| Measurement and shut-off system for a liquid dispensing device -> Monitor Keywords |
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Measurement and shut-off system for a liquid dispensing deviceRelated Patent Categories: Fluent Material Handling, With Receiver Or Receiver Coacting Means, Automatic Control Of Flow Cutoff Or Diversion, Level Or Overflow ResponsiveMeasurement and shut-off system for a liquid dispensing device description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060118200, Measurement and shut-off system for a liquid dispensing device. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates in general to liquid dispensing devices and, more particularly, to a system for measuring the amount of a liquid deposited on an area by a liquid dispensing device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] When applying a liquid substance to an area, there may be a preferred quantity of substance that should be deposited onto the area. For example, in the context of lawn and garden care, there may be a recommended amount of water that a consumer should apply to a lawn, such as a certain number of inches of water per square foot of lawn. However, a consumer typically does not have any way of measuring or sufficiently estimating the amount of water deposited. Moreover, a consumer is usually unable to account for any water that may already be in the soil from other sources, such as from recent rainfall. As a result, a consumer may over or under hydrate the lawn, which, in turn, can lead to an unhealthy lawn. Thus, there is a need for a system that can measure the amount of water or other liquid substance applied to a lawn or other area. There is also a need for a system that can restrict the output of liquid once the desired amount of liquid has been applied. Further, there is a need for a system that can prevent the dispensing of liquid during or shortly after a rainfall. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] Aspects of the invention relate to a measurement and shut-off system for a liquid dispensing device. In one embodiment, the system includes a collection cup that receives a liquid; a float; a power source; an open first switch; and a motor. The float is provided within the collection cup. At least a portion of the float is magnetic and has an associated magnetic field. One or more of these individual components can be provided within a housing. [0004] The open first switch is positioned proximate the collection cup. The switch is operatively connected to the power source. The switch is closable under the influence of a magnetic field. The position of the first switch can be adjusted in the substantially vertical direction. [0005] The motor is operatively connected to the power source and the switch. The float rises in the collection cup as a liquid accumulates in the collection cup. The switch closes when the magnetic field of the float approaches sufficiently near the switch, which can complete an electrical circuit to activate the motor. In one embodiment, the system can include a second open switch disposed at a different elevation relative to the first switch. The first and second switches can be substantially vertically aligned. In instances where there are two or more switches, a selector can be operatively connected to the first and second switches. The selector allows a user to selectively determine which of the first and second switches is operatively connected to the power source and the motor to form an electrical circuit. [0006] The system can also include a fluid conduit and a valve provided along the fluid conduit. The valve can be moved between an open position in which flow through the fluid conduit is substantially permitted and a closed position in which flow through the fluid conduit is substantially restricted. The motor can operatively engage the valve to move the valve between open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the motor can operatively engage the valve by a plurality of gears. The system can further include a motor end switch operatively connected between the power source and the first and second switch. The motor end switch can be operatively associated with one of the plurality of gears such that when the valve is moved into the closed position, the motor end switch opens and thereby deactivates the motor. [0007] In another embodiment, the system includes: a liquid dispensing device, a collection cup, a float, a power source, a motor, a plurality of open switches and a selector. The collection cup, the float, the power source, the motor and the plurality of switches can be provided within a housing. Each of these components will be discussed in turn. [0008] The liquid dispensing device can have an associated area of coverage over which liquid leaving the device is deposited. The liquid dispensing device can be, for example, a sprinkler, a sprayer, a mister or an irrigation tool. The collection cup is positioned in the area of coverage. Thus, the collection cup receives liquid from at least the liquid dispensing device. A screen can be disposed above the collection cup to discourage tampering with the collection cup while not substantially impeding the entry of liquid into the cup. The float is provided within the collection cup. All or only a portion of the float is magnetic so that it exerts a magnetic field. In one embodiment, a magnet can be attached to the float. [0009] The power source can be one or more batteries. The motor is operatively connected to the power source. The plurality of open switches are positioned proximate the collection cup. Each switch is disposed at a different elevation relative to the other switches. Each of the switches is closable under the influence of a magnetic field. The position of one or more of the plurality of switches can be adjustable in the substantially