Fluid Distribution System

Abstract

Fluid distribution systems comprising a wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system and method for their use. In a preferred example, the fluid distribution system is an automated or semi-automated on-command hot water system, wherein the wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system comprises a fluid turbine and a battery, for converting fluid flow into electricity to recharge the battery. In certain examples, the wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system also comprises a sensor component, such as a sensor selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensor, a moisture sensor, a sound-receiving sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, and a chemical sensor. In some examples such fluid distribution systems may be of particular use in environments having limited access to electricity, such as vessels, mobile homes, trailers, and of the grid structures having no access to dependable electricity supply.

Claims

1-13. (canceled)

14) A wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component comprising a) a hot water line segment having a hot water inlet and a hot water outlet, b) a cold water line segment having a cold water inlet and a cold water outlet, and c) a junction line segment fluidly connecting said hot water line segment and said cold water line segment, said junction line segment comprising i) a temperature sensor component, and ii) an automated valve component actuated wirelessly to open and close a connection between the cold water line segment and the hot water line segment, wherein said wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component comprises d) a generator component turbine disposed within said hot water line segment or said cold water line segment and being structured to rotate when water flows therethrough; e) a rechargeable battery component electrically connected to and charged by said generator component turbine and electrically connected to and powering said automated valve component; said wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component comprising a wireless receiver/transmitter enabled to wirelessly transmit temperature-related data to a controller component, and to open or close the automated valve component in response to commands wirelessly received from the controller component, said wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component consisting of a single automated valve component.

15) An on command hot water delivery system (HWDS) comprising the wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component of claim 14 and a recirculation pump which is turned on and off by said controller component.

16) The on command hot water delivery system (HWDS) of claim 15 in which the cold water outlet and the hot water outlet of the wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component are connected to one or more faucets, and wherein the controller component opens the automated valve of the wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component when the recirculation pump is on, thereby causing hot water to flow into the junction line segment and backwards through the cold water inlet of the cold water line segment when said one or more faucets are closed.

17) The wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component of claim 14 further comprising a sensor component selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensor, a sound-receiving sensor, a flow sensor, and a chemical sensor.

18) A wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component comprising a) a first fluid line segment lacking a fluid valve and having a fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, b) a second line segment fluidly joined to said first fluid line segment between said fluid inlet and said first fluid outlet, said second line segment comprising i) a second fluid outlet, and ii) an automated valve component disposed within said second fluid line segment and structured to be actuated wirelessly to open and close a fluid connection between the first fluid line segment and the second fluid outlet, wherein said wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component comprises d) a generator component turbine disposed within said first fluid line segment or said second fluid line segment and being structured to rotate when water flows therethrough; e) a rechargeable battery component electrically connected to and charged by said generator component turbine and electrically connected to and powering said automated valve component; said wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component comprising a wireless receiver/transmitter enabled to wirelessly transmit sensor data to a controller component, and to open or close the automated valve component in response to commands wirelessly received from the controller component; said wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component consisting of a single automated valve component.

19) A fluid distribution system comprising the wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component of claim 18.

20) The wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system of claim 19 wherein said generator component turbine is located in a water line directing water to a plumbing fixture, said sensor component is a temperature sensor, and said sensor component and said automated valve are located in a pipe linking a hot water and a cold water line to a plumbing fixture.

21) The wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system of claim 19 wherein said generator component turbine is located in a water line directing water to a first zone, and said automated valve is located in a line directing water to a second zone.

22) The wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system of claim 21 comprising a plant irrigation system.

23) The wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system of claim 19 comprising a branch and trunk water distribution system.

24) The wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system of claim 19 in which said fluid is a gaseous fluid.

25) The wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system of claim 19 in which a sensor component is selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensor, a moisture sensor, a sound-receiving sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, and a chemical sensor.

26) A wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component comprising a) a fluid line segment having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, b) an automated valve component disposed within said fluid line segment and structured to be actuated wirelessly to open and close a fluid connection between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and c) a sensor component; wherein said wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component comprises d) a generator component turbine disposed within said fluid line segment and being structured to rotate when water flows therethrough; e) a rechargeable battery component electrically connected to and charged by said generator component turbine and electrically connected to and powering said automated valve component; said wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component comprising a wireless receiver/transmitter enabled to wirelessly transmit sensor data to a controller component, and to open or close the automated valve component in response to commands wirelessly received from the controller component; said wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component consisting of a single automated valve component.

