CA2420650A1 - Home maintenance monitoring apparatus - Google Patents
Home maintenance monitoring apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- CA2420650A1 CA2420650A1 CA 2420650 CA2420650A CA2420650A1 CA 2420650 A1 CA2420650 A1 CA 2420650A1 CA 2420650 CA2420650 CA 2420650 CA 2420650 A CA2420650 A CA 2420650A CA 2420650 A1 CA2420650 A1 CA 2420650A1
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- Prior art keywords
- periodic
- schedule
- controller
- monitoring apparatus
- maintenance monitoring
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/18—Status alarms
- G08B21/24—Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B13/00—Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion
- G05B13/02—Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
- G05B13/0265—Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric the criterion being a learning criterion
- G05B13/0275—Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric the criterion being a learning criterion using fuzzy logic only
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B23/00—Testing or monitoring of control systems or parts thereof
- G05B23/02—Electric testing or monitoring
- G05B23/0205—Electric testing or monitoring by means of a monitoring system capable of detecting and responding to faults
- G05B23/0259—Electric testing or monitoring by means of a monitoring system capable of detecting and responding to faults characterized by the response to fault detection
- G05B23/0267—Fault communication, e.g. human machine interface [HMI]
- G05B23/027—Alarm generation, e.g. communication protocol; Forms of alarm
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B23/00—Testing or monitoring of control systems or parts thereof
- G05B23/02—Electric testing or monitoring
- G05B23/0205—Electric testing or monitoring by means of a monitoring system capable of detecting and responding to faults
- G05B23/0259—Electric testing or monitoring by means of a monitoring system capable of detecting and responding to faults characterized by the response to fault detection
- G05B23/0283—Predictive maintenance, e.g. involving the monitoring of a system and, based on the monitoring results, taking decisions on the maintenance schedule of the monitored system; Estimating remaining useful life [RUL]
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
- Software Systems (AREA)
- Fuzzy Systems (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Mathematical Physics (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
- Evolutionary Computation (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Testing And Monitoring For Control Systems (AREA)
Abstract
A home maintenance monitoring apparatus which includes a controller having a programmable memory. The programmable memory is programmed to monitor periodic maintenance schedules for household appliances and infrastructure. A
display is provided for communicating information stored in the programmable memory of the controller relating to the monitored schedules.
display is provided for communicating information stored in the programmable memory of the controller relating to the monitored schedules.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Home Maintenance Monitoring Apparatus FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus that enables a home owner to monitor maintenance needs around his or her home.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Regular maintenance is required in order to keep the various devices in a home operating properly. A built-in vacuum cleaner will not operate properly, unless the canister where dirt collects is periodically emptied. A forced air furnace will not operate properly, unless filters are periodically cleaned or replaced. A humidifier will not operate properly, unless scale build-up within the humidifier s_s periodically removed. A smoke detector will not operate properly, unless the back-up batteries are periodically replaced. At the present time, home owners are not aware of impending problems until they occur.
SUMN1P~RY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is a home maintenance monitoring apparatus that is capable of alerting a home owner as to the need for preventative maintenance for the various devices in the home.
According to the present invention there is provided a home maintenance monitoring apparatus which includes a controller having a programmable memory. The programmable memory is programmed to monitor periodic maintenance schedules for household appliances and infrastructure. A
display is provided for communicating information stored in the programmable memory of the controller relating to the monitored schedules.
The types of household appliances and infrastructure that can be monitored by the above described apparatus include:
a periodic vacuum cleaner canister dumping schedule;
a periodic furnace filter cleaning or replacement schedule;
a periodic humidifier de-scaling schedule;
a periodic smoke detector battery replacement schedule;
a periodic garbage day pick-up schedule;
a periodic hot water tank flushing schedule;
a periodic sump pump replacement schedule;
a periodic window washing schedule;
a periodic fireplace cleaning schedule;
a periodic painting schedule;
a periodic water distiller de-scaling schedule;
a periodic carpet cleaning schedule; and a periodic drain cleanout schedule.
