WO2005113904A1

WO2005113904A1 - Method-apparatus for metering consumption of liquid for protection of uncontrollable leak (waterfuse)

Info

Publication number: WO2005113904A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/016046
Authority: WO
Inventors: Theodore G. Paraskevakos
Original assignee: Paraskevakos Theodore G
Priority date: 2004-05-13
Filing date: 2005-05-09
Publication date: 2005-12-01
Also published as: GR1004852B

Abstract

Methods and systems meter liquid consumption for the prevention of uncontrollable liquid spillage, employ a means (5, 6) of metering and calculating the passing liquid, and disconnect from the supply after a specific predetermined or preprogrammed volume or allowance of liquid has passed. If the supply of the liquid cuts off or stops before the passage of the maximum allowance of liquid (4), the system resets to zero the liquid metering device and allows another full allowance for the next operation (13). As long as the allowances are smaller than the maximum allowance, the user can obtain as much liquid as he needs. In other words, the user can obtain as much liquid as needed, as long as he takes it in amounts smaller than the maximum allowance. If the liquid volume reaches the maximum allowance and if after a warning, the user does not turn the liquid off, then the system turns off the liquid supply (15), so that the liquid damage will be limited.

Description

METHOD -APPARATUS FOR METERING CONSUMPTION OF LIQUID FOR PROTECTION OF UNCONTROLLABLE LEAK (WATERFUSE)

[0001] The field of the present invention is in the water consumption area and more specificcally referring to the control of water spills and the avoidance of water damage, which can occur in a residential or commercial establishment.

[0002] Many inventions have been created in the past to meter water, primarily for irrigation purposes. In an extensive search in several International Patent Classifications, such as in 74,137,210,222, of the United States and other countries, I found certain patents that appear to have some relation to a specific consumption of water such as in 4,280,530, 3,097,762, and 4,202,467 of the U.S. and some more.

[0003] Some of the above patents use and an external clock mechanism and some use electric energy for timing. The inventions of the patents that I have examined have one common characteristic: they are made to provide water for a specific period of time and after that they disconnect the supply. As far as the operation of most irrigations systems, the switch "off of the water is relative to time and has to be manually reset. All the systems. I have examined refer to a time period and indirectly to an amount of water, and all the systems depend on external means for their operation and none utilize the water pressure alone to complete their operation, hi the free market, there are no systems or devices constructed for the protection of water damage in conjunction and operation with the amount of water. Although, the protection against water damage has to be a natural extension of the irrigation mechanism, in reality research of the subject revealed that the idea of controlling water to prevent water damage, although it has been a very good practical idea, is not so obvious to those skilled in the art and nobody has exploited that possibility so far.

[0004] The present invention offers some new solutions to avoid water damage, which can be related to carelessness (i.e., forgetting the spout is open, breaking the supply line for mechanical reasons or by freezing in the winter), a slow water drip, natural disasters, or a sudden rise in the pressure in the utility water net.

[0005] In all the above cases, the water spill is very large and extensive and, furthermore, involves an uncontrollable consumption of water, which, as we all know, the supply constantly deploys and which we consider a very "valuable commodity." The damage, which occurs in the vicinity of the spill in some cases, can be very costly, and, of course, the damage can depend on the duration and the size of the spill.

[0006] Water damage is the number one claim made to most insurance companies. Restricting the consumption of the water in a very specific amount will be very inconvenient to consumers, because they have to reset the system every time.

[0007] By taking into consideration the weakness of the complete cut off the water after a certain amount of water has passed, I have designed this present invention in such a way as to allow the user of the water to consume as much water as he desires, but he has to receive it in specifics amounts.

[0008] We know that all everyday uses of the water are limited in quantities. For example, in a washing machine, although the total water consumption is high, the water is consumed in smaller quantities such as the presoak, sock, wash, rinse, etc. Dishwashers and all the other everyday water consumers follow the same procedure. With that in mind, I have designed this invention to allow a certain amount of water to be used, and if this consumption of the water is cut off before the predetermined amount of water that is allowed through the system, the water meter will reset itself, and it can be used in other full doses of water by the user.