vertical direction. In one embodiment, the plurality of switches can include three or more switches. The plurality of switches can be spaced substantially equally apart. Alternatively, at least one of the plurality of switches can be spaced unequally apart from the other switches. The plurality of switches can be substantially vertically aligned. A selector is operatively connected to the plurality of switches. The selector is movable so that a user can select one of the plurality switches to be operatively connected to the power source and the motor so as to form an electrical circuit. [0010] Again, the collection cup is positioned in the area of coverage of the liquid dispensing device. Thus, as liquid from the liquid dispensing device accumulates in the cup, the float rises in the cup. The selected one of the plurality of switches closes when the magnetic field of the float approaches sufficiently near the switch. When the selected switch closes, the electrical circuit is completed and the motor is activated. [0011] The system can further include a fluid conduit. The fluid conduit can be connected to the liquid dispensing device. Thus, the fluid conduit can deliver liquid to the liquid dispensing device. A valve can be disposed along the fluid conduit. The valve can be movable between an open position in which liquid flow through the fluid conduit is substantially permitted and a closed position in which liquid flow through the fluid conduit is substantially restricted. In one embodiment, a timer can be disposed along the fluid conduit and upstream of the valve. [0012] The motor can operatively engage the valve such that, when activated, the motor moves the valve to the closed position. A valve gear can be operatively associated with the valve such that rotation of the valve gear moves the valve between open and closed positions. A motor gear can be operatively associated with the motor. The motor gear can operatively engage the valve gear such that rotation of the motor gear is transmitted to the valve gear. [0013] The system can include a motor end switch that is operatively connected between the power source and the selected one of the plurality of switches. The motor end switch can operatively engage the valve gear such that when the valve is moved into the closed position, the motor end switch opens, thereby deactivating the motor. [0014] Another system according to aspects of the invention includes a water source, a water dispensing device and a fluid conduit connecting the water source and the water dispensing device in fluid communication. The water dispensing device has an associated area of coverage over which water is deposited [0015] A valve is disposed along the fluid conduit. The valve is movable between an open position in which flow through the fluid conduit is substantially permitted and a closed position in which flow through the fluid conduit is substantially restricted. In one embodiment, a timer can be disposed along the fluid conduit between the fluid source and the valve. A valve gear is operatively associated with the valve such that rotation of the valve gear moves the valve between open and closed positions. [0016] The system further includes a collection cup for receiving a liquid. The collection cup is positioned in the area of coverage of the water dispensing device. A float is provided within the collection cup. The float is buoyant in water. At least a portion of the float is magnetic and has an associated magnetic field. [0017] Additionally, the system includes a power source and a motor operatively connected to the power source. The motor has a rotatable shaft on which a motor gear is attached. The motor gear operatively engages the valve gear such that rotation of the motor gear is transmitted to the valve gear. [0018] A plurality of open switches are positioned proximate the collection cup. Each switch is disposed at a different elevation relative to the other switches. Each of the switches is closable under the influence of a magnetic field. The position of one or more of the plurality of switches can be adjustable in the substantially vertical direction. A selector is operatively connected to the plurality of switches. The selector is movable to select one of the plurality switches to be operatively connected to the power source and the motor so as to form an electrical circuit. [0019] As water from the dispensing device accumulates in the collection cup, the float will rise. The selected one of the plurality of switches closes when the magnetic field of the float approaches sufficiently near the switch. Thus, the electrical circuit is completed to activate the motor. The motor moves the valve to the closed position by way of the gears. [0020] The system can further include a motor end switch operatively connected between the power source and the selected one of the plurality of switches. The motor end switch can operatively engage the valve gear such that, when the valve is moved into the closed position, the motor end switch opens, thereby deactivating the motor. [0021] The valve, the collection cup, the float, the power source, the plurality of switches, and the selector can be provided within a housing. A screen can be disposed above the collection cup to discourage tampering with the system by animals or people while not substantially impeding the entry of water into the collection cup. The screen can be attached to the collection cup and/or to the housing. Continue reading about Measurement and shut-off system for a liquid dispensing device... Full patent description for Measurement and shut-off system for a liquid dispensing device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Measurement and shut-off system for a liquid dispensing device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. 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