Shutoff valve system with leak detector
OwnerRobert C. Franklininventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A latched, spring loaded valve having a water sensor and an activation mechanism shuts off water supply, when a water leak is detected, to specific application as cloths washing machines, dishwashing machines, sinks, toilets, and refrigerators equipped with ice makers. The shutoff valve system with leak detector has a sealing member movable with a valve body between an open position and a closed position wherein the sealing member blocks fluid flow.
Claims10
A shutoff valve system with leak detector for automatically shutting off a water supply to appliances such as a clothes washing machine, dish washing machine, sink, toilet, or refrigerator equipped with an ice maker, comprising:
- a valve body having an inlet opening and an outlet opening which are in fluid communication, said inlet opening being connected to said water supply and said outlet opening being connected to any of the above-mentioned appliances;
- a sealing member movable within said valve body between an open position wherein the sealing member does not block fluid flow, and a closed position wherein the sealing member blocks fluid flow;
- a spring loaded outlet associated with said movable sealing member operably coupled to a water supply valve of any one of the above-mentioned appliances;
- a latch member which in the closed position restricts any movement of said spring loaded outlet;
- a cartridge having a water-soluble element therein;
- a cable connecting said cartridge with said latch member;
- and
- actuator means within said cartridge which moves said latch member to an open position when said water-soluble element dissolves whereby said spring loaded outlet moves to a position which causes said sealing member to block fluid flow at the inlet opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.