GB2452337A - Automatic mains water shutoff for unoccupied premises using motion sensors - Google Patents

Automatic mains water shutoff for unoccupied premises using motion sensors Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2452337A
GB2452337A GB0717065A GB0717065A GB2452337A GB 2452337 A GB2452337 A GB 2452337A GB 0717065 A GB0717065 A GB 0717065A GB 0717065 A GB0717065 A GB 0717065A GB 2452337 A GB2452337 A GB 2452337A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
valve
sensor
water
incorporate
gas
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0717065A
Other versions
GB0717065D0 (en
Inventor
William Henry Saint
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB0717065A priority Critical patent/GB2452337A/en
Publication of GB0717065D0 publication Critical patent/GB0717065D0/en
Publication of GB2452337A publication Critical patent/GB2452337A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B19/00—Alarms responsive to two or more different undesired or abnormal conditions, e.g. burglary and fire, abnormal temperature and abnormal rate of flow
    • G08B19/02—Alarm responsive to formation or anticipated formation of ice
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
    • E03B7/00—Water main or service pipe systems
    • E03B7/07—Arrangement of devices, e.g. filters, flow controls, measuring devices, siphons, valves, in the pipe systems
    • E03B7/071—Arrangement of safety devices in domestic pipe systems, e.g. devices for automatic shut-off
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
    • E03B7/00—Water main or service pipe systems
    • E03B7/09—Component parts or accessories
    • E03B7/10—Devices preventing bursting of pipes by freezing
    • 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
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
    • Y02A20/15—Leakage reduction or detection in water storage or distribution

Abstract

A mains water inlet for a premises has a stopcock able to be opened and closed by a solenoid actuator. One or more motion sensors, such as passive infrared devices, are monitored and if after a user controllable time delay, no motion is sensed, the water stopcock is closed. When motion is next sensed, the stopcock is opened. The system may be bypassed for a set period of time. In addition, the system may be provided with a temperature sensor so that the water stopcock is closed if a sufficiently low temperature is sensed, to mitigate against water freezing within pipes. The low temperature may trigger an audible alarm and send a signal to a cellphone.

Description

INVENTiON. MOTION DETECTOR WATER STOPCOCK.
PURPOSE.
Many buildings are damaged by water leaks from burst pipes, washing machine hoses etc The most serious damage occurs when the premises are vacant or leaks go undetected for a long period. Unless premises are occupied most times it is not necessary to have a water supply turned on.
My invention solves much of this but operating a remote latching coil valve which shuts off the water after a period of time after is has not detected any movement in te premises.Ie the premises are vacant or the occupants are sleeping Any movement by the occupants is detected by a PASSIVE INFRA RED device.
This /these can be installed in areas in the building where occupants are likely to be.
* The invention will incorporate various time parameters so the occupier can chose the time allowed before the water is shut off. For example 1.2. or 6 HOURS. The latter longer period is to allow the water to be left on at night in the event the occupier wants to use a washing machine in the less expensive electricity, night period. If during any "ON" time period the sensor detects motion it will cancel out any remaining time and reset allowing for a fwther time period as pie- selected by the occupier.
* When in the "off" mode the device will instantly turn the water supply back on if it detects movement by the occupants The occupier has the option to overide the device altogether or Bye pass it for 24 hours. The device will incorporate an automatic timer which will turn the sensor back on after 24 hours if the bye-pass liscility is used. This is intended for watering the garden, washing the car filling the pool etc where the occupants are likely to be outside and away from the motion sensors.
Any number of detectors can be fitted and each one independently controls the valve.
The detectors can be connected to the valve via cable, mains pulsing or radio signals.
Each sensor controls a ZONE and can be disabled if need to cope with the sLuation where a pet may be moving a round and triggering the sensor.
This facility can be activated either at the remote sensor or at a central control system. 2.
The sensor will be powered by battery or low voltage power supply. as will the valve.
If used on a low voltage power supply1 the valve will be of the latching type so it will remain in the mode it was in prior to any main electricity failure.
The device will incorporate an external battery supply which can be plugged into the valve to open or shut it.
The device will incorporate a remote switch which will also enable the valve to be opened or closed manually.
The invention will also incorporate a temperature sensor which will shut off the water supply in the event the temperature falls below 3deg cel. Thus preventing or limiting damage due to frozen burst pipes before the pipes actually freeze The invention will incorporate an audible warning device to bring awareness of the low temperature The invention will also be able to send a sign al via radio/internet/cell phone to warn the owner of the alann situation Previous Know Art.
in a previous patent a motion detector is used to turn of the water in a toilet block when it is occupied by personnel.
My invention differs as it is protects the whole house/property/or zones. It also incorporates a bye pass facility which will automatically return the protection back on after 24 hours. And a buift in freeze protection sensor.
Latching solenoid valve, passive infra red detectors arc all previous know arts.

