Self-closing Valve Patents (Class 122/507)
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Patent number: 10107671Abstract: A device for determining the filling level of a fluid in a container, in particular in the oil reservoir of a vehicle, is provided. The device has at least one sensor element, at least one control unit, at least one energy source, and at least one transmitting unit for wireless transmission of measured data. The at least one energy source is a thermal generator, in particular a thermocouple. The device has at least one energy storage device. The thermal generator is configured for measuring a time-dependent temperature gradient, the thermal generator has a signal-conducting connection to the control unit, and the control unit is configured for placing the device from an energy-saving state into a ready-to-measure state. A method for determining the filling level of a fluid in a container using the device, and a vehicle with the device, in particular a motor vehicle, are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2015Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: HELLA KGAA HUECK & CO.Inventors: Thomas Niemann, Juergen Palloks, Bastian Kanning
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Patent number: 8439062Abstract: A system and method for detecting water in locations in homes and buildings where it should not be present, and responding by terminating water inlet access to plumbing in said home or building or the like and optionally operating a dump valve, in combination with an approach to periodically testing system operability and providing a signal upon a component performing a predetermined number of operations. The method can further include the monitoring of signals and responding with maintenance and/or replacement.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventors: Keith J. Ziegenbein, Zachary J. Ziegenbein, Zebadiah W. Ziegenbein
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Patent number: 8061380Abstract: A tripper unit for actuating a device (e.g. valve-closing actuator) upon contact with water. Basically, the tripper unit is comprised of a housing having a replaceable cartridge therein which, in turn, is wrapped with an adsorbent paper which prevents a plunger from moving downward. When a leak occurs, water will flow into the housing and into contact with the absorbent paper which will quickly disintegrate to allow a compression spring in said housing to move the plunger downward to thereby actuate the unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Inventors: James B. Martin, Lloyd G. Jones
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Patent number: 8006714Abstract: An automatic flow shut-off unit for shutting off water to an appliance (e.g. commode) when a leak or overflow occurs. The unit includes an outer housing having a ball valve mounted thereon wherein the valve is connected between the water supply and the appliance. A tripper unit is mounted in the outer housing and has a plunger therein. The valve is connected to the plunger by a length of actuation material (e.g. flexible cable). A compression spring is positioned in the tripper unit to normally bias the plunger downwards. A cartridge having a water reactive material (e.g. commercially-available toilet paper) thereon is removably mounted in the outer housing wherein the water reactive material when dry supports the plunger in a cocked position but which will quickly weaken and disintegrate upon contact with water.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Inventors: James B. Martin, Lloyd G. Jones
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Patent number: 7562673Abstract: An automatic system which includes a tripper unit for actuating a device (e.g. valve-closing actuator) upon contact with water. Basically, the tripper unit is comprised of a housing having a cartridge therein which prevents a plunger from moving downward. When a leak occurs, water will flow into the housing and into contact with the cartridge which will quickly disintegrate allowing the plunger to move downward to thereby actuate the valve actuator to close the valve. The tripper unit may be a separate component of the system or both the tripper unit and the valve actuator can be incorporated into a single unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Inventors: James B. Martin, Lloyd G. Jones
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Patent number: 7424896Abstract: An automatic system which includes a tripper unit for actuating a device (e.g. valve-closing actuator) upon contact with water. Basically, the tripper unit is comprised of a housing having a cartridge therein which, in turn, is wrapped with an adsorbent paper which prevents a plunger from moving downward. When a leak occurs, water will flow into the housing and into contact with the absorbent paper which will quickly disintegrate allowing the plunger to move downward to thereby actuate the valve actuator to close the valve. The tripper unit may be a separate component of the system or both the tripper unit and the valve actuator can be incorporated into a single unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Inventors: James B. Martin, Lloyd G. Jones
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Patent number: 6986326Abstract: A steam generation apparatus is set forth including a housing; a boiler adapted to generate steam within the housing; a filler cap adapted to be removably coupled to the boiler; a first pressure relief device coupled to the boiler adapted to release steam at a first pressure level; and a second pressure relief device coupled to the boiler adapted to release the steam at a second pressure level, where the second pressure level is higher than the first pressure level, the first pressure relief device is incorporated into and is made to vent into the filler cap, and the second pressure relief device is made to vent internally to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating, LLCInventors: Max Rosenzweig, Terry Robertson, Mark Montgomery
