U.S. patent application number 10/757118 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-21 for residential water management system (rwms).
Invention is credited to Kizzire, David Wayne, Smith, Lee Anthony, Villeneuve, Thomas G..
Application Number | 20040206405 10/757118 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33162084 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040206405 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith, Lee Anthony ; et
al. |
October 21, 2004 |
Residential water management system (RWMS)
Abstract
A full and complete Water Management System developed into a
single programmable electronic controller specifically designed to
both aid in Water Conservation, and provide full control and
monitoring of all aspects of a plumbing system, including Water
Usage Counting, Flow Control, Leak Detection, Water Heater on/off,
hot water temperature and irrigation/sprinkler system(s); A device
which allows the user to monitor, control, purge and adjust the
entirity of a plumbing system; A device which applies the principle
. . . ("increased pressure IS=decreased flow" . . . , therefore
"stable pressure IS ALSO=absence of flow") . . . to facilitate a
completely accurate method of leak detection in plumbing; A device
which provides property damage prevention, reduced opportunity for
toxic mold development resulting in more healthy living
environment(s); An Innovative Technologies Approach to Water
Conservation and user friendly tool, to develop, monitor and
participate in the urgent need to conserve drinking (potable) water
resources.
Inventors: |
Smith, Lee Anthony;
(Pensacola, FL) ; Villeneuve, Thomas G.;
(Pensacola, FL) ; Kizzire, David Wayne;
(Pensacola, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Lee A. Smith
1014 Barnett Drive
Pensacola
FL
32505
US
|
Family ID: |
33162084 |
Appl. No.: |
10/757118 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60440773 |
Jan 17, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
137/624.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/86397 20150401;
E03C 1/00 20130101; Y02A 20/15 20180101; E03B 7/071 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/624.12 |
International
Class: |
E03C 001/00 |
Claims
I, (we) claim:
1. A Logic Based Electronic Controller for managing the flow of
water through a piping system, the supply being a main water supply
line from either a utility or from a well head which communicates
flow and pressure along piping to the residential or small business
property, a plurality of electrically actuated solenoid valves for
flow control into the piping from the supply including a main shut
off valve and a solenoid actuated valve for dividing the piping of
independent usage at the property into two sections called the
supply (and supply being all of the piping from the supply source
to the point of entry into the property) and the structure piping
(being all piping to include branches that are beyond the point of
entry), and a solenoid actuated valve for draining the piping, and
a solenoid actuated valve for prevention of vacuum during the
drain, a water pressure sensor located both at the beginning of the
supply and at the beginning of the structure piping, a flow sensor
being at the beginning of the structure piping, and all sensors
being for the purpose of sending signal relating to their sensing
meaning a pressure sensor delivers signal relative to current
piping pressures and a flow sensor delivers signal relative to
current flow within a piping system, a thermal sensor communicating
with controller to deliver signals relating to current temperature
of water in hot water heater inline with said piping system, a
electrical relay being able to remove and or supply water heater
with supply electrical current. Specifically the solenoid actuated
valve employed as the main valve for the RWMS system is a
bi-positional valve that requires independent signals to place it
in either the Open or Closed states; being best described as: . . .
a full and complete Water Management System developed into a single
programmable electronic controller specifically designed to both
aid in Water Conservation, and provide full control and monitoring
of all aspects of a plumbing system, including Water Usage
Counting, Flow Control, Leak Detection, Programmable Modes, Water
Heater on/off, hot water temperature and irrigation/sprinkler
system(s); A device which allows the user to monitor, control,
purge and adjust the entirity of a plumbing system; A device which
applies the principle . . . "increased pressure IS=decreased flow"
. . . , therefore "stable pressure IS ALSO=absence of flow", to
facilitate a completely accurate method of leak detection in
plumbing; A device which provides property damage prevention,
reduced opportunity for toxic mold development, resulting in more
healthy living environment(s); An Innovative Technologies Approach
to Water Conservation and user friendly tool, to develop, monitor
and participate in the urgent need to conserve drinking water
resources. With said Controller Comprising: flow control means
controlling the flow of water through any piping beyond valves of
control in response to pressure anomalies which trigger a counting
of water until a user programmed amount in gallons has been
reached; device means Logic Based Electronic Controller in
communications with all peripheral items which constitute a method
of control and usage monitoring for water piping systems; pressure
anomaly/anomalies means a point in which stable pressure within a
piping system reduces in percentage by an amount relevant to a
logical decision that water is in some way escaping a piping
system; benchmark means the stable pressure in a water piping
system at the point in which a measurement of said pressure is
taken and or any predetermination of stable pressure in time to
allow for temperature and barometric pressure effects on stable
water pressures over time; water piping system(s) means any piping
existing beyond a source of supply; installation means the
performing of physical acts to place the device and the minimum
described peripherals herein and or any additional peripherals also
described herein into operation in a residential or business
property and with operational limits which are established to match
or meet the flow control values best determined at this time to
optimize the operational functionality for said property; plumbing
and or piping system means an interchangeable word or phrase which
both have the same intended meaning and describe a system of
conduit in which water flows from a source of that water to the
intended usage point including peripheral items such as a water
heater.
2. A device, as claimed in claim 1 wherein: a response from a
signal communicated from a pressure sensor affixed inline with a
piping system representing a pressure anomaly as described herein
is received by a Logic Based Electronic Controller which then
causes a main valve located at or nearest to a source of water to
open until said pressure sensor communicates that pressure in same
piping system has returned to the stable pressure level which
existed prior to pressure anomaly or to a pressure lower or higher
than that which existed prior to pressure anomaly provided that
said pressure is stable for a period of time to represent a new
benchmark of water pressure within same piping system.
3. A device, as claimed in claim 2 wherein also: response to a
pressure anomaly causes communication between device and a water
flow counting sensor affixed inline with a piping system to
determine in gallons and with reasonable accuracy the volume of
water which flows through said piping during said anomaly and to
terminate the flow at or nearest to the source of flow if an amount
is reached which equals or exceeds a pre-programmed volume in
gallons as determined at time of installation as described
herein.
4. A device, as claimed in claim 2 wherein also: device will return
to a state of monitoring when or if a single anomaly event does not
cause a total flow in gallons equal to the amount as specified in
claim 3.
5. A device, as claimed in claim 1 further including: multiple
operational characteristics or functionalities known as modes in
which each mode varies in purpose and directly enable functional
and or operational characteristics which facilitate and or support
accomplishment of same.
6. A device, as claimed in claim 5 wherein specifically: a mode of
operation being called "On Mode", or by any other name in which the
device causes a full state of water flow through a piping system
without any restriction as to the amount of flow in gallons which
occur during such time as this mode is the current state of
operational selection by the owner/user of device.
7. A device, as claimed in claim 5, wherein specifically: a mode of
operation being called "Watch Mode", or by any other name in which
the device is triggered by a pressure anomaly and then allows for
flows in gallons of water through a piping system as programmed by
the owner/user until the volume of said flow reaches a programmed
volume in gallons and device responds by terminating all flow and
produces both audible and visual notifications to user and which
require user intervention to re-set device to continue any
additional flow.
