Abstract: A steam generator for a shower steam system includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and an intermediate heat transfer member. The first chamber is configured to receive water. The second chamber is configured to receive a flow of air. The intermediate heat transfer member fluidly separates the first chamber from the second chamber. The intermediate heat transfer member includes a heating element configured to generate heat energy. The intermediate heat transfer member is configured to transfer heat energy generated by the heating element to the first chamber to generate steam in the first chamber, and transfer heat energy generated by the heating element to the flow of air in the second chamber.

Abstract: A steam generator for a shower steam system includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and an intermediate heat transfer member. The first chamber is configured to receive water. The second chamber is configured to receive a flow of air. The intermediate heat transfer member fluidly separates the first chamber from the second chamber. The intermediate heat transfer member includes a heating element configured to generate heat energy. The intermediate heat transfer member is configured to transfer heat energy generated by the heating element to the first chamber to generate steam in the first chamber, and transfer heat energy generated by the heating element to the flow of air in the second chamber.

Abstract: A spray nozzle for a steam generator of a shower steam system includes a housing defining a longitudinal bore extending to an outlet, and an atomizing member positioned adjacent the outlet. An elongated member is coupled to the housing in the longitudinal bore, and defines a pin at an end thereof. A body is slidably coupled to the housing in the longitudinal bore, and includes an opening extending therethrough. A biasing member is configured to bias the body against the elongated member by a biasing force such that the elongated member extends through the opening. The body is configured to move axially away from the elongated member toward the atomizing member in response to a pressure of a flow of water being above a threshold value so as to overcome the biasing force and allow the flow of water to pass through the opening to the atomizing member.

Abstract: A shower control system includes a controller in communication with a plurality of output devices located within a shower enclosure. The controller is configured to control the plurality of output devices. The shower control system further includes a control panel in communication with the controller and configured to provide a graphical user interface for controlling the plurality of output devices. The control panel includes an electronic display configured to present dynamic content, one or more static buttons, and a touch-sensitive panel overlaying both the electronic display and the one or more static buttons. The touch-sensitive panel is configured to detect a user interaction with both the one or more static buttons and the dynamic content presented via the electronic display.

Abstract: A user interface for controlling a plumbing fixture includes an electronic display configured to display multiple different graphical menus for controlling a plurality of valves. The user interface includes a selector control configured to receive input from a user for navigating the multiple different graphical menus and for selecting items displayed in the multiple different graphical menus. A controller receives a first user input from the selector control and causes the electronic display to switch from displaying one of the graphical menus to another of the graphical menus in response to the first user input. The controller receives a second user input from the selector control and causes the plurality of valves to make multiple different adjustments in response to the second user input based on which of the multiple different graphical menus are displayed when the second user input is received.

Abstract: A shower control system includes a water subsystem, a steam subsystem, and a controller in communication with the water subsystem and the steam subsystem. The water subsystem includes one or more electronic valves configured to control a flow rate and a temperature of water dispensed from one or more shower outlets within a shower enclosure. The steam subsystem is configured to generate and dispense steam from one or more steam outlets within the shower enclosure. The controller is configured to control the water subsystem and the steam subsystem to provide a spa experience including a predetermined and coordinated sequence of water outputs from the shower outlets and steam outputs from the steam outlets.

Abstract: A shower control system includes a water subsystem, a steam subsystem, and a controller in communication with the water subsystem and the steam subsystem. The water subsystem includes one or more electronic valves configured to control a flow rate and a temperature of water dispensed from one or more shower outlets within a shower enclosure. The steam subsystem is configured to generate and dispense steam from one or more steam outlets within the shower enclosure. The controller is configured to control the water subsystem and the steam subsystem to provide a spa experience including a predetermined and coordinated sequence of water outputs from the shower outlets and steam outputs from the steam outlets.

Abstract: A user interface for controlling a plumbing fixture includes an electronic display configured to display multiple different graphical menus for controlling a plurality of valves. The user interface includes a selector control configured to receive input from a user for navigating the multiple different graphical menus and for selecting items displayed in the multiple different graphical menus. A controller receives a first user input from the selector control and causes the electronic display to switch from displaying one of the graphical menus to another of the graphical menus in response to the first user input. The controller receives a second user input from the selector control and causes the plurality of valves to make multiple different adjustments in response to the second user input based on which of the multiple different graphical menus are displayed when the second user input is received.

Abstract: A plumbing fixture is operated by a user interface that has an enclosure with a faceplate from which a pedestal seamlessly projects outward. An alphanumeric display is visible through the faceplate and a plurality of switches respond to the user pressing different portions of the faceplate. A selector includes a selector ring that has a plurality of permanent magnets and which is positioned to rotate around the pedestal. A Hall effect sensor of the selector is located adjacent the selector ring and produces an electrical signal in response to motion of the permanent magnets. The user interface also enables the selection of a plurality of predefined operating configurations for the plumbing fixture. An optional wireless remote control may be provided by which the user can activate and deactivate the plumbing fixture and select from among the predefined operating configurations.

Abstract: A shower control system includes a controller in communication with a plurality of output devices located within a shower enclosure. The controller is configured to control the plurality of output devices. The shower control system further includes a control panel in communication with the controller and configured to provide a graphical user interface for controlling the plurality of output devices. The control panel includes an electronic display configured to present dynamic content, one or more static buttons, and a touch-sensitive panel overlaying both the electronic display and the one or more static buttons. The touch-sensitive panel is configured to detect a user interaction with both the one or more static buttons and the dynamic content presented via the electronic display.

