Leak Detection Device
AssigneeConbraco Industries, Inc.
InventorsStephanie L. Cellemme, Patrick W. Duncan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments relate to a leak detection device. In some embodiments, the leak detection device can be used within a backflow preventer to detect faulty or degraded operation of the backflow preventer or plumbing system instability. Embodiments of the leak detection device can include a movable magnetic element and a reed switch or electrical conductor element. When a leak occurs, fluid causes the movable magnetic element to move relative to the reed switch or electrical conductor element and cause the reed switch or electrical conductor element to generate a signal.
Claims23
A fluid flow indicator device, comprising:
- a movable magnetic element configured to be placed within a conduit, the conduit configured to be a portion of a fluid flow system designated for receiving and directing fluid when a leak occurs;
- and
- at least one reed switch;
- wherein the movable magnetic element is configured to move relative to the at least one reed switch when fluid flows through the conduit due to the leak and imparts a force on the movable magnetic element;
- and
- wherein the at least one reed switch generates a signal when the movable magnetic element is moved within a predetermined distance of the at least one reed switch.
A fluid flow indicator device, comprising:
- a housing comprising a housing top, a housing bottom, and a housing longitudinal axis extending from the housing top to the housing bottom, the housing further comprising an opening configured to allow fluid to flow there-through;
- a movable magnetic element, the housing further configured to retain the movable magnetic element and allow the movable magnetic element to move along the housing longitudinal axis;
- a first reed switch and a second reed switch;
- wherein the movable magnetic element is configured to move relative to the first reed switch and the second reed switch when fluid flows through the housing;
- wherein the first reed switch generates a first signal when the movable magnetic element moves a distance D1;
- the second reed switch generates a second signal when the movable magnetic element moves a distance D2;
- and
- D2>D1.
A fluid flow indicator device, comprising:
- a movable magnetic element configured to be placed within a conduit, the conduit configured to be a portion of a fluid flow system designated for receiving and directing fluid when a leak occurs;
- and
- at least one electrical conducting element;
- wherein the movable magnetic element is configured to move relative to the at least one electrical conducting element when fluid flows through the conduit due to the leak and imparts a force on the movable magnetic element;
- and
- wherein the at least one electrical conducting element generates a signal when the movable magnetic element is moved relative to the at least one electrical conducting element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.