8. A device, as claimed in claim 7 wherein also: a mode of
operation being called "Watch Mode", or by any other name in which
the device monitors for pressure anomaly and further determines
rate of pressure decrease over time during said anomaly to
logically determine whether rate of pressure decrease logically
represents a small volume of flow equal to that which is consistent
with a small leak or a more continuous and or voluminous flow which
would be logically determined to be intentional usage and where the
device will produce audible and visual alerts if the pressure
decrease over time logically represents a small volume of total
flow.
9. A device, as claimed in claim 5, wherein specifically: a mode of
operation being called "Away Mode", or by any other name in which
the owner/user causes device to communicate with a main valve
located at or nearest to a source of supply to discontinue any flow
through a piping system beyond said valve and also may cause a
water heater to be operationally disabled and under which
operational condition no flow of water may occur in said piping
system until such time that the owner/user cause the device to be
removed from said mode.
10. A device, as claimed in claim 5, wherein specifically: a mode
of operation being called "Purge Mode", or by any other name in
which the owner/user causes device to communicate with a main valve
to discontinue any flow or re-pressurizing of a water piping system
beyond said valve, and causes communication with a drain valve
being caused to open to allow for existing water volumes to be
encouraged by gravitational and or siphon forces to be evacuated
from a piping system, and where device communicates with a vacuum
release valve to open to allow for air to enter a piping system to
further facilitate the evacuation of volumes of water from a piping
system, and where the said drain and vacuum release valves remain
open until the owner/user causes device to communicate signals to
cause said drain and vacuum release valves to close and where a
signal may also cause the opening of a solenoid actuated valve at
the drain of a hot water heater as to also cause the evacuation of
volumes of existing water in said heater which is also closed when
owner/user causes said drain and vacuum valves to close.
11. A device, as claimed in claim 10, wherein also: a signal may
also be given to an electrically operated pump for the purpose of
assuring total evacuation of any volume of water which may exist in
a piping system being disconnected from its supply.
12. A device, as claimed in claim 10, wherein also: user/owner must
cause the device to vacate said mode to cause the device to return
to the normal operation mode as described in claim 7 and subsequent
claims relating to claim 7 which results in a signal to the main
valve to open and allow for the re-connection to main water
supply.
13. A device, as claimed in claim 5, wherein specifically: a mode
of operation being called "Locate Mode", or by any other name in
which the device causes a main valve located at the main supply
line to close and a locate valve located at the point of entry to
the structure to close, and where the device then monitors signals
from two pressure sensors which are located beyond each of these
said valves for a period of time sufficient to determine which
sensor demonstrates a decrease in pressure for the purpose of a
determination of which section or sections of a piping system is or
are leaking at any point within said section.
14. A device, as claimed in claim 13, wherein also: a display of
the result of the separate monitoring of signals from the two
pressure sensors gives the owner/user results from the test which
indicate whether a pressure reduction condition is found to have
existed on the supply piping or the structure piping or both and
this pressure reduction being sufficient to logically determine or
establish that a leak is present and where this mode may be
manually initiated by the owner/user or automatic in response to a
leak determination in any other mode.
15. A device, as claimed in claim 5, wherein specifically: a mode
of operation being called "Water Counter Mode" or by any other name
in which the device causes the setting of an internal counter to be
zero (0) and which the device communicates with a flow counting
sensor which delivers signal relating to water flow in gallons to
incrementally increase the counter to reflect an amount which flows
and visually display this information to owner/user on a screen
which is affixed to the face of the device and or utilize voice
synthesis to simulate a human speech to audibly emit understandable
language which reflect this amount in gallons.
16. A device, as claimed in claim 5, wherein specifically: a mode
of operation being called "Sleep Mode" or by any other name in
which the owner/user programs times of day in which the device
causes the main valve to close and then where signals are
communicated from the main pressure sensor which represent the
maintenance of static pressure or the decrease in static pressure
which the later is known as an anomaly and causes said closure and
where a signal may be sent to cause an electrically actuated relay
to disconnect the electrical supply to a water heater and where
this mode is automatically entered and exited from as programmed by
the Owner/User.
17. A device, as claimed in claim 16, wherein also: a pressure
anomaly will cause the opening of the main valve to re-supply
volume and pressure to a piping system and where a flow counting
sensor delivers signal relative to amount of flow in gallons and
where the main valve will be caused to close if an amount of flow
in gallons is reached which is programmed by the owner/user and
this amount is limited to a maximum programmable setting determined
during installation of device and where a visible and or audible
alert is provided to the owner/user by the controller device and
where the device will return to a state of monitoring should the
programmed flow amount not be reached during a single pressure
anomaly condition.
18. A device, as claimed in claim 16, wherein also: Owner/User can
store into internal memory a programming for three (3) daily times
for the device to automatically enter this mode during the normal
working week meaning that time normally considered to be beginning
at midnight on each Sunday and ending at four o'clock p.m. on each
Friday but being able to be determined by each user by programming
specific to their own normal schedule.
19. A device, as claimed in claim 16, wherein also: Owner/User can
store into internal memory a programming for three (3) daily times
for the device to automatically enter this mode during the normal
weekend meaning that time normally considered to be beginning at
four o'clock p.m. on each Friday and ending at midnight on each
Sunday but being able to be determined by each user by programming
specific to their own normal schedule.
20. A device, as claimed in claim 5, wherein also: a user may by
programming control the operation of a plurality of valves which
are opened and closed again as programmed for areas or zones of
control for the purpose of irrigation and where all other device
programming may be vacated to allow for such flow as is necessary
to meet either timing of flow or specific flow in gallons
programming by the Owner/User.
21. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: Owner/User may cause
the device to visually display information about total amounts of
water usage in gallons relating to daily and weekly and monthly and
for the period of the previous twelve (12) months for the purpose
of supporting home conservation programs or validating customer
water billing statements.
22. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: Owner/User may
program an amount know as "Daily Usage Alarm" or by any other name
in which a set amount of daily water usage in gallons is determined
by the user to be a goal for maximum daily usage and audible and
visual alarms are produced by the device if this amount is
exceeded.
23. A device, as claimed in claim 1, further including: that the
User interacts with onscreen menus and sub menu systems currently
being called "Set-Up" and "Mode" or by any other name or names in
which this is accomplished, and in which various run time settings
and entry to various operational modes are accomplished.
24. A device, as claimed in claim 23, wherein also: User may
program a temperature in which their water heater operates within a
range of normal temperatures of such operation.
25. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: programming internal
to device provides contact information about a specific plumbing
service or company including service or company name and telephone
number as an On Screen Display and in response to any leak
determination logically made by device.
26. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: signals received from
a water softening or filtering device which represent the need for
user intervention for a maintenance action for said device cause
audible and visual alarms at the controller
27. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: device specific
operational characteristics directly support Water Conservation and
specifically by providing user with real time and easily acquired
information necessary to develop and implement successful home
water conservation plans and or programs and by allowing user to
establish a daily water usage expectation in gallons that if
exceeded will notify user both audibly and visually and by
prompting of user to have leaky plumbing repaired.
