Cynthia I Carroll

US Patent:

20040128034, Jul 1, 2004

Filed:

Dec 11, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/735329

Inventors:

Jay Lenker - Laguna Beach CA, US
James Carroll - Long Beach CA, US
Cynthia Carroll - Long Beach CA, US

International Classification:

G05D007/00

US Classification:

700/282000

Abstract:

This invention relates to water or liquid flow detection or sensing systems that are further capable of actively controlling the flow of the water or other liquid that is being sensed. The invention uses a microphone or other acoustic sensor to detect the acoustic signature of liquid flow through a pipe. Water or liquid flowing through a pipe or a system of pipes generates an acoustic signature that can be detected, measured, and analyzed. Based on the analysis of the acoustic signature of the liquid flow, a determination is made whether a fault or leak in the line has occurred. If a determination is made that a fault has occurred, a water shutoff valve is activated ceasing the flow of water or other liquid. The system further includes audible and visual warning devices to indicate whether a fault has occurred as well as general system status. The system is configured to control the water main leading into a building or it is configured to control the water leading into a specific hose or appliance such as a toilet or washing machine. The whole building system uses a computer to analyze the acoustic signatures detectable in the house and can determine if one of these signatures has been occurring for a time period outside an acceptable limit and determining that a fault has occurred.