U.S. patent number 3,821,967 [Application Number 05/213,997] was granted by the patent office on 1974-07-02 for fluid control system.
Invention is credited to Yigal Froman, Benjamin Grill, Oded E. Sturman.
United States Patent |
3,821,967 |
Sturman , et al. |
July 2, 1974 |
FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM
Abstract
A battery operated fluid control system, which may be used in a
sprinkler system having a master valve unit with a battery operated
electronic clock therein for periodically opening the valve for a
preset duration in response to the clock turn-on pulse, and being
operable with one or more slave valve units connected in series to
sequentially open the slave valves for their corresponding preset
time duration. The clock is comprised of an oscillator having a
plurality of countdown flip-flops, with the clock turn-on pulse
being selectable from the outputs of a group of the lower
flip-flops to give a selection of valve turn-on intervals. A
battery operated solenoid valve of the latching type and associated
circuitry is located in the master valve unit and each of the slave
valve units, with the circuitry being adapted to receive a pulse,
either from the clock or from the turn-off signal of the previous
valve unit, and to provide a turn-on pulse to the solenoid. The
circuitry is also comprised of an adjustable time delay circuit to
measure the desired duration from the turn-on pulse and to provide
a subsequent turn-off pulse to the solenoid. One embodiment is
adapted to replace the valve mechanism in a prior art anti-syphon
valve assembly. Another embodiment incorporates a unique
anti-syphon valve which does not obstruct the primary flow path and
further has a moisture collecting container on the side thereof,
cooperatively disposed with the anti-syphon valve and having
electrical probes therein connected to the circuitry. When the
valve turns on, the initial leakage of the anti-syphon valve fills
the container, which will remain filled in rainy or very humid
weather, thereby preventing subsequent opening of the valve until
the moisture has evaporated. The valve and time delay circuit is
also adaptable for use in manually initiated systems, such as
toilets and the like, and a unique toilet bowl and water valve
component arrangement is disclosed to achieve the anti-syphon
function.
Inventors: |
Sturman; Oded E. (Northridge,
CA), Grill; Benjamin (Northridge, CA), Froman; Yigal
(Northridge, CA) |
Family
ID: |
22797374 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/213,997 |
Filed: |
December 30, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/624.15;
251/65; 251/30.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16K
31/402 (20130101); A01G 25/162 (20130101); Y10T
137/86421 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
A01G
25/16 (20060101); F16K 31/40 (20060101); F16K
31/36 (20060101); F16k 031/40 () |
Field of
Search: |
;137/624.13,624.15,624.11 ;251/30,65 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Cohan; Alan
Assistant Examiner: Michalsky; Gerald A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Spensley, Horn & Lubitz
Claims
We claim:
1. A solenoid operated valve for use with a valve body of the type
having an annular valve seat and first and second ports
communicating with opposite sides of the flow passage through said
valve seat comprising:
a valve member linearly moveable, when mounted on a valve body of
the type stated, between an open position whereby fluid may flow
from said first port through said valve body to said second port,
to a closed position whereby said valve member rests on said valve
seat in opposition to the pressure of the fluid communicated from
said first port to prevent fluid flow from said first port to said
second port through said valve body;
a pneumatic means coupled to said valve member and responsive to a
fluid pressure on a first side thereof to force said valve member
to said closed position and responsive to a fluid pressure on a
second side thereof to force said valve member to said open
position, said first side of said pneumatic means being in
communication through a first passage with fluid being received
under pressure from said first port, said second side of said
pneumatic means being in communication through a passage with fluid
deliverable through said second port;
second valve means interposed in a fluid passageway communicating
with said first and second sides of said pneumatic means, said
second valve means including a second valve member moveable between
a closed position preventing fluid flow and an open position
allowing fluid flow;
a solenoid having a moving member coupled to said valve means, said
solenoid being responsive to a first current pulse in a forward
direction through the solenoid coil to magnetize a permanent magnet
in said solenoid to a first level of magnetization and move and
retain said valve means to one of said open and closed positions,
and responsive to a second current in the reverse direction through
the solenoid coil to change the level of magnetization to a second
level to allow the movement of said valve means to the other of
said open and closed positions;
a first switch means mechanically coupled to said moving member for
actuation thereby, said switch means having first, second, and
third terminals, said solenoid coil having first and second leads,
said first terminal being coupled to said first lead of said
solenoid coil, said switch means being a means for coupling said
first terminal to said second terminal when said valve means is in
said closed position and for coupling said first terminal to said
third terminal when said valve means is in said open position;
electrical power source means coupled between said second and third
terminals;
electronic time delay means coupled to said first and second
terminals for providing a time delay output signal a predetermined
length of time after a voltage appears between said first and
second terminals;
a second switch means coupled between said second solenoid lead and
said third terminal; and
a third switch means coupled between said second solenoid lead and
said second terminal and responsive to said time delay output
signal.
2. The solenoid operated valve of claim 1 wherein said second
switch means is a pushbutton switch.
3. The solenoid operated valve of claim 1 wherein said second
switch means is an electronic switch means responsive to a pulse
switching signal.
4. The solenoid operated valve of claim 3 further comprised of an
electronic clock coupled to said second switch means for providing
a pulse to actuate said second switch means at predetermined
intervals.
5. The solenoid actuated valve of claim 4 wherein said electronic
clock is comprised of an electronic oscillator coupled to a
plurality of flip flop circuits, said electronic clock being
selectively coupleable to said second switch means through any of a
plurality of said plurality of flip flop circuits so as to provide
a means for selection of any of a plurality of predetermined
intervals.
6. The solenoid operated valve of claim 3 further comprised of
means for receiving and coupling an external actuating signal to
said second switch means.
7. The solenoid operated valve of claim 1 further comprised of
means for coupling said time delay signal to another valve.
8. The solenoid operated valve of claim 1 further comprised of a
valve body of the type described.
9. A solenoid operated valve for use with a valve body of the type
having an annular valve seat and first and second ports
communicating with opposite sides of the flow passage through said
valve seat comprising:
a valve member linearly moveable, when mounted on a valve body of
the type stated, between an open position whereby fluid may flow
from said first port through said valve body to said second port,
to a closed position whereby said valve member rests on said valve
seat in opposition to the pressure of the fluid communicated from
said first port to prevent fluid flow from said first port to said
second port through said valve body;
a pneumatic means coupled to said valve member and responsive to a
fluid pressure on a first side thereof to force said valve member
to said closed position and responsive to a fluid pressure on a
second side thereof to force said valve member to said open
position, said first side of said pneumatic means being in
communication with fluid being received under pressure from said
first port, said second side of said pneumatic means being in
communication with fluid deliverable through said second port;
second valve means interposed in a fluid passageway communicating
with said first and second sides of said pneumatic means, said
second valve means including a second valve member moveable between
a closed position preventing fluid flow and an open position
allowing fluid flow;
a solenoid having at least one solenoid coil and having a
stationary member and moving member at least in part defining a
magnetic circuit, said moving member being coupled to said valve
means and moveable with respect to said stationary member between a
first position having a minimum nonmagnetic gap in said magnetic
circuit to a second position having a substantial nonmagnetic gap,
said solenoid being responsive to a first current pulse in a
solenoid coil to magnetize said magnetic circuit in said solenoid
and move and retain said valve means to one of said open and closed
positions, and responsive to a second current pulse in a solenoid
coil to change the level of magnetization to a second level to
allow the movement of said valve means to the other of said open
and closed positions;
a first switch means mechanically coupled to said moving member for
actuation thereby, said switch means having first and second
terminals;
electronic power source means;
electronic time delay means for creating a time delay signal, said
first terminal of said first switch means being coupled to one
terminal of said electronic power source means, said electronic
time delay means being coupled between said second terminal of said
first switch means and a second terminal of said electronic power
source, said electronic time delay means being a means for
providing a time delay output signal a predetermined length of time
after actuation of said first switch means;
a second switch means, said second switch means being an electronic
switch coupled to said electrical power source and in series with a
solenoid coil and responsive to an actuation signal, said second
switch means being a means for coupling a solenoid coil to said
electrical power source upon receipt of a first electrical signal,
to provide said first current pulse thereto;
a third switch means, said third switch means being an electronic
switch coupled to said electrical power source and in series with a
solenoid coil and responsive to a said time delay signal from said
electronic time delay means, said second switch means being a means
for coupling a solenoid coil to said electrical power source upon
receipt of a second electrical signal from said time delay means to
provide said second current pulse thereto.
