US 12,331,495 B2
Actuated backflow preventer and fluid control apparatus
Joe Pagliaccio, North Andover, MA (US); Kevin Simon, Somerville, MA (US); and Joseph Michael Burke, Deerfield, NH (US)
Assigned to Watts Regulator Co., North Andover, MA (US)
Filed by Watts Regulator Co., North Andover, MA (US)
Filed on Feb. 17, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/674,381.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/150,848, filed on Feb. 18, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0259839 A1, Aug. 18, 2022
Int. Cl. E03B 7/07 (2006.01); E03C 1/10 (2006.01); F16K 31/02 (2006.01)
CPC E03B 7/077 (2013.01) [E03C 1/106 (2013.01); F16K 31/02 (2013.01)] 32 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A backflow prevention apparatus for potable water, comprising:
one or more upstream sensors, wherein the one or more upstream sensors include at least one of a pressure sensor or a flow sensor;
one or more downstream sensors, wherein the one or more downstream sensors include at least one of a pressure sensor or a flow sensor;
a valve having an inlet connection and an outlet connection;
an actuator operably coupled to the valve;
a valve controller operably coupled to the actuator, the valve controller configured to:
receive a first input signal generated by the one or more upstream sensors indicative of one or more process variable associated with a fluid flow upstream of the valve;
receive a second input signal generated by the one or more downstream sensors indicative of one or more process variable associated with a fluid flow downstream of the valve;
determine, using at least the first input signal and the second input signal whether a reverse flow condition exists downstream of the valve; and
responsive to a determination that the reverse flow condition exists downstream of the valve, transition the valve to a CLOSED position to prevent flow through the valve from the outlet connection to the inlet connection; and
one or more qualifying check valves disposed between the valve and the one or more downstream sensors.