Description
1. FIELD, BACKGROUND AND PURPOSES OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] The invention relates to a Logic. Based Electronic
Controller Device for monitoring and control of ones residential
and or small business water piping system, also frequently referred
to as plumbing. This device utilizes, state of the art electronics
and programming for the control of and in concert with various
forms of peripheral devices including: electrically activated
solenoid valves for control of water flow through a piping system,
and with pressure sensor(s) for the purpose of receiving signals
which are used to monitor water pressure within a piping system,
and with Flow Counting Devices for determining volumes of flow
through piping measured in U.S. Gallons, and with thermal sensors
for the purpose of receiving signals which reflect the temperature
of water in a water heater measured in thermal degrees Fahrenheit,
and with electrically actuated relay(s) for the purpose of
controlling the flow of electrical or gas energy which produce a
heat source for heating water, and with a plurality of solenoid
valves for the purpose of irrigation.
[0003] 2. Background
[0004] In the United States alone, repeated from town to town,
trillions upon trillions of gallons of treated and potable water
are lost each year due to two major deterrents to conservation
efforts. These two seem insurmountable until seen in the light of
simplicity. First and most obvious yet also most ignored is leaking
plumbing fixtures and pipes. Estimates from the largest
water-management districts throughout the United States reflect
that as much as 1/3.sup.rd of all water ever produced for potable
water supply is simply lost to dripping leaks due to bad flapper
valves in toilets and leaking washers in faucets and fixtures or
underground-undetected leaks. Since an estimate of the volume of
this loss for one major Southern California Water District reaches
an approximated 10.3 Trillion Gallons per year and the much smaller
Utility supplying the local Pensacola Fla. area looses another 0.75
Trillion Gallons to the same foe, it simply boggles any reasonable
mind to imagine what the National and or even Worldwide loss volume
would be. Particularly when it is realized that this terrible waste
is caused by PROCRASTINATION for the most part. Most people
recognize a sound that is heard in the stillness of the night or
the quietness of a day when a toilet runs for a few seconds and
then runs again a few minutes later. While simple replacement with
a new flapper valve would stop this, and this item costs less than
10 dollars U.S., night after night we ignore the sound until it
becomes a part of our normal household sounds, and then we forget
it all together, thus the dilemma. Likewise we see or hear dripping
in tubs, showers, and sinks or hose bibs and ignore them also. Thus
the dilemma is compounded. To solve this, it is reasonable to
expect that if a system would provide a gentle but constant
prompting, that most would seek to repair these leaks and thus save
a dwindling and precious resource. The second deterrent to
successful water conservation on a scale, which could make a
difference, is that in order for Water Conservation Participation
to increase in homes and small businesses, the user must have
easily acquired information, which is essential for conservation
planning and monitoring the success of such a plan. Currently the
public at large is only given the totally inconvenient task of
walking to the water meter and digging through mud and spiders to
take a visual reading of their water usage. Only to be followed by
a mathematical formula which first converts the reading from Cubic
Feet of Water to Gallons of water? This is only made more difficult
for many by the fact that the last two digits of that reading often
only reflect hundredths of a single cubic foot so many miscalculate
believing these to be whole numbers. Following a correct
conversion, the "potential home conservationist" is then required
to perform a more simple mathematical subtraction of any previous
gallons from the current calculated gallons results. This then
finally results in the amount of usage that has occurred since this
laborious task was last accomplished. Imagine that you want to know
how much you use during a shower and you have to do all this each
time, and how much your children used and you must do it again, or
how much you used yesterday, last month, or even how much you used
last year? What is your average usage per day, week, month, or
year? How many trips to the meter and mathematical conversions and
subtractions would it take to gain all of this information which is
paramount to home conservation planning and success? Even more
important is . . . how many trips to the meter before you stop
participating? And so in lies the problem! This type of activity is
far too laborious and time intensive, and while studies around the
country show that people are willing to assist in conservation,
participation is scarce at best. To combat this deterrent to
participation in conservation requires a device that mounts in a
convenient location in the home or small business setting. A
device, which constantly gathers this information for you, and
displays it back to you through easy to navigate menus. With such a
device a family could make conservation a fun daily activity, and
thus create a habit of conserving. Children would gain tremendous
pleasure in having such a device to count how much they use when
they shower, and then write it on a simple tracking chart so that
they can see the gallons that they are helping to save. And if this
device would also allow you to set a daily amount which would be
your overall usage goal and it would give alarm when you exceed
that amount, then people would begin to think about why the alarm
had sounded, and if it were a result of water waste. Given the
correct tool, participation in home water conservation would reach
numbers never dreamed possible by Townships, Utilities,
Water:Management District, and Boards. Each having staffs of
employees trying to elicit this support and having goals for their
water conservation programs. While the device that is specified in
this application was developed to specifically address these
critical conservation issues, it was evident to us that such a
device could do so much more at the same time. It could help to
reduce the estimated 56 Billion Dollars spent each year in
insurance claims for water damage to property caused by plumbing
leaks. It could reduce the Billions that are expected to be spent
each year on Health Related issues arising, from Toxic Mold Related
Illness that require water to live and grow, and where plumbing
related leaks have been determined to be the number one cause. But
why stop there? Why not a fully augmented device for total control
of all aspects of a plumbing system in the home or small business?
Able to also control hot water heater on and off states and set the
temperature that they operate at. A Device, able to also control a
lawn and garden sprinkler system. Able to drain a plumbing system
so that pipes don't burst due to freezing during the absence of the
property owner. A device, that causes a plumbing system to sleep
when you do. A device, operating from user programming that matches
daily lifestyle. Thus the single device, which does all of this, is
represented by this application for patent and is called the
Residential Water Management System, yet it's design and purpose
also fit the needs of the Small Businesses as well.
PURPOSE(S) OF THE INVENTION:
[0005] The purpose(s) are to help to solve Water Conservation
Deterrents by eliminating water waste due to leaky plumbing and
fixtures and to provide the necessary tool to user that make Home
Land Small Business Water Conservation Participation simple, thus
encouraging this participation in numbers that dwarf those
currently realized. Additionally, the RWMS will control unwanted
water flow, defend against damage caused to property by water
leaks, defend against development of mold spores developed when
plumbing leaks, defend against damage to ones hot water heater and
or fires caused by operation of empty heaters due to plumbing
leaks, provide programmable control of Irrigation Specific water
usage, and provide a tool to fully monitor ones home or small
business water usage data and or statistics. The system will
automatically control an electrical operated hot water heater to
include its on and off states, and also to include its operating
temperature. The RWMS has the optional ability to provide gravity
siphon and or pump assisted purge and or drain function to evacuate
the water from a plumbing system. This function will allow the home
and or business owner to purge their water system during vacations
or extended periods away from the structure for the purpose of
preventing freezing related bursting of pipes and or plumbing. Use
of this system throughout America and the World could eliminate
1/3.sup.rd of the water waste due to leaky plumbing and fixtures
and elicit additional water resource savings through encouragement
of conservation participation. Our invention will significantly aid
the ongoing Water Conservation Efforts at the Federal,State, and
Local levels, by giving the Residential and Small Business user a
easy to use and centrally located source for water monitoring, with
return data about usage in gallons without their having to perform
complex mathematical calculations and without the need to leave the
dwelling or business interior. The largest portion of the
population WILL NOT go to their water meters and back calculate
water consumption. But they would use a home appliance that counted
their use for them. Studies by Automobile Associations show that
96% of people who receive various warning lights while driving seek
same day repairs, thus if the same were true when the device warned
of leaks then the savings in Water Resources would be tremendous.
The RWMS device is of particular importance for installation in
Multi Level Condo and Apartment Complexes, where water leaks in
higher units gravitate downward and compound damage by also
damaging vertically adjacent units.