10. The solenoid operated valve of claim 9 further comprised of an
electronic clock coupled to said second switch means for providing
a pulse to actuate said second switch means at predetermined
intervals.
11. The solenoid actuated valve of claim 10 wherein said electronic
clock is comprised of an electronic oscillator coupled to a
plurality of flip flop circuits, said electronic clock being
selectively coupleable to said second switch means through any of a
plurality of said plurality of flip flop circuits so as to provide
a means for selection of any of a plurality of predetermined
intervals.
12. The solenoid operated valve of claim 11 further comprised of
means for coupling said time delay signal to another valve.
13. The solenoid operated valve of claim 11 further comprised of a
valve body of the type described.
14. The solenoid operated valve of claim 9 further comprised of
means for receiving and coupling an external actuating signal to
said second switch means.
15. The solenoid operated valve of claim 9 further comprised of
means for coupling said time delay signal to another valve.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of fluid control systems
such as sprinkler systems for watering and irrigation purposes and
valves for use in toilets and the like.
2. Prior Art
Fluid control systems are widely used for a variety of purposes.
Some of these systems simply comprise a set of valves which are
manually opened and manually closed. Other systems comprise one or
more valves which are manually opened and automatically closed a
short time thereafter, such as in toilets, and still others
comprise a complete system for periodically opening one or more
valves for a predetermined length of time, such as are used in
automatic lawn watering systems. Inasmuch as the preferred
embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein are
specifically adapted for use in fully automatic watering systems
and in toilets, the prior art in these two types of water control
systems will be discussed, it being recognized and obvious from the
disclosure herein that the present invention is in no way limited,
only to these two applications.
Automatic sprinkler systems for automatically watering lawns,
fields and the like are well-known in the prior art. These systems
are generally adapted to open one or more values at predetermined
intervals for predetermined durations, as controlled by one or more
clocks, so as to direct water to the various sprinklers as
desired.
The more common of the prior art systems are designated to operate
on a standard 115 volt 60 cycle power source. A central clock is
used for timing to control the distribution of power to the various
solenoid valves for opening the valves in the various water lines.
Typically, the solenoid valves are designed for automatic closing,
and to be opened and to remain open only during the duration of a
low voltage power supply thereto. For such purposes, the 115 volt
60 cycle power is transformed through a step-down transformer to a
lower voltage so as to be more readily and safely dispatched to the
various solenoid valves through underground conduits.
The above described systems are by far the most common systems in
use, particularly in residential installations. However, these
systems have a number of problems associated therewith which
prevent their more widespread use. Though such systems are
expensive, their cost is generally not considered prohibitive.
However, the purchase of a system is but one part of the expense
associated with the use of the system. The installation, say in a
residence, requires wiring the system into the house power lines
and running underground wires from the central clock to each of the
solenoid valves, as well as placement of the solenoid valves in the
respective water lines. In new housing developments, the cost of
installing such a system before driveways, patios and the like are
put in may well be more than the purchase price of the system, and
in older residences may be prohibitive because of the presence of
patios, driveways, swimming pools and the like, and further, the
reluctance of the homeowner to have his landscaping disturbed.
Consequently, while such systems meet the basic objective of
periodically watering an area, the total cost associated with such
systems and the inconvenience and difficulty of installing such
systems has prevented the more widespread use thereof.
Battery-operated sprinkler systems are also known in the prior art.
By way of example, a battery-operated system is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 3,547,154 entitled "Irrigation Timing Control Apparatus".
That system uses a battery to operate a motor driven timer which
periodically rotates a permanent magnet on a timer disc into
proximity with a magnetically actuated reed switch which turns on a
solenoid valve and a time-delay network, which in turn, turns off
the solenoid valve after the desired time. The solenoid valve used
with this system is of a magnetically latching type, turning on
with a pulse in the first direction and turning off with the pulse
in the second direction. However, in the system described in that
patent, no means of reversing the direction of the current pulse of
the solenoid coil is disclosed, but instead a center tapped coil is
used, with the on pulse being applied to one end of the coil with
respect to the center tap, and the off pulse being applied to the
other end of the coil with respect to the center tap. Consequently,
only one-half of the solenoid coil is usable for either turning on
or turning off the valve, thereby detracting from the efficiency
and force, or adding to the cost and size of the device.
In the above described battery-operated system, no means is
disclosed whereby a single clock may be used to sequentially
operate the series of slave valves. Upon closure of the reed
switch, a capacitor starts to charge, and upon reaching a
particular voltage, is discharged through one-half of the solenoid
coil to turn on the valve. Consequently, the reed switch must
remain closed for a sufficient length of time for the capacitor to
be charged through various current limiting resistors. Thus, the
system is not responsive to a pulse control signal, and a turn off
signal somehow derived from one unit would in no way be operative
to turn on the next unit. Thus, in the system disclosed, each valve
has associated therewith a timer and full circuitry for operation
of the system. The timer itself is a motor actuated device, thereby
being relatively expensive, having a limited life and requiring a
very significant, continuous power for proper operation.
Also known in the prior art are moisture sensors for use in
sprinkling systems to control the application of water based on the
particular needs of the soil. Some of these moisture sensors are
designed as probes to be inserted in the soil and electrically
connected to the sprinkler system so as to sense the moisture
content in the soil. Such moisture sensors are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 3,113,724, entitled "Automatic Watering Systems" and U.S.
Pat. No. 2,578,981, entitled "Electronically Operated Soil
Sprinkling or Irrigating Systems". Such systems are useful to
prevent the operation of the sprinkler system when the ground
already contains adequate moisture because of rain or high humidity
occurring or prevailing since the last sprinkling. However, sensors
placed in the ground must be placed at a position which is
representative of the total area being watered and must be wired
into the sprinkler system. The sensor and the wires connecting it
to the sprinkler system are generally easily damaged by lawn mowers
and the like, and since the sensor is adapted to measure the
conductivity of the soil, and particularly to sense the high
conductivity of the soil for moisture, a broken lead to the sensor
will provide a signal equivalent to dry soil, thereby allowing
operation of the system when the soil already contains adequate
moisture.
Another type of moisture sensor is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,339,842
entitled "Systems for Water Control". This type of sensor is
connected into the water line downstream of the solenoid valve so
as to collect a portion of the delivered water in an open container
while the valve is open. The apparatus is arranged so that a
subsequent opening of the solenoid valve will be prevented until at
least a predetermined amount of water in the container has
evaporated. Thus, rainy weather and/or humid weather will reduce
the frequency of operation of the system as desired. However, the
apparatus disclosed therein is separate and apart from the solenoid
valve and is adapted to operate in conjunction with motors, relays
and the like and therefore, is not suitable for battery operation
because of the relative amount of power required.
The prior art systems are generally comprised of an assembly of old
and standard components to achieve the desired purpose. By way of
example, none of the prior art systems have anti-syphon valves
incorporated as part of the solenoid valve, or integral with any
other component of the system, though such valves are commonly
required as part of such systems in many instances. Furthermore,
prior art anti-syphon valves, as a separate component, have the
anti-syphon valve element directly in the flow stream movable from
a position blocking the reverse water flow and venting the
sprinkler system to the air, to a position of allowing forward
water flow and sealing the air vent. These valves perform the
function of preventing substantial back-flow of water from the
sprinkler system back into the public water system upon loss of
pressure in the public water system by obstructing the water line
against reverse flow and venting the sprinkler side of the line to
remove the water from that point. To accomplish this, the
anti-syphon valves are deliberately placed at a level substantially
higher than the highest sprinkler head so that the venting of the
system at that point will prevent syphoning of the system into the
public water supply. However, it has been found recently that micro
organisms, once entering a water line, are able to pass through a
closed valve which contains water on both sides of the valve.