With the home maintenance monitoring apparatus, as described above, all maintenance items of concern to the home owner are scheduled for monitoring and are brought to the home owner's attention when the scheduled day arrives.
Although beneficial results rnay be obtained through the use of the home maintenance monitoring apparatus, as described above, it is human nature to forget to look at the display. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when an alarm is connected to the controller. The controller triggers the alarm if an item from one of the monitored schedules is not acknowledged within a preset time period.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the home maintenance monitoring apparatus, as described above, there is always a danger that one of the monitored systems may fail or be in need of maintenance earlier than has been scheduled. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when sensors are provided to monitor the household appliances. The types of things that can be monitored include:
a level of debris in the vacuum cleaner canister;
air flow through the furnace filter;
humidity output of the humidifier;
strength of batteries within the smoke detector;
scale build up within the hot water tank;
rising water levels in the sump pit;
light refraction through the windows;
scale build up with the water distiller;
rising water levels in the drain;
unusual water usage patterns indicative of a ruptured pipe.
It is contemplated that the sensors will be monitored by the controller. The controller initiates an alarm upon a failure condition being sensed by one of the sensors.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the home maintenance monitoring apparatus, as described above, an alarm condition is only beneficial if there is someone present to hear the alarm. Problems can, and often do, arise when the home owner is absent. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the controller sends messages to a remote monitoring station.
The damage potentially caused by system failure can be catastrophic. For example, water damage can be caused is a very short time period from a failed sump pump, a drain blockage or from a ruptured pipe.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the home maintenance monitoring apparatus, as described above, many homes are already being monitored for fire or for unauthorized entry. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the home maintenance monitoring system is tied into one of those existing monitored systems. The controller can be tied to the smoke detector to monitor fire. Similarly, the controller can be tied to a series of door sensors and window sensors monitoring unauthorized entry.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
THE FIGURE is a side elevation view, in section, of a house which is monitored by a home maintenance monitoring apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EL~ODINT
The preferred embodiment, a home maintenance monitoring apparatus generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to THE FIGURE
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring to T~ ~IG~ home maintenance monitoring apparatus 10 has a controller 11 with programmable memory.
Home Maintenance Monitoring Apparatus FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus that enables a home owner to monitor maintenance needs around his or her home.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Regular maintenance is required in order to keep the various devices in a home operating properly. A built-in vacuum cleaner will not operate properly, unless the canister where dirt collects is periodically emptied. A forced air furnace will not operate properly, unless filters are periodically cleaned or replaced. A humidifier will not operate properly, unless scale build-up within the humidifier s_s periodically removed. A smoke detector will not operate properly, unless the back-up batteries are periodically replaced. At the present time, home owners are not aware of impending problems until they occur.
SUMN1P~RY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is a home maintenance monitoring apparatus that is capable of alerting a home owner as to the need for preventative maintenance for the various devices in the home.
According to the present invention there is provided a home maintenance monitoring apparatus which includes a controller having a programmable memory. The programmable memory is programmed to monitor periodic maintenance schedules for household appliances and infrastructure. A
display is provided for communicating information stored in the programmable memory of the controller relating to the monitored schedules.
The types of household appliances and infrastructure that can be monitored by the above described apparatus include:
a periodic vacuum cleaner canister dumping schedule;
a periodic furnace filter cleaning or replacement schedule;
a periodic humidifier de-scaling schedule;
a periodic smoke detector battery replacement schedule;
a periodic garbage day pick-up schedule;
a periodic hot water tank flushing schedule;
a periodic sump pump replacement schedule;
a periodic window washing schedule;
a periodic fireplace cleaning schedule;
a periodic painting schedule;
a periodic water distiller de-scaling schedule;
a periodic carpet cleaning schedule; and a periodic drain cleanout schedule.
With the home maintenance monitoring apparatus, as described above, all maintenance items of concern to the home owner are scheduled for monitoring and are brought to the home owner's attention when the scheduled day arrives.
