GB2603127A

GB2603127A - A water fitting housing

Info

Publication number: GB2603127A
Application number: GB2100907.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leigh Steve
Original assignee: Steve Leigh & Ass Ltd
Current assignee: Steve Leigh & Ass Ltd
Priority date: 2021-01-22
Filing date: 2021-01-22
Publication date: 2022-08-03
Also published as: GB2603045B; IE20220013A3; AU2022200327A9; GB202100907D0; GB2603045A; IE20220013A2; AU2022200327A1

Abstract

A water fitting housing 7 comprises: a main body section 8 having first and second ends 34, 28 and a first channel connecting the first 34 and second 28 ends, wherein the main body section 8 includes a wall 9, fig. 4 and an inner tube 30, wherein the main body section 8 defines a first flow path between an inner surface of the wall 9 and the inner tube 30, and a second flow path inside the inner tube 30; a first attachment arrangement 11 located towards a first end 34 of the main body section, for attachment to a water meter manifold 1, fig. 1; a second attachment arrangement 28 located towards a second end of the main body section 8, for attachment to a water meter 40, fig. 1; and a flow restrictor 90, figs 6-14, configured to restrict a flow of water through the second flow path, wherein the first attachment arrangement 11 is suitable to be attached to an attachment member which is substantially identical to the second attachment arrangement 28. The water fitting housing may comprise a non-return valve 41 and an electrical power generator 100 comprising a rotor 101 and stator 102, figs 8-11.

Description

Title: A Water Fitting Housing

Description of Invention

The present invention relates to a water fitting housing.

Reference is made to UK patent No. 2440412 and UK patent publication No. 10 2577543, the contents of which are incorporated by reference to aid in the understanding of the present invention A simplified typical mains water supply network comprises a primary supply pipe which is connected to a water supply and which feeds a number of secondary supply pipes which are each arranged so as to supply water to individual residential or commercial buildings. In some cases the secondary supply pipes provide water to groups of residential or commercial buildings. In other cases, the secondary supply pipes provide water to industrial buildings (ie. buildings in which industrial activities take place).

In order to allow the water supplier to meter the amount of water consumed by each user, and hence charge the user for their water usage, water meters are often installed between the secondary supply pipes and the building being supplied with water. The water meters are attached to water meter manifolds and are usually located either in insulated chambers attached to an external surface of a particular building or are located underground (for example, buried in the pavement outside the building).

A typical water meter manifold 1 (see figure 1) comprises a water input pipe 2 30 which is connected to the secondary supply pipe of the mains water supply network and water output pipe 3 which is connected to an input supply pipe for the building. Between the input 2 and output 3 pipes of the water meter manifold 1 is a water meter 40 (which is operable to monitor the flow of water between the input 2 and output 3 of the manifold 1) and a non-return valve 41 (which is designed to prevent water flowing from the output 3 of the manifold 1 to the mains water supply through the input 2 of the manifold 1).

The water meter 40 is attached to the water meter manifold 1 by means of respective cooperating attachment members which may comprise cooperating threaded attachment surfaces on the manifold 1 and the water meter 40. This attachment method allows engineers to access the meter 40 in order to replace or repair meters 40 that are either damaged or have become obsolete. Although the position of the non-return valve 41 in the water meter manifold 1 is generally inconsequential, in some examples the valve 41 is located in the output of the water meter manifold On other words the downstream from the water meter itself) -"downstream" and "upstream" are commonly used terms and describe locations with respect to the normal direction of flow of water.

The non-return valve 41 in a water meter manifold 1 may be a modular component which is located in an integrally formed housing in the manifold 1. A typical non-return valve (see figure 3) comprises an annular ring 42 suitable to allow the non-return valve 41 to be fixedly secured to the housing of the manifold 1. An external surface 43 of the non-return valve 41 includes a groove 44 in which a first washer 45 is partially located; thus, the first washer 45 ensures a substantially water fight seal with the housing of the valve. An internal surface 46 of the annular ring 42 of the valve 41 includes a groove 47 in which a second washer 48 is partially located. The internal surface 46 of the annular ring 42 defines a hole or void 49 through the ring 42 and the second washer 48 defines a valve seat of the non-return valve 41.

The annular ring 42 of the valve 41 is connected to a cylindrical base portion 30 50 of the non-return valve 41 by a number of supporting arms 51. The cylindrical base portion 50 includes a central hole 52 which extends to the entire depth of the base portion 50 and is generally aligned with and parallel to the hole 49 of the annular ring 42. A mushroom-shaped valve member 53 is located between the cylindrical base portion 50 and the annular ring 42 of the valve 41. The mushroom-shaped valve member 53 includes a rod 54 which extends through the central hole 52 of the cylindrical base portion 50 of the valve 41 and a head 55 which is resiliently held against the valve seat by a helical spring 56 (which acts against the mushroom-shaped valve member 53 and the cylindrical base portion 50 of the non-return valve 41).

Thus, when water flows towards the valve 41 from a first direction 57 the mushroom-shaped valve member 53 is forced from a position abutting the valve seat 47 towards the cylindrical base portion 50 (compressing the helical spring 56) and allows the water to flow through the valve 41 between the supporting arms 51 which hold the cylindrical base portion 50 to the annular ring 42 of the valve 41. However, if water is to flow towards the valve 41 from the opposing direction 58 then the mushroom-shaped valve member 53 is pressed against the valve seat 47 substantially forming a water tight seal which prevents the water from flowing through the valve 41.

When a non-return valve 41 of the above described type is placed in a housing which is in the output of a water manifold 1 which is connected to a mains water supply network and a building, then water is generally prevented from flowing from the building back into the mains water supply.

Non-return valves 41 of this type are utilised in order to ensure that contaminated water from, for example, within a building is not returned to the mains water supply and supplied to another buildings or users.

GB2440412 teaches an innovative fitting which allows the level of non-return protection to be improved in relation to such manifolds 1 by providing a housing for a non-return valve 41.

Smart meters have been introduced in relation to some utilities, such as electricity. A smart meter may be configured to transmit substantially real-time information about consumption of the utility. This information may be transmitted to one or more remote devices wirelessly, for example. The or each remote device may include one or more consumer devices as well as one or more utility provider devices. In some implementations the information is transmitted, at least in part, through the Internet.

There is a desire to provide smart meters in relation to the water supply utility.

Water meters 40 are conventionally, however, attached to manifolds 1 as described above. There is often no electrical power provided in relation to such conventional water meters. Therefore, the electrical power for the operation of a water smart meter may be provided by a battery.

A battery, however, needs replacing once discharged. This increases maintenance costs, causes unavailability of the smart meter information (whilst a replacement is awaited), increases the cost and size of the meter (to accommodate a sufficiently large battery), and reduces the functionality of the meter (as advanced functions and data transmission must be limited to reduce power consumption).

