Abstract: Faucet-integrated touch-free soap dispensing systems are provided. A soap dispenser is at least partially integrated with a faucet, and includes a proximity sensor, a dispensing unit, and a soap dispensing outlet. The dispensing unit includes a soap reservoir and a pump mountable below a deck that supports the faucet, and is communicatively coupled to the proximity sensor and fluidly coupled to the soap dispensing outlet via a soap tube.

Abstract: Valve cartridges for a faucet are described herein. The valve cartridge has a body with a longitudinal passage, and a side opening. The cartridge has a spindle with a lower end portion in rotatable relationship with the body's interior surface, and an upper outwardly extending end portion. Included is a movable disk with a surface that contacts and interacts with the lower end portion of the spindle, an arcuate side wall portion and an inwardly extending side wall portion with a fluid receiving area that allows for fluid flow out of the body side opening. A stationary disk with a through opening allows passage of fluid from a body inlet through the side opening when the opening in the disk is aligned with the fluid receiving area. A sealing ring, which mates with the body, is provided to stabilize the stationary and movable disks within the body passage.

Abstract: A faucet spray head magnetic docking system includes a socket that couples to an end of the spout, and a bonnet that couples to the spray head and that engages with the socket. The socket includes a shell configured to be arranged in the mouth of the spout, and integrated with one or more magnetic elements. The magnetic elements may be inserted into corresponding holes of the socket shell. Alternatively, the magnetic elements may be incorporated directly into the shell. The bonnet includes a threaded portion for coupling to corresponding threads of a connector at the spray head, and includes one or more corresponding magnets configured to magnetically attract to the magnetic elements of the socket.

Abstract: Novel plumbing products, including faucets, are fabricated, e.g., using metallic 3-dimensional or other 3-D printing techniques, to have complex geometries, such as multiple channels that may diverge and re-converge near the spout. The geometries of the various channels can resemble interwoven net-like patterns that define various shapes between the channels. The plumbing fixtures may be formed from one or more of stainless steels, INCONEL, brass, bronze, polycarbonate, PVC, acrylics, rigid polyolefins, PET, carbon fiber, AES, or other plumbing fitting suitable corrosion resistant materials. In some embodiments, the handles of an exemplary faucet can include the same or a similar multiple channel configuration as the spout, providing an advantageously, aesthetically pleasing faucet system. In exemplary embodiments, faucet spouts and their handles are formed so as to couple to standard faucet underbodies, standard valve platforms, or standard threaded hose/waterway connections.

Abstract: A hose retraction system for a pull-out or pull-down faucet includes a support bracket configured to couple to a shank, a cylindrical housing mountable to the support bracket, and at least one constant force coil spring disposable in the cylindrical housing and configured to at least partially couple to a hose disposed in a faucet spout. The coil spring provides a recoil force sufficient to retract the hose when the hose is extended from the spout.

Abstract: A faucet spray head magnetic docking system includes a socket that couples to an end of the spout, and a bonnet that couples to the spray head and that engages with the socket. The socket includes a shell configured to be arranged in the mouth of the spout, and integrated with one or more magnetic elements. The magnetic elements may be inserted into corresponding holes of the socket shell. Alternatively, the magnetic elements may be incorporated directly into the shell. The bonnet includes a threaded portion for coupling to corresponding threads of a connector at the spray head, and includes one or more corresponding magnets configured to magnetically attract to the magnetic elements of the socket.

Abstract: Novel plumbing products, including faucets, are fabricated, e.g., using metallic 3-dimensional or other 3-D printing techniques, to have complex geometries, such as multiple channels that may diverge and re-converge near the spout. The geometries of the various channels can resemble interwoven net-like patterns that define various shapes between the channels. The plumbing fixtures may be formed from one or more of stainless steels, INCONEL, brass, bronze, polycarbonate, PVC, acrylics, rigid polyolefins, PET, carbon fiber, AES, or other plumbing fitting suitable corrosion resistant materials. In some embodiments, the handles of an exemplary faucet can include the same or a similar multiple channel configuration as the spout, providing an advantageously, aesthetically pleasing faucet system. In exemplary embodiments, faucet spouts and their handles are formed so as to couple to standard faucet underbodies, standard valve platforms, or standard threaded hose/waterway connections.