Claims (1)

1.1.My invention solves much of this but operating a remote latching coil valve which shuts off the water after a period of time after is has not detected any movement in the premises.le the premises are vacant or the occupants are sleeping 1.2. fly movement by the occupants is detected by a PASSIVE INFRA RED device.
This /these can be installed in areas in the building where occupants are likely to be.
1.3. The invention will incorporate various time parameters so the occupier can chose the time allowed before the water is shut off. For example 1.2. or 6 HOURS. The latter longer period is to allow the water to be left on at night in the event the occupier wants to use a washing machine in the less expensive electricity, night period. If during any "ON" time period the sensor detects motion it will cancel out any remaining time and reset allowing for a further time period as pie-selected by the occupier.
1.4. When in the "off" mode the device will instantly turn the water supply back on if it detects movement by the occupants 1.5. The occupier has the option to overide the device altogether or Bye pass it for 24 hours. The device will incorporate an automatic timer which will turn the sensor back on after 24 hours if the bye-pass facility is used. This is intended for watering the garden, washing the car filling the pool etc where the occupants are likely to be outside and away from the motion sensors.
1.6. Any number of detectors can be fitted and each one independently controls the valve.
1.7. The detectors can be connected to the valve via cable, mains pulsing or radio signals.
1.8. Each sensor controls a ZONE and can be disabled if need to cope with the situation where a pet may be moving a round and triggering the sensor.
This facility can be activated either at the remote sensor or at a central control system.
1.9 The sensor wilt be powered by battery or low voltage power supply. as will the valve.
1.10 If used on a low voltage power supply, the valve will be of the latching type so it will remain in the mode it was in prior to any main electricity failure.
1.11 The device will incorporate an external battery supply which can be plugged into the valve to open or shut it.
1.12 The device will incorporate a remote switch which will also enable the valve to be opened or closed manually.
1.13 The invention will also incorporate a temperature sensor which wilt shut off the water supply in the event the temperature falls below 3deg ccl. Thus preventing or limiting damage due to frozen burst pipes before the pipes actually freeze 1:14 The invention will incorporate an audible warning device to bring awareness of the low temperature 1:15 The invention will also be able to send a sign al via radio/internet/cell phone to warn the owner of the alarm situation Lf Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS (clarified] An automatic shut off gas/ water system that monitors a specific area, such as the interior of a building, compromising one or more sensors able to detect motion and warm bodies within the area and a controllable valve for the water or gas input to the area. The system acting to open the valve for a period whilst the are is occupied and shutting the valve off if the area is vacant. Preferably the valve closure only occurs after a user adjustable time period has elapsed during which time no motion has been detected.
Also compromising a facility to have a sensor which will detect the level of explosive gases or carbon monoxide in the area.. If the level exceeds a safe margin the gas will; be shut off.
Also compromising a facility so that the occupant may select a VACATE mode which will turn the gas or water off instantly and also disable the motion sensor allowing * *15* sufficient time for the occupant to vacate the premises. * I. SI..