UK patent publication No. 2577543 teaches an innovative fitting which provides a housing for an electrical power generator 100.

There is a further desire to achieve greater control over the flow of water supplied to consumers, with regard to flow rate and/or water pressure. For example, in certain areas it has been proposed that the water supply to domestic dwellings should be capped at 10 litres of water per minute at a pressure of 1 bar, to manage water resources.

Additionally, high pressures within water pipes are frequently the cause of leakages and/or burst pipes and joints, both in the water supply network and within properties supplied by the network. By reducing the pressure within the water pipes, these issues can be alleviated In some situations, a primary water supply pipe may serve a variety of properties, including domestic and commercial properties. If such a commercial consumer fails to pay their water bill, it is desirable to restrict the water supply to those properties such that it is insufficient for commercial use but still meets domestic supply requirements. A simple way of regulating water supplies is desired.

The present invention seeks to resolve one or more of the above problems associated with the prior art.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a water fitting housing including: a main body section having first and second ends and a first channel connecting the first and second ends, wherein the main body section includes a wall and an inner tube, wherein the main body section defines a first flow path between an inner surface of the wall and the inner tube, and a second flow path inside the inner tube; a first attachment arrangement located towards a first end of the main body section; a second attachment arrangement located towards a second end of the main body section; and a flow restrictor configured to restrict a flow of water through the second flow path, wherein the first attachment arrangement is suitable to be attached to an attachment member which is substantially identical to the second attachment arrangement.

The housing may be suitable for use in a water supply network.

The first attachment arrangement may be suitable for connection to a water meter manifold and the second attachment arrangement may be suitable for connection to a water meter.

The housing may further include an inner valve supporting section configured to receive a non-return valve.

The housing may further include the non-return valve.

The flow restrictor may be located upstream of the non-return valve.

The flow restrictor may be removable from the housing.

The flow restrictor may be an integral part of the non-return valve.

The flow restrictor may be an annular component.

The flow restrictor may be a washer or o-ring.

The housing may be constructed out of a plastics material.

The attachment arrangements may comprise threaded surfaces.

The housing may further include an electrical power generator configured to 25 generate electrical power from the flow of water through the housing.

The flow restrictor may be a variable aperture flow restrictor.

The flow restrictor may be an iris-type mechanism.

The flow restrictor may be configured to vary an aperture size of the flow restrictor automatically dependent on the water pressure at the flow restrictor.

The flow restrictor may include a flow restriction member moveable between an open and a closed state to alter the size of the aperture.

The flow restrictor may be integrally formed with the non-return valve and the aperture size may be determined by the flow restriction member position relative to one or more outlets defined by a base portion of the non-return valve.

The flow restrictor may be part of the non-return valve, and the housing further includes a sleeve or collar configured to receive the non-return valve and configured to be received by the inner tube.

By way of example, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a water meter manifold; Figure 2 shows a system of some embodiments; Figure 3 shows a non-return valve in the form of a check valve (in cross-section); Figure 4 shows a housing (in cross-section) Figure 5 shows a another housing On cross-section); Figure 6 shows a non-return valve and flow restrictor (in cross-section); Figure 7 shows a non-return valve and flow restrictor (in cross-section); Figure 8 shows a housing including a flow restrictor (in cross-section); Figure 9 shows a housing including a flow restrictor (in cross-section); Figure 10 shows a housing including a flow restrictor an cross-section); Figure 11 shows a housing including a flow restrictor an cross-section); Figure 12 shows a housing including a flow restrictor On cross-section); Figure 13 shows a housing including a flow restrictor On cross-section); Figure 14 shows a housing including a flow restrictor (in cross-section); and Figure 15 shows a part of a flow restrictor (plan view); Figure 16 shows a flow restrictor (plan view); Figure 17 shows a flow restrictor (side view); Figure 18 shows a non-return valve with a flow restrictor On cross-section); and Figure 19 shows an exploded view of a housing, sleeve or collar and valve.

In a typical water meter manifold 1 (see figure 1) water is supplied through a manifold input 2 and fed into a water meter 40 before the water passes through the manifold output 3. In the manifold 1, water is passed into an outer cavity (not shown) of a generally vertical coaxial pipe section 4. The water travels through the outer cavity to a water meter 40 which is located at the top of the generally vertical coaxial pipe section 4. After flowing through the meter the water passes through a central cavity (not shown) of the generally vertical coaxial pipe section 4 towards the output 3 of the manifold 1 which is located below the water meter 40. Along the central cavity of the coaxial pipe section 4 is a non-return valve (not shown) of the type described above. The non-return valve is designed to prevent water from following from the output 3 of the manifold 1 back to the input 2 of the manifold 1 and, hence, potentially contaminating the water supply (which may be a mains water supply).

Thus, it will be appreciated that water is drawn through the water meter manifold 1 and through the water meter 40 during normal operation. The water meter 40 includes a flow meter (not shown) which allows the water meter to determine the quantity of water flowing through the manifold 1. The meter may display the quantity of water on a dial or electronic display on an upper surface thereof and/or may transmit the quantity by means of an electromagnetic signal. The operator of the water supply network can, therefore, monitor and record the quantity of water flowing through the manifold 1 and charge users appropriately for the water.

The generally vertical coaxial pipe section 4 of the manifold 1 includes a meter 5 attachment arrangement 5 at the upper end thereof which is suitable to mate with a corresponding manifold attachment arrangement at a lower end of the water meter 40. Rubber washers 6 (or washers made out of synthetic substitutes thereof) may be used in the attachment arrangements 5 to minimise the amount of water which may leak through the mated attachment 10 arrangements 5.

Typically the meter attachment arrangement 5 of the manifold 1 comprises a threaded section on an inner surface of the wall of the outer cavity of the coaxial pipe section 4 of the manifold 1 at the upper end thereof. The manifold attachment arrangement of the meter typically comprises a corresponding threaded section on an outer wall of an outer cavity of a coaxial part of the manifold attachment arrangement of the meter.

The meter 40 and manifold attachment arrangements include respective inner cavity mateable sections (not shown) -in other words, respective male and female mateable sections. Thus, when the meter 40 and the manifold 1 are attached to each other water may pass up through the outer cavity of the coaxial pipe section 4 of the manifold 1 into an outer cavity of the manifold attachment arrangement of the meter 40, through the meter 40 and, subsequently, through an inner cavity of the manifold attachment arrangement 5 of the meter 40 into the inner cavity of the coaxial pipe section 4 of the manifold 1.

Usually the inner cavity mateable sections (ie. male and female mateable 30 sections) comprise respective surfaces which abut each other.

