Patent ID: 8006714

Claim:
An automatic flow shut-off unit for shutting off the flow of water to an appliance when a leak develops at said appliance; said shut-off unit comprising: an outer housing, adapted to be positioned on a surface adjacent said appliance when in an operable position, said housing being positioned to allow the flow of water from said surface into said housing; a shut-off valve attached to the upper end of said outer housing, said valve having an open position to allow flow therethrough and a closed position to shut-off flow therethrough; said valve having an inlet adapted to be connected to a water supply line and an outlet adapted to be connected to said appliance; a cartridge mounted in the lower end of said outer housing, said cartridge having a water reactive material thereon which will disintegrate when contacted by water; and a tripper unit mounted within said outer housing; said tripper unit comprising: an inner housing mounted within said outer housing and above said cartridge; a plunger slidably positioned within said inner housing, said plunger having an upper end extending out through the upper end of said inner housing and a lower end resting on said water reactive material on said cartridge when said tripper unit is in its cocked position; bias means within said inner housing and adapted to normally bias said plunger downward in said inner housing when said tripper unit is in its cocked or un-tripped position; and an actuation means connecting said upper end of said plunger to said shut-off valve whereby said valve will be moved to its said closed position when said plunger moves downward in said inner housing.