The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 31, 1993
Filed:
Oct. 03, 1991
Applicant:
Inventor:
Robert C Franklin, Los Gatos, CA (US);
Assignee:
Other;
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G08B / ; F16K / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
137-1 ; 137 781 ; 137312 ; 137551 ; 340605 ; 340636 ;
Abstract
An automatic shutoff valve system for installation for instance in the water supply line to a hot water heater includes a sensor to detect leakage electrically by sensing moisture, and then shutting off the supply line in response. The valve mechanism includes a spring loaded ball valve normally latched in the open position which is unlatched and hence closes by the contraction of a BioMetal.TM. wire which activates a torsion spring to rotate the ball valve. The valve is controlled by a microprocessor which includes self test features, and the valve system may operate for a year or more on battery power.