1.1.My invention solves much of these problems by operating a remote latching coil valve which shuts off the water after a period of time after is has not detected any * :* ::* movement in the premises.Ie the premises are vacant or the occupants are sleeping * . 1.2. Any movement by the occupants is detected by a PASSIVE INFRA RED device.
This/these can be installed in areas in the building where occupants are likely to be. ***.
* 1.3. The invention will incorporate various time parameters so the occupier can chose the : timeallowedbeforethe wateris shutoff. Forexainple 1.2. or6 HOURS. Thelatter * . longerperiocj isto allowthewaterto beleftonatthghtintheeventthepj wants to use a washing machine in the less expensive electricity, night period. If during any "ON" time period the sensor detects motion it will cancel out any remaining time and reset allowing for a further time period as pre-selected by the occupier.
1.4. When in the "off" mode the device will instantly turn the water/gas supply back on if it detects movement by the occupants
S
1.5. The occupier has the option to override the device altogether or Bye pass it for a period up to 24 hours. The device will incorporate an automatic timer which will turn the sensor back on afler24 hours if the bye-pass facility is used. This is intended for watering the garden, washing the car filling the pool etc where the occupants are likely to be outside and away from the motion sensors.
1.6. Any number of detectors can be fitted and each one independently controls the valve.
1.7. The detectors can be connected to the valve via cable, mains pulsing or radio signals.
1.8. Each sensor controls a ZONE and can be disabled if need to cope with the situation where a pet may be moving a round and triggering the sensor.
This 1cility can be activated either at the remote sensor or at a central control system.
1.9 The sensor will be powered by battery or low voltage power supply. as will the valve.
1.10 If used on a low voltage power supply, the valve will be of the latching type so it will remain in the mode it was in prior to any main electricity failure.
1.11 The device will incorporate an external battery supply which can be plugged into the valve to open or shut it.
1.12 The device will incorporate a remote switch which will also enable the valve to be opened or closed manually.
1.13 The invention will also incorporate a teniperatijre sensor which will shut off the water supply in the event the temperature tills below 3deg eel. Thus preventing or limiting damage due to frozen burst pipes before the pipes actually freeze :.:: 1:14 The invention will incorporate an audible warning device to bring awareness of the lowtemperature 1:15 The invention will also be able to send a sign al via radio/internet/cell phone to * warn the owner of the alarm situation * 1:16 The invention also monitors the flow of gas or water and if it exceeds a set adjustable amount it will turn off the gas or water *" 1:17 The invention.On leaving the or vacating the premises the Occupier can push the vacate button. This wilt set a delay timer running for a period of time ( say 30 seconds) During this time the Motions sensor will be disabled also allowing the occupant to leave the property without activating the Sensor. The water or gas will will then turn of immediately.
The claim is that this prevents the water or gas leaking when the premises are vacant, almost immediately the property is occupied. Unlike other claims that will still await the time period to expire.
1.18 The invention could also be connected to an existing intruder alarm to notify the owner of a fault in the water or gas system 1:19 The invention could also be connected to gas sensior which will detect gas ( explosive gas or carbon monoxide etc)
GB0717065A 2007-09-01 2007-09-01 Automatic mains water shutoff for unoccupied premises using motion sensors Withdrawn GB2452337A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0717065A GB2452337A (en) 2007-09-01 2007-09-01 Automatic mains water shutoff for unoccupied premises using motion sensors