2. DIFFERENCE TO THE RELATED ART
[0006] While several patents have been granted for somewhat similar
products, and their merit is recognized, they are NOT fully
augmented Water Management System(s). They also employ methods of
leak detection which cannot determine small leaks since drip
detection is not easily facilitated through flow detection. Others
rely on moisture sensors placed throughout a structure, which can
easily fail to detect water leaks at all. Others are not cost
effective for the home or small business owner. An example of a
system that is not cost effective is seen in the prior art Patented
as U.S. Pat No. 5,441,070 Aug. 15, 1995 by Thompson, which deploys
an array of flow detecting sensors, solenoid valves and wiring to
all water usage points within the entire structure. This approach,
though effective for fluid flow control, has complexity and high
costs that would make it less desirable than the few peripherals
that are needed by the RWMS. Installation of U.S. Pat No. 5,441,070
would not allow for Home Do-It-Yourselfer installation even by the
most savvy and would be a complex, costly and time consuming task
even for a Professional Plumber. Further, installation of this item
of prior art would be even more problematic and less desirous in
existing structures. Further, maintenance for U.S. Pat No.
5,441,070 would expectedly be much more intensive and most likely
more frequent since there are so many points of possible failure.
Another disadvantage of the items seen in the current prior art is
that they do not allow for control of the water heater in a
plumbing system. Without this control any system falls shy of being
a total water management system, since the water heater is a
standard part of the water/plumbing system in any Dwelling or Small
Business. Another item seen in the related art uses a device which
transmits information about water usage through telephone and or
radio communications to a centralized monitoring system, which adds
to the cost of the use of the system on a incremental
(monthly/quarterly/annual) basis, being unlike the RWMS which would
require only the initial cost of installation. Another item of
prior art requires installation that places the controls for the
system outside of the users actual dwelling or business property or
in locations that would hot be considered by the user to be
convenient to daily lifestyle. The discovered related art (to date)
do not constitute the functionality of a full and complete
Residential Water Management System (RWMS). They do not have a
water counter mode and information provided to the user Onscreen
for individual water usage events such as showering, washing
dishes, etc, which is stated as "The paramount Innovative
Technology Needed for Effective Water Conservation Efforts and
Public Awareness and Participation in Water Conservation Goals" as
stated by Major Water Management Boards, Districts and Utilities.
Items of Related Art do not have user activity oriented modes of
operation that are designed to match user lifestyle. They do not
have the ability to determine smallest of leaks which are reported
by the Water Conservation Authorities to be the worst form of water
waste, dripping away as much as 1/3.sup.rd of Potable Water
Produced in many Water Management Districts. They are not
Specification Direct Devices that encourage and empower users to
establish and succeeds in Home Water Conservation Planning and
Execution. They do not have valves that remain in last state in the
event of a power outage but rather could return to the improper
state during Commercial Power Outages, leaving the Owner/User
unprotected or without any water for a period of time until Power
is restored. They do not digitally record total usage amounts into
internal memory devices to support user in statistical recall of
this data thus lowering water consumption or validating water
statements. They do not incorporate water system control for both
normal Residential and or Small Business water use with Irrigation
System Control in a single attractive wall mounted controller
device conveniently located in the dwelling or structure.
Additionally, and not to their discredit, but rather to the simple
factors associated with the timing of technological development,
their systems rely on outdated technology and are not able to take
advantage of modern microcomputer processing technology,
miniaturized circuitry and memory devices now available to the
RWMS, and without which such a Total Water Management System being
delivered to the user in a single Logic Based Electronic Controller
was impossible. Thus the name of our device matches it's
functionality, and IS a complete and total Residential Water
Management System (RWMS).
[0007] Though there were many other Items of Related Art that were
reviewed as part of this applications preperation, those which were
found to be most closely related are listed below, and are
submitted for the convenience and cosideration of the Examiner:
1 6,119,720 Sep. 19, 2000 Isaacson Jr. et al 5,086,806 Feb. 11,
1992 Engler & Johnson 3,416,560 Dec. 17, 1968 Bruno 5,251,653
Oct. 12, 1993 Tucker & Kestermann 4,522,229 Jun. 11, 1985
Moortele 4,518,955 May 21, 1985 Meyer 5,881,755 Mar. 16, 1999
Dieringer 5,503,175 Apr. 02, 1996 Ravilious & Grant 4,180,088
Dec. 25, 1979 Mallett 4,911,200 Mar. 27, 1990 Ben-Aire 6,129,103
Oct. 10, 2000 Fields, Cutshaw
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] There is a very simple test that is used to check for leaks
in piping conduits. To do this, a temporary valve and pressure
gauge is applied to the system and then pressurized with air to a
specific test pressure greater than that which the operational
system will bear during normal operation. The system is then
checked at a later time. If the pressure has visibly dropped on the
gauge then the system is determined to have a leak. Our invention
capitalizes on this simple principle to facilitate an ongoing
pressure monitoring and or test of a water/plumbing system and
report results through an Electronic Controller device. This device
then produces audible and/or visual alerts when a pressure test
fails (in specific modes) as seen in both Brief and Detailed
Descriptions Sections of this Patent Application. If test passes, a
visual indication is presented on the controller's Display Screen,
which affirms to the user the fact that water is not leaking from
the piping system. The water management system outlined in this
document is Specification Designed to meet the afore, mentioned
needs of Water Conservation by aid in elimination of simple leaks
and through provision of easily acquired data relating to water
usage in Homes and or Small Businesses which encourage. Water
Conservation Awareness and Participation. It incorporates the; most
accurate method of determining the presences of leaks coupled with
outstanding features that afford the device operator with total
water system management and monitoring from a single Electronic
Controller Device. The key to the operational excellence of the
RWMS is the use of constant monitoring of Water Pressure as the
methodology to determine that water is escaping the confines of a
closed piping system. With pressure as the trigger for anomaly
recognition, the system THEN monitors flow of water in gallons, and
will arrest all flow if outside parameters programmed by user and
in various operational modes. In Sleep Mode, no more than an
estimated 1.5 to 5 gallons of water may flow during such an
anomaly, while in watch mode, the user may program the RWMS to
allow between 50 and 200 gallons of flow during a single flow
event, again which is originally triggered by the recognition of a
sudden drop in static plumbing system water pressure. In "Away
Mode" the system will prevent any flow at all, and maintains a
closed state at the Main Solenoid Valve, and will only return to a
water on condition when the user either manually changes to another
Operational Mode at the Electronic Controller, or programs the
Electronic Controller to automatically return to another mode at a
specific date and time. Thus providing the user with Property
Damage Protection that is 100% certain of effectiveness, since
damage can't occur if the water is off.
[0009] For Simplicity the Basic RWMS installation consists of: 1
(one) Logic Based Solid State Electronic Controller, 1 solenoid or
electromechanically actuated bi-positional valve requiring separate
signals to change states, 1 pressure sensor which is sensitive to
pounds per square inch of water pressure, 1 (one) flow counting and
or metering sensor, sensitive in 10ths of a gallon per minute (or
better). A connection for optional electrically powered water pump.
