the effective use of alternate water sources. Key examples include water collection and distribution systems that rely at least partially on rainwater, runoff water, and gray water (drain water). 
         [0004]    For example, the United States Green Building Council (USGB) promulgates the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification system, which prominently considers the water efficiency of buildings, given the recognition that buildings represent major consumers of the potable water supply. LEED certification requirements consider a number of mechanisms for improving the water efficiency of buildings, including rainwater harvesting. 
         [0005]    Such systems are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,941,702 to Abrams et al. discloses a rainwater collecting and dispensing system. The &#39;702 system uses a collecting tank to capture rainwater from gutters, and a number of distribution lines to send that water to various end devices, such as toilets, sprinklers, etc. In at least one embodiment, the tank is elevated and water head is used to provide pressurized flow from the tank. 
         [0006]    In a somewhat more sophisticated example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,769 to Hosoya discloses a container placed under house eaves to collect rainwater. The rainwater is piped via a valve-based connection into an initial precipitation collection tank. That tank can be bypassed after it is full, for example, with rainwater then routed to a purifier that provides water to a storage tank. The purifier includes one or more tanks or reservoirs for chemically treating the collected water. The &#39;769 patent further discloses a pump and a downstream filter, for obtaining pressurized, filtered outflow from the storage tank. 
         [0007]    Some of these systems target outdoor water use, e.g. the &#39;702 patent to Abrams, while others target indoor use. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,286 to Wagner, which discloses supplying potable water systems. Still further, at least some water harvesting systems disclose the use of so called water distribution manifolds. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,723 to Alcorn, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,748 to Urban. However, while use of manifolds in one form or another has been disclosed, these disclosed manifolds are more or less purpose built for the context in which they are presented. Consequently, it is difficult to plan and implement water collection and harvesting systems built around a readily available manifold assembly that offers an integrated set of features directly supporting a broad range of water collection distribution system designs and configurations. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The teachings presented herein provide a water distribution manifold assembly for distribution of water for mixed indoor and outdoor usage. The assembly finds direct application in water reclamation and conservation in that it allows for the use of runoff and gray water. The assembly integrates in-line filtration in a convenient, readily accessible way. 
         [0009]    In one or more embodiments, the assembly includes a supply inlet and an associated check valve and pressure release valve; a filter unit connected to a second check valve; a pressure gauge; one or more outlets, each of which may be connected to a check valve; and a manifold or connecting pipe that interconnects the inlet, filter unit, and one or more outlets. One or more embodiments of the manifold further include a controller. The controller is configured to perform one or more of the following functions: manifold assembly control (e.g., valve control), manifold assembly monitoring (e.g., pressure, flow), additional water distribution system monitoring and/or control (e.g., supply reservoir monitoring, inlet pump/pressure control), and communication/interface support (e.g., provide local display information and/or interface to a computer or other network for remote data inspection, control, etc.). 
         [0010]    In at least one embodiment, a water distribution manifold assembly as contemplated herein comprises an interconnecting pipe having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a water inlet coupled to the inlet portion of the interconnecting pipe, for inletting water into the interconnecting pipe, and a filter unit in fluid communication between the water inlet and outlet portions of the interconnecting pipe, for filtering inlet water from the water inlet and providing filtered water to the outlet portion of the interconnecting pipe. The assembly further comprises an indoor water outlet coupled to the outlet portion of the interconnecting pipe, for providing filtered water for indoor use, where the indoor water outlet is fitted with a plumbing adaptor for coupling to an indoor plumbing system. Still further, the assembly includes an outdoor water outlet coupled to the outlet portion of the interconnecting pipe, for providing filtered water for outdoor water use. 
         [0011]    Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above features and advantages. Indeed, those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages upon reading the following detailed description, and upon viewing the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view demonstrating one exemplary embodiment of the assembly. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of one exemplary embodiment of the assembly within a water distribution system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    With further reference to the drawings, one embodiment of the water distribution manifold assembly of the present invention is shown therein and indicated generally by the number  10 . As will be appreciated from other portions of the disclosure, the water distribution manifold assembly  10  is configured for use in homes, business, or other structures within or around which a water source is required. 
         [0015]    By way of non-limiting example,  FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the water distribution manifold assembly  10 , which may be constructed, for example, from plastic, copper, galvanized steel, etc. The water distribution manifold assembly  10  includes an interconnecting or manifold pipe  12 , which may be pieced together or continuous, and which acts as the overall manifold body for interconnecting the various other elements of the manifold assembly  10 . In the illustration, these other elements include an inlet  14  and an associated inlet valve  16 , an irrigation outlet  18  and an associated outlet valve  20 , along with one or more additional outlets (e.g., outlets  22 ,  24 ), and a filter unit  26 . 