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Patent number: 6899122Abstract: Safety shutoff apparatus can close a valve using a pressure operable device coupled to and acting upon the valve. The proximal end of a pressure line is coupled to the pressure operable device for applying fluid pressure thereto in order to operate the pressure operable device. A soluble plug at the distal end of the pressure line can seal it in order to maintain pressure at the pressure operable device. By placing the soluble plug next to an object that is subject to leaking, the soluble plug can dissolve when a leak occurs and release the pressure in the pressure line. The released pressure results in closure of the valve when mechanical movement is produced by the pressure operable device in response to the release of pressure.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2004Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Inventor: Albert Mele
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Patent number: 6895990Abstract: Apparatus for automatically shutting off the water supply to a leaking water heater includes a water collecting tray positionable beneath the heater, a valve mechanism attachable to the tray, a float mechanism, and an action arm interactive between the float mechanism and valve mechanism. When water collects in the tray, the float mechanism rises, causing the action arm to trigger the release of a spring-urged component of the valve mechanism to discontinue flow of water to the heater.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2004Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Inventor: James H. Carroll
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Patent number: 6792967Abstract: A latched, spring loaded valve having a water sensor and an activation mechanism shuts off water supply, when a water leak is detected, to specific application as cloths washing machines, dishwashing machines, sinks, toilets, and refrigerators equipped with ice makers. The shutoff valve system with leak detector has a sealing member movable with a valve body between an open position and a closed position wherein the sealing member blocks fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Inventor: Robert C. Franklin
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Patent number: 6745725Abstract: A knob adjustment device, particularly for adjusting the temperature in valve units of a water-heating apparatus. The knob adjustment device is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis in a stationary housing of the valve unit and has a safety member for the unidirectional restraint of the knob adjustment device relative to the housing so as to oppose rotation of the knob adjustment device in a first direction of rotation about the axis, the knob adjustment device being free to rotate in the opposite direction of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Sit la Precisa S.p.A.Inventors: Alessandro Toniolo, Stefano Zanella
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Publication number: 20040050344Abstract: A knob adjustment device, particularly for adjusting the temperature in valve units of water-heating apparatus is described. The knob device is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis in a stationary housing of the valve unit and comprises safety means for the unidirectional restraint of the knob relative to the housing so as to oppose rotation of the knob in a first direction of rotation about the said axis, the knob being free to rotate in the opposite direction of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Alessandro Toniolo, Stefano Zanella
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Patent number: 6675826Abstract: A flood prevention system includes a double-latching solenoid valve that shuts off a water supply line in response to a moisture sensor detecting a leak in a plumbing system. The double-latching feature provides the solenoid's plunger with two positions of equilibrium. This minimizes electrical power consumption so that the flood prevention system can be battery operated. To minimize a buildup of hard water deposits, the valve includes a flexible diaphragm and is cycled periodically regardless of whether flooding occurs. The sensor includes multiple methods of mounting to a floor.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2003Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Inventors: Frederic M. Newman, Richie D. Sites
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Patent number: 6561138Abstract: A water heater is arranged with the hot water storage chamber R1 at the top and the combustion chamber R2 at the bottom within the body 11 which is a container. The combustion chamber R2 is equipped with the air supply inlet 13a, and the flame arrester 27 is provided at the air supply inlet 13a. Within the combustion chamber R2, the main burner 22 and the pilot burner 25 are provided, the changing state of flame of the pilot burner 25 is detected by the thermocouple 26, and a controller 41 closes an electromagnetic valve for opening and closing the main gas passage, stops the combustion of the main burner 22 as well, and rings the alarm 44. In an alternate embodiment, a sensor burner 60 is used as a safety device to detect a state of flame of the sensor burner and to shut off fuel to the main gas burner.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Paloma Industries, LimitedInventors: Toshihiro Kobayashi, Hideo Chikazawa, Masaru Kodama