The coaxial pipe section 4 and the meter 40 and manifold attachment arrangements all have a generally circular cross-section.

Some embodiments may include a housing 7 (which is similar in form to the non-return valve housing of G32440412 and the generator housing of GB2577543), as shown in figures 4, 5, & 8-14. The housing 7 may comprise a generally pipe-like (or tubular) main body section 8 having an outer wall 9, generally circular internal and external cross-sections, and a length (defined along a longitudinal axis of the housing)-which may be more than 45.5mm (e.g. about 60mm or less (such as 57mm) not including the a manifold attachment member (or arrangement) 11).

A first end 10 of the main body section 8 of the housing 7 may comprise the manifold attachment member (or arrangement) 11. The manifold attachment member 11 may have a wall with inner and outer surfaces (with respective inner and outer diameters -which may be about 40.8mm for the inner diameter) and an end surface 12. The outer surface of the manifold attachment member 11 may be threaded and/or the inner surface may be generally smooth. The thread 13 on the outer surface, if provided, may extend along a first portion of the length of the housing 7 which may be less than half of the total length of the housing 7 and may be about 15.43mm. The end surface 12 of the wall of the manifold attachment member 11, if provided, may be generally circular in shape and may extend between the inner and outer surfaces of the wall of the manifold attachment member 11 at an end thereof.

At the end of the manifold attachment member 11 which opposes the end surface 12 thereof across the first portion of the length of the housing 7 may be a stop section 14 of the outer wall 9 of the housing 7 which may have a larger external diameter than the outer diameter of the manifold attachment member 11 -for example, about 51.6mm -(an inner diameter of this section 14 may be the same as that of the manifold attachment member 11). This section 14 of the housing 7 may extend along a second portion of the length of the housing 7 (which may be less than the first portion of the length of the housing 7 and may be about 2.57mm) and may define a stop surface 15 for the manifold attachment arrangement 11 of the housing 7 which may be generally parallel to the end surface 12 of the manifold attachment arrangement 11. Thus, the stop section 14 of the housing 7 may comprise a ridge around the circumference of the main body section 8.

An abutment section 16 of the outer wall 9 of the housing 7 may extend through a third portion of the length thereof, for example, from the stop section 14 away from the first end 10 of the main body section 8 of the housing 7. The abutment section 16 may have an external diameter which is larger than that of the external diameter of the stop section 14 -for example, about 58.7mm (an inner diameter may be the same as that of the manifold attachment member 11 and/or stop section 14). The third portion of the housing length may be less than the first or second portions of the housing lengths and may be about 0.5mm. The abutment section 16 may define an abutment surface 17 for the manifold attachment arrangement 11 which may be generally parallel to the stop surface 15.

A first guard section 18 may extend over a fourth portion of the length of the housing 7, for example, from the abutment section 16 away from the first end 10 of the main body section 8 of the housing 7 towards a second end 19 of the main body section 8. The first guard section 18 may have an external diameter which is larger than that of the abutment section 16 -for example, about 68mm -(an inner diameter which may be the same as that of the manifold attachment member 11, stop section 14 and/or abutment section 16). The fourth portion of the housing length may be less than the first potion of the length but greater than the third portion of the length of the housing 7.

A ribbed gripping section 20 may extend though a fifth portion of the length, for example, from the first guard section 18 to a second guard section 21. The ribbed gripping section 20 may include one or more vertical ribs 60 -for example, six ribs -which may be evenly distributed around the housing 7 and/or may extend through substantially the entire fifth portion of the length of the housing 7. The external diameter of the ribbed gripping section 20, between the ribs 60, may be less than the external diameter of the first guard section 18. The external diameter of the ribbed gripping section 20 at the ribs 60 (assuming two ribs 60 oppose each other across the diameter of the housing 7) may be larger than that between the ribs 60 and/or may be less than, substantially equal to, or greater than the external diameter of the first guard section 18. Each rib may have rounded edges.

Compared to the water fitting described in GB2440412, the fifth portion of the length may be greater in some embodiments (compare, for example, figures 13 and 14, with figures 8-11. In some embodiments, the length of the fifth portion may be such that there is sufficient space to accommodate at least part of an electrical power generator.

The second guard section 21 may comprise a lip 22, and a main portion of which may extend away from the housing 7, e.g. generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing 7. The lip 22 may include a meter abutment section 24 (or secondary portion) which may extend from the main portion away from the first end 10 of the housing 7 (for example, for about 3.07mm) and may be generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the housing 7. The meter abutment section 24 may include a meter abutment surface 25 which may be a generally flat circular surface in parallel with the end surface 12 of the manifold attachment arrangement 11 (and may have an inner diameter of about 60.99mm and/or an outer diameter of about 68mm). The second guard section 21 may extend through a sixth portion of the length of the housing 7.

Cumulatively the first to six portions of the length of the housing 7 may be equal to the distance between the end surface 12 of the manifold attachment arrangement 11 and the meter abutment surface 24 (i.e. the sum of the first to sixth lengths may be equal to the length of the housing 7).

A meter stop section 26 may extend in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing 7, for example, from an inner surface 27 of the meter abutment section 24 to a meter attachment arrangement 28.

The meter attachment arrangement 28 may comprise a threaded wall which may extend through a length of the inner surface of the outer wall 9 of main body section 8 of the housing 7 generally from the second end 19 of the housing 7 towards the first end 10 of the housing 7. The threaded surface may be such that the inner surface of the outer wall of the housing 7 of the ribbed gripping section 20 and the second guard section 21 may be substantially threaded. The internal diameter of the housing 7 in this threaded section may be greater than that of at the manifold attachment arrangement 11.

An inner valve supporting section (or element) 29 of the housing 7 may comprise a tubular main body 30 with a length -which may be about 33.08mm -which may be less than the total housing length. The tubular main body 30 may have a series of, for example, three decreasing internal diameters (which decrease in steps) with the largest diameter at a first end 34 of the inner valve supporting section 29 -for example, the diameters may be about 25.6mm, 19.8mm and 16.8mm. An external surface 35 of the tubular main body 30 may have a large diameter at the first end 34 of the supporting section 29 -for example, about 28.8mm -and a stepped smaller diameter towards a second end 36 of the supporting section 29-for example, about 19.6mm.

Two securing arms 38,39 may extend from opposing positions around the external surface 35 of the tubular main body 30 of the inner valve supporting section 29 and may be integrally connected to the internal surface of the manifold attachment arrangement 11, for example away from the first end 10 of the main body section 8 of the housing 7. The arms 38,39 may be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body 8 of the housing 7 such that a longitudinal axis of the inner valve supporting section 29 and the longitudinal axis of the main body 8 of the housing 7 may be generally aligned with and parallel with each other. The first end 10 of the main body section 8 of the housing 7 may be adjacent the first end 34 of the valve supporting section 29.