Consequently, to prevent this, one side of the valve, namely the
low-pressure side, should be vented to the air so that the various
surfaces may quickly dry and thereafter not present a water pool
for collection and multiplication of such micro organisms. Prior
art anti-syphon valves do not achieve this latter purpose, inasmuch
as the anti-syphon portion is somewhat removed from the on-off
valve. When the on-off valve is turned off, the water flow stops
and the anti-syphon valve element effectively sinks in the water in
the anti-syphon valve to a closed-position so as to prevent
substantial backflow. Since the anti-syphon valve element closes
merely by the force of gravity, and in general is closing on a less
than perfect valve seat, and anti-syphon valve closing may be
better described as presenting an obstruction to back-flow as
opposed to a seal against back-flow. Consequently, micro organisms
may freely collect and multiply in the water between the
anti-syphon valve and the on-off valve, and will be invited to
collect in this region by the water trapped above the anti-syphon
valve element and the freedom with which such organisms may travel
therefrom through the anti-syphon valve. Thus, it may be seen that
through prior art anti-syphon valves prevent gross reverse flows
from loss of water pressure in the public water supply, such valves
do not prevent the accumulation and distribution of micro organisms
in the water system in every day use.
It may thus be seen that the prior art battery-operated sprinkler
systems are complex systems having a short battery life or
requiring very large batteries, and require an individual timer for
each valve in the system. Such systems do not incorporate
moisture-sensing devices and are not capable of sequential
operation from a single clock located at one of the valves.
Anti-syphon valves used with such systems are separate valves
having a considerable expense associated therewith and not being
adapted to prevent the flow of micro organisms into the public
water supply. There is, therefore, a need for a simple, reliable
and inexpensive battery-operated sprinkler system which may be
readily installed within a new or existing sprinkler system without
substantial wiring, and which may give sequential operation of a
plurality of sprinkler valves from a single clock disposed in one
of the valve units.
Prior art toilets generally fall within two categories, these two
categories being toilets for residential use and toilets for use in
public or semi-public buildings, with this latter category being
further subdividable into toilets where the flushing is manually
initiated and toilets which are automatically periodically
flushed.
In toilets intended for residential use, a typical installation
will comprise a porcelain recepticle connected to a drain and
partially filled with water, with a seat assembly disposed
thereabove and a water reservoir or tank generally adapted for
mounting to a wall immediately behind the porcelain recepticle so
as to be operable to discharge water contained therein into the
recepticle. A float assembly and float actuated valve is located in
the tank so as to control the water level in the tank and to refill
the tank after it has been discharged into the recepticle. A second
float is disposed over a discharge opening in the bottom of the
tank so that once it is displaced therefrom, it will float away
from the discharge opening until the tank is substantially emptied
of water. In this assembly, the purpose of the tank is twofold.
First, it provides a reservoir for a predetermined amount of water
and may provide an instantanious water flow rate unobtainable
through the water supply line connected to the toilet. Secondly, it
functions, at least indirectly, as a time delay mechanism for
turning off the water supply line when a predetermined amount of
water has been allowed to flow into the tank. However, it has been
found that water flow rates obtainable directly from the water
supply lines in an ordinary home are fully adequate for proper
flushing action and therefore, the single essential reason for the
tank and mechanical assembly associated therewith is to provide a
convenient time delay shut-off means for the water supply.
The disadvantages of the prior art residential toilet installation
are primarily threefold. First, the cost associated with the tank
and the various floats, mechanical linkages, etc., is substantial,
both in initial purchase cost and in cost of installation.
Secondly, such installations require a reasonable amount of
maintenance, such as required periodic replacement of valve seats,
floats, etc. Thirdly, the tank itself is physically fairly large
and not easily packaged so as be to an attractive and aesthetically
appealing article in the bathroom, thus making the toilet a
generally dominating and unattractive feature of the room.
In commercial installation of the type which are manually flushed,
it is common practice to eliminate the tank and to connect the
remainder of the toilet directly to the water supply line through a
mechanical time delay valve. These valves are adapted to open and
to later automatically close in a manner actuated by and responsive
to the water flow therethrough. Such valves are relatively
complicated mechanical assemblies having an open duration which may
not be adjustable, and requiring fabrication from brass and other
expensive materials exhibiting suitable non-corrosive and durable
characteristics. In other commercial installations where periodic
flushing is achieved automatically, it is common to place a
solenoid actuated valve in the water line and to operate the valve
from an electro-mechanical timer, similar to the prior art
sprinkler systems hereinabove described. Thus, it may be seen that
in these prior art systems, there is considerable opportunity for
cost and maintenance reduction, and particularly in residential
installations for reducing the size and improving the appearance of
the installations while simultaneously achieving the other
heretofore-described desirable objects.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a fluid control system adapted for manual
or electronic initiation of the system followed by the automatic
shutting off of the system after a predetermined lapse of time. One
embodiment comprises a battery operated water control system, which
may be used in a sprinkler system having a master valve unit with a
battery operated electronic clock therein for periodically opening
the valve for a preset duration in response to clock turn-on pulse,
and being operable with one or more slave valve units connected in
series to sequentially open the slave valves for their
corresponding preset time duration. The clock is comprised of an
oscillator having a plurality of countdown flip-flops, with the
clock turn-on pulse being selectable from the outputs of a group of
the lower flip-flops to give a selection of valve turn-on
intervals. A battery operated solenoid valve of the latching type
and associated circuitry is located in the master valve unit and
each of the slave valve units, with the circuitry being adapted to
receive a pulse, either from the clock or from the turn-off signal
of the previous valve unit, and to provide a turn-on pulse to the
solenoid. The circuitry is also comprised of an adjustable time
delay circuit to measure the desired duration from the on pulse and
to provide a subsequent off pulse to the solenoid. One embodiment
is adapted to replace the valve mechanism in a prior art
anti-siphon valve assembly. Another embodiment incorporates a
unique anti-siphon valve which does not obstruct the primary flow
path and further has a moisture collecting container on the side
thereof, cooperatively disposed with the anti-siphon valve and
having electrical probes therein connected to the circuitry. When
the valve turns on, the initial leakage of the anti-siphon valve
fills the container, which will remain filled in rainy or very
humid weather, thereby preventing subsequent opening of the valve
until the moisture has evaporated.
The valve and time delay circuit is also adaptable to other
embodiments, such as, by way of example, embodiments for use in
manually initiated systems such as toilets and the like. A unique
toilet bowl and water valve component arrangement is disclosed
whereby a toilet may be flushed directly by the manual initiation
of the valve followed by the automatic closure of the valve after a
pre-determined flushing time. A valve closure assembly is slidably
disposed on a valve actuating member so that the valve may quickly
and readily close upon the loss of pressure in the high pressure
line so as to prevent the backflow of water into the water supply
line. The toilet bowl is provided with a plurality of holes through
the bowl adjacent the top thereof to limit the level of water
therein, in the event of sewer stoppage, so that water may drain
out of the flushing water supply area to provide air behind the
closed valve. An alternate embodiment discloses an alternate form
of anti-siphon valve which provides for the positive venting of the
low pressure side of the valve upon loss of a pressure on the high
pressure side of the valve, and in either configuration, the valve
need only be located a matter of an inch or two above the maximum
water level in the toilet bowl to provide adequate anti-siphon
valve operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a prospective view of the water control system of the
present invention as adapted for use in a sprinkler system.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the master controller of the embodiment of
FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry for
control of the master controller of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the master controller
of FIG. 2 with the valve in the closed position.
FIG. 5 is the cross-section of the valve of FIG. 4 showing the
valve in the open position.
FIG. 6 is the cross-section of the valve of FIG. 4 showing the
valve as it is moving from the open position to the closed
position.
FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of the flow area versus valve
position for the valve shown in cross-section of FIGS. 4 through
6.
FIG. 8 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present
invention incorporating a water sensor and anti-siphon valve.
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-section of the valve of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the inter connection of the
water sensor with the electronic components of FIG. 3.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a toilet using the water control
system of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a side view of FIG. 11 taken in partial cross
section.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a
valve usable for water flow control in a toilet.
FIG. 14 is a cross section of the valve used with the toilet system
shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 15 is a cross section of the valve of FIG. 14 taken along
lines 15--15 of that Figure.
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the electronic control of the
valve used with the toilet system of FIG. 11.