[0009] This consumption of water in amounts less than the nominal amount allowed by the system, can be repeated as much as the consumer desires.

[0010] In other words, the system meters the consumption and if the consumption is lower than the safety level of the consumption due to user intervention by closing up the spout before the allowed amount (i.e., 20 liters, which we have set for this particular example as maximum water allowance), the meter of water in the device (1) resets to the initial condition, which means virtually starting the counting from zero so the next time he opens the spout the consumption is allowed to be as much as the nominal amount that has been set. In this case, we can take 19 liters of water every time it is needed and that can be done virtually forever.

[0011] In another words, we can keep taking water in a smaller doses of the nominal amount of consumption, and in this way we can restrict the total amount of water damage to be limited to, in the present example, 20 liters of water only. [0012] Waterfuse (1) allows a specific amount of water to pass through, and if for some reason such as damage to the pipes occurs, waterfuse (1) will stop the consumption and will remain closed until the user repairs the leak and can reset the system manually through switch lever (23).

[0013] One skilled in the art can appreciate that waterfuse (1) can be constructed to allow a specific amount of water or can be adjusted according to the needs of the user.

[0014] One skilled in the art can appreciate that switch (23) will be able to put the system "on" and after a certain amount of water passes, to cut off the system. Switch (23) can also be put in the "off operation position and that means the water supply will work as usual and will not affect the consumption what so ever.

[0015] Furthermore, switch (23) can remain in "off operation position during the regular occupation of the premises and it can be put in the "on" position, so during the absence of the user it will protect the dwelling from unfortunate damage in the pipes and in that way restrict the damage only to the amount of water that waterfuse (1) is pre-programmed to allow.

[0016] One skilled in the art can appreciate that switch (23) can be a simple mechanical switch, as in the present indicated example, or switch (23) can be remotely controlled with the specific purpose to allow the user to put switch (23) in the "on" operation position and restore the water supply without the inconvenience of having to visit the site of waterfuse (1). That means that the user can restore the system to a working operating mode from a position including, for example, a bathroom, kitchen, garden, etc., according to his needs and desires.

[0017] One skilled in the art can appreciate, if the user uses an irrigation system, then the irrigation system has to be programmed to use water in amounts smaller than the predetermined amount used by waterfuse (1) as many times as the irrigation system demands.

[0018] Furthermore the system can include a mechanism to give a warning to a consumer that the water is reaching the end of its allowable amount. That warning can be a pulsating supply of the last liters, so if the user is having a bath and needs more water he can turn the spout off, the waterfuse (1) will be reset to zero, and as soon as he reopens the spout he can have another amount of water to finish his bath. [0019] Waterfuse (1) can be installed in any new or old water supply installation immediately after the main water switch and can follow a similar scheme to one that is used for electrical fuses.

[0020] _. In another words, a central waterfuse (1) can cover specific supplies like, hot water, toilets, irrigation, kitchen, baths, etc.

[0021] In installations that include firefighting systems like sprinklers, waterfuse (1) can be installed in such a way not to interfere with the system and simply can be installed parallel to the firefighting system so that the water or the sprinklers will not go through the waterfuse (1).

[0022] One skilled in the art can appreciate that waterfuse (1) can be installed in premises which are protected by sprinklers and can be connected with heat sensors to prevent the operation of the sprinklers when there is no evidence of fire and avoid unnecessary water damage.

[0023] The above explanations refer to a sprinkler system that can trigger all the sprinklers simultaneously, where the damage from water in a false alarm can be greater than the fire damage.

[0024] Waterfuse (1) can be constructed from various materials such as plastic, metal, something else suitable in this case, or something that will be available in the future.