A connection for an optional solenoid actuated on/off switch for
Electric or Gas Hot Water Heater and for temperature sensor which
applies or are affixed to standard Electric Water Heaters, and
multiple connections for zone control of irrigation specific
electrically actuated solenoid valves. NOTE: additional peripheral
items are necessary in various modes. For instance, if a user
chooses to have the ability to purge their water system from the
RWMS Controller, they are required to install two additional
solenoid actuated valves. If they choose the ability to use the
Leak Location Feature, then an additional solenoid actuated valve
and an additional pressure sensor are necessary.
[0010] The Electronic Controller itself has been developed by
contract between this Patent Applicant and a Professional
Electronics Engineering Firm, utilizing Knowledge and Technologies
inherent to their Profession, and IAW operational characteristics
provided and developed by this Patent Applicant. The sum total of
the operational characteristics of the RWMS are the subject of this
Patent application. The accomplishment of design to produce these
characteristics in a Single Logic Based Electronic Controller
Device is inherent to the Professional Knowledge, Training and
Technological Application which is standard to Electronic
Development Engineers in the United States and Worldwide and
utilize peripheral components which are already manufactured and
readily available from multiple manufacturing and supply sources.
These peripherals are Electrically Actuated Solenoid Valves, Water
Pressure Sensors, Water Flow Counting Device/Sensors, Electrically
Actuated 220 VAC Switches/Relays, and Thin Thermal Sensing Devices.
Therefore the focus of Utility Development and Patent ability of
the RWMS is as stated in its Operational Characteristics and
accomplished through various operational modes which are unique to
the RWMS system. No Federal Research and Development (R&D) aid
or funds were used to develop the RWMS System presented in this
Patent Application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Operational Modes
[0011] 1. On Mode: (By this name or having any operational mode
name in which): Water is On. Water Heater is On. No leak detection
or flow restrictions are active. User must manually place RWMS in
and out of this mode. The user is unprotected from catastrophic
damage resulting from busted or leaking plumbing systems and or
piping while in this Mode. On Mode is automatically abandoned by
the RWMS system in the event of Commercial Power Loss and the
system will default to it's normal operating mode, called the Watch
Mode, which is described in brief in the following paragraph.
[0012] 2. Watch Mode: (By this name or having any operational mode
name in which): The system will allow large flows, as programmed by
the user. The user sets a value in gallons for the amount of flow
that enable audible and visual alerts. Upon reaching this limit,
the user may also program the amount of additional flow that
results in the system shutting off the water system, and water
heater (if so equipped). The device will automatically return to
this state as The Normal Operating Mode. Since this value would
differ from home to home and from business to business, this value
is determined by the user to be the highest volume of water usage
that represents maximum normal usage in their home or business
property. As example, in the home this value would most likely be
equal to the amount in gallons used to fill a bath tub while in a
business office setting this value would most likely be the amount
in gallons used at either a sink or perhaps at a toilet. This is
the expected mode of operation of the unit during times when the
user is normally home or present at a business location, and use of
water is EXPECTED. Such as cooking, cleaning, taking showers,
washing hands, using toilet, etc . . . Additionally, the user can
program a Daily Amount of Expected Water Usage in Gallons as
developed in individual Water Conservation Plans, which will
provide an audible and visual alarm at the RWMS Electronic
Controller if the twenty four (24) hour total usage of water in
gallons exceeds this programmable amount without the inconvenience
of having the system to turn the water off. In this way the RWMS
further demonstrates itself to be a Water Conservation Device since
the user can use this function to set ever decreasing goal volumes
of water use at either the Dwelling or Business Property.
[0013] 3. Sleep Mode: (By this name or having any operational mode
name in which): A daily time(s) programmed to occur by the user of
the RWMS device when the use of water is NOT EXPECTED. Best
examples being: When everyone is asleep at night, or during the day
when homes are vacated for work and children are in school, or in
the business setting would be a time beyond the normal closing time
of the business. The system will turn off the water at the supply
by electrically actuated solenoid valve installed at the union of
the plumbing system to the supply (IE . . . just beyond the Water
Meter), and monitor for pressure anomalies during this time. A
pressure decrease of 50% from Benchmark will cause the valve to
open. (The benchmark for pressure is determined at time that mode
is entered, and with ongoing re-calculations to allow for external
temperature and barometric pressure changes) During any individual
flow event, while in this mode of operation, the system will
restrict water flow to the amount in gallons that has been
determined at the initial time of installation. To do this, the
unit will be manually placed into this mode immediately following
completion of installation and a toilet in the house will be
flushed. Since toilets vary between 1.3 and 4.7 gallons of cyclic
usage, the RWMS will be learning the amount of flow in gallons
which constitute an over usage per individual installation, and
will set this amount as maximum flow during any single anomaly
event while in Sleep Mode. RWMS will immediately turn water off,
and alert user through audible and visual alarms if this threshold
is reached. By allowing for a flow of within this range, the RWMS
permits those infrequent occasions when water use does occur during
times when it is Not Expected. The best examples being when the
user awakes in the night and flushes a toilet, gets a glass of
water, or when the automatic icemaker cycles to produce ice. If so
equipped, the Hot Water Heater will also be disabled (Electric Only
in Initial Production, gas control to follow) through the use of a
(220 VAC) Relay Switch, installed inline with the Water Heater
Power Source. Should flow not reach this maximum flow amount, and
pressure return to a stable level for a period acceptable to
represent a return to benchmark prior to anomaly or a new
benchmark, then system will reset awaiting next pressure anomaly.
If anomalies occur with frequency during this mode, then the system
will determine that a leak exists an act according to severity
estimate: "Minor" (water is turned off, but re-awakens at any
programmed time, while delivering audible and visual alerts from
the Electronic Controller Assembly. The audible alarm will not
begin until the programmed awaken time to prevent unnecessary
awakening of the user). Minor means that the time for Pressure to
reach of drop of 50% of benchmark is equal to and represents a flow
at a rate in which the potential for damage to the property is
greater than acceptable but less than severe. Water flow is
disrupted for purposes of both damage prevention, and for Water
Conservation The system will awaken at any user programmed time for
user convenience yet continue visual and audible alarms that notify
the user of any leak condition discovered during this mode.
[0014] "Severe" (water is instantly turned off, audible alarm
elevates in Db level, user is required to reset alarm and water
system does not awaken as programmed by user) The option to have
the Hot Water Heater On or Off during this time will also assure
that water heaters do not attempt to heat a possibly empty tank,
thus providing fire protection as a result. Severe means that the
time for Pressure to reach a drop of 50% of benchmark was equal to
and represents a significant flow with great potential to damage
property and waste potable water resources. The flow of water is
stopped to prevent property damage and for the purpose of Water
Conservation.
[0015] 4. Away Mode: (By this name or having any operational mode
name in which): User causes device to communicate with peripheral
devices that discontinue all water flow from source and may also
electrically cause the disabling of a water heater in a water
piping system. This mode can be manually entered and exited from or
entered from a menu selection that allows for the setting of a
pre-determined date and time in which the system would
automatically return to any appropriate alternate mode. In example,
if the date and time matched a programmed setting in which the
system should be in the Sleep Mode, then the system would return to
that mode otherwise the system would return to the Watch Mode. This
mode is initiated by the user when vacating the home for extended
periods of time. Best examples being: Over night or longer stays
away from the Residence, or when a Small Business is closed for the
weekend, etc . . . Of course the user can return early and wake the
system manually, even if they had chosen auto-awaken during
initialization of the mode.