Although beneficial results rnay be obtained through the use of the home maintenance monitoring apparatus, as described above, it is human nature to forget to look at the display. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when an alarm is connected to the controller. The controller triggers the alarm if an item from one of the monitored schedules is not acknowledged within a preset time period.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the home maintenance monitoring apparatus, as described above, there is always a danger that one of the monitored systems may fail or be in need of maintenance earlier than has been scheduled. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when sensors are provided to monitor the household appliances. The types of things that can be monitored include:
a level of debris in the vacuum cleaner canister;
air flow through the furnace filter;
humidity output of the humidifier;
strength of batteries within the smoke detector;
scale build up within the hot water tank;
rising water levels in the sump pit;
light refraction through the windows;
scale build up with the water distiller;
rising water levels in the drain;
unusual water usage patterns indicative of a ruptured pipe.
It is contemplated that the sensors will be monitored by the controller. The controller initiates an alarm upon a failure condition being sensed by one of the sensors.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the home maintenance monitoring apparatus, as described above, an alarm condition is only beneficial if there is someone present to hear the alarm. Problems can, and often do, arise when the home owner is absent. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the controller sends messages to a remote monitoring station.
The damage potentially caused by system failure can be catastrophic. For example, water damage can be caused is a very short time period from a failed sump pump, a drain blockage or from a ruptured pipe.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the home maintenance monitoring apparatus, as described above, many homes are already being monitored for fire or for unauthorized entry. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the home maintenance monitoring system is tied into one of those existing monitored systems. The controller can be tied to the smoke detector to monitor fire. Similarly, the controller can be tied to a series of door sensors and window sensors monitoring unauthorized entry.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
THE FIGURE is a side elevation view, in section, of a house which is monitored by a home maintenance monitoring apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EL~ODINT
The preferred embodiment, a home maintenance monitoring apparatus generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to THE FIGURE
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring to T~ ~IG~ home maintenance monitoring apparatus 10 has a controller 11 with programmable memory.
5 Instructions are input through keypad 12 and information is displayed on display 14. An alarm 16 is connected to controller with programmable memory 12. A number of household appliances and household infra structure items within a home are illustrated: a vacuum cleaner canister 18, a furnace filter 20, a humidifier 22, a smoke detector 24, a hot water tank 26, a sump pit 28, a window 30, a door 32, a water distiller 34, a drain 36 and a water meter 38. A
number of sensors are also illustrated: a vacuum debris level sensor 40 (indicating canister 18 nearing capacity), furnace filter air flow sensor 42 (indicating air flow through furnace filter 20 is below acceptable levels), humidity sensor 44 (indicating scale build upon in humidifier 22 to the extent that it is affecting its functioning), smoke detector battery sensor 46 (that battery in smoke detector 24 needs replacement), water tank scale sensor 48 (indicating scale build up in hot water tank 26), sump pit level sensor 50 (indicating rising water in sump pit 28), window refraction sensor 52 (indicating that window 30 is becoming dirty and not allowing the free passage of light), window opening sensor 54 (indicating window 30 is ajar), door opening sensor 56 (indicating that door 32 is ajar), water distiller scale sensor 58 (indicating sca~_e build up in water distiller 34), drain level sensor 60 (indicating water overflowing drain 36) and water usage sensor 62 (indicating an inordinate flow of water through water meter 38). All sensors are in wired communication with controller 11.