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0717065A GB2452337A (en) 2007-09-01 2007-09-01 Automatic mains water shutoff for unoccupied premises using motion sensors

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0717065D0 GB0717065D0 (en) 2007-10-10
GB2452337A true GB2452337A (en) 2009-03-04

Family

ID=38617152

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0717065A Withdrawn GB2452337A (en) 2007-09-01 2007-09-01 Automatic mains water shutoff for unoccupied premises using motion sensors

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2452337A (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2390051A1 (en) * 2010-11-03 2012-11-06 Instalaciones Liñares Fraga, S.L. Security system for fluid installations in buildings. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
GB2493158A (en) * 2011-07-23 2013-01-30 Daniel Topping Apparatus for detecting expansion of a frozen pipe and alerting a user to the detected expansion
GB2499393A (en) * 2012-02-14 2013-08-21 Andrew Dixon Water Damage Protection System
GB2516905A (en) * 2013-03-30 2015-02-11 John Edward Kelly Wireless flood preventer
US11732904B2 (en) 2019-07-12 2023-08-22 Noflo Inc. Water regulation system and method of use thereof

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE8402254L (en) * 1984-04-25 1985-10-26 Raappana Reijo DEVICE ON A WATER PIPE
FR2661971A1 (en) * 1990-05-09 1991-11-15 Balabeau Jerome "Systematic closure" safety device for shutting off the water supply, with automated assisted opening only in the case of human presence - system which may be called "anti-water damage device"
GB2276656A (en) * 1993-04-02 1994-10-05 Sage Passant Peter Water supply isolation system
GB2296736A (en) * 1994-12-23 1996-07-10 William John Visser Electrically operated stop-cock for mains water supply
WO2008020407A2 (en) * 2006-08-16 2008-02-21 Classic Number Trading 47 (Pty) Ltd Water supply management system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE8402254L (en) * 1984-04-25 1985-10-26 Raappana Reijo DEVICE ON A WATER PIPE
FR2661971A1 (en) * 1990-05-09 1991-11-15 Balabeau Jerome "Systematic closure" safety device for shutting off the water supply, with automated assisted opening only in the case of human presence - system which may be called "anti-water damage device"
GB2276656A (en) * 1993-04-02 1994-10-05 Sage Passant Peter Water supply isolation system
GB2296736A (en) * 1994-12-23 1996-07-10 William John Visser Electrically operated stop-cock for mains water supply
WO2008020407A2 (en) * 2006-08-16 2008-02-21 Classic Number Trading 47 (Pty) Ltd Water supply management system

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2390051A1 (en) * 2010-11-03 2012-11-06 Instalaciones Liñares Fraga, S.L. Security system for fluid installations in buildings. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
GB2493158A (en) * 2011-07-23 2013-01-30 Daniel Topping Apparatus for detecting expansion of a frozen pipe and alerting a user to the detected expansion
GB2499393A (en) * 2012-02-14 2013-08-21 Andrew Dixon Water Damage Protection System
GB2499393B (en) * 2012-02-14 2016-08-24 Dixon Andrew Water damage protection system
GB2516905A (en) * 2013-03-30 2015-02-11 John Edward Kelly Wireless flood preventer
US11732904B2 (en) 2019-07-12 2023-08-22 Noflo Inc. Water regulation system and method of use thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0717065D0 (en) 2007-10-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7900647B2 (en) Water leak detection and prevention systems and methods
US5287884A (en) Water flow monitoring system for determining the presence of leaks and stopping flow in plumbing pipes
US7970494B2 (en) Systems and methods for monitoring relief valve drain in hot water Heater
US7199721B2 (en) Alarm shut off system
EP0548243B1 (en) Method and apparatus including movement detector in a monitoring system
US11573150B2 (en) Fluid leakage control apparatus, system and method
US9297467B1 (en) Fluid leak detector apparatus
US20150376874A1 (en) Water leak detection, prevention and water conservation systems and methods
US7299814B2 (en) Method and apparatus for selectively shutting off the flow of water to a building
GB2452337A (en) Automatic mains water shutoff for unoccupied premises using motion sensors
WO2008128127A1 (en) Method and system for reliably detecting structure and water system leaks
CA3030730A1 (en) Automatic gas shutoff system
EP2662501B1 (en) A method and a system for leak protection of a supply water installation
US20100126610A1 (en) Gas and water leak detecting system with human presence detector
CN206837294U (en) A kind of antifreeze sprinkler system
JP2004290430A (en) Sprinkler fire-fighting facility
GB2519393A (en) Automatic water shut off apparatus
EP2628863A2 (en) Water damage protection system
JP4007330B2 (en) Residential fire alarm and residential fire alarm system using the same
WO2008129578A4 (en) Gas and water leak detecting system with human presence detector
JP4263392B2 (en) Sprinkler fire extinguishing equipment
JP2002355331A (en) Sprinkler extinguishing equipment
JP2006277704A (en) Device for preventing eroneous use of gas and shutting off gas
RU148970U1 (en) DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC REGULATION OF WATER AND GAS SUPPLY
RU153552U1 (en) AUTOMATIC WATER AND GAS SUPPLY DEVICE

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)