         [0016]    In at least one embodiment, the filter unit  26  includes a purge valve  28  and purge outlet  30 , for removing collected particulates, etc. In the illustrated configuration, all depicted outlets ( 18 ,  22 , and  24 ) are downstream from the filter unit  26 , thus providing filtered water to these outlets. Such a configuration may be advantageous where it is desired to draw only filtered water from the assembly&#39;s outlets. For example, one or both of the outlets  22  and  24  may be particularly configured for interconnecting with interior plumbing, e.g., one or both outlets may be configured with male or female adaptors  32  for ready coupling to interior plumbing lines. 
         [0017]    The manifold assembly  10  as illustrated is also shown with end caps  34  and  36 , which provide for convenient expansion of the manifold assembly  10 . End cap  34  may be removed and the manifold pipe  12  may be expanded at that end to allow for outlets of unfiltered water. Similarly, end cap  36  may be removed to allow for additional outlets of the filtered water. 
         [0018]    The particular implementation of the filter unit  26  may vary, depending upon the intended use of the manifold assembly  10 . One implementation contemplated herein comprises a filter rated at a minimum of 51 microns, which uses centrifugal force to separate particulate matter from the water. This filter also includes a purge system such that the filter could be cleaned without removing it from the manifold assembly  10 . However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of filters may be used in the filter unit  26 , and it is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the manifold assembly  10  in one or more embodiments is configured with one or more outlets in advance of the filter unit  26 . Such configurations provide filtered and unfiltered flows from the manifold assembly  10 . Of course, a given water distribution system may, in any case, provide filtering in advance of the inlet  14 . 
         [0019]    The manifold assembly  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 1  further depicts additional elements, which may be advantageous in certain implementations but may be omitted according to the particular application at hand. These additional elements include a pressure release valve  38 , pressure gauge  40 , and female air pressure fitting  42 . The manifold assembly  10  optionally includes the pressure release valve  38  as a safety feature to prevent water within the manifold assembly  10  from exceeding design limits. The pressure release valve  38  may, as shown, be a separate part connecting the inlet  14  to a length of pipe. Alternatively, the pressure release valve  38  may be integrated within the inlet  14 . The manifold assembly  10  may additionally or alternatively comprise a pressure gauge  40  connected to the manifold pipe  12 . The pressure gauge  40  would allow the user to monitor the water pressure within the manifold pipe  12 . The manifold assembly  10  may also additionally or alternatively comprise a pressure fitting  42  connected to or incorporated into irrigation outlet  18 . The pressure fitting  42  may be used for the purging or winterizing of outdoor pipes/plumbing connected to the irrigation outlet, such as a connected irrigation system or other outdoor water system. 
         [0020]    Still further,  FIG. 1  illustrates that the manifold assembly  10  may include one or more ports (e.g.,  50 ,  52 ), for control and/or monitoring. These ports may simply be outlets, allowing interconnection with a range of external devices, or they may be plumbed with fittings particularly adapted for interface with control/monitoring elements. As an example, one or more of these control/monitoring ports may be terminated with a pressure transducer or other sensing element. 
         [0021]    With the above features in mind, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the manifold assembly  10  finds advantageous use in a variety of water distribution systems. By way of non-limiting example,  FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of the manifold assembly  10  within an example water collection and distribution system  100 . 
         [0022]    The illustrated system  100  comprises a reservoir  110 , which has one or more sources of water. Generally, these sources may include a water harvesting system for capturing runoff water (e.g., rainwater) and a water reclamation system for collecting gray water (e.g., drain water from household use). Although not shown, one or more embodiments of the distribution system  100  may include more than one reservoir  110 . 
         [0023]    Thus, in one or more embodiments, the reservoir  110  draws runoff water from a runoff water collection system at a runoff supply line  112 . This runoff water collection system may collect water from a variety of sources, to include, for example, from a waterproof liner under a deck. The reservoir  110  may also be connected to secondary water sources and have a gray water supply line  116 . The reservoir  110  may also have a tap water supply line  114  for use during set up and maintenance or as a back up when the supply of runoff water or gray water is not able to meet the user&#39;s demands. The tap water supply line  114  may acquire water from a public water supply, a well or other reliable source of water. Runoff and gray water may be filtered through filters prior to entering the reservoir  110 . The water contained in reservoir  110  may be additionally or alternatively filtered upon being drawn out of reservoir  110  and prior to entering an intake pipe  118 . 
         [0024]    As noted before, the manifold assembly  10  includes or is associated with a controller, e.g., the controller  122  depicted in  FIG. 2 . The controller may, for example, be sold with and specially configured for use with the various elements of the manifold assembly  10 . In any case, in one or more embodiments, the controller  122  provides various monitoring and control functions. 
         [0025]    For example, the controller  122  may be configured to monitor the water level within the reservoir  110 . The controller  122  may further include a management system to control the drawing of water from secondary sources, such as tap water or gray water, when the water level in the reservoir  110  reaches a certain critical level. This critical level may be pre-set or may be set by the user. 