Controller 11 can also be in communication with a remote monitoring station 64, as will hereinafter be further described.
number of sensors are also illustrated: a vacuum debris level sensor 40 (indicating canister 18 nearing capacity), furnace filter air flow sensor 42 (indicating air flow through furnace filter 20 is below acceptable levels), humidity sensor 44 (indicating scale build upon in humidifier 22 to the extent that it is affecting its functioning), smoke detector battery sensor 46 (that battery in smoke detector 24 needs replacement), water tank scale sensor 48 (indicating scale build up in hot water tank 26), sump pit level sensor 50 (indicating rising water in sump pit 28), window refraction sensor 52 (indicating that window 30 is becoming dirty and not allowing the free passage of light), window opening sensor 54 (indicating window 30 is ajar), door opening sensor 56 (indicating that door 32 is ajar), water distiller scale sensor 58 (indicating sca~_e build up in water distiller 34), drain level sensor 60 (indicating water overflowing drain 36) and water usage sensor 62 (indicating an inordinate flow of water through water meter 38). All sensors are in wired communication with controller 11.
Controller 11 can also be in communication with a remote monitoring station 64, as will hereinafter be further described.
Operation:
The use and operation of home maintenance monitoring apparatus 10 will now be described with reference to THE
FIGURE. Using keypad 12, the homeowner inputs information as to periodic maintenance schedules relating to household appliances and household infrastructure. This may include vacuum cleaner canister dumping, furnace filter cleaning or replacement, humidifier de-scaling, smoke detector battery replacement, garbage day pick-up, hot water tank flushing, sump pump replacement, window washing, fireplace cleaning, painting, water distiller de-scaling, carpet cleaning and/or drain clean out. Then the scheduled day arrives, the maintenance items for that particular day are displayed on display 14. The homeowner can, if desired, look ahead and by appropriate commands using keypad 12 have displayed all scheduled maintenance items for the coming week.
The home owner has the option of linking a particular scheduled item to an alarm condition. Should the home owner fail to acknowledge the condition within a pre-set time period, controller 11 will activate alarm 16. For example, a homeowner wishing to ensure that the garbage day pick up was not missed, might schedule alarm 16 to ring if the task of taking out the garbage was not acknowledged by 10 am.
In addition to scheduled alarm conditions, there will be alarm conditions which are system initiated. Should there be any failure of any component or system in a home or any unauthorised door or window opening, the relevant sensor will trigger a signal that is transmitted to controller with programmable memory 12 and controller with programmable memory 12 will activate alarm 16. Should water level 66 in sump pit 28 rise beyond acceptable practice, sump pit level sensor 50 will send a signal to controller with programmable memory 12 which will activate alarm 16. Should the home owner not acknowledge the alarm condition within a preset time period, controller 11 will communicate that information to remote monitoring station 64. It is not every alarm condition which, if not acknowledged, will result in a call being placed to remote monitoring station 64. Drain level sensor 60 and water usage sensor 62 may indicate a flooding condition. A flooding condition can cause considerable damage to a house in a very short period of time. It, therefore, makes sense to have a monitoring service check on the alarm condition. However, alarm conditions from a vacuum debris level sensor 40, furnace filter air flow sensor 42, humidity sensor 44, smoke detector battery sensor 46, water tank scale sensor 48, window refraction sensor 52, or water distiller scale sensor 58 are primarily intended for the convenience of the home owner and will not be communicated to remote monitoring station 64. In fact, alarm 16 may be programmed to transmit an alarm condition only intermittently until the home owner responds. In addition, the system can include security features which are common with monitored security systems, such as window opening sensors 54 and door opening sensors 56.
The system is primarily intended for the convenience of the home owner. The home owner now has a system to input a schedule for the myriad of routine periodic home maintenance items. The maintenance items are displayed by the system on a daily basis. An alarm alerts the home owner if the scheduled event is not acknowledged within a preset time period. There is a display follow by an alarm for neglected home maintenance items, such as a clogged furnace filter.
There is an automatic system alarm regarding urgent matters such as sensor responses indicating flooding, which are communicated promptly to remote monitoring stations if not responded to. It is envisaged that the system can be integrated with existing fire and security systems for remote monitoring.
It will be appreciated that the examples given have been for illustration only and are not exhaustive. The home owners will have his own list of items which may include periodic cleaning of gutters, periodic servicing of lawnmower, period servicing of the barbecue, and periodic painting of decking. Similarly, sensors can be provided to monitor temperature changes indicating a failure of the heating system or any other failure condition one might imagine. There is no list that could possibly be provided that would be exhaustive.
