Patents by Inventor Joseph Michael Burke
Joseph Michael Burke has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240011260Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a plurality of sensors and a device. Each sensor is configured to measure data and communicate over a network using low power signal communication. The device is connected to an in-wall power source and configured to wirelessly communicate over the network using low power signal communication. Further, the device is configured to transmit data from the sensors to a remote gateway using high power signal communication.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2023Publication date: January 11, 2024Applicant: WATTS REGULATOR CO.Inventors: Joseph Michael BURKE, Ian David BAYNES
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Publication number: 20230375385Abstract: Please replace the originally filed abstract with the substitute abstract provided below. A temperature and pressure relief valve apparatus including a body having a first conduit connected to a water heater and a second conduit connected to a discharge pipe. A valve member, positioned between the first and second conduits, is normally biased closed to prevent flow between the conduits. The valve member is configured such that when a temperature or pressure within the water heater exceeds a predetermined level, the valve member opens to relieve pressure and, in turn, water is released through the second conduit. A sensor is disposed about the second conduit and coupled to a controller. The controller measures a capacitance value of the second conduit, detects a change in the capacitance value indicating a presence of water in the second conduit, and asserts an alarm condition upon detection of the change in the second conduit capacitance value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Applicant: Watts Regulator Co.Inventors: Joseph Michael BURKE, Yousef S. ALMESAD
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Patent number: 11815424Abstract: A test cock for determining an operating condition of a backflow prevention system includes a body portion having a distal end and a proximal end and a space defined within the body portion. A distal opening is provided on the body portion at the distal end and a proximal opening is provided on the body portion at the proximal end and the proximal opening is in fluid connection with the body portion space. A body portion fitting is disposed in the body portion and is providing a fluid connection with the body portion space. A fluid sensor is coupled to the body portion fitting and is in fluid connection with the body portion space. A rotating system fitting has a first end and a second end where the second end is provided in the body portion proximal opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2020Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.Inventors: Joseph Michael Burke, Muhannad Bagegni, Jason Doughty, Frank DiBenedetto, Ian David Baynes
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Patent number: 11795666Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a plurality of sensors and a device. Each sensor is configured to measure data and communicate over a network using low power signal communication. The device is connected to an in-wall power source and configured to wirelessly communicate over the network using low power signal communication. Further, the device is configured to transmit data from the sensors to a remote gateway using high power signal communication.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.Inventors: Joseph Michael Burke, Ian David Baynes
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Patent number: 11739507Abstract: A test cock is configured to connect to a test cock port. The test cock includes a body portion defining a flowpath between a distal end and a proximal end. The test cock includes an intake stem at the proximal end that has external threads to connect the test cock to the test cock port. The intake stem defines an intake opening connected to the flowpath, the intake opening having a non-circular shape, such as a hexagonal shape. The test cock also includes an extraction tool having an end forming the non-circular shape of the intake opening, the end being sized to fit within and engage the intake opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2020Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.Inventors: Joseph Michael Burke, Kevin Simon
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Patent number: 11703364Abstract: A fluid discharge event detection apparatus measures a change in capacitance to detect the presence of a fluid in a sensing conduit where the presence of fluid indicates a discharge event. The apparatus includes a first conduit, the sensing conduit and a control valve, coupled between the first conduit and the sensing conduit. The control valve is configured to activate and fluidly couple the first conduit and the sensing conduit to one another when the control valve detects at least one predetermined condition of a fluid within the first conduit. A sensor, configured to measure a capacitance value, is disposed about the sensing conduit. A controller, coupled to the sensor, is configured to detect a change in the sensing conduit capacitance value and assert an alarm condition upon detection of the change in the sensing conduit capacitance value.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2019Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.Inventors: Joseph Michael Burke, Yousef S. AlMesad
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Publication number: 20230116158Abstract: A system for remotely measuring the characteristics of water passing through a plumbing control device (PCD) includes a sensor within the interior of the PCD. The sensor is configured to measure characteristics of the water to obtain measured data. The sensor is also linked to a microcontroller of the PCD. An antenna board is linked, and configured to transmit power, to both the microcontroller and the sensor. A mobile device is configured to locate the antenna board. The mobile device transmits power to the antenna board which, in turn, transmits power to the microcontroller and the sensor. When power is not being transmitted from the antenna board, the microcontroller and the sensor are powered off.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2022Publication date: April 13, 2023Inventors: Joseph Michael BURKE, Kyle McGURN, Evan Joseph SULTANA
