GB2388663A

GB2388663A - A remote liquid level alarm system for a bath

Info

Publication number: GB2388663A
Application number: GB0211320A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-05-17
Filing date: 2002-05-17
Publication date: 2003-11-19
Also published as: GB0211320D0

Abstract

A remote liquid level alarm system for a bath comprises two basic components, a detector unit which includes a transmitter, and a remote receiver unit which includes an alarm sounder unit. The detector unit is draped over the side of the bath with the sensors positioned in such a way as to correspond to a water level intended by a user. The remote receiver/alarm unit can be carried or positioned at a convenient site so that the alarm can be heard and/or seen. Once the level of the water in the bath reaches the sensors an electrical circuit is completed and the transmitter unit sends a control signal to the receiver unit which then activates the alarm.

Description

Remote Indicating Batik Level Alarm System This invention relates to the

automatic mon'onng and remote indication of water levels in baths' sinks, ponds, pools and stor'e tanks For the purpose of this document the word 'bath,, can be taken to encompass all of these receptacles T'me management has always been a mayor striver for Inventions, if we look at some past examples we can usually find old ada,c. that refer to the 'waste of tilt e IN her using the old product We can then see ho\'hic time wasting, led to the levelopment of the new product.

], 'Watching paint dry' - the development cI quick drying paint 2, 'A watched kettle never boils' - the dexrekpment of the automatic kettle One function that is carried out daily and is almost universal in developed society is washing, and since this usually involves storing the water in a bath or sink, then there is a need to continuously monitor the level or water being stored. It is a foregone conclusion that prevention of overfilling and subsequent damage to property is a

necessity; no matter what other activity one is engaged in, it has to be postponed whilst the bath is being checked. The need., constantly monitor the water means that more time has to be set aside to allow for regular activities such as the morning pre-

work washing, dressing and Satire routine.

The remote indicating bath level alarm system seeks to eliminate this Time wasting', by al]owin, the user to catty out almost unlimited other duties but still be aware of the bath filling.

The remote indicating bath level alarm sync In is considered in two major t-N,pes, the portable and the fixed system.

The remote indicating bath level alarm system.

Portage Sail (As illustrated in diagram i).

This consists of two basic components, the detector / transmitter unit and the receiver unit. Since these units rely on radio signals for communication between them, the risk or dangerous eecrcai currents crcuiatng in the water Is eliminated.

The detector unit comprises of a nonconducting flexible plastic material, with weighted edges if required, into which is set electrical contacts or sensors, connected by flexible wires to a battery powered transmitter unit The sensors are set sufficiently apart to prevent a permanent connection being maintained once the unit is removed from the water The device Is draped over the side of the bath with the sensors positioned where the user intendeds the water level to rise to. The remote receiver / alarm unit can be carried or positioned in a convenient site so that the alarm can be heard or if required seen The bath is then filled as normal, and the user can car y out other tasks.

Once the water level In the bath reaches the sensors it completes the electrical circuit, which allows the sender unit to transmit a signal or signals to the receiver. The receiver, now being activated, In turn generates an audible and or If necessary visual signa] to the person filing the bath, thus they can return to the bath and shut off the water supply.

J The remote indicating bath level alai m system.

!Fi';ed system The essential operations of the fixed system are almost identical to the portable system with the fundamental difference being that the sensors would be pennanently attached to the bath. These could be installed at the time of manufacture or retro fitted after the bath Is in position. The sensors could be fitted In a pattern to allow for additional monitoring such as Impending overflow, overflow, flood etc. The sender unit would be permanently mounted on the outside of the bath thereby allowing access for maintenance and testing.,\ stop,'pause switch would be provided on the side of the bath, this would prevent the alann resounding whilst the bath is in use.

This switch can be timed so as to provide additional monitoring facilities, such as warning If someone has been in the bath too long.

The remote receiver can still be used as before, either portable or installed in a fixed location. In a fixed system it will be possible to adapt the receiver unit to provide a distal output that can be monitored by other electrical / electronic systems such as computers. This would be particularly useful in multi-user situations such as hotels where the remote monitoring can be relayed to a central control point, where the relevant action can be taken to prevent flooding.

LCL,

Claims

1. The remote indicating bath level alarm system comprising' of a portable, batter: operated, water activated, transniter unit and a portable battery or mains operated remote radio receiN ing un L The remote indicating Barth level alarm so stem incorporating permanently fixed sensors in various configurations mounted in the sides of the bath.

3. The remote indicating bath level attain system incorporating sensors fitted in the overflow pipe of the bath.

4 The remote indicating bath level alarm system having' the receiver unit providing a digital or analogue output; suitable for connection to other electrical or electronic equip.

5. The remote indicating bath level alarm system having the transmitter and receiver units able to send and receive different frequencies depended on the sensors activated (. The remote indicating bath level alarm system Ilued into static water tanks to provide warnings from areas not normally accessible.

7. The remote indicating bath level alarm system having battery monitoring circuitry to allow for preventative planned maintenance, particularly for difficult to access situations 8. The remote indicating, bath level alarm system fitted with adjustable radio rreuenC'7 "a,nge in p.e;!e.It CtOSS Balk between systems in multi user scenarios

f 4. The remote indicating bath level alarm system incorporating a timer unit to prevent the alarm sounding whilst the bath is in normal use and used to alert the bather who may have fallen asleep in the bath 10. The remote mdicaing bath level alarm system utilising extra sensors to provide the additional feature of temperature monitoring and indication 1 i. The remote indicating bath level alarm system navels the receiver unit providing a visual or ibratory output, suitable for people with special needs The remote indicating bath level aiann system incorporated as an emergency alarm system for the elderly or infirm that may have problems in bathing.

3 3. The remote indicating bath level Aladdin system will be subject to continual evolution. All the major components will be modified in line with the latest technology in electrical circuitry, insulation, radio transmission and reception, battery types, battery health monitoring.