[0016] 5. Purge Mode: (By this name or having any operational mode
name in which): One wishes to drain and depressurize the entire
piping system controlled by the device. The RWMS turns off the
water at the supply (main solenoid valve) and then opens two
solenoid valves called the "Drain" solenoid valve, which allows
water to drain outside the residence, and the "Vacuum Release"
solenoid valve, which allows an air inlet to prevent vacuum
retention of water in the plumbing system. The device supports the
option of having an electrically powered pump to assure complete
evacuation, which can operate either on AC or DC electrical current
and also supports the option of an additional solenoid that drains
the hot water heater. Best examples being: Users of the RWMS device
in geographic areas where extreme cold weather exists, and user
wishes to prevent direct and indirect damage due to freezing and
bursting of pipes during intentional and extended periods when the
property is vacated. Many persons in the North of the United States
spend the winter months in the warmer climate of the South of the
United States, and this optional device mode will be of most
significant appeal to these while many may choose this option for
reasons other than that used in this example.
[0017] 6. Locate Mode: (By this name or having any operational mode
name in which): The device communicates with two strategically
placed/installed pressure sensors to determine whether a leak
detected by the system is located on the supply section (plumbing
from user point of responsibility to entry point into property) or
the property section (all plumbing beyond the point of entry) A
solenoid valve known as the "Locate" valve, must be installed in
the exact (or closest possible) point that represents the point of
entry, and a separate Pressure Sensor must be placed beyond the
locate solenoid valve to facilitate this function's use.
[0018] 7. Water Temperature Adjustment Mode: (By this name or
having any operational mode name in which): The unit will allow for
the control of Electric Water Heater Temperatures ranging from
ninety, to one hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit. To accomplish
this, a modification of a Standard Water Heater Thermostat
incorporates a thin temperature sensor, and communicates
information equal to a thermal reading of current water temperature
to the Electronic Controller. Additionally, a Electrical Relay will
be placed in line with the Power Source (220 VAC), which will allow
for the unit to control the Water Heater Power Source through
communications with the Electronic Controller and as necessary to
control temperature to the user programmed level. The control of an
electric water heater has been accomplished as part of a prototype
with control of gas operated water heaters currently being an
ongoing process.
[0019] 8. Leak Detection Message Programming Capability (By this
name or having any operational mode name in which): The Controller
will be able to be programmed to display the name and telephone of
a Plumbing Service Provider. Initially the message should read,
"Leak Detected, Call For Service" With programming, the message can
read "Leak Detected, Call "XXXXXXXXX" Plumbing Service:
1-800-###-####", where the name and phone number of a plumbing
company or service is substituted for the "XXXXXXXXX" and
1-800-###-####. At any time that the system recognizes and reports
a leak condition this message would also appear on the Electronic
Controller Display.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION(S) OF INVENTION
[0020] The following describes detail about the individual
operational characteristics of the modes and states related to the
RWMS device. Some mode descriptions from previous "Brief
Description" section do not appear in this "Detailed Description"
section, in that the previous description was deemed to
sufficiently describe those functions.
[0021] 1. Water On Mode: (By this name or having any operation mode
name in which): The RWMS System will allow the user to effectively
by-pass the leak detection and flow restrictions as programmed by
user. A user might need to fill a swimming pool, or initially water
a newly planted garden, or to do any of a number of water usage
activities that would cause other modes to disrupt water flow
either determined that such usage was a catastrophic level leak or
break in the plumbing system or that the maximum flow established
by the user to occur in a single flowing event had been reached.
This mode requires user action, at the Electronic Controller, and
effectively makes all leak detection and maximum flow settings
transparent and or disabled. This mode of operation is
automatically abandoned by the RWMS in the event of Commercial
Power Loss, and; the RWMS will return to the appropriate mode as
dictated by the timing programming stored in memory, and as
programmed by the device Owner/User. Most Simply Stated: During
this mode the water is on, and there are no restrictions to amount
of Flow nor Active Leak Detection or Maximum Flow Restrictions
engaged by the RWMS Electronic Controller, allowing user to cause
greater amounts of flow than normally expected.
[0022] 2. Watch Mode: (By this name or having any operation mode
name in which): The RWMS operates to monitor for water flow events
that are recognizable by pressure anomaly. It does this utilizing a
well know and fully accepted principle of the relationship between
pressure in a closed system and to the expected change in pressure
when flow is increased or decreased so that when flow exists,
pressure decreases. The RWMS constantly monitors for static
pressure in home plumbing systems and applies an "over time"
calculation using an internal clock that equates amount of flow to
static pressure decrease using a standard curve. The amount of time
in which pressure drops in a closed plumbing system by 50% from the
normal benchmark of pressure directly correlates to the rate or
amount of flow that is occurring. The RWMS uses a logic that
realizes that long periods of time for 50% pressure reduction
indicate a drip conditions such as leaky toilet flapper valves or
faucet seal(s), while sudden or short periods for 50% reduction in
pressure in that same plumbing system would represent more
significant and or continuous flow. In the RWMS this reduction of
pressure by 50% represents an Anomaly, and is the trigger for all
RWMS Logic Based Functions in Modes where Leak Detection is active.
If the amount of time that occurs during a 50% reduction in
pressure is equal to the median time of a dripping flow, then the
anomaly is recognized to have found a dripping leak. Alternatively,
if the amount of time that occurs during pressure reduction to 50%
is equal to the median time for continuous volume flow then the
RWMS activates a Water Flow Counter Device and will terminate water
flow by actuation of an electrically actuated solenoid valve if the
amount of flow reaches values in gallons programmed by the user
prior to the anomaly. In this way the RWMS Device can also be used
as a Flow Amount Delivery Device, using the accuracy of Flow
Counting to deliver exact amounts of water for such purposes as
irrigation or filling of pools or jacuzzi. The RWMS uniquely solves
the problem of accurate detection of dripping leaks, while
continuing to allow normal daily water usage activities in the
dwelling or structure. This also uniquely separates the RWMS as a
Water Conservation Specific Device, since it will stop water waste
from such things as Busted Garden Hoses, Underground Pipe Bursting
and other wasteful long time and volume flows of Potable Water. As
an example, the following user related characteristic of use: The
user might choose to have 50 gallons of water set as a base flow
restriction for any given individual flow event. Another user of
the RWMS might choose that this same flow restriction be 200
gallons. And both RWMS users having the ability to change this
setting from an Electronic Controller mounted inside the Dwelling
or Structure. The RWMS operating in this mode will then monitor
pressure in the system to watch for Pressure Anomalies. If the
anomaly is determined to be a constant and or lasting volume of
flow the RWMS will then restrict the total flow amount to the
prescribed user amount in Gallons, while maintaining the unique
ability to detect small dripping leaks and report them.
[0023] Additionally, the user can program a Daily Amount of
Expected Water Usage in Gallons as developed in Individual Water
Conservation Plans, which will provide an audible and visual alarm
at the RWMS Electronic Controller if the twenty-four (24) hour
total usage of water in gallons exceeds this programmable amount.
In this way the RWMS further demonstrates itself to be a Water
Conservation Device since the user can use this function to create
ever-decreasing goals for their total volumes of water use with the
RWMS providing feedback for both success and failure to meet
individuals pre-determined daily goals for total water usage.
