RE: Orange SmartHome Sunday Times Article

["Paul Gordon" <paul_gordon@xxxxxxx>]

Chaps,

The "Expert Verdict" supplement that appears slipped inside
various other
magazines from time to time, features a replacement bathplug that prevents
overflow by using the weight of the water to push open a valve that is
normally held closed by a permanent magnet. Once the weight of the water in
the bath reaches a certain level, it is enough to defeat the magnet and it
opens the plug, as soon as enough water has drained away and the pressure
decreases, the magnet pulls the plug closed again.

This little miracle of automation technology cost all of £9.99!!

Paul G.



>From: "Hawes,Timothy Edward (GEG)" <haweste@xxxxxxx>
>Reply-To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
>To: "'ukha_d@xxxxxxx'" <ukha_d@xxxxxxx>
>Subject: RE: [ukha_d] Orange SmartHome Sunday Times Article
>Date: Tue, 14 May 2002 10:06:01 -0400
>
>Kevin,
>
>Velleman (via M*plins) do a level detection kit, I can't remember how
much
>it was but in the order of a few pounds, rather than tens. It would sit
in
>the bath so not too pretty
>:-(
>
>Perhaps it could be combined with Keith's idea so that it sits behind
the
>bath out of sight. Electrically operated valves are readily available,
most
>are intended for industrial use so not priced for the domestic market.
>Maybe
>RS do some in 32mm or 40mm similar to the ones Ian is using for his
garden
>irrigation.
>
>The company I work for regularly buys valves from 1/2" to 24"
in all sorts
>of styles and materials. If you want to persue it further let me know
and
>I'll see what I can find out.
>
>
>Cheers,
>
>Tim H.
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Kevin Hawkins
>
>     The Business section (p13) of the Sunday Times has an article
about
>the
>Orange Smart Home. It concludes, not too positively, that SWMBO is
probably
>right when she wants light switches rather than touch screens ! Overall
AV
>came out as desirable and a smart bath, the plug stays 'up' until the
water
>flow is at the right temp - and you can't overflow it.
>
>     I must admit the latter has happened here and just after
redecorating
>downstairs. Anyone got any good 'water level' detection ideas ? - I
think
>most of them need a hole in the bath to an outside pipe although maybe
you
>could dispense with the plug , fit an electric valve instead and tap
off
>before it for the level sensor... hmmm got me thinking now..
>
>     Kevin
>
>+




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