Fluid control system, device and method
OwnerObalit Khorshidinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fluid control system, device and method are disclosed. The fluid control device is preferably configured to connect to an outlet of a fluid source. The fluid control device includes a valve, a sensor, a battery and a micro-generator. The sensor is used to measure or detect a condition and provide output signals that open and close the valve in response to a measured or detected condition. The micro-generator is positioned in a flow path of fluid and generates power from a flow of the fluid. The power generated from the micro-generator is stored in the battery and used to power later operations of the device. The device can be used for automating faucets, sprinklers and fire extinguishing equipment.
Claims24
A fluid control device comprising:
- a) a sensor for sensing a condition and for generating output signals based on the condition;
- b) means to couple the fluid control device to a fluid source;
- c) a valve coupled to the sensor, wherein the valve opens and closes in response to the output signals from the sensor;
- and
- d) a power generator for powering the sensor and the valve, wherein the power generator generates power from a flow of the fluid through the fluid control device.
A fluid control system comprising:
- a) means to couple to a fluid source;
- b) a sensor for sensing a condition and generating output signals;
- c) a valve coupled to the sensor for opening and closing in response to an output from the sensor;
- and
- d) a micro-generator for powering at least on of the sensor and the valve, wherein the power generator generates power as fluid flows from the fluid source and through the valve and wherein the valve opens and closes in response to the output signals.
A method of controlling a flow of liquid from a fluid source, the method comprising:
- a) measuring a condition;
- b) automatically opening and closing a valve coupled to the fluid source based on the measured condition, thereby controlling a flow of the fluid through the valve;
- c) generating power from the flow of the fluid;
- and
- d) storing the power generated from the flow of the fluid for controlling the valve to open and close.
A system comprising:
- a) a least one sensor for detecting a condition and generating output signals based on the condition;
- b) fluid control units coupled to a common fluid source, each of the fluid control units comprising:
- i) a valve in communication with the at least one sensor;
- ii) a power generator for powering the valve;
- and
- iii) means for securing the valve and a portion of the power generator in a flow path of the common fluid source,
- wherein the power generator generates power to open and close the valve in the flow path of the common fluid source and wherein the valve opens and closes in response to the output signals from the at least one sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.