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Publication number: 20230073327Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is configurable with varying lay-lengths and orientations. The assembly includes coupling assemblies and valve bodies that adjust in length and/or rotation to allow for the varying lay-lengths and orientations of the backflow prevention valves and assemblies with and without certification. A coupling assembly is connected to a backflow prevention valve and includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that is slidingly received within the outer sleeve. The lay-length is adjusted by slidably moving the inner and outer sleeves with respect to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2022Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Jason Doughty, Ian David Baynes, Joseph Michael Burke, Frank Dibenedetto, Muhannad A. Bagegni
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Patent number: 11543278Abstract: A system for remotely measuring the characteristics of water passing through a plumbing control device (PCD) includes a sensor within the interior of the PCD. The sensor is configured to measure characteristics of the water to obtain measured data. The sensor is also linked to a microcontroller of the PCD. An antenna board is linked, and configured to transmit power, to both the microcontroller and the sensor. A mobile device is configured to locate the antenna board. The mobile device transmits power to the antenna board which, in turn, transmits power to the microcontroller and the sensor. When power is not being transmitted from the antenna board, the microcontroller and the sensor are powered off.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2018Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.Inventors: Joseph Michael Burke, Kyle McGurn, Evan Joseph Sultana
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Publication number: 20220403632Abstract: A backflow preventer including a body having an inlet for connection to an upstream portion of a plumbing system and an outlet for connection to a downstream portion of the plumbing system, a first check valve and a second check valve located in the body for preventing the reverse flow of water between the outlet and the inlet. An inlet pressure zone is positioned between the inlet and the first check valve, an outlet pressure zone is positioned between the outlet and the second check valve, and an intermediate pressure zone is positioned between the first and the second check valves. Position sensors sense the positions of the check valves, and pressure sensors sense the pressures in the zone. A controller in communication with the position sensors and the pressure sensors calculates the opening and closing pressures of the check valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2022Publication date: December 22, 2022Inventors: Joseph Michael BURKE, Kevin SIMON, Ian David BAYNES
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Publication number: 20220333360Abstract: A backflow preventer for preventing a reverse flow of water in a plumbing system including a body having an inlet and an outlet. The body forms an intermediate zone between the inlet and outlet. An inlet check valve prevents the reverse flow of water from the intermediate zone through the inlet. An outlet check valve prevents the flow of water from the outlet into the intermediate zone. An inlet pressure sensor, an intermediate pressure sensor and an outlet pressure sensor provide readings for the respective zones. A controller monitors a pressure differential between the outlet pressure zone and the intermediate pressure zone to compare the pressure differential to a pre-set range. The controller generates a warning/error message when the pressure differential is outside the pre-set range. The controller can also monitor an inlet pressure in the inlet zone to generate a message if the inlet pressure varies inappropriately.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2022Publication date: October 20, 2022Inventors: Joseph Michael BURKE, Kevin SIMON, Ian David BAYNES
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Patent number: 11448348Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is configurable with varying lay-lengths and orientations. The assembly includes coupling assemblies and valve bodies that adjust in length and/or rotation to allow for the varying lay-lengths and orientations of the backflow prevention valves and assemblies with and without certification. A coupling assembly is connected to a backflow prevention valve and includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that is slidingly received within the outer sleeve. The lay-length is adjusted by slidably moving the inner and outer sleeves with respect to one another.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2021Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.Inventors: Jason Doughty, Ian David Baynes, Joseph Michael Burke, Frank DiBenedetto, Muhannad A. Bagegni
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Patent number: 11427992Abstract: A backflow preventer including a body having an inlet for connection to an upstream portion of a plumbing system and an outlet for connection to a downstream portion of the plumbing system, a first check valve and a second check valve located in the body for preventing the reverse flow of water between the outlet and the inlet. An inlet pressure zone is positioned between the inlet and the first check valve, an outlet pressure zone is positioned between the outlet and the second check valve, and an intermediate pressure zone is positioned between the first and the second check valves. Position sensors sense the positions of the check valves, and pressure sensors sense the pressures in the zone. A controller in communication with the position sensors and the pressure sensors calculates the opening and closing pressures of the check valves.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.Inventors: Joseph Michael Burke, Kevin Simon, Ian David Baynes