[0025] The size and the amount of water that can go through waterfuse (1) each time depends on the needs of the user. One skilled in the art can appreciate that the amount of water can be fixed, predetermined, or even adjusted to the needs of the user. A vast combination of materials can be used in the construction to suit the special needs of an installation (i.e., fittings to the water supply network can be bronze or copper so they can be safely secured and can have different sizes to match to the different size of pipe).

[0026] The gears of the meter and all the other parts that come in touch with water can be made from plastic to avoid rust. Certain other parts like cover (22) of switch (23) can be made from flexible plastic or rubber, so that switch (23) can be operated from the outside and still maintain a watertight condition in the system.

[0027] Cover (22) of switch (23) can be flexible and extended so in case there is frost inside waterfuse (1) there is enough space to extend and avoid damage from the frost. In another words, cover (22) could be further protection for the system against frost. Brief description of drawings

[0028] Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional of view of the device in the off position.

[0029] Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the device of Fig.1 in the on position. [0030] Fig. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view A - A for further clarification.

[0031] Fig. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view B - B for further clarification.

Detailed description of drawings

[0032] In one embodiment, waterfuse (1) has a water input (2) in which we have put a net (filter) to hold any solid object that can be present in the water supply. The water goes through propeller (3), which is appropriately attached to be able to spin freely with the passage of water. The size and the shape of the propeller (3) can be anything that suits the construction. In the present embodiment, propeller (3) has been attached peripherally to gear tooth (5) so the movement can be transferred to the rest of the gearwheels (6). The number of gears (6) is calculated in such way to reflect the amount of passing water that is desired. Waterfuse (1) has a water exit (17), which has a circular intake (11) in which has been attached diaphragm (12) that remains in the "off position by spring (14). When the system is "off, the water's pressure is the same at both sides of diaphragm (12) and while spring (14) pushes membrane (12) into circular intake (11), the water doesn't pass through waterfuse (1). When water valve (18) is in the open position (see Fig. 2), the water pressure from the left side of membrane (12) will push spring (14) and the water will pass through waterfuse (1). Since membrane (12) moves to the right, rod (13) will be engaged with a worm (9). After a certain amount of water which corresponds to specifics amount of turns of propeller (3) and according the number of gears (6), axle (7) turns worm (9), which will be moving until plug (15) closes hole opening (16).

[0033] During the course of operation of worm (9), spring (10) loads and if water valve (18) closes up, meaning stops the water consumption, the water's pressure will be the same in both sides of diaphragm (12), so diaphragm (12) will come back to its first position and circular opening (11) will close. The movement to the "off position makes rod (13) disengage from worm (9) and spring (10) will push worm (9) to its initial position and the system will be ready to start the counting from zero.

[0034] If the consumption continues, plug (15) will close hole opening (16) and worm (9) will reach a position where safety lever (19) will engage with safety disc (8) and being pushed by spring (20) will turn axle (21) and secure plug (15) in the "off position, only if switch (23) is preset in the "on" position as in the Fig. 1.

[0035] In the case where plug (15) cuts off the water supply from exit (16), the rise of the pressure in the right side of membrane (12), with aid of spring (14), stops the water supply.

[0036] For further understanding of this embodiment, in Fig. 3 is horizontal cross- sectional view A - A of waterfuse (1) in which position of propeller (3) is illustrated. Propeller turns on axle (4) and transfers the movement to gear (5), which is engaged to wheel gears (6) in such way to achieve a reduction of turns of the propeller (4) according to the passing water and until the water reaches the level which we desire to discontinue the passage.

[0037] Fig. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view B - B of waterfuse (1) from the Fig.2, in which diaphragm (12) has extended to the right allowing the passage of the water through circular opening (11) and allowing push rod (13) to be engaged with worm (9), which turns by the propeller (3) and can slide into the hexagon, which in this embodiment is, axle (7). In another words, worm (9) can be turned and, if it is engaged with rod (13), is be able to slide across axle (7) in such a way until the predetermined amount of water passes through so that plug (15) closes opening hole (16). In this embodiment, the position of safety lever (19) and the position of switch (23) with respect to axle (24) are illustrated. Cover (22), as we mentioned earlier, can be attached to waterfuse (1) and constructed from flexible but durable materials so that switch (23) can be operated externally.