First referring to FIG. 1, a prospective view of the present
invention water control system as it is used for a sprinkler system
may be seen. The specific water control system shown is comprised
of a master controller 20 and a pair of slave controllers 22, with
the master controller 20 electrically coupled to slave controller
22 through wires 26 and 28, and slave controllers 22 and 24 coupled
together through wires 30 and 32. Further, the specific system
shown in adapted to replace the manually operated portion of a
standard anti-siphon valve, commonly used in such states as
California, so as to provide for automatic operation of the valve
unit while maintaining the anti-siphon characteristic of the
remainder of the prior art anti-siphon valve.
Both the master controller and the slave controllers have an
enclosure 34 enclosing the mechanism and circuitry of the
controllers, with a cover 36 rotatably engaging the back of
enclosure 34 and adapted to cover various controls located on the
top of the enclosure. In particular, accessible in each of the
controllers is a button 38 for manually opening the valve of that
controller, and a push-button 40 for turning off the valve of that
controller. Also, each controller has a rotatable adjustment 42
also accessible under cover 36 for adjusting the maximum flow rate
for the valve of the respective controller, and a potentiometer
adjustment 44 for adjusting the duration for which the valve of the
respective controllers will remain open before automatically
turning off. In the master controller, there is also located an
interval selector 46 for allowing manual selection of the time
interval between valve operations.
Now referring to FIG. 2, a side view of one of the controllers of
FIG. 1, specifically controller 20, and the prior art anti-siphon
valve body on which it is mounted may be seen. Prior art
anti-siphon valves of this type are adapted to connect to an inlet
line 48 coupled directly or indirectly to the main water supply
line, and an outlet line 50 connected to one or more sprinklers.
The anti-siphon valve body 52 normally has a conventional valve
member generally located within the region 54, with an operative
member projecting upward so as to be operable in rotation much like
an ordinary faucet, and an anti-siphon portion or valve breaker
generally located within region 56 of the anti-siphon valve body 52
under vent cap 58. However, when the present invention system is
used, the valve unit is removed from the anti-siphon body and
member 60 of either a master controller or a slave controller is
threaded into the threaded cavity in the valve body 52 so as to
convert the anti-siphon valve to an automatically operating valve,
as shall be subsequently described in greater detail.
Now referring to FIG. 4, a cross-section of the master controller
20 taken along lines 4--4 of FIG. 1 may be seen. Within enclosure
34 is a solenoid, generally indicated by the numeral 62 for
actuating a pneumatic control valve, a pneumatic actuator within
the main body portion, generally indicated by the numeral 64, a
valve closing member generally indicated by the numeral 66 actuated
by the pneumatic actuator, an electronic circuit board 68, and an
electronic clock module 70.
Member 60 threadably engages the top of the anti-siphon valve body
52, with shoulder 72 engaging the top surface of the anti-siphon
valve body. An inner member 74 threadably engages body 76 and is
retained within member 60 by an integral shoulder 78 on the lower
end thereof engaging recess 80 in the lower end of member 60. An O
ring 82 is disposed in an O ring groove 84 in the inner member 74
for preventing water leakage between inner-member 74 and member 60.
The upper end of member 60 has an area of reduced diameter defining
a shoulder 86 which engages the edges of a cooperatively disposed
hole in enclosure 34 to retain the enclosure between member 60 and
body 76. An O ring 88 is disposed in an O ring groove adjacent to
the upper end of inner-member 74 so as to prevent water leakage
between the inner-member and body 76.
The valve actuating member 90 is disposed within inner-member 74
with sufficient clearance to allow a small amount of water flow
therebetween, in annular passageway 91 generally restricted in
amount by the viscosity of the water in the large surface area of
the annular space. The actuator member 90 extends downward to a
position substantially concentric to and slightly above valve seat
92 in the anti-siphon valve body 52. A seating surface support
member 94 is disposed on the lower end of the actuator member 90
and a somewhat compliant member 96 of hard rubber is retained
therebelow by a screw 98 threadedly engaging the inner-diameter of
valve member 90.
The upper end of valve member 90 has a flange 100 contoured to
engage and partially support an impervious and compliant diaphragm
102 which is retained adjacent its inner-diameter to the valve
member 90 by a screw 104 threadedly engaging the inner surface of
valve member 90.
Located above valve member 90 and threadedly engaging body 76 is a
cap 106 sealed with respect to body 76 by O ring 108, and
supporting at its inner surface a valve opening adjustment member
110 by the cooperatively disposed threads 112, with O ring 114
disposed between member 110 and cap 106 preventing leakage of water
therebetween and providing a yieldable restraint in the
rotatability of the valve opening adjustment member. Screw 98 and
screw 104 have a hole therethrough concentric therewith, and valve
member 90 has a cylindrical opening running therethrough (threaded
at each end to receive grooves 98 and 104 as heretofore indicated).
A rod 116 is supported by valve opening adjustment member 110 and
projects downward through screws 104 and 98 so as to partially
close off the hole area therethrough, thus defining an annular
passageway 103 communicating with the water in the water supply
line, generally indicated by the numeral 118, and the cavity above
diaphragm 102, generally indicated by the numeral 120. (The annular
passageway is not readily plugged by foreign matter, and relative
motion between rod 116 and the moving assembly provides a self
cleaning action.)
A solenoid 62 is mounted on the side of body 76, with a member 130
connected to plunger 132 thereof extending concentrically with a
valve seat defined by the member 134 communicating with cavity 136
on the lower side of diaphragm 102. The extension 130 has an
enlarged head 138 with a molded rubber seal member 140 disposed
thereover so as to engage the valve seat member 134 when the
solenoid plunger is extended. Rubber member 140 is retained between
solenoid housing 142 and member 144 so as to provide an effective
seal between the various cavities normally filled with water and
the internal mechanism of the solenoid. Cavity 120, located above
diaphragm 102, communicates with a cavity 146 surrounding rubber
member 144 through a porous member 148 between cap 106 and
diaphragm 102 and a passageway 150 communicating with cavity
146.
The solenoid 62 is of the latching type, a suitable solenoid being
that disclosed in a co-pending application entitled "Self-Latching
Solenoid Actuator", Ser. No. 153,939, by Oded E. Sturman, and
assigned to the assignee of the present invention. That particular
solenoid, as shown in FIG. 4, has a plastic case 142 and plastic
cap 152 with a single-pole double-throw switch 154 of the type
commonly referred to as a micro-switch, located therein, with an
actuating member disposed so as to be engageable by extension 156
connected to plunger 132. The magnetic circuit is comprised of a
soft iron member 158 having an inner-diameter forming a loose slip
fit with the outer-diameter plunger 132, and extending around
solenoid coil 160 wound on bobbin 162 so as to be in close magnetic
communication with a soft iron cap member 164. A permanent magnet
166, generally selected from the alnico group of magnet materials,
is mounted within bobbin 162 and adjacent body cap 164, with a soft
iron member 168 in close magnetic communication with the permanent
magnet 166 and projecting toward plunger 132 so as to define an air
gap 170 therebetween when the plunger is in the extended position.
A non-magnetic spacer 172 aids in the retention of the various
components of a solenoid in the desired position and a coil spring
169 urges plunger 132 to the extended position. A further
non-magnetic member 174 in cooperation with cap 152 and O ring 176
completes the assembly and provides both a seal against the
infusion of moisture and a yieldable force on the various
components of the solenoid so as to further aid in the retention of
hose compounds in the desired position.
With the solenoid plunger in the extended position as shown in FIG.
4, a communication between cavities 120 and 136 on opposite sides
of diaphragm 102 is prevented. In this condition, the pressure of
the water on the high pressure side of the valve, that is, in
region 118, is communicated through annular passage 103 to cavity
120 above the diaphragm, while cavity 136 below the diaphragm is in
communication through the annular passage 91 with the low pressure
side of the valve, generally indicated by the numeral 93. Since the
area of the diaphragm (and of the flange 100) is considerably
larger than the area of the valve seat 92, and the differential
pressure across the diaphragm is equal to the differential pressure
on the lower end of the valve actuating member, the pressure above
the diaphragm forces the valve member 90 downward so as to firmly
engage member 96 with valve seat 92.