In this patent document, the word °°comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article °'a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
The use and operation of home maintenance monitoring apparatus 10 will now be described with reference to THE
FIGURE. Using keypad 12, the homeowner inputs information as to periodic maintenance schedules relating to household appliances and household infrastructure. This may include vacuum cleaner canister dumping, furnace filter cleaning or replacement, humidifier de-scaling, smoke detector battery replacement, garbage day pick-up, hot water tank flushing, sump pump replacement, window washing, fireplace cleaning, painting, water distiller de-scaling, carpet cleaning and/or drain clean out. Then the scheduled day arrives, the maintenance items for that particular day are displayed on display 14. The homeowner can, if desired, look ahead and by appropriate commands using keypad 12 have displayed all scheduled maintenance items for the coming week.
The home owner has the option of linking a particular scheduled item to an alarm condition. Should the home owner fail to acknowledge the condition within a pre-set time period, controller 11 will activate alarm 16. For example, a homeowner wishing to ensure that the garbage day pick up was not missed, might schedule alarm 16 to ring if the task of taking out the garbage was not acknowledged by 10 am.
In addition to scheduled alarm conditions, there will be alarm conditions which are system initiated. Should there be any failure of any component or system in a home or any unauthorised door or window opening, the relevant sensor will trigger a signal that is transmitted to controller with programmable memory 12 and controller with programmable memory 12 will activate alarm 16. Should water level 66 in sump pit 28 rise beyond acceptable practice, sump pit level sensor 50 will send a signal to controller with programmable memory 12 which will activate alarm 16. Should the home owner not acknowledge the alarm condition within a preset time period, controller 11 will communicate that information to remote monitoring station 64. It is not every alarm condition which, if not acknowledged, will result in a call being placed to remote monitoring station 64. Drain level sensor 60 and water usage sensor 62 may indicate a flooding condition. A flooding condition can cause considerable damage to a house in a very short period of time. It, therefore, makes sense to have a monitoring service check on the alarm condition. However, alarm conditions from a vacuum debris level sensor 40, furnace filter air flow sensor 42, humidity sensor 44, smoke detector battery sensor 46, water tank scale sensor 48, window refraction sensor 52, or water distiller scale sensor 58 are primarily intended for the convenience of the home owner and will not be communicated to remote monitoring station 64. In fact, alarm 16 may be programmed to transmit an alarm condition only intermittently until the home owner responds. In addition, the system can include security features which are common with monitored security systems, such as window opening sensors 54 and door opening sensors 56.
The system is primarily intended for the convenience of the home owner. The home owner now has a system to input a schedule for the myriad of routine periodic home maintenance items. The maintenance items are displayed by the system on a daily basis. An alarm alerts the home owner if the scheduled event is not acknowledged within a preset time period. There is a display follow by an alarm for neglected home maintenance items, such as a clogged furnace filter.
There is an automatic system alarm regarding urgent matters such as sensor responses indicating flooding, which are communicated promptly to remote monitoring stations if not responded to. It is envisaged that the system can be integrated with existing fire and security systems for remote monitoring.
It will be appreciated that the examples given have been for illustration only and are not exhaustive. The home owners will have his own list of items which may include periodic cleaning of gutters, periodic servicing of lawnmower, period servicing of the barbecue, and periodic painting of decking. Similarly, sensors can be provided to monitor temperature changes indicating a failure of the heating system or any other failure condition one might imagine. There is no list that could possibly be provided that would be exhaustive.
In this patent document, the word °°comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article °'a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Claims (15)
1. ~A home maintenance monitoring apparatus, comprising:
a controller having a programmable memory, the programmable memory being programmed to monitor periodic maintenance schedules for household appliances and household infrastructure; and a display for communicating information stored in the programmable memory of the controller relating to the monitored schedules.
a controller having a programmable memory, the programmable memory being programmed to monitor periodic maintenance schedules for household appliances and household infrastructure; and a display for communicating information stored in the programmable memory of the controller relating to the monitored schedules.