A non-return valve 41 of the type described above may be fitted into the inner valve supporting section 29 with the cylindrical base portion of the valve closest to the first end 34 of the main body section 8 of the housing 7. The valve 41 may have a friction fitting with the inner valve supporting section 29.

The manifold attachment arrangement 11 may be of a type such that it is suitable for attachment to a water meter manifold 1 (for example, of standard construction as described above). The housing 7 may be attached to the manifold 1 in a location such that water flowing through the manifold 1 may pass through the non-return valve 41 held in the housing 7. For example, the housing 7 may attach to the water meter manifold 1 at an attachment arrangement 5 of the manifold 1 to which a water meter 40 would normally be attached. Thus, it will be appreciated that the manifold attachment arrangement 11 of the housing 7 may substantially mirror an attachment 25 arrangement (not shown) of a water meter 40.

Similarly, the water meter attachment arrangement 28 of the housing 7 may be of a type such that it is suitable for attachment to a water meter 40. For example, the housing 7 may attach to the water meter 40 at an attachment arrangement of the meter to which a water meter manifold 1 would normally be attached. Thus, it will be appreciated that the meter attachment arrangement 28 of the housing 7 may substantially mirror an attachment arrangement 5 of the water meter manifold 1.

Consequently, as will be understood, the housing of some embodiments may be connected to a water meter manifold 1 and a water meter 40 may be attached to the housing 7. Thus, the housing 7 (and the non-return valve 41 which it may house) may be located between the water meter 40 and the water meter manifold 1 such that water flowing through the manifold 1 may pass through the housing 7.

Specifically, water may be drawn through the external cavity of a coaxial pipe section 4 of a water meter manifold 1, and will flow through the housing 7 between the inner surface of the wall 9 of the housing 7 and the inner valve supporting section 29. Water which has passed through the water meter 40 and, consequently, may be flowing through an internal cavity of a coaxial pipe section of the water meter 40 will flow through the valve 41 located in the inner valve supporting section 19 of the housing 7 (if provided) and into the internal cavity of the coaxial pipe 4 of the water meter manifold 1.

Rubber (or a synthetic equivalent) seals 6 in the form of washers (or o-rings) may be used with the housing to ensure that excessive amounts of water do not leak from around the attachment arrangements 5,28. An ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber may be used for the seals. The seals may be made to BS831. The seals may have an internal diameter of 50.8mm or 24.5mm and may have respective cross-sectional thicknesses of 3.53mm or 5.15mm.

Washers 6 may be located at the abutment surface 17 for the manifold attachment arrangement 11 of the housing 7 and at the first end 34 of the inner valve supporting section 29.

When a housing 7 according to some embodiments of the present invention is attached to a water meter manifold 1, then the stop surface 15, and abutment surface 17 of the manifold attachment arrangement 11 of the housing 7 may abut corresponding surfaces of the manifold. Similarly, the meter abutment surface 25, and the inner surface of the meter abutment section 24 may abut corresponding surfaces of the water meter 40. Washers (or o-rings) may be placed between the abutting surfaces. Other surfaces of the housing 7 may abut the meter 40 or the manifold 1 -as will be appreciated.

Surfaces of the inner valve supporting section 29 may abut corresponding surfaces of the meter and manifold 1 in order to provide or seek to provide a continuous substantially sealed inner cavity running from the meter into the manifold 1. Washers (or o-rings) may be utilised to improve or achieve the required seals.

The meter 28 and manifold 11 attachment arrangements may be threaded surfaces (as discussed above) but other attachment arrangements may also be used.

The inner valve supporting section 29 of the housing 7 may be arranged such that a non-return valve supported by the housing 7 may allow water to flow from the second end 19 of the housing 7 to the first end 34 through the valve 41 but will substantially prevent water from flowing through the valve 41 in the opposite direction.

Thus, some embodiments include a main body section 8 (of pipe-like structure) with attachment arrangements 11,28 at either end (one for attachment to a water meter 40 and one for attachment to a water meter manifold 1). The main body section 8 may be coaxial with an inner valve supporting section 29 and has an outer cavity -or channel -which is substantially free from obstruction (with the exception of the arms which support the inner valve supporting section 29) and an inner cavity (of the inner valve supporting section 29) -or channel -which may contain a valve 41 which is designed to allow water to flow through the inner cavity in one direction but substantially not in the opposing direction.

Embodiments, therefore, achieve many of the advantages described in GB2440412.

With reference to figures 8-11, some embodiments include an electrical power generator 100. The electrical power generator 100 may be configured to generate electrical power from the flow of water through the housing 7. This may be the flow of water through the inner valve supporting section 29 and/or the flow of water through the channel defined between the inner valve supporting section 29 and the main body section 8 of the housing 9.

The electrical power generator 100 may, therefore, be located upstream or downstream of the water meter 40 On relation to the normal flow of water). The electrical power generator 100 may be located upstream of the non-return valve 41 in the housing 7 (if, indeed, there is one provided). In some embodiments (not depicted), the electrical power generator 100 may be located downstream of the non-return valve 41 in the housing 7 (if provided) and this may entail, for example, positioning the non-return valve 41 closer to the second end 19 than depicted (and the electrical power generator 100 may be configured, in such embodiments, to generate electrical power from the flow of water through the inner valve supporting section 29).

The electrical generator 100 may include a rotor member 101 and a stator member 102. The rotor member 101 may be at least partially located in the channel defined by the inner valve supporting section 29 such that the flow of water therethrough may cause rotation of at least part of the rotor member 101. The rotor member 101 may be at least partially located in the channel defined between the inner valve supporting section 29 and the main body section 8 of the housing 7, such that the flow of water therethrough may cause rotation of at least part of the rotor member 101.

The rotor member 101 may include one or more rotor elements which are configured (e.g. angled with respect to the flow of water) such that rotational movement of the or each rotor element is imparted by the flow of water past the or each rotor element. This rotational movement may be about a rotational axis of the rotor member 101, which may be aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the housing 7. The or each rotor element may be coupled to a magnetic element, such that movement of the or each rotor element about the rotational axis causes corresponding movement of the or each magnetic element. In some embodiments, the or each rotor element is a respective one of the or each magnetic elements. The rotor member 101 may be in the form of a helical member, which may be an elongate helical member oriented to be parallel with the longitudinal axis of the housing 7.

The or each rotor element may include a plate inclined with respect to the expected flow of water, such that the flow of water past the plate will cause rotation of the or each rotor element.