Now referring to FIG. 5, the cross-section of the valve similar to
that shown in FIG. 4 is presented, but with the valve in the open
position. When solenoid 62 is pulsed, in a manner to be hereinafter
described in greater detail, the solenoid plunger 132 moves to the
withdrawn position, as shown in FIG. 5. Thus, rubber member 140 is
withdrawn from engagement with the valve seat in member 134, and
cavity 136 is thereafter in communication through cavity 146 to
cavity 120. This tends to equalize the pressure on both sides of
diaphragm 102, provided the annular passage ways 91 and 103, or at
least one of them, is sufficiently small to limit the flow therein
so as to allow substantial equalization of the pressures on both
sides of the diaphragm through the various flow passages then
providing a means of communication between the two sides of the
diaphragm. In this regard, it will be noted that a screwdriver-like
slot 121 is located at the top of screw 104 so that communication
between passageway 103 and cavity 120 will not be prevented by the
engagement of the top of screw 104 with adjustment member 110. It
may be seen also that the adjustment member 110 engages the top of
screw 104 and may be rotated on its screw threads to provide an
adjustment for the extent of opening of the valve, thereby
controlling the flow rate therethrough in the open position. (Rod
116 is used to limit the flow area in the annular passageway 103,
particularly adjacent to the ends thereof and is used instead of
merely utilizing smaller holes in screws 104 and 98 since molding
very small holes is difficult and the rod provides a very easy and
convenient means for cleaning the holes, should such cleaning be
required.)
When the solenoid plunger 132 again moves to the extended position,
rubber member 140 again engages the valve seat in member 134
interrupting the communication between cavities 120 and 136. Thus,
the pressure in cavity 136 approaches the low pressure in area 93
by communication therewith through the annular passage 91, while
the pressure in cavity 120 approaches the higher pressure by
communication with area 118 through annular passage 103.
Consequently, as first described hereabove, the pressure on the top
of diaphragm 102 is sufficient to cause downward movement of the
valve member 90 so as to close the valve, the rate of downward
movement of the valve member being limited by the rate of water
flow out of the cavity 136 below the diaphragm and into cavity 120
above the diaphragm.
It should be noted that in the above-described valve, the rate at
which the valve closes is dependent upon the pressure difference
between the high pressure side of the valve and the low pressure
side of the valve, that is, regions 118 and 93. Also, it is to be
recognized that flowing water has considerable momentum so that if
the flow of water in a pipe is suddenly stopped by the sudden
closure of a valve, a shock wave will be transmitted throughout the
water system putting considerable stress on the pipe, joints,
valves, etc., and creating a distracting audible noise, commonly
referred to as a water hammer. Since sprinkler systems are
connected directly or indirectly to the same water supply as is
used in the home, the water hammer created by the sudden closure of
a sprinkler system valve may create an audible and distracting
sound within the home. Such water hammers are commonly encountered
with solenoid valves used on dishwashers, clothes washers and the
like, and often transmit a noise to the plumbing system which may
be heard in all rooms of a home. In the present invention system, a
means is provided for substantially eliminating the water hammer in
an extremely simple, yet high effective manner. In particular, it
will be noted in FIG. 6, as well as FIGS. 4 and 5, that the head of
screw 98 has a diameter which is a substantial fraction of the
diameter of the bore 180 of valve seat 92, and further has a
significant axial length, the design and proportioning of the screw
being readily selectable by one skilled in the art for any
particular valve design based on the following considerations: When
the valve is open as shown in FIG. 5, the head of screw 98 is
withdrawn from bore 180 and thus a substantial annular passageway
is defined between the valve seat screw 98 and member 96, allowing
substantial flow of water therethrough without excessive pressure
drop. As the valve closes, the flow area decreases, and thus water
pressure in area 118 increases because of the momentum of the water
in the supply line and the decreased flow, and the pressure in area
93 decreases because of the momentum of the water in the sprinkler
line and the reduced flow. The increase in this pressure
differential normally would cause the rate of valve closing to
increase, thereby enhancing the water hammer effect. However, as
the present invention valve closes, the head of screw 98 first
moves into bore 180 so that a substantially reduced flow area, that
is, the area of the annular passageway generally indicated by the
numeral 182 in FIG. 6, is presented to the flowing water. The
reduced flow area stays substantially constant upon further closure
of the valve until just before complete closure, whereupon the area
between member 96 and valve seat 92 becomes the limiting flow area
which finally reduces to zero on full closure of the valve.
This is illustrated in FIG. 7, which is a graphical representation
of the flow area versus valve position for the valve of the present
invention, and for a typical prior art valve. The flow area versus
valve position for a prior art valve is substantially a linear
function, as may be seen in line 184 in FIG. 7. It will be noted
that this figure is merely a plot of area versus position, and it
must be remembered that because of the increasing pressure
differential across the valve, there is a tendency of the valve to
accelerate as it approaches the closed position so that sudden
closure and a water hammer will result.
The flow area versus valve position for the present invention valve
is shown as line 186 in FIG. 7. It will be noted that the valve
closes, the flow area is reduced to a reasonably small area (the
annular area 182) and remains substantially constant, or at least
with a very reduced rate of decrease over a range in valve
positions, generally indicated by the numeral 188, until the valve
is very close to complete closure, at which time the flow area
reduces with closure in the normal manner. The effect of
controlling area in this manner may be shown as follows: As the
valve moves from the open position, the pressure on the high
pressure side of the valve starts to increase. However, before the
pressure reaches an excessive level, the valve reaches position 190
in FIG. 7, and thereafter, in region 188, further reduction in the
valve flow area is grossly limited. Thus, in this region, though
flow is not prevented, it is grossly impeded so that the kinetic
energy in the water in both the supply line and in the sprinkler
line may be largely dissipated by viscus effects in the reduced
flow area. Consequently, when final valve closure occurs, there is
very little momentum in the system to result in any detectible
water hammer effect.
It should be noted also that the flow area when the valve position
is in region 188 is an annular area having a considerable length,
as opposed to an area more closely approaching an orifice. This is
advantageous in the present system for the reason that the flow is
more responsive to the differential pressure and will better tend
to dissipate the kinetic energy of the flowing water. (The flow
rate through a conduit having a substantial wetted area being
approximately proportional to the pressure differential, whereas
the flow rate through an orifice is approximately proportional to
the square root of the pressure differential.) Although member 98
has a chamber 192 at the lower edge thereof so as to initially
define a smoother transition into the substantially constant flow
area region of FIG. 7, it is to be understood that the specific
contour of screw 98 and thus the specific shape of curve 186 may be
varied as desired to achieve the objects of this aspect of the
present invention, that is, of restricting the flow to a
substantially uniform flow area of at least a slowly reducing flow
area over a range of valve positions adjacent to the fully closed
position so as to provide a means for dissipating most of the
kinetic energy in the flowing water without a required interruption
in the motion of the actuating member prior to the final complete
closure of the valve.
Now referring to FIG. 3, the electronics comprising the clock 70
and the electronics mounted on circuit board 68 of FIG. 4 may be
seen. The clock is comprised of a replaceable power source 200
which, in the preferred embodiment, comprises two 1 1/2 volt pen
light batteries, resulting in an operating voltage to the clock
circuitry of 3 volts. The power source 200 provides electrical
power to oscillator 202, frequency divider 204 and counter 206.
Oscillator 202 in the preferred embodiment is a crystal oscillator
of the type well-known in the prior art, as described in Vacuum
Tubs and Semi-Conductor Electronics, by Jacob Millman, a 1958
McGraw-Hill Book Company publication, starting on page 485, and
more specifically in the references cited at the end of the
corresponding chapter on page 498 thereof. Such an oscillator
provides a highly stable and accurate reference frequency at a
relatively low cost and with a relatively low power
consumption.
The frequency divider 204 is an integrated circuit comprising a
series of flip flops with the input of the first flip flop being
provided by oscillator 202, and the output of each flip flop
providing the input to the next successive flip flop. The output of
the last flip flop is coupled to counter 206. Such integrated
circuits are commercially available from a number of manufacturers,
and the number of flip flops used in the frequency divider 204 will
depend upon the clock time intervals desired and the reference
frequency of the crystal in oscillator 202. The inter-connection of
flip flops to achieve frequency dividing in this manner is
well-known in the prior art and is described generally starting on
page 323 of Pulse and Digital Circuits, by Millman and Taub, a 1956
McGraw Hill Book Company publication. The output of the last flip
flop in frequency divider 204 is coupled to counter 206, which also
is comprised of a series connection of a plurality of flip flops.
