Water detection and shut-off system and methods

Abstract

A water detection and shut-off system is disclosed. The water detection system may be battery powered and include a water detector, a satellite water detector, and a water shut-off mechanism. The detectors and shut-off mechanism may be communicatively coupled via one or more communication links to a client component such as a smartphone app. Upon detecting the presence of unwanted water, the shut-off mechanism may operate an electric motor to close a water shut-off valve to prevent flooding or water damage.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A water detection system comprising:
 a water detector having a top and a bottom, the water detector comprising:   a first water sensor located at the top adapted to detect the presence of water;   a second water sensor located at the bottom adapted to detect the presence of water; and   a wireless transmitter;   a battery operatively coupled to the water sensor and the wireless transmitter;   a water shut-off mechanism adapted to couple a water pipe and a shut-off valve, the water shut-off mechanism comprising a motor; and   a wireless receiver communicatively coupled to the water detector;   wherein the water detector sends, via the wireless transmitter, an alert when either the first water sensor or the second water detector detects the presence of water; and   wherein, in response to receiving the alert, the water shut-off mechanism turns the shut-off valve to a closed position.   
     
     
         22 . The water detection system of  claim 42  wherein the water shut-off mechanism includes a chassis and a pipe sleeve adapted to couple the chassis and the water pipe. 
     
     
         23 . The water detection system of  claim 22  further comprising a sprocket coupled to the motor and a transmission coupled to the sprocket. 
     
     
         24 . The water detection system of  claim 23  wherein the transmission comprises two first protrusions spaced apart and adapted to fit around a handle of the shut-off valve. 
     
     
         25 . The water detection system of  claim 24  wherein the two first protrusions of the transmission flare downward. 
     
     
         26 . The water detection system of  claim 24  wherein the transmission comprises two second protrusions, the second protrusions spaced apart and adapted to fit around the handle of the shut-off valve. 
     
     
         27 . The water detection system of  claim 26  wherein the first protrusions are spaced apart from each other at a first distance and the second protrusions are spaced apart a second distance, the first distance being different than the second distance. 
     
     
         28 . The water detection system of  claim 23  wherein the transmission further comprises an annular groove and wherein the sprocket further comprises a skirt with at least one ball bearing that is adapted to fit within the annular groove. 
     
     
         29 . The water detection of  claim 28  wherein the transmission further includes a spring. 
     
     
         30 . The water detection system of  claim 42  wherein the catch basin bottom defines a first aperture, the first water sensor located within the first aperture. 
     
     
         31 . The water detection system of  claim 21  wherein the water shut-off mechanism further comprises a sleeve adapted to slide over a shut-off valve nut. 
     
     
         32 . The water detection system of  claim 21  wherein the water detector further comprises a tilt sensor. 
     
     
         33 . The water detection system of  claim 21  wherein the water detector comprises a substantially waterproof housing. 
     
     
         34 . The water detection system of  claim 42  wherein the catch basin further comprises a housing with an external groove that corresponds to the shape of quarter-round trim. 
     
     
         35 . The water detection system of  claim 21  wherein the water detector further comprises a reed switch. 
     
     
         36 . The water detection system of  claim 21  wherein the water detector further comprises a speaker, and wherein the alert further comprises an audible alert from the speaker. 
     
     
         37 . The water detection system of  claim 21  wherein the wireless transmitter is a radio frequency transmitter and the wireless receiver is a radio frequency receiver. 
     
     
         38 . The water detection system of  claim 21  wherein the second water sensor comprises two wire leads that extend into the second aperture and wherein water is detected when water is present in the aperture such that an electrical connection is established between the two wire leads. 
     
     
         39 . The water detection system of  claim 21  further comprising an electrical connector adapted to connect to a corresponding electrical connector on the water detector. 
     
     
         40 . The water detection system of  claim 21  wherein the water shut-off mechanism further comprises a position sensor adapted to monitor a position of the shut-off valve. 
     
     
         41 . The water detection system of  claim 21  further comprising a client component communicatively coupled to the water detector and the water shut-off mechanism, wherein the water shut-off mechanism is controllable via the client component. 
     
     
         42 . The water detection system of  claim 21  further comprising a catch basin having a catch basin bottom, the first water sensor located at the catch basin bottom.