Automated drip flow valve for freeze protection
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorJames C. Fletcher
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for regulating water flow in a pipe. A water flow regulator includes a valve configured to regulate water flow, a power source, a communication module and a processor. The communication module is configured to receive instructions pertaining to water flow regulation over a wireless network and to send instructions to the processor. The instructions are based at least in part on weather data and on the physical location of the water flow regulator. The processor is coupled to the communication module, and is configured to send a control signal to the valve to regulate the water flow in accordance with a received instruction from the communication module.
Claims14
A water flow regulator for an indoor faucet, comprising:
- a valve configured to regulate water flow in the faucet;
- a power source;
- a communication module configured to receive instructions pertaining to water flow regulation in the faucet over a wireless network and to send instructions to a processor, wherein the instructions are based at least in part on weather data and on the geographical location of the water flow regulator;
- and
- a processor coupled to the communication module, the processor being configured to send a control signal to the valve to regulate the water flow in the faucet in accordance with a received instruction from the communication module.
A method for regulating water flow in a pipe connected to an indoor faucet, comprising:
- receiving, by a water flow regulator, instructions pertaining to water flow regulation in the pipe over a wireless network, wherein the instructions are based at least in part on weather data and on the geographical location of a water flow regulator for the pipe;
- and
- sending a control signal to a valve to regulate the water flow in the pipe in accordance with the received instructions.
A computer program product for regulating water flow in a pipe connected to an indoor faucet, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions being executable by a processor in a water flow regulator to cause a water flow regulator to:
- receive instructions pertaining to water flow regulation in the pipe over a wireless network, wherein the instructions are based at least in part on weather data and on the geographical location of a water flow regulator for the pipe;
- and
- send a control signal to a valve to regulate the water flow in the pipe in accordance with the received instructions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.