2. ~The home maintenance monitoring apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein the programmable memory is programmed to monitor schedules for at least one of the following:
a periodic vacuum cleaner canister dumping schedule;
a periodic furnace filter cleaning or replacement schedule;
a periodic humidifier de-scaling schedule;
a periodic smoke detector battery replacement schedule;
a periodic garbage day pick-up schedule;
a periodic hot water tank flushing schedule;
a periodic sump pump replacement schedule;
a periodic window washing schedule;
a periodic fireplace cleaning schedule;
a periodic painting schedule;
a periodic water distiller de-scaling schedule;
a periodic carpet cleaning schedule; or a periodic drain cleanout schedule.~
a periodic vacuum cleaner canister dumping schedule;
a periodic furnace filter cleaning or replacement schedule;
a periodic humidifier de-scaling schedule;
a periodic smoke detector battery replacement schedule;
a periodic garbage day pick-up schedule;
a periodic hot water tank flushing schedule;
a periodic sump pump replacement schedule;
a periodic window washing schedule;
a periodic fireplace cleaning schedule;
a periodic painting schedule;
a periodic water distiller de-scaling schedule;
a periodic carpet cleaning schedule; or a periodic drain cleanout schedule.~
3. ~The home maintenance monitoring apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein an alarm is connected to the controller, the controller triggering the alarm if an item from one of the monitored schedules is not acknowledged within a preset time period.
4. The home maintenance monitoring apparatus as defined in Claim 3, wherein the alarm is an audible alarm.
5. The home maintenance monitoring apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein sensors are provided which monitor at least one of the household appliances, the sensors being monitored by the controller.
6. The home maintenance monitoring apparatus as defined in Claim 5, wherein the sensors monitor at least one of:
a level of debris in the vacuum cleaner canister;
air flow through the furnace filter;
humidity output of the humidifier;
strength of batteries within the smoke detector;
scale build up within the hot water tank;
rising water levels in the sump pit.;
light refraction through the windows;
scale build up with the water distiller;
rising water levels in the drain; or unusual water usage patterns indicative of a ruptured pipe.
a level of debris in the vacuum cleaner canister;
air flow through the furnace filter;
humidity output of the humidifier;
strength of batteries within the smoke detector;
scale build up within the hot water tank;
rising water levels in the sump pit.;
light refraction through the windows;
scale build up with the water distiller;
rising water levels in the drain; or unusual water usage patterns indicative of a ruptured pipe.
7. The home maintenance monitoring apparatus as defined in Claim 6, wherein the controller sends messages to a remote monitoring station.
8. The home maintenance monitoring apparatus as defined in Claim 7, wherein the controller is tied to the smoke detector to monitors fire.
9. The home maintenance monitoring apparatus as defined in Claim 76 wherein the controller is tied to a series of door sensors and window sensors monitoring unauthorized entry.
10. A home maintenance monitoring apparatus, comprising:
a controller having a programmable memory, the programmable memory being programmed to monitor periodic maintenance schedules for household appliances and household infrastructure;
a display for communicating information stored in the programmable memory of the controller relating to the monitored schedules;
sensors monitoring at least one of the household appliances, the sensors being monitored by the controller;
and an auditory alarm connected to the controller, the controller triggering the alarm if an item from one of the monitored schedules is not acknowledged within a preset time period or upon receiving a signal from one of the sensors monitoring the household appliances.
a controller having a programmable memory, the programmable memory being programmed to monitor periodic maintenance schedules for household appliances and household infrastructure;
a display for communicating information stored in the programmable memory of the controller relating to the monitored schedules;
sensors monitoring at least one of the household appliances, the sensors being monitored by the controller;
and an auditory alarm connected to the controller, the controller triggering the alarm if an item from one of the monitored schedules is not acknowledged within a preset time period or upon receiving a signal from one of the sensors monitoring the household appliances.