In some embodiments, the or each rotor element is carried by a bearing. The or each magnetic element may be mounted in relation to the bearing such that movement of the or each rotor element causes movement (e.g. through abutment therewith) of the or each magnetic element. For example, the bearing may include a first annular c-shaped channel, an open mouth of which may face an open mouth of a second annular c-shaped channel. The or each rotor element may be mounted with portions extending into each annular c-shaped channel such that the or each rotor element can move around a path defined by the two annular c-shaped channels. Movement of the or each rotor element may drive movement of the or each magnetic element which may be captured by the first and/or second c-shaped channel. The first c-shaped channel may be located, for example, adjacent the main body section 8 of the housing 7 and the second c-shaped channel may be located adjacent the inner valve supporting section 29 such that the or each rotor element may extend across at least a part of the channel defined therebetween. The bearing may be supported, for example, on a ridge defined in a wall of the housing 7 and/or may be at least partially embedded into one or more walls thereof.

In some embodiments, the bearing has a single c-shaped channel with an inwardly facing mouth and the or each rotor element may extend across the single c-shaped channel (e.g. across a diameter thereof, or in a Y-shape across the bearing) -such an arrangement may be suitable for use, for example, when the rotor member 101 is located within the channel of the inner valve supporting section 29. The bearing may be supported, for example, on a ridge defined in a wall of the housing 7 (e.g. a wall of the inner valve supporting section 29 and/or may be at least partially embedded into one or more walls thereof.

The stator member 102 may be, for example, in the form of a coil of an electrical conductor (such as wire) which may be located in the housing 7 adjacent the rotor member 101 -such that rotation of the rotor member 101 (and the magnetic element(s)) induces an electrical current in the stator member 102.

The stator member 102 may include one or more stator elements which are distributed around the housing 7 -each stator element may include a coil and the coils of the state elements may be connected in electrical communication with each other (in series or in parallel).

In some embodiments, the stator member 102 may be externally mounted -e.g. mounted outside of the outer wall 9. The or each stator element may be located between and/or around the or each rib 60.

The stator member 102 may be located radially outwardly from the rotor member 101 and/or may be located radially inwardly in some embodiments.

Electrical conductors may connect the stator member 102 to one or more externally accessible terminals (which may be connection blocks or fly-wires, for example). In the case of a stator member 102 which is at least partially located in the inner valve supporting section 29, these electrical conductors may pass through or on the securing arms 38,39 (there may only be one securing arm 38,39, in some embodiments).

The stator member 102 may be at least partially embedded in the material of the housing 7. For example, one or more coils thereof may be covered from contact with the fluid (e.g. water) passing through the housing 7 by an electrically insulating material which may be the material which forms the housing 7 (or a part thereof), for example.

The stator member 102 may be an annular ring which extends around substantially an entire circumference of the housing 7 or a part thereof.

In some embodiments, the inner valve supporting section 29 may not support 25 a valve 41 and may be an open tube. Therefore, this feature may equally be referred to as an inner section 29 or inner tube 29.

Embodiments, therefore, achieve many of the advantages described in GB2577543.

With reference to figures 2, 6-18, some embodiments include a flow restrictor 90. The flow restrictor 90 may be configured to restrict the flow of water through the housing 7. This may be the flow of water through the channel defined between the inner section 29 and the main body section 8 of the housing 7 (defining a first flow path) and/or the flow of water through the inner section 29 (defining a second flow path). Accordingly, the flow restrictor 90 may reduce a cross-sectional size of a channel through the housing 7.

The flow restrictor 90 may be provided in addition to the non-return valve 41 and may provide, therefore, a flow restriction beyond that inherent in the operation of the non-return valve 41.

The flow restrictor 90 may be located upstream or downstream of the water meter 40 On relation to the normal flow of water through the housing 7). The flow restrictor 90 may be located upstream of the non-return valve 41 in the housing 7 (if, indeed, there is one provided) -see figures 8-13, for example. In some embodiments (see figure 14, for example), the flow restrictor 90 may be located downstream of the non-return valve 41 in the housing 7 (if provided) and this may entail, for example, positioning the non-return valve 41 closer to the second end 19 than depicted. The flow restrictor 90 may be located partially or fully within the inner valve supporting section 29. The flow restrictor may abut at least part of the inner valve supporting section 29.

Various different possible positions for the flow restrictor 90 are depicted in the figures, which also show a flow restrictor 90 positions relative to a non-return valve 41 or forming a part thereof. These figures include various different housings 7 but it will be appreciated that a given position of the flow restrictor 90 depicted in relation to one type of housing 7 may equally be used with any of the other types of housing 7 described herein.

In some embodiments the flow restrictor 90 is removable from the housing 7. The flow restrictor 90 may be an independent component part of the housing 7. In some embodiments, such as depicted in figures 6 & 7 for example, the flow restrictor 90 may be an integral part of the non-return valve 41. In some embodiments, the flow restrictor 90 is an integral part of the housing 7. In this sense the term "integral" may or may not mean "integrally formed with", but more widely encompasses embodiments in which the flow restrictor 90 is manufactured as a part of the housing 7 or the non-return valve 41, as the case may be (this may be such that the flow restrictor 90 cannot be readily removed and may be such that removal would damage the housing 7 or the non-return valve 41, as the case may be).

In some embodiments, the non-return valve 41 may be configured to be fitted directly to the inner valve supporting section 29 -i.e. such that the non-return valve 41 is in contact with the inner valve supporting section 29. In some embodiments, however, the non-return valve 41 is configured to be indirectly fitted to the inner valve supporting section 29 -see figure 19. This indirect connection may be, for example, via a sleeve or collar 105. The sleeve or collar 105 may be a tubular member which fits inside the inner valve supporting section 29 and which may receive the non-return valve 41. The use of an indirect connection may help to reduce the flow through the non-return valve 41. The sleeve or collar 105 may, therefore, have an external diameter configured for an interference fit with the inner valve supporting section 29 and an inner diameter configured for an interference fit with the non-return valve 41.

With a flow restrictor 90 integrally formed with the non-return valve 41, for example, the sleeve or collar 105 may be configured to receive respective different non-return valves 41 which differ from each other with regard to the degree of flow restriction. For example, one such non-return valve 41 may be configured to allow a flow rate of water therethrough of 10 litres/minute (or more) or 12 litres/minute (or more) or 14 litres/minute (or more) under normal operating conditions. Different non-return valves 41 (i.e. with respective different degrees of flow restriction) may be colour coded to permit easy identification. The same sleeve or collar 105 may be configured to receive different ones of the non-return valves 41. In some embodiments, each non-return valve 41 (with a different flow restriction) is provided with its own sleeve or collar 105, wherein all the sleeves or collars 105 may be configured to fit the inner valve supporting section 29 but each sleeve or collar 105 is configured to secure a different one of the non-return valves 41 within the inner valve supporting section 29 -i.e. each may have a different internal diameter.