Abstract: An assembly for controlling fluid flow between a fluid source and an outlet includes an electrically operable valve interposed between the fluid source and the outlet, the valve being actuatable between an open position and and a closed position; and an activator device comprising (i) a user-activatable sensor configured to detect a stimulus when the stimulus enters a detection zone, (ii) a transmitter configured to transmit a signal upon activation of the sensor by a user to a controller for actuating the valve, and (iii) an orientation detector configured to detect among at least two orientations of the activator device. When the activator device is in a first orientation, a zone of detection of the sensor may extend no farther than a predetermined distance from the sensor, and when the activator is in a second orientation, the zone of detection may extend farther than the predetermined distance from the sensor.

Abstract: Provided are internal waterway assemblies for faucets comprising a valve assembly comprising a valve water way portion, a bridge comprising a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the valve water way portion and the bridge having a spout receiving portion having a passageway therethrough; and a spout tube configured to be positioned in the spout receiving portion of the bridge. The spout tube is in fluid communication with the passageway of the bridge and configured to deliver water out of the faucet. Internal water way assemblies are configured to couple to any one of a plurality of cover plates for a faucet, the bridge is configured to be assembled to the valve assembly in any one of a plurality of fixed angular orientations to position the spout tube to fit within an interior space of one of the any one of a plurality of cover plates.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of a shower assembly that includes modular components that can be removably attached and may be replaced or interchanged with corresponding components having different form factor or design. In some embodiments, the shower assembly includes a diverter unit fluidly coupled to a fluid source and the diverter unit is configured to selectively direct flow of fluid from the fluid source to one or both of a shower head and a hand shower. The shower head includes a first plurality of nozzles configured to dispense fluid and the shower head is configured to be removably fluidly coupled to the diverter unit. The hand shower includes a second plurality of nozzles configured to dispense fluid and fluidly coupled by a hose to the diverter unit and the hand shower is configured to be removably attachable to the diverter unit by a connector.

Abstract: A shower head includes a fluid inlet configured to connect to a fluid source, a spray face having a plurality of fluid outlets, a fluid flow path from the fluid source to the spray face, and a diverter positioned in the fluid flow path which is configured to adjust the flow of fluid through the fluid flow path, the diverter being switchable between different spray configurations associated with different spray modes of the shower head. A user interface for selecting the shower spray mode is positioned on a peripheral portion of the spray face, the user interface including one or more touch-sensitive devices configured to receive one or more touch inputs from a user during operation of the shower head and configured to cause the diverter to switch from one spray configuration to another spray configuration in response to receiving the one or more touch inputs from the user.

Abstract: A faucet assembly is disclosed which is of a modular type for use in varying faucet designs and incorporating polymeric or partially polymeric parts in the internal water way assembly therein. The faucet assembly includes a cover plate and an internal water way assembly as well as at least one faucet handle. The internal water way assembly includes a valve assembly having a shank and a valve water way portion positioned on an upper portion of the shank. The valve water way portion defines a valve seat therein, and has a transversely extending outlet passageway. A valve cartridge for controlling flow through the assembly is seated in the valve seat, and, a bridge, which may be a single component or multi-part bridge has a passageway therethrough to receive water from the valve water way portion and a spout receiving portion. A spout tube is configured to be positioned in or on the spout receiving portion of the bridge. The internal water way assembly is attached to the cover plate.

Abstract: An assembly for controlling fluid flow between a fluid source and an outlet includes an electrically operable valve interposed between the fluid source and the outlet, the valve being actuatable between an open position and and a closed position; and an activator device comprising (i) a user-activatable sensor configured to detect a stimulus when the stimulus enters a detection zone, (ii) a transmitter configured to transmit a signal upon activation of the sensor by a user to a controller for actuating the valve, and (iii) an orientation detector configured to detect among at least two orientations of the activator device. When the activator device is in a first orientation, a zone of detection of the sensor may extend no farther than a predetermined distance from the sensor, and when the activator is in a second orientation, the zone of detection may extend farther than the predetermined distance from the sensor.