In the counter 206, however, the output of each flip flop is
coupled to one contact of a rotary switch 208 so that any of the
various contacts may be selected by the selector 46 (FIG. 1) in the
master controller. In the preferred embodiment, the reference
frequency of oscillator 202 and the number of countdown flip flops
in frequency divider 204 and counter 206 is such that the last flip
flop in the chain provides an output pulse every 96 hours. Since
each flip flop provides a divide by two functions, the next to the
last flip flop provides an output pulse each 48 hours etc. so that
time intervals of 96, 48, 24, 12, 6 and 3 hours may be readily
selected through rotary switch 208. Also mechanically coupled to
interval selector 46 (FIG. 1) is a second rotary switch 210 which
is adapted to maintain connection of power source 200 with the
other circuit components in all positions of switch 208, except the
off position. Thus, by turning switch 208 to the off position,
power source 200 may be disconnected. While this may be used to
turn off the time clock, its primary purpose in the preferred
embodiment is in setting the clock, as shall be subsequently
described.
In the master controller 20, the output of counter 206, selected
through rotary switch 208, is coupled through terminals 213 and 215
to the remaining circuitry 224 in the master control unit. In this
circuitry, a power source 216, which in the preferred embodiment is
a 22 1/2 volt dry cell, maintains a charge on capacitor C1 through
resistor R1, this combination providing the power source required
for turning on the valve in response to the signal from counter
206, and turning off the valve at some selected period
thereafter.
When the valve is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 4, the
permanent magnet 166 in solenoid 62 substantially magnetically
uncharged, and the return spring 169 encourages plunger 132 to the
extended position, thereby closing the valve between cavity 136 and
cavity 120 and maintaining the valve in this position. When in this
condition, microswitch 154, physically shown in FIG. 4 and
diagrammatically shown in FIG. 3, is in the position shown in FIG.
3, with the moving element 154a contacting the switch contact
connected to the negative terminal of the power source. (In this
condition transistor T1 and transistors T2 and T3 are all turned
off.) One end of solenoid coil 160 is coupled to the moving element
154a of microswitch 154, and the other end of the solenoid coil is
connected to the emitter of the NPN transistor T2, and to the
collector of NPN transistor T1 through resistor R2, and is still
further coupled through terminal 212 to terminal 215 of the power
source 200 in clock 70. The other terminal 214 coupled to the clock
terminal 213 is connected to the base of transistor T3, and when
clock 70 provides an output pulse through terminal 213, transistor
T3 is turned on. This in turn turns on transistor T2 (transistors
T3 and T2 being connected in the well-known Darlington
configuration), thereby coupling lead 218 to the positive terminal
of the power supply comprising battery 216, capacitor C1 and
resistor R1. Since lead 220 is coupled to the negative side of the
power supply through microswitch 154, substantially the full power
supply voltage is instantaneously applied to the solenoid coil 160.
This magnetizes permanent magnet 166 and moves the solenoid plunger
132 toward the withdrawn position, and as it approaches the
withdrawn position actuates microswitch 154 through member 166 so
as to move the moving contact 154a into contact with fixed contact
157 coupled to the positive terminal of the power supply. Movement
of the microswitch terminates the flow of current to the solenoid
coil 160, though the permanent magnet, which is now charged,
maintains the solenoid in the actuated position.
The pulse from clock 70 on line 214 is only a few milliseconds in
duration, and transistors T2 and T3 are turned off at the end of a
pulse (the current flow in coil 160 is turned off by movement of
switch 154 since after the movement as hereinbefore described, both
ends of coil 160 are coupled to the positive terminal of the power
supply, even when transistors T2 and T3 remain on). Thus, when the
valve is open, line 220 is at the positive power supply voltage,
and within a few milliseconds after the valve opens, transistors T3
and T2 are again turned off by the drop in the pulse on line 214.
At this time capacitor C2 starts to charge through resistor R3, the
rate of charging being primarily dependent on the RC time constant
of the resistor capacitor combination. The junction between R3 and
C2 is coupled to the emitter of a unijunction UT1, with base 1 of
the unijunction transistor coupled to the negative power supply
terminal through resistor R4, and base 2 of the unijunction
transistor being coupled through diode D1 and a variable voltage
divider comprised of potentiometer P1 and resistors R5 and R6. When
capacitor C2 charges to the voltage required for firing the
unijunction transistor, the unijunction transistor (being the solid
state equivalent of a thyratron), starts conducting, thereby
discharging capacitor C2 through resistor R4 and providing a pulse
on line 222 to the base of transistor T1 through a current limiting
resistor R9, thereby turning on the transistor for the period of
time required for capacitor C2 to discharge, and providing a pulse
on lead 214a coupled to base 1 of the unijunction; (e.g., a pulse
with respect to lead 212a coupled to the negative terminal of the
power source).
When the unijunction transistor UT1 fires, the discharge of
capacitor C2 creates a voltage pulse across resistor R4 and thus, a
pulse on line 222 to the base of transistor T1. This turns on
transistor T1 for the duration of the pulse and couples line 218
through resistor R2 to the negative terminal of the power supply.
At this time, the moving contact of switch 154 is in contact with
fixed contact 157 and thus, line 220 is connected to the positive
power supply terminal. Thus, solenoid coil 160 is again excited,
this time with a reverse polarity from that described hereabove,
and with a current limiting means, namely resistor R2, in series
therewith. The resistor R2 is selected so that the current through
coil 160 effectively demagnetizes permanent magnet 166 in the
solenoid, thus allowing the return spring 169 to force solenoid
plunger 132 to the extended position, causing the valve to close
and the actuation of the microswitch 154 so as to move the moving
contact 154a into contact with fixed contact 155 coupled to the
negative power supply terminal. This turns off the current in
solenoid coil 160, since both leads thereof are coupled to the
negative terminal and within a few milliseconds thereof, capacitor
C2 is discharged and the unijunction UT1 turns off, thereby
removing the pulse from the base of transistor T1 and turning off
that transistor. In this condition, the valve is closed and the
valve actuating circuit is poised to sense a subsequent pulse from
clock 70.
Capacitor C1 functions as an electrical energy storage device, and
upon actuation of the circuitry, may deliver an instantaneous
current to the solenoid coil 160 which exceeds the current
capability of the power source 216. Diode D1 and resistor R7 are
for temperature compensation purposes to stabilize the firing point
of the unijunction transistor over the normally encountered
temperature range. Potentiometer P1 is mechanically accessible as
control 44, as may be seen in FIG. 1, and is used to vary the
voltage across the unijunction transistor so as to adjust the
extent of charging of capacitor C2 which is required for firing the
unijunction, thereby adjusting the time duration between valve turn
on and subsequent automatic valve turn off. Also provided in the
circuit are pushbutton switches 38 and 40 (see also FIG. 1) which
may be used to manually turn on and turn off the valve independent
of the clock operation. Pushbutton switch 38 provides the manually
actuated equivalent of the turning on of transistors T3 and T2 by
the clock so as to open the valve, with pushbutton 40 providing the
manual equivalent of turning on transistor T1 by the firing of the
unijunction transistor to turn off the valve.
Terminals 214a and 212a are accessible through the bottom of
enclosure 34, and it will be noted that a pulse appears
therebetween when the valve solenoid in the master controller
receives a turn off signal. In each of the slave controllers, such
as controllers 22 and 24 in FIG. 1, there is located circuitry
within the outline generally indicated by the numeral 224. By
connecting terminals 212a and 214a of the master controller to
terminals 212 and 214 of the next slave controller, the valve in
that slave controller may be commanded to open upon the closure of
the valve in the master controller. Similarly, the terminals 212a
and 214a of the first slave controller may be connected to
terminals 212 and 214 of the second slave controller, etc. so that
as the valve in one controller is commanded to close, the valve in
the next controller in the series will be commanded to open, with
the number of slave controllers connectable in this manner being
substantially unlimited.
The control 44 on each of the controllers is calibrated and may
readily be used to control the position of the wiper on
potentiometer P1 to select the desired duration of valve opening.