The sleeve or collar 105 may have one or more circumferential outer seals and/or one or more circumferential inner seals.

In some embodiments, the flow restrictor 90 is fitted to the housing 7 by an interference fit. In some embodiments, the flow restrictor 90 may be sandwiched between the non-return valve 41 and an adjacent surface of the inner valve supporting section 29. For example (see figure 13), the flow restrictor 90 may be sandwiched between a step 33 of the inner valve supporting section 29 (the step 33 being located within the inner valve supporting section 29) and the non-return valve 41. In some embodiments, the flow restrictor 90 is fitted to abut the step 33 even if no non-return valve 41 is provided.

The flow restrictor 90 may form a part of the annular ring 42, thereby reducing a width of the void 49. As illustrated, the void 49 is typically a similar width to a width of an upstream surface of the mushroom-shaped valve member 53 (which may be a substantially flat surface). The flow restrictor 90 may restrict a width of the void 49 such that it is narrower than the upstream surface of the valve member 53.

The water flow rate through the manifold 1 without the flow restrictor 90 is a normal flow rate (or an unrestricted flow rate). This normal flow rate may be the flow rate through the manifold 1 and the housing 7 and/or any valve 41 and/or the electrical power generator 100 which may be provided, or may be the flow rate through the manifold 1 prior to the provision of the housing 7 and/or any valve 41 and/or the electrical power generator 100. The water flow rate after the provision of the flow restrictor 90 in accordance with embodiments described herein may be referred to as the restricted flow rate. The restricted flow rate is less than the normal flow rate.

As will be appreciated the flow rate is dependent on the water pressure at the input 2 of the manifold 1. Therefore, normal and restricted flow rates may be defined for a given water pressure at the input 2 of the manifold 1 and may be the maximum flow rates therethrough (keeping in mind that there may be other flow restrictions downstream of the manifold 1 in practice, including pipework, taps and other valves, etc.).

As will also be appreciated, the flow restrictor 90 will also have the effect of reducing the water pressure at the output 3 of the manifold 1 (i.e. downstream of the flow restrictor 90) compared to a manifold 1 not including the flow restrictor 90. Therefore, the water pressure at the output 3 of the manifold 1 not including the flow restrictor 90 may be referred to as the normal output water pressure, whereas the water pressure at the output 3 of the manifold 1 including the flow restrictor 90 may be referred to as the restricted output water pressure.

The flow restrictor 90 may be an invariable flow restrictor. As depicted in figures 16 and 17, for example, the flow restrictor 90 may be an annular component which defines an aperture 901. The aperture 901 may have an 30 associated cross-sectional area. The aperture 901 may be circular or substantially circular. Alternatively, the aperture 901 may be of any desired shape, such as square, rectangular, triangular etc. The flow restrictor 90 may be a washer (or o-ring). The washer may be made from any suitable material, including but not limited to rubber (or synthetic substitutes thereof), plastic, or metal. For example, the flow restrictor 90 may be a stainless steel washer. The washer may have an internal and an external diameter, where the internal diameter is the diameter of the aperture and the external diameter is the diameter between two opposing points on the outer circumference. The external diameter may be about 19 mm. The washer may have a thickness (i.e. height) of about 1 mm. The washer may have an internal diameter of about 4 mm.

The external diameter of the flow restrictor 90 may be such that the flow restrictor 90 forms a tight fit within another part of the housing 7. This may include an inner wall of the inner valve supporting section 29, for example. The external diameter of the flow restrictor 90 may be such that the flow restrictor 90 forms a tight fit within another part of the non-return valve 41.

The cross-sectional area of the aperture 901 may be selected to provide a desired restricted flow rate and/or restricted output water pressure. For example, the desired restricted flow rate may be a standard flow rate defined by a relevant water authority. The desired restricted flow rate may be any value up to the limit imposed by the normal flow rate. The desired restricted flow rate may be 9 litres per minute, for example. For example, the desired restricted output water pressure may be a standard pressure defined by a relevant water authority. The desired restricted output water pressure may be any value up to the limit imposed by the normal output water pressure.

The required cross-sectional area of the aperture 901 may, therefore, be dependent on factors such as the normal output water pressure, which may vary from one location to another within a water distribution system (i.e. from one property to another and so from one manifold 1 to another). Accordingly, the required flow restrictor 90 may need to be selected (so that it has the necessary aperture 901 size) based on local factors for the manifold 1, which may include the normal output water pressure.

Accordingly, in embodiments in which the flow restrictor 90 is removable from the housing, the flow restrictor 90 may be selected from a group of flow restrictors 90 having different aperture 901 sizes (e.g. different cross-sectional areas). Flow restrictors 90 may, in such embodiment, therefore be interchanged/replaced in response to any changes in the desired output flow rate.

In embodiments in which the flow restrictor 90 is an integral part of the housing 7 or the non-return valve 41, then a group of housings 7 and/or non-return valves 41 (as the case may be) may be provided in which the flow restrictor 90 provided in each of the group has a different aperture 901 size.

The flow restrictor 90 may comprise multiple components. For example, the flow restrictor 90 may comprise a plurality of obstructions within the housing 7.

The flow restrictor 90 may be a variable flow restrictor 90. The variable flow restrictor 90 may have an aperture 901 with a variable cross-sectional area. The variable flow restrictor 90 can be used to respond to fluctuations in the water pressure at the input 2 of the manifold 1 and may seek to provide a substantially constant restricted output water pressure and/or a substantially constant restricted flow rate.

The variable flow restrictor 90 can also or alternatively be used to vary the restricted flow rate according to any changes in the desired restricted flow rate.

The variable flow restrictor 90 can also or alternatively be used to vary the restricted output water pressure according to any changes in the desired restricted output water pressure.

For example, the variable flow restrictor 90 can be used to reduce, or even substantially cut-off, water supply to properties or consumers that have not paid their water bill. This functionality may be useful if commercial and domestic properties are supplied by a single water supply, as the flow rate can be limited to prevent commercial use while still meeting minimum standards for domestic supply.

The variable flow restrictor 90 of some embodiments, therefore, may seek to achieve many of the advantages of the interchangeable invariable flow restrictors 90 (as described herein). The variable flow restrictor 90 is necessarily more complex than the invariable flow restrictor(s) 90, however.

The variable flow restrictor 90 may comprise an iris-type mechanism such as an iris diaphragm, as partially illustrated in figure 15. The iris diaphragm may be of a known form. The iris diaphragm may comprise a stationary ring, a rotatable ring, and a plurality of leaves or blades 902 mounted to the rings so as to form a variable aperture 901. The shape of the aperture 901 may depend on the number of leaves or blades 902 used. Figure 16 illustrates an embodiment having four leaves or blades 902, however, it will be readily understood that any number of leaves or blades 902 can be used.