         [0026]    In one or more embodiments, the controller  122  includes or is associated with one or more transducers for monitoring flow and pressure. In particular, the controller  122  may interface with transducers for monitoring flow and pressure within the manifold assembly  10 . The controller  122  may further comprise a digital display for displaying readouts or other indications of flow and pressure within the manifold assembly  10  (and/or elsewhere within the system  100 ). The controller  122  may also further comprise indicator lights reflecting the status of the pressure and flow of water within the manifold assembly  10  (and/or elsewhere within the system  100 ). 
         [0027]    The controller  122  may also provide for overall system control and/or monitoring, and thus may interface with one or more pumps (reservoir pumps), irrigation system controllers, flow control valves, filtering systems, rain detectors, etc. Further, the controller  122  may include one or more communication and/or signaling interfaces, allowing for remote monitoring and/or control. For example, the controller  122  may include an Ethernet port and/or 802.11 b/g/n interface or one or more other types of interface circuits or ports for interfacing to a control network. The controller  122  also may include various control/monitoring inputs and outputs, such as relay I/O, analog I/O (e.g., current loops), digital I/O, etc. 
         [0028]    Broadly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller  122  may be implemented in a variety of ways and should not be limited to those embodiments described herein. For example, the controller  122  may comprise a microprocessor-based circuit. A microcontroller implementation, wherein a single-chip controller incorporates a processor core, along with supporting memory, input/output ports, timers, and A/D and D/A converters, is particularly advantageous but non-limiting. In at least one embodiment, then, computer program instructions in the form of firmware and/or software are stored in memory (e.g., FLASH, EEPROM, etc.) and executed by a microprocessor within the controller  122  for implementation of the control and monitoring methods described herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the controller  122  can be implemented using other programmable devices, such as FPGAs, CPLDs, and various ASIC devices. Simpler implementations also complement the use of discrete control circuitry. 
         [0029]    Regardless of such details, various options are contemplated herein for providing electricity to controller  122 . In one or more exemplary embodiments, a power supply  124  may be powered by photovoltaic cells  126  (along with a charge storage battery). The power supply  124  may additionally or alternatively be powered by a mains electricity supply  128  or battery  127 . While such solar-powered implementations may be particularly advantageous for some installations, it will be understood that wind power or other renewable energy sources may be used additionally or alternatively, to power the controller  122 , possibly along with other elements (pumps, valves, etc.) in a water collection and distribution system  100  that integrates the manifold assembly  10 . 
         [0030]    In general, significant flexibility exists with respect to configuring power supply systems and, indeed, with respect to configuration of the overall water collection and distribution system  100 . On that latter point, in the illustrated embodiment, a pump  120  connects the intake pipe  118  to the inlet  14  of the manifold assembly  10 . In one exemplary embodiment, the controller  122  may have a hardwire connection to the pump  120 . By controlling the pump  120 , the controller  122  manages the pressure and flow of water from the intake pipe  118  to the inlet  14 . Water flowing into the inlet  14  passes through the inlet valve  16 , which also may be monitored and managed by controller  122 , and into the interconnecting pipe  12 . The water then passes through the filter unit  26 . Collected sediment is discharged from the filter unit  26  through the purge outlet  30 , as controlled by the purge valve  28 . The controller  122  may be configured to monitor and/or control the purge valve  28 . 
         [0031]    After passing through the filter unit  26 , the filtered water flows through the interconnecting pipe  12  and out of the water distribution manifold assembly  10 , through any one or more of its outlets. The filtered water may be discharged through the irrigation outlet  18  (also referred to as an outdoor water outlet) and into an irrigation system  130  or other outdoor water application (pool, fountain, etc.), subject to operation of the outlet valve  20 . 
         [0032]    Of course, water alternatively or additionally flows through one or more of the additional outlets  22  and  24 , which, as noted may be fitted with plumbing adaptors  32  for ready connection to indoor plumbing. As such, these outlets may be referred to as indoor water outlets. While not explicitly illustrated, the outlets  22  and  24  may include or otherwise be associated with valves for outflow control. The controller  122  may monitor and/or control such valves. Of course, these and other valves may additionally or alternatively be manually controlled, and a user of the system can preset the path of water flow through the distribution manifold manually or via the controller  122 . Flow also can be managed dynamically by the controller  122  in at least some embodiments. 
         [0033]    With their advantageous interfacing to interior plumbing, water flowing from the outlets  22 , for example, may enter at least a non-potable water system  132 . Such water may be used for flushing toilets, washing laundry, or filling pools. As a further example, water from outlet  24  may flow into a filtration and sterilization system  134 . The filtration and sterilization system  134  provides filtration and sterilization to a potable water standard. The filtered/sterilized water thus may flow into a potable water supply  136 . Of course, additional system elements, such as pressure regulators, flow control elements (check valves), etc., may be included as needed or desired. 
         [0034]    Also, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may, of course, be carried out in other ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and the essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are therefore to be construed in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.