27) A fluid distribution system comprising the wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system component of claim 26.

28) The wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system of claim 27 wherein said generator component turbine is located in a water line directing water to a plumbing fixture, said sensor component is a temperature sensor, and said sensor component and said automated valve are located in a pipe linking a hot water and a cold water line to a plumbing fixture.

29) The wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system of claim 27 wherein said generator component turbine is located in a water line directing water to a first zone, and said automated valve is located in a line directing water to a second zone.

30) The wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system of claim 27 comprising a plant irrigation system.

31) The wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system of claim 27 in which a sensor component is selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensor, a moisture sensor, a sound-receiving sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, and a chemical sensor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1A depicts a side view of one embodiment of a wireless, self-generating valve component of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 1B shows a an example of a manner of installation of the wireless, self-generating valve component shown in FIG. 1A.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary hot water distribution system according to the present invention employing a wireless, self-generating valve component such as that shown in FIG. 1A.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a wireless, self-generating valve component according to the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a generic trunk and branch fluid distribution system utilizing a plurality of wireless, self-generating valve components.

[0034] FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the wireless, self-generating valve component of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1A, a plumbing fixture cross-connection assembly 101 for an on command HWDS is shown. The assembly is shown in FIG. 1A as it would be configured in this embodiment; those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that there are various alternative ways in which this assembly may be configured, all of which are within the scope of the invention.

[0036] As shown, hot water inlet 103 is connected to the hot water line (not shown) and hot water outlet 105 is connected to the plumbing fixture inlet (not shown). The plumbing fixture may, without limitation, be a faucet, shower, bathtub, or an appliance, such as a washing machine. The hot and cold water cross connection pipe 107 is provided with the solenoid valve 109, which remains in the closed position, preventing mixing of hot water and cold water, except during hot water recirculation. Sensor 139 is also contained within the wireless, self-recharging valve assembly housing; in this embodiment the sensor obtains temperature or T information from the water contained in, or during recirculation) passing through the cross-connection pipe 107.

[0037] In addition to the solenoid valve 109, the wireless, self-recharging valve assembly comprises a housing 111 containing the solenoid valve, a wireless transmitter 113, wireless receiver 115, and at least one rechargeable storage battery 117, which is charged through wire 119 by generator component 123. The components of the generator are shown in partially exploded form. The generator component 123 provides a direct (DC) electrical current in response to the rotation of the rotor 207 relative to the stator 125 in generator component 123. The rotor and stator are retained in place within the wireless, self-recharging valve assembly by collar 129, which is threaded on the inside, and engages with the threads of cold water pipe inlet 133. Those of ordinary skill in the art will immediately be able to envision other means for retaining the rotor and stator within the valve assembly, and other water turbine and turbine blade designs; it is necessary that the rotor can turn in response to fluid flow and that fluid flow can pass through and continue along downpipe of the turbine. Wire 119 leads from the generator to the solenoid valve assembly.

[0038] As depicted, under normal operation (i.e., when recirculation of hot water is not activated), hot water enters the wireless, self-recharging valve assembly via inlet 103, and is directed to the plumbing fixture, exiting the valve assembly via outlet 105. Similarly, under normal operation cold water enters the valve assembly 101 through inlet 135 of case component 121 and exits to the plumbing fixture through outlet 137. As it transits valve assembly 101 the cold water flow causes rotor 127 to rotate against the stationary stator 125 causing a current flow through the coils of the generator assembly 123. The current flow exits the generator through wire 119 to charge the rechargeable battery(ies) 117 of solenoid valve 109.

[0039] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the placement of the rotor and generator within the fluid conduits of the wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system may be chosen in alternative configurations e.g., within a cold water line, within a cross-connection line, or within a hot water line. Generally the rotor and generator is placed within the conduit having the greatest about to flow, thereby providing the greater ability to recharge the batteries.

[0040] Battery(ies) 117 not only power the solenoid valve 109, but also transmitter 113 and receiver 115. In some embodiments a small microcircuit (not shown) within the valve assembly housing receives signals via the wireless receiver 115 from the HWDS controller to open or close solenoid valve 109. The data collected by sensor 139 is sent to the microcircuit, which then transmits the data to the HWDS controller via wireless transmitter 113. The HWDS controller then send a signal to start or stop the pump, and/or direct the wireless, self-recharging valve assembly to open or close the valve, based upon these temperature data.