11. The home maintenance monitoring apparatus as defined in Claim 10, wherein the programmable memory is programmed to monitor schedules for at least one of the following:
a periodic vacuum cleaner canister dumping schedule;
a periodic furnace filter cleaning or replacement schedule;
a periodic humidifier de-scaling schedule;
a periodic smoke detector battery replacement schedule;
a periodic garbage day pick-up schedule;
a periodic hot water tank flushing schedule;
a periodic vacuum cleaner canister dumping schedule;
a periodic furnace filter cleaning or replacement schedule;
a periodic humidifier de-scaling schedule;
a periodic smoke detector battery replacement schedule;
a periodic garbage day pick-up schedule;
a periodic hot water tank flushing schedule;
12 a periodic sump pump replacement schedule;
a periodic window washing schedule;
a periodic fireplace cleaning schedule;
a periodic painting schedule;
a periodic water distiller de-scaling schedule;
a periodic carpet cleaning schedule; or a periodic drain cleanout schedule.
12. The home maintenance monitoring apparatus as defined in Claim 10, wherein the sensors monitor at least one of:
a level of debris in the vacuum cleaner canister;
air flow through the furnace filter;
humidity output of the humidifier;
strength of batteries within the smoke detector;
scale build up within the hot water tank;
rising water levels in the sump pit;
light refraction through the windows;
scale build up with the water distiller;
rising water levels in the drain; or unusual water usage patterns indicative of a ruptured pipe.
a periodic window washing schedule;
a periodic fireplace cleaning schedule;
a periodic painting schedule;
a periodic water distiller de-scaling schedule;
a periodic carpet cleaning schedule; or a periodic drain cleanout schedule.
12. The home maintenance monitoring apparatus as defined in Claim 10, wherein the sensors monitor at least one of:
a level of debris in the vacuum cleaner canister;
air flow through the furnace filter;
humidity output of the humidifier;
strength of batteries within the smoke detector;
scale build up within the hot water tank;
rising water levels in the sump pit;
light refraction through the windows;
scale build up with the water distiller;
rising water levels in the drain; or unusual water usage patterns indicative of a ruptured pipe.
13. The home maintenance monitoring apparatus as defined in Claim 10, wherein the controller sends messages to a remote monitoring station.
14. The home maintenance monitoring apparatus as defined in Claim 13, wherein the controller is tied to the smoke detector to monitors fire.
15. The home maintenance monitoring apparatus as defined in Claim 13, wherein the controller is tied to a series of door sensors and window sensors monitoring unauthorized entry.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2420650 CA2420650A1 (en) | 2003-03-03 | 2003-03-03 | Home maintenance monitoring apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2420650 CA2420650A1 (en) | 2003-03-03 | 2003-03-03 | Home maintenance monitoring apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2420650A1 true CA2420650A1 (en) | 2004-09-03 |
Family
ID=32913609
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2420650 Abandoned CA2420650A1 (en) | 2003-03-03 | 2003-03-03 | Home maintenance monitoring apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2420650A1 (en) |
Cited By (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2424971A (en) * | 2005-04-06 | 2006-10-11 | David Miller | Scheduled cleaning and auditing of computer keyboards |
| US8380355B2 (en) | 2007-03-19 | 2013-02-19 | Wayne/Scott Fetzer Company | Capacitive sensor and method and apparatus for controlling a pump using same |