[0024] 3. Sleep Mode: (By this name or having any operational mode
name in which): User Programmed Time when water use is not normally
expected. An example would be to have the water system placed into
Sleep Mode at Midnight and to awaken from sleep mode at 5 AM. For
these 5 hours the water system would be turned off, and the system
would monitor pressure readings alone. No loss of pressure would
mean that the system has no leaks. The unit could be programmed to
automatically enter Sleep Mode based on three daily begin sleep and
end sleep mode settings which are Owner/User programmable. This
allows for a Morning, Afternoon and Night setting(s), when most
people are not using water in their homes or small businesses. If
only the user enters one setting, then only that setting would
automatically place the RWMS in this mode of operation. The system
also allows for three additional times to be specified during the
weekend period, which further allows the user to program this mode
around their normal lifestyle and schedules.
[0025] During this time . . . unexpected water use may occur. For
instance a family member might need to use the rest room, get a
glass of water, or the Ice Maker might go through a dump and fill
cycle. Such an occurrence would significantly decrease pressure in
a closed water system in a rapid manner, this sudden decrease in
pressure (specifically when 50% of normal pressure has diminished)
would trigger the system to turn the water back on for a time which
would allow for any normal but unexpected water usage, but to a
limit of total flow which has a maximum programmable value which
will be determined at time of installation as previously described
in the Brief Description section of this application. If flow does
not reach the maximum user programmed and allowable value stored in
memory expectedly to be between 1.5 and 5 gallons, and pressure
returns to the benchmark pressure, then the RWMS will again close
the Main Solenoid Valve, and return to Pressure Monitoring alone.
Since water that is used during these in-frequent times is almost
always cold water, the system can put the Water Heater to Sleep,
saving more Energy resources. Also, hot water tanks are very well
insulated and thus can hold sufficient hot water without heat
source for enough time that need for occasional hot water during
these times would not negatively impact on the user. Additionally
the RWMS can be programmed with a minimum water temperature that
does not promote growth of bacteria such as that that causes
Legionnaires Disease, etc . . . Since the system will wake up at
the prescribed/programmed time, it will also awaken the water
heater, and will be ready to deliver hot water to the user on
demand and return itself to the Watch Mode. Naturally Sleep Mode
should not be activated during the same timing settings of a
separate Automatic Lawn/Garden Watering system. Since many that
would install the RWMS already have irrigation systems, then it is
expected that they would install RWMS systems that do not have the
Irrigation System Control function since this model of the RWMS
would naturally cost less.
[0026] 4. Away Mode: (By this name or having any operational mode
name in which): The RWMS allows for the user to place the water
system and water heater in the off position. This is used for
extended periods where the user intends to vacate the property, but
does not wish to fully purge the water system. This mode is the
Emergency Off Mode as well, although a button is designed on the
Controller Face that allows for Instant Off without having to enter
the menu system. It is noteworthy that instant off mode if
connected to an electric water heater could also be used in the
event of electrical fire at the water heater itself. Instructions
with the unit will teach the user to simply press the Instant Off
button either in an emergency or when going away for brief periods.
If the user is planning to be away from the dwelling or structure
for extended periods it would be best to use the Menu System to
activate the Away Mode, since through this mechanism the RWMS can
be programmed to automatically awaken the water system and water
heater by calendar date and time, thus preparing adequate hot water
supplies for on demand use when the user returns while providing
protection from catastrophic damage prior to the users return to
the dwelling or small business structure. This mode absolutely
assures that damage and water waste cannot occur since the water
system will be totally disabled by activation of the Main Water
Solenoid Valve and cannot flow beyond that which would leak from
the volume of water already existing in the closed water system
beyond the Main Solenoid Valve. Away Mode differs from Sleep Mode
in that a Pressure Anomaly will not trigger the system to turn the
water back on, but instead would trigger the system to report a
leak since the closed system would experience a complete decrease
in pressure. This loss of pressure can be simulated in ANY water
system which has been turned off at the source, by opening a faucet
and watching an initial water flow of significance which then
decreases in volume until there is No Flow at all, since static
system pressure, decreases to No Pressure when disconnected from
the pressure source, normally being Utility Water Supply or Well
Head if there is a point in which flow is allowed.
[0027] 5. Purge Mode: (By this name or having any operational mode
name in which): Used When the home or business owner needs the
added security of being able to remove the water from their
plumbing system. Best example would be for those times when users
located geographically in areas of extreme cold wish to vacate
their property without the damage and water waste associated with
busted plumbing due to freezing. The user would place the RWMS
system into Purge Mode, and the solenoids: would all open in the
manner already described until the user was satisfied that the
water had discontinued to flow from the drain. The user would then
go back to controller and complete the purge mode, which would also
place the RWMS in the fully OFF position.
[0028] 1.sup.st, the main water shut off solenoid will disable
water supply just beyond the meter and if so equipped an electrical
relay will disable water heater. (At the Well Head in rural
settings)
[0029] 2.sup.nd, the drain solenoid would be opened followed by or
accompanied by
[0030] 3.sup.rd, the vacuum release solenoid would be opened. The
final process is that the RWMS Controller returns the drain and
vacuum release solenoid valves to prior positions respective to
each. Also since the memory of last Mode is stored in Non-Volatile
Memory or memory which is not lost when power is off for any length
of time, the mode of operation will remain Purge, even if
Commercial Power is lost and regained several times during the
absence of the property owner/user.
[0031] 6. Locate Mode: (This function is proper installation
dependant) Once a leak is detected, then it can be extremely
helpful for the system to also help to determine location to the
degree of answering the question(s): "Is the leak between the point
in which the user is responsible for water (POR) and point of entry
(POE) to the dwelling or business Also Known As (AKA) the supply
line, or is it beyond the Point of Entry (POE) in the structural
plumbing, or do both of these main plumbing system sections have
leaks?" The information that follows couples this functionality
with very important Installation Instruction which if not followed
by RWMS installer would negate its usefulness. Instructions with
the system, and provided via other media, will instruct the user to
install a solenoid valve optionally elected for support of the
Locate Mode, and not part of a Basic Residential Water Management
System which MUST BE at or nearest possible to the Point of Entry.