Abstract: The invention includes an assembly for remotely controlling fluid flow between a fluid source, such as a water source, and an outlet that includes at least one electrically operable valve, such as an electromagnetically-actuatable valve, to be interposed between the fluid source and the outlet, the valve being actuatable between an open position, in which the source and the outlet are fluidly connected, and a closed position in which the source and the outlet are not fluidly connected; at least one actuator, such as a solenoid actuator, operably connected to the at least one valve for actuating the valve between the open and closed positions; a controller comprising a receiver for receiving a wireless signal, wherein the controller is operably connected to the actuator and capable of actuating the actuator upon receipt of a wireless signal by the receiver; and an activator device comprising (i) a user-activatable sensor for detecting a stimulus when the stimulus enters a detection zone and (ii) a transmitter

Abstract: A spread faucet assembly, an installation kit, and an installation method are described herein. The spread faucet assembly has a spout assembly with a spout, a tailpiece, and at least one fluid inlet conduit. It also include at least one valve assembly having a shank, an fluid inlet conduit, a fluid outlet conduit and a valve cartridge, wherein the shank has an inner surface having a fluid receiving area in fluid communication with the valve cartridge and the fluid outlet conduit, the inner surface defines an opening in fluid communication with the valve cartridge and valve assembly fluid inlet conduit, and the valve cartridge is positioned in the opening. A connector is also included for coupling the at least one valve assembly fluid outlet conduit with the at least one spout assembly fluid inlet conduit.

Abstract: A faucet spray head magnetic docking system includes a socket that couples to an end of the spout, and a bonnet that couples to the spray head and that engages with the socket. The socket includes a shell configured to be arranged in the mouth of the spout, and integrated with one or more magnetic elements. The magnetic elements may be inserted into corresponding holes of the socket shell. Alternatively, the magnetic elements may be incorporated directly into the shell. The bonnet includes a threaded portion for coupling to corresponding threads of a connector at the spray head, and includes one or more corresponding magnets configured to magnetically attract to the magnetic elements of the socket.

Abstract: A faucet assembly with a multifunction spray head is provided. The spray head is capable of four spray functions, and has an outer shell; a flow body extending within the shell, a first end extending out of the shell for attachment to a faucet and a second end in fluid communication with a spray selector assembly. The flow body defines a flow path from the first end of the flow body to a flow selector assembly. The spray head includes a flow selector assembly comprising: a selector valve housing body having at least four valve recesses therein; at least four flow selector valves seated within the recesses in the selector valve housing body; and a rotating selector valve ring. A sprayer seat has a faceplate and a flow diversion conduit corresponding to each selector valve to provide flow paths from a selector valve to a sprayer outlet or aerator outlet.

Abstract: A faucet spray head magnetic docking system includes a socket that couples to an end of the spout, and a bonnet that couples to the spray head and that engages with the socket. The socket includes a shell configured to be arranged in the mouth of the spout, and integrated with one or more magnetic elements. The magnetic elements may be inserted into corresponding holes of the socket shell. Alternatively, the magnetic elements may be incorporated directly into the shell. The bonnet includes a threaded portion for coupling to corresponding threads of a connector at the spray head, and includes one or more corresponding magnets configured to magnetically attract to the magnetic elements of the socket.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a faucet assembly with a unique multifunction spray head. The spray head is capable of at least four spray functions, and has an outer shell; a flow body extending within the shell, a first end extending out of the shell for attachment to a faucet and a second end in fluid communication with a spray selector assembly The flow body defines a flow path from the first end of the flow body to a flow selector assembly. The spray head includes a flow selector assembly comprising: a selector valve housing body having at least four valve recesses therein; at least four flow selector valves seated within the recesses in the selector valve housing body; and a rotating selector valve ring. A sprayer seat has a faceplate thereon and a flow diversion conduit corresponding to each selector valve to provide flow paths from a selector valve to a sprayer outlet or an aerator outlet.