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Patent number: 6543471Abstract: An apparatus for automatically shutting off a water supply to a leaking water heater includes a water-collecting tray adapted to be positioned beneath a water heater, and a float mechanism removably attachable to the tray. The float mechanism has a float adapted to reside within the tray. An arm extends from the float, and terminates in a trigger extremity located outside the tray. The trigger extremity is positioned to push upwardly upon a holding block that secures an extremity of a coil spring. The holding block also secures a tether that extends to an operating lever of a water shut-off valve. When the float rises in the tank, it causes the trigger extremity to release the coil spring in tensioned state from the holding block. Such action pulls the operating lever downwardly, causing shut-off of the water supply.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Inventor: James H. Carroll
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Publication number: 20020011220Abstract: In heat supply equipment provided with a plurality of maintenance object units, secure and prompt servicing and maintenance is implemented and a burden on a person in charge of managing the heat supply equipment is decreased.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventors: Toshihiro Kayahara, Kazuhiro Tachino, Yasuo Watanabe
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Patent number: 6336469Abstract: A mechanism for opening or closing a shut-off valve, the mechanism having a valve actuator for moving the valve from a first position to a second position, an urging means, a trigger which, when activated, triggers operation of the valve actuator, the trigger including a retainer which ordinarily holds the shut-off valve in the first position against the force applied by urging means, and a sensor reactive to an external stimulus which releases the trigger upon receiving appropriate external stimulus.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Inventors: Adrian John Nixon, David Thomas Hair
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Patent number: 6318403Abstract: The present invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises, in one aspect thereof, a combination manifold and check valve assembly for a water heater unit which includes a temperature and pressure relief valve and a drain pan. The assembly comprises a manifold body having a first inlet opening, a second inlet opening, and an outlet opening which are in fluid communication. The first inlet opening is adapted for connection to the outlet of a temperature and pressure relief valve. The second inlet opening is adapted for connection to the outlet of a drain pan. The outlet opening is adapted for connection to a drain line. A valve member is disposed within the manifold body between the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Inventor: Sammy G. Fritz
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Patent number: 6286464Abstract: A water heating system in which the output water temperature is regulated by a mixing valve which allows the temperature of the water contained within the water heater to be maintained at a much higher temperature without compromising safety. Significantly more hot water is therefore available for use yet the maximum temperature supplied to the various points of usage are within the safe limits. The system can be additionally configured to supply unmixed hot water to points of usage where a higher temperature is needed and a user is not exposed to the water such as for example in a dishwasher.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventors: Anthony W. Abraham, Raymond-Paul Joubran
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Patent number: 6276309Abstract: A hot water heater containment system holds, detects, and removes leaked water while also shutting off the water supply. The system additionally shuts off supply gas when leaking gas is detected, and sounds an alarm. A burner within the system is shielded against infiltration of flammable vapors from external sources. The shielding function is accomplished without preventing access to the burner for maintenance. Advantageously, the hot water containment system is inexpensive to construct, easy and safe to use, and highly reliable in operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Inventor: Barry Zeek
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Patent number: 6253785Abstract: A water supply shutoff valve system is used with a fluid storage tank, such as a hot water heater, to automatically shut off the water supply to the storage tank as a result of leak containment which in turn causes a magnetic float to rise and consequently produce the mechanical force necessary to release and close a spring loaded water supply valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2000Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Inventors: Carlis L. Shumake, Jr., Wallace M. Sumner
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Patent number: 6186162Abstract: A water shut-off system incorporates a water shut-off valve utilizing a pair of adjacently disposed electrodes, a transmitter and a receiving means. The water shut-off valve is in the form of a ball valve. A timing logic causes current to flow to a valve driving motor as electric pulses.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Inventors: Michael J. Purvis, J. Rodney Bryan, Jr.