In an embodiment, the aperture 901 can be varied between a fully open configuration, in which the leaves or blades 902 do not significantly obstruct a hole defined by the stationary and rotatable rings, and a fully closed configuration, in which the leaves or blades 902 fully obstruct the hole defined by the stationary and rotatable rings, by rotation of the rotatable ring.

Alternatively, the leaves or blades 902 may be configured such that it is not possible to fully close the aperture 901. The leaves or blades 902 may be generally mounted at regular intervals around the rings. The rotatable ring may include a handle for manual rotation, for example. Accordingly, the size of the aperture 901 may be altered by manual operation of the flow restrictor 90 (e.g. through use of the handle). The handle may extend through a part of the housing 7 (though a section which is not in fluid communication with the channels for water through the housing 7). The handle may extend, for example, through one of the securing arms 38,39 and may be moveable in an arc (in an arcuate passage defined through that securing arm 38,39). In some embodiments, the handle is accessible by removal of the flow restrictor 90 (or a non-return valve 41 of which the flow restrictor 90 is a part). In such embodiments, the handle may be inaccessible from outside the housing 7.

The variable flow restrictor 90 may be located within the housing 7 at any of the previously identified flow restrictor 90 locations, including at least partially within, or abutting, inner section 29. The variable flow restrictor 90 may be formed as an integral part of the non-return valve 41 or the housing 7. The variable flow restrictor 90 may be placed at a location upstream of, downstream of, or within the inner section 29.

In an embodiment, the flow restrictor 90 may be remotely adjustable. An engineer, operator or other user may remotely adjust the flow restrictor 90 to vary the cross-sectional area (i.e. size) of the aperture 901. For example, the rotatable ring may be remotely adjustable by an actuator. The rotatable ring may be engaged by a gear such that rotation of the gear causes rotation of the rotatable ring. The gear may be driven by a motor such as a brushless DC motor. The motor may be a stepper motor, for example. In such embodiments, the actuator may include the motor and may include the gear. The actuator may be part of the flow restrictor 90 but may be mounted externally of the housing 7. In some embodiments, the housing 7 may also house the actuator.

The actuator may be electrically operated and electrical power for its operation may be provided by the electrical power generator 100 described herein.

The flow restrictor 90, or part thereof (such as the actuator), may be communicatively coupled to an external and/or remote device 200 so as to allow remote control of the flow restrictor 90 (i.e. remote adjustment of the aperture 901 size for the flow restrictor 90). The remote device 200 may be, for example, a workstation, computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device.

In some embodiments, the flow restrictor 90 is a variable flow restrictor 90 but, unlike the examples above, the size of the aperture 901 is altered automatically. In other words, separate actuation of the flow restrictor 90 is not required and the aperture 901 size may be varied automatically based on the water pressure, for example, at the flow restrictor 90.

Some example embodiments are described with reference to figure 18, which is a schematic representation to aid understanding rather than an accurate design drawing.

In such examples, the aperture 901 may be at least partially defined by the flow restrictor 90 or a part thereof. In some embodiments, the aperture 901 may be at least partially defined by a part of the flow restrictor 90 and a part of the non-return valve 41.

In some embodiments, there are a plurality of sub-apertures which collectively form the aperture 901.

The flow restrictor 90 may include a resiliently deformable or moveable 30 member 904 (which may be referred to as a flow restriction member 904, for example). The flow restriction member 904 is configured to move with respect to at least part of the non-return valve 41 or another part of the flow restrictor 90 between an open state and a closed state. In some embodiments, this movement is in a radial direction and the flow restriction member 904 is an annular member (such as a washer or o-ring) which may be formed from a rubber material (or a synthetic rubber material). The flow restriction member 904 may, in the open state, be positioned such that the aperture 901 is large and the flow restriction member 904 may, in the closed state, be positioned such that the aperture 901 is small (or even closed) -large and small being defined with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the flow restrictor 90 may include a pressing member 903 which is configured to hold the flow restriction member 904 in place with respect to the non-return valve 41 and/or another part of the flow restrictor 90. In some embodiments, the pressing member 903 is configured to move axially to compress and decompress the flow restriction member 904, with compression of the flow restriction member 904 causing its movement towards the closed state and decompression causing it movement towards the open state.

In the depicted and some other examples, the variable flow restrictor 90 is integrated with the non-return valve 41 (this need not be the case). The non-return valve 41 may have supporting arms 51 which, in fact, from an outer cylindrical wall of the valve 41. The base portion 50 may define a one or more outlets 59 (of which there may be two or more (two are shown in figure 18 in that particular cross-sectional view)). The outer cylindrical wall may be such that water flowing through the valve 41 enters through the hole or void 49 and then passes out (and in some cases may only pass out) through the or each outlet 59.

The flow restrictor 18 in the depicted and some other embodiments, may be positioned within the valve 41 adjacent the or each outlet 59. The flow 30 restriction member 904 may be located adjacent to the or each outlet 59 and the aperture 901 is defined between the flow restriction member 904 and the valve 41 (and in particular the walls of the outlets 59). In this example, and some others, the aperture 901 is provided by a plurality of sub-apertures with each sub-aperture at least partially defined by a different one of the outlets 59.

The flow restriction member 904 is held in position adjacent the outlets 59 by the pressing member 903 (which may be secured to the valve 41 by clips which allow some axial movement). As water flows through the valve 41 the pressing member 903 may move to compress the flow restriction member 904 which, in turn, moves the flow restriction member 904 towards the closed state and reduces the size of the aperture 901. As the water pressure increases, the flow restriction member 904 is compressed further. Likewise, as the water pressure decreases the flow restriction member 904 is decompressed and this opens the aperture 901. Accordingly, an automatically controlled flow restrictor 90 is provided.

The precise implementation of this arrangement may vary. In some embodiments, the flow restrictor 90 includes its own base portion 50 defining outlets 59 and so may be provided separately from the valve 41.

One suitable combined flow restrictor 90 and non-return valve 41 is the CV-FR series of valves from NeoPerl GmbH.

Embodiments may include a housing 7 including a flow restrictor 90 housed therein, a housing 7 including a flow restrictor 90 housed therein and a non-return valve 41, a housing 7 including a flow restrictor 90 housed therein and including an electrical power generator 100, and/or a housing 7 including a flow restrictor 90 housed therein in combination with a non-return valve 41 and electrical power generator 100.

The housings 7 according to some embodiments may be attached to each other in series to provide a higher level of non-return protection Of they include non-return valves 41) or to add additional functionality or electrical power generation. Indeed, each housing 7 in a series of housings may contain a different type of valve 41, electrical power generator 100, and/or flow restrictor 90.