Also a second pressure sensor is installed which is optional to the
Locate Mode and is installed at any convenient point in the
plumbing system which is beyond the Point of Entry (POE), and is
specifically used to determine the answer to the question mentioned
in the first paragraph of this mode description. Since each side of
the two identified sections of plumbing mentioned in this modes
description have separate pressure sensors, then the system can
determine with a single test cycle as to whether one side or even
both sides demonstrate intelligible reductions in pressure that
would represent that a plumbing system is NOT sealed and which
constitute leak associated flow. The unit will watch Pressure on
the Supply Side and on the Property Side simultaneously during this
Mode, which is in fact a testing mode. In this way even smaller
Leaks will be found by the RWMS system and repair will be aided by
directing searches for the source to that or those sides of the
plumbing where the RWMS determined that a leak existed. This can
save time and money for the property owner whether the leak is
found and repaired by them or through private business with a
Licensed Plumbing Service in their business area
[0032] 7. Water Counter or "Count" Mode: (By this name or having
any operational mode name in which): Encouragement of "grass root"
public participation in Conservation efforts of Water Utilities,
Counsels, Board and Conservation Agencies, whom propagate
instructions to users for such participation which read "To
determine water usage over a given period of time, locate your
water meter box, then read the current meter reading, then perform
a conversion calculation to convert this reading from Cubic Feet of
Water to Gallons of Water, then subtract any previous amount in
gallons from the current reading in gallons, but do not include the
last two numbers since they are 100ths of Cubic Feet of Water
Usage, and not whole numbers of Cubic Feet of Water Usage". These
convoluted and confusing instructions also require many trips to
the water meter to perform and do not elicit numbers of willing
participants from the target group for this product to actively
participate in what could be very successful Water Conservation
Programs in each and every Water District, Board or Utility across
the United States and abroad. However, the RWMS is uniquely
designed to meet this need by providing easily acquired "counting"
of water usage which will encourage and elicit Water Conservation
Planning at the grass roots level, since the RWMS will allow the
user to simply gain this needed data by following the very easy
steps/instructions provided with the RWMS Device Packaging and on
other media such as Websites:
[0033] Before you use the water, press the menu button on the RWMS
Controller Now press the number of the Water counter Mode seen in
the menu on the keypad of the RWMS Controller Device. The device
begins a count from zero. (0) in gallons, and displays onscreen
that a count is underway, with instruction onscreen for user to
complete water usage activity and return to the RWMS Controller and
Press Enter/Re-Set button to get the results.
[0034] User returns to RWMS controller and presses the Enter/Reset
option on the Electronic Controller Unit.
[0035] User receives instant count of water usage during activity
which is displayed onscreen and or electronically voice simulated,
and as an example would display or say "The total amount used
during this count was "XXX" Gallons.
[0036] Controller device prompts user to either return to water
counting mode, or to return the main menu.
[0037] This feature will readily encourage Home and Small
Businesses to develop Water Conserving Habits that reduce their
usage, thus providing additional Trillions of Gallons of water
savings per Water District, and qualifying the RWMS as a one of a
kind innovative technology which supports Water Conservation by
encouraging grass root level participation by Residents and
Businesses, their family members and or staff. It is therefore
reasonably expected that public Water Conservation Participation
would increase in numbers which would dwarf current participation
with the RWMS as the Innovative Tool which allows for "Painless"
acquisition of the timely data points which are the most paramount
element for effective Home and or Small Business Water Conservation
Planning and Programs. Plainly said, The RWMS will make water
conservation an easy and fun project for families and businesses.
Packaging of the RWMS product should include educational video
about Home and Small Business Water Usage and Conservation needs,
plus include a tracking chart so that families can make Water
Conservation a fun habit, with a chart to track the progress at
either the home or small business. The RWMS Electronic Controller
is in constant communication with the Flow Counter/Sensor for the
purpose of storing total water usage information. This same Flow
Counter/Sensor is also used during Water Counter Mode to capture
individual usage for Conservation. Participation purposes, while at
the same time any amount of water used will still be recorded in
total usage for statistical recall and display.
[0038] 8. Echo Alert Mode (By this name or having any operational
mode name in which): The device will receive signals from either a
water softening apparatus or a filtering apparatus, which will send
signal to the RWMS Controller when needed maintenance actions are
required such as replacement of filters or addition of softening
agents. The RWMS unit will respond to this signal by producing both
visual and audible notifications of these conditions.
[0039] Installation Requirements: (Also visually determinable by
examination of RWMS Drawing #1)
[0040] Shut Off Solenoid and Pressure Sensor should be installed at
or nearest possibly to the property Point Of Responsibility (POR),
which in most cases is the Utility Provided Water Meter, or where
well water is used this point is represented by the Well Head. If
possible, a mineral filtering device is recommended for prevention
of deposit build up which can lessen the life expectancy of the
pressure and flow sensing devices, however is not a requirement nor
a part of the subject of this Patent Application. Wiring to connect
the Solenoid Valve(s), and the Pressure Sensor(s) to the Controller
should be buried underground. Since the function of the Flow
Detection Device is dedicated to flows which would only occur in
the structure piping branches, it is recommended that it be
installed beyond the Point of Entry (POE), but before any branching
of the plumbing system to assure that any flow of water to any
water using fixture or appliance be through the flow counter and
not beyond it. The installation of the Flow Counter/Sensor is
ideally recommended to be inside the structure, which will add to
its expected usable and functionally accurate life. Ideally the
Pressure Sensor will be incorporated into the design of the Shut
Off Solenoid, but will function properly if installed as separate
item beyond the Main Electrically Actuated Solenoid Valve. If the
Locate Mode is chosen to be active by the RWMS user, then the
additional Locate Mode Pressure sensor may be installed at any
point in the plumbing that is beyond the Point of Entry (POE).
[0041] Drain Solenoid should be placed at the lowest point
(determinable & accessible by installer) in the water system
past the point of entry into the structure. A pipe/conduit
extending from that point, outside the structure, should be plumbed
to elbow above ground level, and below the level of the plumbing
itself. Water from the plumbing will drain outside from this
solenoid when the Purge Mode (Optional) is activated. It is
noteworthy that this could be even more water conservation oriented
if drained water were directed to landscaping areas, which would
benefit from the water. In situations where the User's Property
includes subterranean (below ground) areas such as basements, an
optional kit with an Electric Pump will be available, and
connections for such a device will exist in all units produced. The
pump would assure complete evacuation of water from a water system
and could be elected by those not having subterranean areas as
well. Vacuum Release Solenoid will be installed inline with the
plumbing at the Highest Point where any piping exists above ground
level, and will allow air into the system to maximize the amount of
water drained by preventing vacuum in the plumbing during the
purge/drain. A Pump would be necessary to assure, 100% evacuation,
but the gravity/siphon method should be more than adequate to
prevent freezing and bursting of water system piping where no
subterranean piping exists.
[0042] At a convenient point (as best determined by the installer)
the Locate Solenoid (If Locate Mode is chosen by user to be
available and active) should be installed. It is noteworthy to
mention that many structures have a manually operated valve at the
Point of Entry, and the use of this valve will substitute for the
Locate Solenoid, but will require that the user manually close this
valve to run the Locate Mode test. The Locate Mode Pressure. Sensor
is however a must installation for the Locate Mode to correctly
function and may be installed at any point beyond the Point of
Entry (POE).
[0043] While the above describes in detail the RWMS or Residential
Water Management System, it is not limited to any exact form, and
changes in its detail and or construction methods would not reflect
a departure from the spirit thereof. NOTE: The main solenoid valve
employed by the RWMS differs from most. Most are simply either
"Normally On" or "Normally Off", and require constant electrical
energy to maintain the opposite of their normal condition or state.
The solenoid valve used by the RWMS has been specifically adapted
with a locking mechanism which forces the valve to stay in the last
state, even when commercial and or battery power is lost. This
unique feature allows for the system to remain in last state until
a separate unlatching signal is sent which allows the solenoid to
spring back into its normal state. This valve specifically is a
locking bi positional normally on valve. This valve also reports to
the Controller through special lines in wiring so that the
Controller can discontinue electrical energy to the solenoid once
the "locked" signal is received. This application does not make
CLAIM for any rights to said solenoid valve, but rather describes
it as a part of the RWMS System. Also the valves have a manual
lever which allows the home owner to manually select the on or off
position should the need arrise.
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