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Patent number: 6024116Abstract: A valve assembly is operative for automatically shutting off both a water supply line and gas supply line to a gas-fired hot water vessel upon detection of water discharge, leak or overflow, from the water vessel. The valve assembly is connected in the water supply line and generally includes a valve body, a sliding valve member which is spring biased to a normally closed position, and a water softenable latch which maintains the valve member in an open position against the bias of the spring. The valve assembly is preferably positioned in a drip pan located under the water vessel such that water leaking from the water vessel will accumulate in the drip pan and submerge the valve assembly. Upon exposure to water accumulated in the drip pan, the water softenable latch at least partially softens and releases the valve member to move from its open position to its closed position to cut off water supply through the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Aquagard, LLCInventors: Paul Almberg, Clyde Baragwanath, Mark Miller, Steven Fielding
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Patent number: 5992443Abstract: A valve system for use in conjunction with a hot water heater where the water line to the hot water heater passes through the valve system which, when a leak is detected by an electrical sensor, causes a motor to drive a gear which moves a gear rack laterally to pull a rod attached to a gate which gate moves over a valve outlet to block further flow of water to the hot water heater.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventor: Osberto M. Rodriguez
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Patent number: 5881762Abstract: A walled enclosure assembly adapted to be installed around the base of a water-containing appliance and bonded to the support floor to contain leakage therefrom without disturbing the appliance. The walled assembly comprises a plurality of wall segments, each having base flange, an upright wall and wall ends, each adapted to be bonded to the end of an aligned wall segment to form a continuous walled enclosure assembly. The assembly is designed to surround the base of a water-containing appliance, with the undersurfaces of the base flanges being bonded to the supporting floor to contain any leakage from the appliance. Preferably an integral drain tube is incorporated, and/or an automatic alarm means is attached which is activatable to signal excessive leakage.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Inventor: Lawrence M. Janesky
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Patent number: 5857482Abstract: An overflow control system includes a vessel having a liquid input and output, the vessel having a top and bottom defined by the gravity vector. The system further includes a housing peripherally surrounding the vessel about all surfaces, other than the bottom, to provide a fluid and thermal insulation region between the vessel and the housing. The system also includes a liquid collection chamber formed integrally beneath the vessel and housing, and in fluid communication with the insulation region. A leak or fracture of the vessel will result in an accumulation of liquid in the collection chamber. The system further includes a normally open electrically actuatable solenoid disposed within the liquid input. Within the liquid output of the vessel is provided a check valve for closing the output responsive to any gradient of fluid pressure in the direction of the vessel in excess of a reference level.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1996Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Inventor: Donald C. Dowling
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Patent number: 5694970Abstract: A safety control valve for a domestic water supply system is described. It includes a valve body having a flow passage therethrough comprising a pair of laterally spaced vertical flow channels and a top flow cavity connecting these vertical flow channels. The top ends of the spaced flow channels open into a flat bottom face of the top flow cavity, which flat face forms a valve seat. A closure flap is mounted in the top cavity and is spring biased downwardly against the flat bottom face to close the valve. A central cylindrical cavity extends vertically between the bottom of the top flow cavity and the bottom of the valve body with a thin elastic diaphragm closing the top end of the cylindrical cavity. A solenoid is mounted on the bottom of the valve body concentric with the central cylindrical cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1996Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Inventor: George P. Staranchuk
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Patent number: 5632302Abstract: An overflow protection shut-off device for use with a water heater for shutting off a supply of water to the water heater when a leaking or an overflow condition occurs, the device including a valve mechanism coupleable to an input water line of a water heater and having an opened orientation for allowing flow of water within the input line and a closed orientation for preventing such flow; a water sensing mechanism positionable at a location proximal to the water heater for providing a signal when it is placed in contact with water when the water heater experiences the leaking or the overflow condition; and a switching mechanism coupled to the valve mechanism and the water sensing mechanism and with the switching mechanism being responsive to receipt of the signal from the water sensing mechanism for placing the valve mechanism in the closed orientation.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1995Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Inventor: Robert M. Lenoir, Jr.
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Patent number: 5280802Abstract: A first and second sensor and alarm member is mounted relative to a gas appliance, and more particularly to the diverter housing and adjacent a lower portion of the gas appliance for detection of spillage in the form of flue restriction relative to the first sensor or roll-out sensing relative to gas fumes backed up relative to the flame portion of the gas appliance.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1992Date of Patent: January 25, 1994Inventor: Franklin J. Comuzie, Jr.