[0041] FIG. 1B shows the wireless, self recharging valve component 180 of FIG. 1A as installed under a sink and connecting hot water line 142 and cold water line 140.

[0042] With reference to FIG. 2, there is shown, as an another example of the present invention, a hot water distribution system 201 which generally includes a hot water source 212 such as a gas or electric hot water heater, connected to a plumbing fixture such as one or more sink 214, 228 an appliance such as a washing machine 232, a shower (not shown) or any other suitable fixture by a hot water deliver line 216 and cold water delivery line 218. It is to be appreciated that the hot water source 212 may be a water heater 212 as shown, an apparatus as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,224, entitled Automatic Hot Water Recovery System, or as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,524, entitled Demand Recovery System, a geothermal source, a solar source, a photovoltaic source, or any other source of hot water. The cold water delivery line 218 interconnects the sink 214, 228 with a cold water source 220 which is also interconnected with the hot water source 212 via a feed line 222.

[0043] Optional plumbing fixtures may be provided along with other plumbing fixtures utilized in residences and businesses, all such fixtures being connected in a configuration with the hot water delivery line 216 and cold water delivery line 218. At a selected plumbing fixture, preferably the most remote fixture from the hot water source 212 along the hot water line 216, such as sink 214, a wireless, self-charging valve 280 is interconnected between the hot water delivery line 216 and the cold water delivery line 218 via the feed lines 240, 242 respectively; this type of connection may be termed a cross connection.

[0044] Pump 246 provides means for circulating water from the hot water delivery line 216 through the cold water delivery line 218 and back into the hot water source 212 via line 222, by utilizing the cold water delivery line as a return feeder to the hot water source 212. The pump 246 is shown in FIG. 2 to be located downstream from, and near to, the hot water source 212 (essentially pulling hot water from the hot water source); in other embodiments the pump 246 may be located near the selected plumbing fixture 214, or may be located on the cold water side of the hot water source 212 (pushing cold water into to hot water source).

[0045] In order for the pump 246 to effect flow in a reverse manner through the cold water delivery line 218 and into the hot water tank 212, the pump 246 must, of course, develop sufficient pressure to overcome static water pressure in the line 218.

[0046] The hot water delivery system 210 of the present invention can be used in conjunction with an existing plumbing system, which may include the hot water source 212, hot and cold water delivery lines 216, 218, and at least one plumbing fixture 214. The advantages of this type of HWDS is significant in that no unwanted disruption or renovation of the home or business is needed in order to implement the hot water recovery system in accordance with the present invention.

[0047] A controller system 250 may be mounted in any convenient location whereby it may send and receive wireless instructions to and from the wireless, self-recharging valve component. The controller 250 is shown here located on the hot water source 212. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the controller 250 and pump may independently be located in any other location suitable for controlling the recirculation of hot water in the HWDS, such as close to fixture 114. As shown the controller 250 is wired 262 to also receive signals to turn on the pump 246 from sensors (such as motion sensors or flow sensors) or switches 260. As shown, these sensors or switches may be directly connected or, as seen with the sensor/switch 261 near sink 214, may be wireless.

[0048] The controller component 250 may be directly connected 263 to an electrical outlet 274, or may be battery operated, and contains a wireless transmitter and wireless receiver to send and/or receive signals from and to the pump 246, wireless sensors/switches 261, and/or wireless, self-recharging valve component 280. Thus, in other examples signals, particularly wireless signals may be relayed with, for example, a compiler, router or modem 282 which serves to relay sensor and control data to and/or from the controller component and/or a remotely located controller component (such as comprised in a mobile telephone, laptop computer, key fobs or other computing device 278) to and from one or more HWDS components, including the wireless, self-recharging valve component.

[0049] It is envisioned that the wireless, self-recharging valve component may be used in combination with a system similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,513,913, incorporated by reference herein. In certain examples of such a system a user is able to receive alerts, status and statistical data, and other information relating to the HWDS in locations remote to the HWDS, such as by using wireless mobile telephone, key fobs, computer, or tablet devices. It is also envisioned that the user will be able to send commands from such a device to the HWDS, for example, to turn on or off the HWDS system (which may include the pump and/or the hot water source), or to override or modify the automated operation of the HWDS, such as setting or adjusting temperature thresholds, setting or adjusting T thresholds, setting or adjusting hot water source water temperature, setting or adjusting pump speed, setting or adjusting timer settings, setting or adjusting duration of pump operation, setting or adjusting period of pump inactivity, and the like. These control signals may travel back along the previously described network to the specific HWDS (e.g., controller component 250) components affected by the control instructions.