[0038] One skilled in the art can appreciate that in the case of remotely control operation a solenoid or any other suitable means can operate switch (23) and, of course, precautions have to be taken in order to keep the system watertight.

[0039] The present embodiment, describes a typical independent mechanism that works using the water pressure of the water supply system without needing any external needs. Similar mechanisms can be constructed to serve the same purposes. The amount of water which passes through during operation of the system can also be limited using an electro-mechanical or electrical means through a microcontroller with the appropriate water sensors. Although in this case the system depends on external means, the electronic system has many others positives aspects because it could be remotely controlled and can provide an indication of the water consumption of each user.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method for preventing uncontrollable liquid spillage, comprising: metering a passed volume of a liquid; providing a switch to reset the metering; if the passed volume of the liquid is substantially equivalent to a predetermined volume of the liquid, prohibiting additional passage of the liquid; and if the passed volume of the liquid is less than the predetermined volume of the liquid and a flow of the liquid has substantially stopped, automatically resetting the metering to zero.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid comprises water.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more of metering a passed volume of the liquid, prohibiting additional passage of the liquid, and automatically resetting the metering to zero is powered by a pressure of the liquid.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more of metering a passed volume of the liquid, prohibiting additional passage of the liquid, and automatically resetting the metering to zero is powered by an external electrical source.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more of metering a passed volume of the liquid, prohibiting additional passage of the liquid, and automatically resetting the metering to zero is powered by an external electro-mechanical source.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising using the switch to engage and disengage metering a passed volume of the liquid, prohibiting additional passage of the liquid, and automatically resetting the metering to zero.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the switch is operated remotely.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising allowing adjustment of the predetermined volume of the liquid.

9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising warning a user if the passed volume of liquid is substantially close to the predetermined volume.

10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising communicating with external sensors.

11. A system for preventing uncontrollable liquid spillage, comprising: a propeller placed in a flow of a liquid to spin freely, wherein the flow is divided after passing the propeller into a first pathway and a second pathway; one or more gears connected to the propeller; a spring-loaded worm connected axially to the one or more gears; a plug connected axially to the spring-loaded worm; a diaphragm located between the first pathway and the second pathway; a spring-loaded rod capable of connecting the spring-loaded worm to the diaphragm and located in the first pathway; a switch mechanism capable of locking the spring-loaded worm in place; and an exit hole providing fluid communication between the first pathway and the second pathway located on the side of the diaphragm opposite the propeller, wherein the propeller, the one or more gears, and the spring-loaded worm meter the flow, wherein if the spring-loaded worm is moved enough and the switch mechanism is in the on position and latches the spring-loaded worm such that the plug blocks the exit hole, a pressure of the liquid in first pathway exerts a force on the diaphragm, the spring-loaded rod exerts a force on the diaphragm, and the diaphragm prevents the liquid from flowing in the second pathway.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more gears determines a predetermined volume.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the diaphragm opens and closes a circular intake in the second pathway.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein if the switch mechanism is in an off position, liquid flows through the first pathway and the second pathway.

15. The system of claim 11, further comprising a solenoid coupled to the switch to remotely control the switch.

16. The system of claim 11 , wherein if a metered volume is less than a predetermined volume and the flow is stopped, the spring-loaded worm is returned to its initial position.

17. The system of claim 11, further comprising a cover for the switch so that the switch can be operated externally.

18. The system of claim 11 , further comprising adjusting the one or more gears to change the predetermined volume.

19. The system of claim 11, wherein if a metered volume is less than a predetermined volume and the flow is stopped, the spring-loaded rod is disengaged from the spring-loaded worm.

20. The system of 'claim 11, wherein the one or more gears, the spring- loaded worm, and the switch mechanism are located in the first pathway.