Furthermore, some embodiments allow different types of non-return valve 41 to be fitted to a water meter manifold 1. In such instances the inner valve supporting section 29 may be designed to house the particular type of valve in the same manner as discussed above. Alternatively, a number of valves may be designed to fit the same inner valve supporting section of some embodiments (or, similarly, the inner valve supporting section 29 may be designed to house a number of different valves). Thus, a single housing 7 need only be supplied for a variety of different applications.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a water meter manifold 1, it will be appreciated that embodiments may be used in other applications where non-return valve protection is required and/or electrical power generation is needed and/or flow restriction is desired. It is simply necessary to ensure that the attachment arrangements 11,28 of the housing 7 are suited to corresponding attachment arrangements normally used in that particular application.

The one or more ribs 60 of the housing 7 seek to allow the housing to be gripped without slippage. The guard sections 18,21 are designed to help to prevent objects (such as someone's fingers) from being caught in the attachment arrangements 18,21 of the housing 7.

In some embodiments, the meter attachment arrangement 18 and the manifold attachment arrangement 11 may include abutment surfaces on the inner valve supporting member 29 which may abut corresponding surfaces in the meter and manifold 1. Thus, two separated coaxial channels are formed between the manifold 1 and the meter.

It will be appreciated that some embodiments allow a traditional water meter manifold 1 (containing a single non-return valve 41) to be upgraded to include a further non-return valve 41 generally in series with the non-return valve in the manifold 1 and/or to include an electrical power generator 100 and/or to include a flow restrictor 90. Thus, a double check valve assembly may be formed at the water meter manifold 1.

The plastic material which may be used to construct at least part of embodiments of the present invention may be a material which is approved by the UK and European water industries. The plastic material which may be 15 used may be an acetal based plastic.

The attachment arrangements 28,11 of some embodiments may be of a type which is compliant with UK and European water industry standards.

The non-return valve 41 which may be housed in some embodiments may be a type 10 020 valve and may be a 10 020 DN 20 valve. The valve may be a snap-in check valve. The valve may be a CO 020 DN 15 valve or other valve configured to cap or limit the flow rate through the valve (e.g. to about 251/min).

Some embodiments may be suitable for fitting to concentric water meters and their manifolds. Examples of such devices can be found in the Water Regulations Advisory Service, Water Fittings Directory, in sections 1505, 1510, 1520 & 1525.

The externally accessible terminals of some embodiments may be coupled in electrical communication with a meter 40, which may be a smart meter 40.

This coupling may be via a power storage unit 103 (e.g. in the form of a battery or capacitor) which is configured to store electrical power for use by the meter 40. Embodiments may, therefore, be used to generate electrical power for use by one or more parts of the meter 40. The meter 40 may be the meter 40 which is coupled to the housing 7 or may be a separate meter. In some embodiments, the externally accessible terminals are coupled in electrical communication (via the power storage unit 103 or otherwise) to a communication unit 104 which is configured to communicate information from the meter to a remote location 200 via a wired or wireless communication network (the communication unit may, therefore, be communicatively coupled to the meter) The externally accessible terminals of some embodiments may be coupled in electrical communication with a flow restrictor 90 (e.g. to the actuator thereof in some embodiments). This coupling may be via the power storage unit 103 (e.g. in the form of a battery or capacitor) which is configured to store electrical power for use by the flow restrictor 90. Embodiments may, therefore, be used to generate electrical power for use by the flow restrictor 90. In some embodiments, the externally accessible terminals are coupled in electrical communication (via the power storage unit 103 or otherwise) to the communication unit 104 which is configured to communicate with the remote location/device 200 via a wired or wireless communication network (the communication unit 104 may, therefore, be communicatively coupled to the flow restrictor 90).

Accordingly, embodiments may be used to scavenge electrical power by using the flow of water through the housing to generate sufficient electrical power to perform one or more functions in relation to the meter 40, smart meter, communication unit 104, and/or flow restrictor 90.

Embodiments may be retro fitted to existing manifolds and meters 40 (any need not include a non-return valve in some embodiments). In some embodiments, the rotation of the rotor member 101 may also be used to provide an indication of the volume of water used -which may be an indication in addition to or instead of a similar indication provided by a meter for billing purposes, for example.

Some embodiments may include a system which includes the housing 7 (with the electrical power generator) along with the communications unit 104 and/or 10 the power storage unit 103 and/or a device at the remote location 200.

As will be understood, as used herein, the terms check valve and non-return valve are synonymous and interchangeable.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to 30 encompass equivalents.

Claims

Claims 1. A water fitting housing including: a main body section having first and second ends and a first channel connecting the first and second ends, wherein the main body section includes a wall and an inner tube, wherein the main body section defines a first flow path between an inner surface of the wall and the inner tube, and a second flow path inside the inner tube; a first attachment arrangement located towards a first end of the main body section; a second attachment arrangement located towards a second end of the main body section; and a flow restrictor configured to restrict a flow of water through the second flow path, wherein the first attachment arrangement is suitable to be attached to an attachment member which is substantially identical to the second attachment arrangement.
2. A housing according to claim 1, wherein the housing is suitable for use in a water supply network.
3. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the first attachment arrangement is suitable for connection to a water meter manifold and the second attachment arrangement is suitable for connection to a water 25 meter.
4. A housing according to any preceding claim, further including an inner valve supporting section configured to receive a non-return valve.
5. A housing according to claim 4, further including the non-return valve.
6. A housing according to claim 5, wherein the flow restrictor is located upstream of the non-return valve.
7. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the flow restrictor is removable from the housing.
8. A housing according to claim 5, wherein the flow restrictor is an integral part of the non-return valve.
9. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the flow restrictor is an annular component.
10. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the flow restrictor is a washer or o-ring.
11. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing is constructed out of a plastics material.
12. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment arrangements comprise threaded surfaces.
13. A housing according to any preceding claim, further including an electrical power generator configured to generate electrical power from the flow of water through the housing.
14. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the flow restrictor is a variable aperture flow restrictor.
15. A housing according to claim 14, wherein the flow restrictor is an iris-type mechanism.
16. A housing according to claim 14, wherein the flow restrictor is configured to vary an aperture size of the flow restrictor automatically dependent on the water pressure at the flow restrictor.
17. A housing according to claim 16, wherein the flow restrictor includes a flow restriction member moveable between an open and a closed state to alter the size of the aperture.
18. A housing according to claim 16 or 17 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the flow restrictor is integrally formed with the non-return valve and the aperture size is determined by the flow restriction member position relative to one or more outlets defined by a base portion of the non-return valve.
19. A housing according to claim 5, wherein the flow restrictor is part of the non-return valve, and the housing further includes a sleeve or collar configured to receive the non-return valve and configured to be received by the inner tube.