| CN103327126A (en) * | 2013-07-15 | 2013-09-25 | 孟凡忠 | Home all-around remote control system, control method and monitoring method |
| CN104243247A (en) * | 2013-06-21 | 2014-12-24 | 广州杰赛科技股份有限公司 | Intelligent household appliance control device based on cloud |
| CN105425700A (en) * | 2015-11-23 | 2016-03-23 | 深圳市技强安防科技有限公司 | Remote monitoring system for urban fire control |
| CN105425701A (en) * | 2015-11-23 | 2016-03-23 | 深圳市技强安防科技有限公司 | Security and protection platform management system |
| CN107067640A (en) * | 2017-06-20 | 2017-08-18 | 合肥博之泰电子科技有限公司 | A kind of intellectual communityintellectualized village's safety protecting method and system |
| WO2019161255A1 (en) * | 2018-02-15 | 2019-08-22 | vipHomeLink, LLC | Systems and methods for monitoring, maintaining and upgrading a property |
| USD890211S1 (en) | 2018-01-11 | 2020-07-14 | Wayne/Scott Fetzer Company | Pump components |
| US10711788B2 (en) | 2015-12-17 | 2020-07-14 | Wayne/Scott Fetzer Company | Integrated sump pump controller with status notifications |
| USD893552S1 (en) | 2017-06-21 | 2020-08-18 | Wayne/Scott Fetzer Company | Pump components |
| CN113168750A (en) * | 2018-11-26 | 2021-07-23 | 生态互联智能科技公司 | Intelligent barrier alarm device |
| US11162496B2 (en) | 2016-11-11 | 2021-11-02 | Wayne/Scott Fetzer Company | Pump with external electrical components and related methods |
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2003
- 2003-03-03 CA CA 2420650 patent/CA2420650A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2424971A (en) * | 2005-04-06 | 2006-10-11 | David Miller | Scheduled cleaning and auditing of computer keyboards |
| US8380355B2 (en) | 2007-03-19 | 2013-02-19 | Wayne/Scott Fetzer Company | Capacitive sensor and method and apparatus for controlling a pump using same |
| CN104243247A (en) * | 2013-06-21 | 2014-12-24 | 广州杰赛科技股份有限公司 | Intelligent household appliance control device based on cloud |
| CN103327126A (en) * | 2013-07-15 | 2013-09-25 | 孟凡忠 | Home all-around remote control system, control method and monitoring method |
| CN105425700A (en) * | 2015-11-23 | 2016-03-23 | 深圳市技强安防科技有限公司 | Remote monitoring system for urban fire control |
| CN105425701A (en) * | 2015-11-23 | 2016-03-23 | 深圳市技强安防科技有限公司 | Security and protection platform management system |
| US10711788B2 (en) | 2015-12-17 | 2020-07-14 | Wayne/Scott Fetzer Company | Integrated sump pump controller with status notifications |
| US11486401B2 (en) | 2015-12-17 | 2022-11-01 | Wayne/Scott Fetzer Company | Integrated sump pump controller with status notifications |
| US11162496B2 (en) | 2016-11-11 | 2021-11-02 | Wayne/Scott Fetzer Company | Pump with external electrical components and related methods |
| CN107067640A (en) * | 2017-06-20 | 2017-08-18 | 合肥博之泰电子科技有限公司 | A kind of intellectual communityintellectualized village's safety protecting method and system |
| USD1015378S1 (en) | 2017-06-21 | 2024-02-20 | Wayne/Scott Fetzer Company | Pump components |
| USD893552S1 (en) | 2017-06-21 | 2020-08-18 | Wayne/Scott Fetzer Company | Pump components |
| USD890211S1 (en) | 2018-01-11 | 2020-07-14 | Wayne/Scott Fetzer Company | Pump components |
| USD1014560S1 (en) | 2018-01-11 | 2024-02-13 | Wayne/Scott Fetzer Company | Pump components |
| GB2584256A (en) * | 2018-02-15 | 2020-11-25 | Viphomelink Llc | Systems and methods for monitoring, maintaining and upgrading a property |
| WO2019161255A1 (en) * | 2018-02-15 | 2019-08-22 | vipHomeLink, LLC | Systems and methods for monitoring, maintaining and upgrading a property |
| CN113168750A (en) * | 2018-11-26 | 2021-07-23 | 生态互联智能科技公司 | Intelligent barrier alarm device |
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