An apparatus includes a first processor-controllable valve and a second processor-controllable valve both of which are connectable to an outdoor water line. A controller configured to control the operation of the first processor-controllable valve and the second processor-controllable valve. The controller, in use, urges the second processor-controllable valve to open and permit flow of the water along an interior of the outdoor water line for the case where the second electrical power source is available for use by the second processor-controllable valve when the first electrical power source is unavailable for use by the first processor-controllable valve.

The present invention relates to a freeze prevention valve capable of controlling a discharge flow rate according to a temperature. More particularly, the present invention relates to a freeze prevention valve capable of controlling a discharge flow rate according to a temperature, wherein the valve is to prevent freezing of a pipe by allowing a working fluid such as water flowing along various pipes including water pipes, faucets, and water meters to continuously flow without freezing at a temperature below a freezing point, and a shape memory elastic body which is a configuration of the valve can control a flow rate of the working fluid flowing out of the valve by proportionally changing a yield stress by a phase change according to a temperature of the working fluid instead of performing a simple opening/closing operation.

The present invention relates to a freeze prevention valve capable of controlling a discharge flow rate according to a temperature. More particularly, the present invention relates to a freeze prevention valve capable of controlling a discharge flow rate according to a temperature, wherein the valve is to prevent freezing of a pipe by allowing a working fluid such as water flowing along various pipes including water pipes, faucets, and water meters to continuously flow without freezing at a temperature below a freezing point, and a shape memory elastic body which is a configuration of the valve can control a flow rate of the working fluid flowing out of the valve by proportionally changing a yield stress by a phase change according to a temperature of the working fluid instead of performing a simple opening/closing operation.

Disclosed herein are flow control devices including at least one remote temperature sensor configured to determine first temperature data associated with air outside of a dwelling; a valve configured to control a first flow rate of the liquid flowing from an inlet of the supply pipe along a controlled liquid flow path by moving a valve position from a closed position to an open position; a flow control component in fluid communication with the valve, and configured to control a second flow rate of the liquid flowing from the valve; at least one internal temperature sensor configured to determine second temperature data associated with air inside the dwelling; a controller communicatively connected to the temperature sensors and configured to control operation of the valve based at least on at least one of the first temperature data and the second temperature data; and a housing configured to contain the flow control device components and further configured to releasably attach to a spigot or spout of a supply pipe. Also disclosed herein are methods for using the disclosed devices.

An apparatus includes a first processor-controllable valve and a second processor-controllable valve both of which are connectable to an outdoor water line. A controller configured to control the operation of the first processor-controllable valve and the second processor-controllable valve. The controller, in use, urges the second processor-controllable valve to open and permit flow of the water along an interior of the outdoor water line for the case where the second electrical power source is available for use by the second processor-controllable valve when the first electrical power source is unavailable for use by the first processor-controllable valve.

An anti-freezing apparatus comprises: a main block including an accommodation space and a water inlet at one side thereof to communicate with the accommodation space; a temperature sensitive member provided in the accommodation space and having one end for opening and closing the water inlet, the length of the temperature sensitive member variable due to expansion or contraction according to changes in temperature; an elastic member installed between the temperature sensitive member and the main block; a connecting rod connected to the other end of the temperature sensitive member; a locking part having opposite ends locked in a locking protrusion formed in the accommodation space and having a through-hole through which water passes; and an adjustment part coupled to the tip end of the connecting rod and rotatably screw-coupled to the locking part. The elastic member applies an elastic force to the temperature sensitive member to close the water inlet.

Disclosed herein are flow control devices including at least one remote temperature sensor configured to determine first temperature data associated with air outside of a dwelling; a valve configured to control a first flow rate of the liquid flowing from an inlet of the supply pipe along a controlled liquid flow path by moving a valve position from a closed position to an open position; a flow control component in fluid communication with the valve, and configured to control a second flow rate of the liquid flowing from the valve; at least one internal temperature sensor configured to determine second temperature data associated with air inside the dwelling; a controller communicatively connected to the temperature sensors and configured to control operation of the valve based at least on at least one of the first temperature data and the second temperature data; and a housing configured to contain the flow control device components and further configured to releasably attach to a spigot or spout of a supply pipe. Also disclosed herein are methods for using the disclosed devices.

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.

An anti-freezing apparatus comprises: a main block including an accommodation space and a water inlet at one side thereof to communicate with the accommodation space; a temperature sensitive member provided in the accommodation space and having one end for opening and closing the water inlet, the length of the temperature sensitive member variable due to expansion or contraction according to changes in temperature; an elastic member installed between the temperature sensitive member and the main block; a connecting rod connected to the other end of the temperature sensitive member; a locking part having opposite ends locked in a locking protrusion formed in the accommodation space and having a through-hole through which water passes; and an adjustment part coupled to the tip end of the connecting rod and rotatably screw-coupled to the locking part. The elastic member applies an elastic force to the temperature sensitive member to close the water inlet.

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.