[0050] A sensor or control switch 260, 261 may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of: a manual switch, a motion detector, a proximity detector, a temperature detector, a flow detector, a sound producing element or a sound detector.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the wireless, self-recharging valve assembly of the present invention may itself contain a temperature sensor and one or more additional sensor, selected from the group consisting of a manual switch, a motion detector, a proximity detector, a temperature detector, a flow detector, or a sound detector. Very preferably said one or more additional sensor is located within the hot water line portion of the self-recharging valve assembly so as to detect activation of hot water flow, thus signaling that the recirculation pump should turn on, and that the solenoid valve should open.

[0052] Turning to FIG. 3 another type of wireless, self recharging valve assembly is shown in plan view. In this assembly, designed for a trunk and branch-type water distribution system, the valve assembly 301 comprises a T, rather than an H shape as in the HWDS shown in FIG. 2. In this design, which may be used for water distribution in a multizonal structure or complex, or for other purposes, such as crop irrigation, liquid petroleum distribution, gas distribution, and the like.

[0053] Trunk pipe segments 315 and 317 are segments of the main line carrying the fluid to multiple branch lines (such as branch line 321) to the trunk line, with fluid flow from left to right.

[0054] The wireless, self recharging valve assembly 301 is connected to trunk line segments 315 and 317 and to the end of branch line 321. The valve assembly 301 comprises solenoid valve 305, which is placed in the branch line entry position of the valve assembly. Those of ordinary skill in the art are aware that the branch lines normally have a smaller cross-sectional area than the trunk line, and may be in either the closed position or the open position at rest, depending upon the user's desire.

[0055] The valve assembly also contains the generator 311 and turbine assembly 307 in the trunk line portion of the valve assembly, so that electricity may be generated when the solenoid valve is closed or open; this arrangement thus permits electricity to be generated to recharge the battery within housing 303 regardless whether solenoid valve 305 is open or closed. Also contained within the valve assembly housing is a wireless transmitter 319, a wireless receiver (not shown), sensor 313, and a microcontroller to receive and differentiate control and sensor signals, open and close the solenoid valve 305, and relay sensor signals to a remote controller via wireless transmitter 319.

[0056] Sensor 313 may be any suitable sensor, and, for irrigation purposes, may be a moisture sensor that samples the soil in which the wireless valve assembly is placed. For example, a moisture sensor may sense that the soil is moist and the controller can be programmed to close the solenoid valve in response. Conversely, the moisture sensor may sense that the soil is dry, and the controller can be programmed to open the solenoid valve in response thereto

[0057] In alternative embodiments, the sensor may, without limitation, comprise a pressure sensor, a sound-receiving sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, or may be a sensor sampling the chemical composition of the fluid flowing through the trunk line. In some embodiments, the valve component may be structured to operate as part of a gas distribution system, such as a natural gas system.

[0058] When used in e.g., petroleum applications the liquid or gaseous fluid may be sampled and a chemical sensor of the wireless, self-recharging valve of the present invention may be used in a trunk and branch-type system to sort petroleum of different types, or degrees of purity or refinement, into different storage tanks or reactors.

[0059] In FIG. 4 a trunk and branch-type fluid distribution system 401 is shown in which the fluid distribution system is designed to serve discrete zones. The generic distribution system shown in FIG. 4 may be used for water distribution in a single structure, or more than one structure, water distribution to discrete irrigation zones, petroleum fluid distribution to discrete petroleum processing tanks or areas, or the like. In each case, some or each zone may have its own unique fluid demand requirements.

[0060] As depicted in FIG. 4, a fluid is conveyed from a source 401 via trunk conduit 411 to six zones served by feeder (branch) loops 403 A-F simultaneously. Feeder loops 403 A-F in fluid communication with conduit 411 extend vertically along, and preferably on either side of, the conduit. Fluid flow may be initiated using a controller upstream by operation of a pump (not shown).

