Wireless leak-detection system

Applicant/Inventors: J.D. Ghazarian, T. Ruggieri and A.N. Balaster, USA

A supervised wireless leak-detection system forms the subject of this patent. It has a leak detection sensor unit, which is capable of transmitting a uniquely coded signal in response to a detected leak; a supervised wireless valve-control transceiver unit with a means of receiving the coded signal; and a transmitter for feeding this signal within the system. Also discussed is a valve shut-off mechanism that is linked to the valve-control transceiver unit. This shut-off mechanism has a motor attached to the valve, which creates a rotation pulse that is used to close and open the valve. A sensor and processor detect and count the motor rotation pulses when the valve is being closed or opened. This processor functions in a set-up procedure to memorise (learn) the motor rotation pulse count that is required to close or open the valve. Upon receipt of the uniquely coded signal - in response to a detected leak - the processor applies power to the motor to close the valve. The motor is controlled in such a way that it stops turning the valve in response to a motor-rotation, pulse-count number, which is substantially equal to a previously stored number that is needed to close or open the valve. A digital, voice, or SMS text message phone dialer dispatches the detected leak signals, and notifies monitoring personnel. The supervised leak detection and damage prevention system is illustrated in the accompanying figure. The wireless leak-detection unit (10), using a battery or A/C supply (12), or another source of energy such as solar power, is equipped with a sensor (14) that is capable of detecting a variety of substances, such as water, gas and petroleum, and a built-in transmitter which conveys the detected signals via an antenna (11). The leak-detection unit is installed mainly in buildings; homes; factories; open field applications, such as irrigation plants, petroleum facilities and pipelines - where pipes and fittings may leak. As illustrated in the diagram, when the sensor (14) unit detects a leak, the transmitter conveys the unique coded signal (containing information from the leak detection unit), and an on-board LED (13) flashes to indicate that a leak has been detected and the wireless transmission has been successful. The valve-control unit (30) is contained in a housing. It is powered by an A/C mains supply (66) or a battery (27) and has a motor (32) and gear (34). These are equipped with a sensor to detect shaft rotation and provide the processor (35) with corresponding electrical pulses. The processor sends power to the motor to operate the attached valve (38), and count the motor or gear turn-cycle pulses, and store in memory the count required to close and open the valve.

Patent number: WO/2009/017512

Publication date: 5 February 2009