Abstract: A plumbing fixture is operated by a user interface that has an enclosure with a faceplate from which a pedestal seamlessly projects outward. An alphanumeric display is visible through the faceplate and a plurality of switches respond to the user pressing different portions of the faceplate. A selector includes a selector ring that has a plurality of permanent magnets and which is positioned to rotate around the pedestal. A Hall effect sensor of the selector is located adjacent the selector ring and produces an electrical signal in response to motion of the permanent magnets. The user interface also enables the selection of a plurality of predefined operating configurations for the plumbing fixture. An optional wireless remote control may be provided by which the user can activate and deactivate the plumbing fixture and select from among the predefined operating configurations.

Abstract: A plumbing fixture is operated by a user interface that has an enclosure with a faceplate from which a pedestal seamlessly projects outward. An alphanumeric display is visible through the faceplate and a plurality of switches respond to the user pressing different portions of the faceplate. A selector includes a selector ring that has a plurality of permanent magnets and which is positioned to rotate around the pedestal. A Hall effect sensor of the selector is located adjacent the selector ring and produces an electrical signal in response to motion of the permanent magnets. The user interface also enables the selection of a plurality of predefined operating configurations for the plumbing fixture. An optional wireless remote control may be provided by which the user can activate and deactivate the plumbing fixture and select from among the predefined operating configurations.

Abstract: A plumbing fixture is operated by a user interface that has an enclosure with a faceplate from which a pedestal seamlessly projects outward. An alphanumeric display is visible through the faceplate and a plurality of switches respond to the user pressing different portions of the faceplate. A selector includes a selector ring that has a plurality of permanent magnets and which is positioned to rotate around the pedestal. A Hall effect sensor of the selector is located adjacent the selector ring and produces an electrical signal in response to motion of the permanent magnets. The user interface also enables the selection of a plurality of predefined operating configurations for the plumbing fixture. An optional wireless remote control may be provided by which the user can activate and deactivate the plumbing fixture and select from among the predefined operating configurations.

Abstract: A water spout is capable of providing laminar flowing fluid from a wall-mounted or faucet fixture body. The fixture body defines a cavity and a port for connection of a plumbing supply line. A cartridge assembly is disposed in the body cavity. The cartridge has a housing with an inlet opening and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the port. The cartridge housing contains a plurality of elements between the inlet and outlet openings for smoothing the flow of fluid passing through the cartridge assembly. A nozzle, positioned adjacent the outlet opening of the cartridge, has a sharp-edged orifice through which fluid leaving the fixture can be projected in a single laminar stream. The nozzle can be removed from the fixture body after the fixture body has been mounted for use such that all of the flow smoothing elements can be removed at once by removing the cartridge assembly from the cavity.

Abstract: A water spout is capable of providing laminar flowing fluid from a wall-mounted or faucet fixture body. The fixture body defines a cavity and a port for connection of a plumbing supply line. A cartridge assembly is disposed in the body cavity. The cartridge has a housing with an inlet opening and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the port. The cartridge housing contains a plurality of elements between the inlet and outlet openings for smoothing the flow of fluid passing through the cartridge assembly. A nozzle, positioned adjacent the outlet opening of the cartridge, has a sharp-edged orifice through which fluid leaving the fixture can be projected in a single laminar stream. The nozzle can be removed from the fixture body after the fixture body has been mounted for use such that all of the flow smoothing elements can be removed at once by removing the cartridge assembly from the cavity.

Abstract: A faucet with a vacuum breaker for a pull-out spray head plumbing fixture is provided. The vacuum breaker is in the faucet housing and provides a guide for and surrounds an extendible and retractable hose connected to the pull-out spray head. The vacuum breaker has a flapper valve stretch fitted over a body member of the vacuum breaker. The body member also affords pivotal attachment of a spout. A tubular guide for the hose also provides a quick connect or disconnect feature.

Abstract: A fluid spray apparatus has an inlet assembly and an outlet assembly that are rotatable with respect to each other. The inlet assembly attaches to a fluid supply and has an outlet opening through which the fluid passes. The outlet assembly has a plurality of inlets positioned to communicate with the outlet opening as the outlet assembly is rotated into different positions with respect to the inlet assembly. Each inlet communicates with a different passage through the outlet assembly and has a set of openings that form a unique spray pattern. One of the fluid passages includes a circular chamber in which a forced vortex is created by the fluid flow. A turbine valve is disposed in the chamber and is driven by the vortex to alternately cover and expose one set of openings. The turbine valve and a chamber wall have rough textured surfaces to reduce friction. The turbine valve is made of an acetal plastic filled with silicone and polytetrafluorethylene to further reduce friction.

Abstract: A handle assembly includes an open-ended sleeve connectable to a valve stem by a screw inserted and removed through the open end. A removable thimble has a lateral opening which aligns with a lateral opening in the sleeve. A handle member is held intact to the thimble and sleeve by an internal threaded connection. In one embodiment, the internal connection is provided by threads of two handle members and the thimble. In another embodiment, a screw extends from one handle member for connection with the other with the head housed in a cavity which is covered by a cap. The handle assembly can also be provided with decorative rings positioned between the handle members and the thimble. In a preferred embodiment, the threaded engagement with the thimble is afforded by a first cross member inside the thimble and a second cross member represented by a handle member covering the thimble opening.