To set the clock 70 in the master controller 20, all the flip flops
in the frequency divider 204 and counter 206 are reset at the
beginning of the time interval. This may be achieved by applying a
pulse to the reset line 226 by a pushbutton switch, not shown,
coupled between the reset line and the positive terminal of the
power source 200. In the preferred embodiment, the frequency
divider 204 and counter 206 are adapted to automatically assume the
reset position when power is first applied thereto, so that they
may be reset to zero at any time merely by turning rotary switch
208, and particularly switch 210 mechanically coupled thereto, to
the off position and then to the desired time interval by the
interval control 46.
By way of specific example, assume it is desired to water once a
day at seven in the evening, the clock may be readily set by
turning the interval control 46 from the off position to the 24
hour position at 7:00 o'clock the first evening and adjusting the
control 44 for the desired watering period. Thus, after each
subsequent 24 hour period, the valve will automatically turn on for
the desired period, and subsequently automatically turn off. To
initiate the valve for operation of the first evening, the
pushbutton switch 38 may be actuated, at which time the valve will
open and subsequently automatically close after the desired
interval; (in the preferred embodiment, water intervals ranging
from five minutes to one hour are selectable). If it is later
desired to water at more frequent intervals or less frequent
intervals, the interval control 46 may be changed accordingly, with
7:00 o'clock in the evening representing the time reference for
each such interval, provided interval control 46 is not
subsequently moved to the off position at any time. To change the
base period from 7:00 o'clock, say to 9:00 o'clock in the evening,
the interval control is simply turned to the off position at 9:00
o'clock and returned to the position to select the desired
interval.
The embodiment of the present invention hereinbefore described is
particularly suited for replacement of the valve portion of a prior
art anti-siphon valve so as to easily and inexpensively convert the
manually operated prior art valve to an automatically operating
sprinkler system. Such a configuration allows conversion of
existing sprinkler systems to automatic operation at a minimum
expense, and further requires essentially no plumbing work other
than the turning off of the water supply for a few moments while
the valve member is replaced with the valve system of the present
invention.
As an alternate embodiment, the basic assembly described in detail
with respect to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 may be adapted and used in
conjunction with a separate valve body such as valve body 250 shown
in FIG. 8. In this figure, which shows solenoid 62 and body 64 with
the enclosures removed therefrom, there may also be seen an
anti-siphon valve, generally located in the area indicated by the
numeral 252, and a moisture sensing apparatus generally indicated
by the numeral 254. These features are illustrated in greater
detail in FIG. 9, which is a cross-section of body 64 taken along
lines 9--9 of FIG. 8. The anti-siphon valve is comprised of a
horizontally disposed passage 256 with cavity 136 and a cylindrical
opening 258 through the side of the valve body. A cylindrical
member 260 having a hole 262 therethrough and an inward facing
tapered surface is located at the outer end of cylindrical opening
258 so as to partially close off the opening. A ball 264,
preferably of a material substantially denser than water such as in
the preferred embodiment, brass, is located between opening 256 and
cylindrical member 260 so as to be normally disposed as shown in
the figure, but movable as a result of water flow from cavity 136
outward through opening 262 to seal off the opening and prevent
further water flow so long as a substantial differential pressure
exists so as to hold the ball in position (as shown in
phantom).
A reservoir 266 is defined by an outward and upward projecting
member 268 integral with the valve body. A first electrode 270 is
permanently located adjacent the bottom of reservoir 266, and a
second electrode 272 is threadedly supported by a member 274 so as
to be threadedly adjustable in its relative vertical disposition
with respect to the reservoir to dispose the lower end of electrode
272 a desired distance below the top of reservoir 266.
Now referring to FIG. 10, a diagram of the circuitry and
inter-connection for the electrodes in the reservoir 266 may be
seen. This embodiment uses the same clock circuitry 70 and the same
valve control circuitry 224 as shown and described with respect to
FIG. 3, and consequently such circuitry is only shown in block
diagram form in FIG. 10. However, interposed between the output
terminal 213 of the clock circuitry and the input terminal 214 of
the valve control circuitry is the circuitry comprising the
moisture sensor. As before, terminal 215 of the clock circuitry is
connected directly into terminal 212 of the valve control circuitry
and provides the common or ground connection for these two
circuits. When the clock circuitry provides an output pulse on
terminal 213, this pulse is coupled to the input of a threshold
detector 300 through resistor R8. The threshold detector is
characterized by a high input impedance and provides a positive
output voltage of relatively low impedance whenever the input is
above the threshold level. The threshold detector 300 is connected
through lines 302 and 304 to terminals 201 and 215 of the clock
circuit respectively (FIGS. 3 and 10). Thus, the threshold detector
is powered by the power source 200 in the clock circuitry and is
turned on and off with the clock circuitry in accordance with the
position of switch 210. Suitable threshhold detectors are
well-known in the prior art and need not be shown in further detail
herein. In the preferred embodiment, an integrated circuit
threshhold detector is used, specifically an integrated circuit
manufactured by General Electric and identified in the
manufacturers literature as the PA-1494 Precision Threshhold
Detector with Hysteresis. Electrode 270 is also coupled through
line 304 to terminal 215 of the clock circuit, and the adjustable
electrode 272 is coupled through line 306 to the input to the
threshhold detector.
Resistor R8 in the preferred embodiment has a resistance on the
order of 10 megohms. Thus, when there is no water in the reservoir
266, electrodes 270 and 272 are electrically isolated from each
other so that an output pulse on terminal 213 of the clock may
trigger the threshhold detector 300 and cause an output pulse on
line 308 connected to terminal 214 so as to turn on the valve.
However, if there is water in reservoir 266 of a depth at least
sufficient to contact both terminals 270 and 272, the conductivity
of the water will provide a resistance substantially lower than
that of resistor R8, and since terminal 270 is connected to the
ground terminal 215 through line 304, the input to the threshhold
detector will be effectively shorted out through the water in the
reservoir. Thus, the voltage appearing on line 306 and on the input
to the threshhold detector 300 will be less than that required to
trigger the threshhold detector and as a result no pulse will be
applied to terminal 214 of the valve control circuitry to turn on
the valve. Thus, it may be seen that the lower limit of resistance
of resistor R8 is established by the fact that it must be large
compared to the conductivity of the water normally collected in the
reservoir 266 so that the voltage divider formed by resistor R8 and
the resistance of the water in the reservoir 266 will divide down a
voltage pulse generated by the clock circuitry 70 to a voltage less
than the trigger voltage for the threshhold detector 300. As an
upper limit to the resistance, the resistor R8 must not be so large
as to fail to provide a sufficient input current to the threshhold
detector 300 to trigger it when the reservoir is dry, and
particularly in the presence of slight leakage resistances between
electrodes 270 and 272 caused by a partially conductive film of
foreign matter which may collect on the plastic surfaces coupling
the two electrodes.
It may be seen from the above description that when the water level
in reservoir 266 is at least sufficiently high to contact the two
electrodes 270 and 272, a pulse generated by the clock circuitry
will not be coupled to the valve control circuitry so that the
valve will not be operated thereby, whereas if reservoir 266 is
empty or substantially empty, such a clock pulse will be coupled to
the valve control circuitry and will cause the valve to operate in
the hereinbefore described manner. Reservoir 266 is disposed on
this embodiment so as to freely capture rain water, and as
hereinbefore indicated, will in general be filled by the initial
leakage from the anti-siphon valve of this embodiment.
Consequently, this water must evaporate and the reservoir not be
refilled with rain water before a subsequent clock pulse may
operate the system. In the event of very humid weather when
watering on a frequent interval is not required, the reservoir 266
will remain filled with water for a considerable time, emptying
only at a rate consistent with the rate of moisture evaporation
from the surrounding ground and, thus, determinative of the needs
of the ground for additional water. Also, if the reservoir dries
but is refilled to a sufficient level by a subsequent rain which,
of course, will also satisfy the needs of the surrounding ground
for additional water, the watering system will not operate until
this new water evaporates.
In the foregoing disclosure, the present invention has been
described in detail with respect to watering systems. However, the
present invention is readily applicable to other fluid flow control
applications, such as, by way of example, toilets. Thus, in FIGS.