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Patent number: 5029605Abstract: There is provided a system for blocking the inflow of water to an appliance such as a hot water tank in the event of a leak in the appliance or water supply thereto. A low voltage current solenoid selectively blocks said inflow in response to a leak. No current is drawn during normal operation of the appliance.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1990Date of Patent: July 9, 1991Inventors: Donald C. Dowling, Bruce Olsson
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Patent number: 4995415Abstract: Gas burner safety device for use with gas fired heating systems and water heaters to shut-off main gas valve controlled gas flow to the burner's main gas jet in the event that the main jet becomes partially submerged to at least a critical level in surrounding floodwater and unable to function normally, although the burner's pilot light remains lit and unimpeded resulting in generation of a erroneous thermocouple safety interlock signal for the main gas valve. The device prevents any massive injection of gas into the surrounding floodwater as gas bubbles which can float about and uncontrollably ignite, or release of gas into the circumjacent environment, thereby preventing an otherwise very dangerous situation where fire or explosion may occur which might result in extensive property damage, as well as personal injury or death.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1989Date of Patent: February 26, 1991Inventor: Harold J. Weber
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Patent number: 4944253Abstract: A water proof sheet slopes into a built-in shallow basin under a water device to collect any water leaking from the water tank in the device. Water sensitive elevated low voltage contacts in the basin are electrically connected to a relay. Conductors from the relay connect to shut-offs in the cold water supply, the hot water outflow and the power supply. Additional conductors connect from the relay to a valve on the outflow pipe to drain the tank and to a signal device. Alternatively, a water pump may be used instead of the valve on the outflow pipe to pump water to a distant drain, when there is no drain below the tank level into which to empty the tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1989Date of Patent: July 31, 1990Inventor: Richard C. Bellofatto
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Patent number: 4911107Abstract: A system for protecting components including the heat exchangers of a fluidized bed boiler against thermal mismatch. The system includes an injection tank containing an emergency supply of heated and pressurized feedwater. A heater is associated with the injection tank to maintain the temperature of the feedwater in the tank at or about the same temperature as that of the feedwater in the heat exchangers. A pressurized gas is supplied to the injection tank to cause feedwater to flow from the injection tank to the heat exchangers during thermal mismatch.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1989Date of Patent: March 27, 1990Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox CompanyInventors: Larry G. Crispin, Paul S. Weitzel
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Patent number: 4572113Abstract: A water leak control circuit in combination with a water heater having an inlet and a drain. The water leak control circuit simultaneously detects leaks, actuates an alarm, shuts off a water supply to the water heater, drains the heater, while releaseably maintaining the alarm activated, the water supply shut off and the heater drained, all of which is accomplished by means of leak responsive circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1985Date of Patent: February 25, 1986Inventor: George W. Baughman
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Patent number: 4469051Abstract: The invention relates to an emergency shut-off device, in the case of leakage, of a tube of a steam generator where the heat of vaporization is contributed by a liquid metal circulating in contact with the outer surface of the tube. The device includes on the terminal portion of the tube connected to the water supply device a tubular bush interposed in the path of the feed water. The bush contains a valve connected to the bush by a rupture part. The breakage of the part under the effect of an increased flow of water, in the case of a leakage, enables the closing of the outlet of the bush. The device includes also, in the terminal portion of the tube connected to the steam collector a bush containing a free valve enabling the steam outlet to be closed in the case of a leakage in the tube. The invention is applied in particular to steam generators of fast breeder nuclear reactors cooled by liquid sodium.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1983Date of Patent: September 4, 1984Assignee: NovatomeInventor: Claude Malaval
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Patent number: 4252088Abstract: A flapper is provided in the inlet and outlet lines to a domestic hot water heater or the like and a permanent magnet is affixed to the bottom portion of each of the flappers. Immediately adjacent each flapper and outside of the pipe, a magnetically operated switch is placed. The magnetically operated switches are connected in circuit with a relay which in turn controls a solenoid valve for cutting off or permitting the entry of water from the source into the inlet pipe. Under normal operating conditions when there is a flow of water in the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe the connection of the magnetically operated switches is such that the relay will not operate and the solenoid actuated valve will be open permitting the entry of water from the source. When a leak occurs, the ensuing movement of the flappers caused by the change in liquid flow will operate their associated magnetic switches, causing the relay to be actuated and closing the solenoid actuated valve, thus cutting off the supply of water.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1975Date of Patent: February 24, 1981Inventor: Gerald R. Frisby