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Publication number: 20220259839Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods useful for backflow prevention system that includes an actuated valve, a valve controller, one or more upstream sensors, and one or more downstream sensors. Upon detecting conditions conducive to backflow through the system using either or both the one or more upstream sensors, and the one or more downstream sensors, the valve controller causes the actuated valve to close. The system may be enhanced through the use of a qualifying check valve disposed between the actuated valve and the one or more downstream sensors to slow or impede backflow through the system. The system may be enhanced by inclusion of a run-out length between the actuated valve and the one or more downstream sensors to account for the latency in the actuator causing the valve to transition to the CLOSED position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2022Publication date: August 18, 2022Applicant: Watts Regulator Co.Inventors: Joe Pagliaccio, Kevin Simon, Joseph Michael Burke
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Publication number: 20220252170Abstract: Fluid detection systems and methods using the same are disclosed. In embodiments the fluid detection systems include a sensor module and an electronics module. The sensor module includes a sensor housing that includes a liquid flow path and a sensor element disposed around at least part of the liquid flow path. The sensor element can detect a capacitance of the liquid flow path and provide a sensor signal to a controller in the electronics module. The electronics module can determine a detected capacitance in the liquid flow path based at least in part on the sensor signal, and can determine whether a wet event has occurred based on a comparison of the detected capacitance to a threshold capacitance. Methods using the fluid detection systems and fluid supply systems including the fluid detection systems are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2021Publication date: August 11, 2022Applicant: Watts Regulator Co.Inventors: Kevin Simon, Joseph Michael Burke, Ian David Baynes
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Publication number: 20220178118Abstract: A test cock is configured to connect to a test cock port. The test cock includes a body portion defining a flowpath between a distal end and a proximal end. The test cock includes an intake stem at the proximal end that has external threads to connect the test cock to the test cock port. The intake stem defines an intake opening connected to the flowpath, the intake opening having a non-circular shape, such as a hexagonal shape. The test cock also includes an extraction tool having an end forming the non-circular shape of the intake opening, the end being sized to fit within and engage the intake opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2020Publication date: June 9, 2022Applicant: Watts Regulator Co.Inventors: Joseph Michael Burke, Kevin Simon
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Publication number: 20210172157Abstract: A backflow preventer including a body having an inlet for connection to an upstream portion of a plumbing system and an outlet for connection to a downstream portion of the plumbing system, a first check valve and a second check valve located in the body for preventing the reverse flow of water between the outlet and the inlet. An inlet pressure zone is positioned between the inlet and the first check valve, an outlet pressure zone is positioned between the outlet and the second check valve, and an intermediate pressure zone is positioned between the first and the second check valves. Position sensors sense the positions of the check valves, and pressure sensors sense the pressures in the zone. A controller in communication with the position sensors and the pressure sensors calculates the opening and closing pressures of the check valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2020Publication date: June 10, 2021Applicant: Watts Regulator Co.Inventors: Joseph Michael Burke, Kevin Simon, Ian David Baynes
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Publication number: 20210131592Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is configurable with varying lay-lengths and orientations. The assembly includes coupling assemblies and valve bodies that adjust in length and/or rotation to allow for the varying lay-lengths and orientations of the backflow prevention valves and assemblies with and without certification. A coupling assembly is connected to a backflow prevention valve and includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that is slidingly received within the outer sleeve. The lay-length is adjusted by slidably moving the inner and outer sleeves with respect to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2021Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: Watts Regulator Co.Inventors: Jason Doughty, Ian David Baynes, Joseph Michael Burke, Frank DiBenedetto, Muhannad A. Bagegni
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Patent number: 10914412Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is configurable with varying lay-lengths and orientations. The assembly includes coupling assemblies and valve bodies that adjust in length and/or rotation to allow for the varying lay-lengths and orientations of the backflow prevention valves and assemblies with and without certification. A coupling assembly is connected to a backflow prevention valve and includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that is slidingly received within the outer sleeve. The lay-length is adjusted by slidably moving the inner and outer sleeves with respect to one another.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2019Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.Inventors: Jason Doughty, Ian David Baynes, Joseph Michael Burke, Frank DiBenedetto, Muhannad A. Bagegni
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Publication number: 20200370691Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is configurable with varying lay-lengths and orientations. The assembly includes coupling assemblies and valve bodies that adjust in length and/or rotation to allow for the varying lay-lengths and orientations of the backflow prevention valves and assemblies with and without certification. A coupling assembly is connected to a backflow prevention valve and includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that is slidingly received within the outer sleeve. The lay-length is adjusted by slidably moving the inner and outer sleeves with respect to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2019Publication date: November 26, 2020Applicant: Watts Regulator Co.Inventors: Jason Doughty, Ian David Baynes, Joseph Michael Burke, Frank DiBenedetto, Muhannad A. Bagegni