11 through 16, embodiments of the present invention adapted for use
with an ordinary toilet may be seen. In these embodiments, the
water tank commonly found above and behind toilets, as used in
residential applications, is eliminated, and the valve of the
present invention is coupled directly to the toilet and to the
water supply system so as to control the direct flow of water into
the toilet for flushing purposes. Consequently, the expensive and
unsightly water tank is eliminated through the use of the present
invention.
As shown in FIG. 11, a conventional toilet bowl 300 is coupled to
the water supply system 302 through a water control system in
accordance with the present invention, generally housed within
enclosure 304. A push button switch 306 is disposed in any
convenient location such as on a wall adjacent or behind the toilet
or on the enclosure 304 for the water control system. A side view
of the toilet and water control system of FIG. 11 may be seen in
FIG. 12. This view, shown in partial cross section, illustrates
some of the functional details of the toilet and the connection
thereof to the water control system. In this embodiment, the toilet
bowl 300 is provided with a plurality of holes 308 through the
bowl, generally toward the rear thereof, which communicate with the
outside of the bowl. These holes are located generally above the
normal water level in the bowl, even while flushing, and in the
ordinary course of events are not called into play. However, in the
event of a drain stoppage which would normally result in the
overflow of the toilet, the maximum water level is limited by the
plurality of holes 308 to the level of these holes on the inner
surface of the toilet bowl. Thus, the holes 308 serve to limit the
maximum level of the water in the toilet bowl to a level somewhat
lower than in prior art toilet bowls, and though they drain
inordinately high water out onto the surrounding floor, they do so
only in those instances where overflow over the top of the toilet
bowl would be forthcoming in any event.
Now referring to FIG. 14, a cross section taken along lines 14--14
of FIG. 11, with the cover 304 removed therefrom, may be seen. This
cross section (showing only part of the valve, since the remainder
of the valve is identical to the embodiment heretofore described in
detail with respect to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6) shows the valve body 310
coupled to the high pressure water supply line 312. Valve body 310
has a valve seat 314 which is engageable with the complient member
96 on the lower end of actuating member 90.
Threaded into the valve body 310 is member 60, and concentric
therewith is member 74. These members are only partially
illustrated, and the remainder of the valve solenoid, diaphragm,
etc., located above valve body 310 are not shown since they are the
same as those described in detail hereinbefore.
Surrounding the lower end of actuating member 90 is a cavity 322 in
communication with the water entrance port 324 coupled to the
toilet bowl. This communication is established through passages 326
which may be seen in both FIGS. 14 and 15 (FIG. 15 being a cross
section taken along lines 15--15 of FIG. 14 to better illustrate
the passages).
Thus, in the embodiment hereabove described, a push button switch
306 is used to open the valve, and after a predetermined flushing
time, the valve is automatically closed. The circuitry for use of
the water control system of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 16 and
is substantially the same as that previously shown and described
with respect to FIG. 3. Thus, the components identified in FIG. 16
with the same numeral as used in FIG. 3 have the same function and
operation as heretofore described with respect to FIG. 3, the
primary difference in the two circuits being that transistors T2
and T3 have been eliminated and the push button switch 306
(identical in function to switch 38) is used to initially open the
valve. Similarly push button switch 40 for closing the valve is
eliminated since manual closure is generally not required. (It
should be noted that two distinctly different flushing durations
may be used if desired to conserve water by providing two push
button switches, e.g., a short flush switch and a long flush
switch, in place of switch 306, and further mechanically coupling
such switches to one or more additional switches to effectively
switch in either of two values of one of the components which
determines the time delay of a time delay circuit, such as,
capacitor C2 or one or more of resistors R3, R5 and R6.)
In the above described embodiment, if the water pressure in the
water supply line 312 drops, the actuating member 90 will close the
valve. (An appropriately placed coil spring may be used to assure
such closure upon loss of water pressure if desired). At the same
time, any water which may have been flowing into cavity 322 from
line 312 to flush the toilet will drain out through connection 324
into the toilet bowl, and air will be allowed to fill the cavity
322 since the water level in the bowl is normally well below the
flushing outlet 330, and in any event is limited to a level below
the flushing outlets by the holes 308 through the toilet bowl.
Thus, the anti-siphon function of the valve is achieved without
substantial complexity, and without requiring the placement of a
valve or other mechanism substantially higher than the toilet
bowl.
An alternate embodiment of the valve for use in a toilet flushing
system is shown in FIG. 13, which is a cross section of the
alternate embodiment equivalent to the cross section of FIG. 14. In
this embodiment, the valve body 310a is similar in design and
function to the valve body 310 previously described. The valve body
310a has a valve seat 314 which is engageable with a valve closure
assembly 316 slideably fitting within the actuating member 90a (the
closure member assembly 316 is comprised of members 94, 96 and 98
hereinbefore described, with member 98 threadably assembled into a
cylindrical member 318 slideably fitting within a cylindrical
opening 320 at the lower end of actuating member 90a). Thus, when
the actuating member 90a is in the valve closed position, the valve
closure assembly will be forces downward against the seat 314 and
the valve will be forced closed. When the actuating member 90a is
in the upward or valve open position and high pressure water is
supplied through line 312, the pressure of the water will force the
valve closure assembly 316 upward away from valve seat 314 and
against actuating member 90a, thereby opening the valve. However,
should water pressure be lost from the water supply line 312 while
the valve actuating member 90a is in the upward position, the valve
closure assembly 316 will move downward by the force of gravity to
close the valve, thereby performing at least part of the
anti-siphon valve function. In this regard, a spring 317 disposed
between actuating member 90a and the cylindrical member 318 will
assure closure of the valve as the water pressure in line 312
begins to drop so that the valve is forceably closed before any
referse flow may take place. Responsive motion of the valve closure
assembly 316 is further assured by vent holes 319 which relieve the
pressure or vacuum on top of member 318.
It is to be noted that in this particular embodiment the passageway
103 through the actuating member 90 (FIG. 4, for example) has been
eliminated. Thus, a new passageway must be provided between the
inlet line 312 and cavity 120 at the top of diaphragm 102. To
achieve this communication, separate passageway 321 is
provided.
In this embodiment, the valve body 310a further has a port 340
communicating with the lower side of a flexible diaphragm 342 and
with the tubulation connecting to the high pressure water line 312.
The flexible diaphragm 342 is disposed below and retained in
position by member 344, threadably engaging a mating cavity in
valve body 310a, which defines a port 346 communicating with the
atmosphere and terminating in a valve seat surface 348. Also
communicating with the space above the top surface of a flexible
diaphragm 342 and with cavity 322 in the valve body 310a is an
additional port 350. Thus, when high pressure water is delivered to
the valve body through pipe 312, pressure is communicated through
port 340 to the lower surface of the flexible diaphragm 342,
forcing the diaphragm upward against the valve seat 348 in member
344. This prevents communication between port 350 and port 346 and
prevents backflow of water from cavity 322 outward through port
346. However, in the event the water pressure drops in line 312 the
elastic characteristic of flexible diaphragm 342 will pull it back
to the undeflected position, thereby putting port 346 in
communication with cavity 322 through port 350 and providing air to
the back surface of the valve closure assembly 316. Consequently,
in this embodiment, when water pressure is lost in the water supply
system, the valves will close and air will automatically be
supplied to cavity 322 to drain the water therefrom. Thus, the
anti-siphon function is achieved without requiring a limitation of
the water level in the toilet bowl 300 to a level below openings
330, provided, however, that the water is at least below the valve
seat surface 314 in valve body 310a, a condition which is very
easily met by design.
There has been described herein a fluid control system having a
variety of uses. Described in detail herein are systems adapted for
use in watering systems and in toilets. These systems being
representative of fluid control systems in general of the
intermittent operation type, either manually or electronically
initiated, and which may be of the type requiring the incorporation
of an anti-siphon capability. Of course, the fluid control system
described herein may readily be adapted to other applications and
used with other fluids. In that regard, the use of plastics and
synthetic rubber-like materials throughout the portions of the
fluid control system actually exposed to the fluids allows the use
of the fluid control system of the present invention with fluids
having corrosive, inflammable or other special and/or hazardous
characteristics. Thus, while the invention has been particularly
shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments
thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various changes in form and details may be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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