[0061] Wireless, self-recharging valve assemblies 407 are installed as T junctions are the intersection of the branch 405 and trunk 411 lines. As shown in FIG. 3, each valve assembly 407 comprises an automated valve (such as a solenoid valve); a water turbine which rotates a rotor component of a generator relative to a stator resulting in the flow of an electrical current to one or more rechargeable battery of the wireless, self-recharging valve assembly; one or more sensor component, which may, without limitation, comprise a pressure sensor, a moisture sensor, a sound-receiving sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, or a chemical sensor; a wireless receiver receiving signals and instructions from a remote controller.

[0062] A controller (which may be located proximate to the pump) may be located at a location remote from the self-recharging valve assemblies located at a plurality of branch lines. If necessary or desirable one or more repeater components can be used to intercept, amplify, and relay wireless signals between the controller (which is preferably programmable) and the self-recharging valve assemblies.

[0063] In FIG. 5, the wireless, self-generating valve component within a pipe segment is shown 501. Again the exterior portion of the solenoid valve component 503 is shown; the valve is preferably configured to be closed when the solenoid is not energized so that back pressure cannot open the valve. The pipe segment has an inlet 507 and an outlet 509. Affixed to the wireless, self-generating valve component is a battery case 511, which holds one or more rechargeable batteries. The batteries are electrically connected with conducting wires to the solenoid coils (not shown) within the housing so as to create a magnetic field causing the valve to open when energized thereby. Additionally, the batteries energize the wireless transmitter 517 and receiver 519, which may be comprised in the same or different locations of the wireless, self-generating valve component. The wireless, self-generating valve component is also configured to turn the pump on or off upon receipt of a signal from a remote controller, and to send temperature, flow, and/or other data to the controller.

[0064] Within the valve is a rotor 513 and generating apparatus comprising a stator 515; the generator apparatus is electrically connected to the batteries so as to provide an electrical current when water flow from inlet to within the pipe. The rotor 513, as shown, is unidirectional. Those of ordinary skill in the art are aware that bi-directional rotors (such as helical rotors) may instead be used in any embodiment of the present invention so as to generate an electrical current when flow occurs in either direction.

[0065] Those or ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the arrangement of the fluid distribution system shown in FIG. 4 is only one example of such a distribution system. Other possible arrangements include the use of a wireless multi-valve fluid manifold comprising a large pipe segment containing a plurality of automated valves (e.g. solenoid valves) leading to the smaller pipe segments into which smaller pipes lead. In some embodiments the wireless multi-valve fluid manifold may comprise a single piece manifold cast or otherwise formed out of metal or a polymer, and comprising additional valves, generator components, electrical connections between the valves, rechargeable batteries and a wireless transmitter/receiver component for obtaining control signals from, and sending sensor signals (such as pressure data from a pressure sensor) to, a remote controller component.

[0066] In such a manifold, a turbine and generator component generates electricity with fluid flow within a large pipe segment component of the manifold, thus causing the battery to recharge when any of the valves is open. In some embodiments this manifold comprises one or more pressure sensor; for example, pressure sensors may be placed within each of the main pipe or channel and/or the smaller channels of the wireless, multi-valve, self recharging manifold for monitoring the pressure and each of the trunk line and the branch lines. In other embodiments of this aspect of the invention a sensor component may not be necessary.

[0067] To the extent that a plurality of inventions are disclosed herein, any such invention shall be understood to have disclosed herein alone, in combination with other features or inventions disclosed herein, or lacking any feature or features not explicitly disclosed as essential for that invention. For example, the inventions described in this specification can be practiced within elements of, or in combination with, other any features, elements, methods or structures described herein. Furthermore, each of said plurality of inventions is not to be construed as implicitly requiring elements or any other invention disclosed herein.

[0068] Additionally, features illustrated herein as being present in a particular example are intended, in other examples of the present invention, to be explicitly lacking from the invention, or to be combinable with features described elsewhere in this patent application, in a manner not otherwise illustrated in this patent application or present in that particular example. The scope of the invention shall be determined solely by the language of the claims.

[0069] Thus, the various descriptions of the invention provided herein illustrate presently preferred examples of the invention; however, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the examples provided, or to the specific configurations, shapes, and relation of elements unless the claims specifically indicate otherwise. Based upon the present disclosure a person of ordinary skill in the art will immediately conceive of other alternatives to the specific examples given, such that the present disclosure will be understood to provide a full written description of each of such alternatives as if each had been specifically described.