Abstract: A faucet assembly has a stationary base body having an outer surface centered on an axis and formed with a passage having an outlet end opening at the outer surface. A spout sleeve fitted over the base body has an inner surface radially inwardly confronting the base-body outer surface. One of the surfaces is formed with a radially open groove centered on the axis, open toward the other surface, and into which the passage outlet end opens. A spout projecting radially from the sleeve has an outwardly open passage opening inward into the groove. Water is supplied under pressure to the base-body passage so that the water flows into the groove and thence through the spout passage and out of the spout. A radially expansible brake ring has an inner surface bearing radially inward against the base body and an outer surface bearing radially outward against the sleeve. O-rings set in one of the surfaces engage the other surface and flank the groove and the brake ring is located outside the O-rings.

Abstract: A plumbing fixture has a hollow housing formed with a first tubular collar extending along a first axis and a second tubular collar extending along a second axis transverse to the first axis. The housing is secured to a deck with the first collar engaging the deck. A holder mounted in the first collar has an end aligned in the housing with the second axis and a valve mount in the housing is fixed on the holder end. An inlet pipe and an outlet pipe extend through the first collar and are connected to the valve mount. A valve cartridge in the housing is releasably secured to the valve mount by fasteners accessible through the second collar.

Abstract: A manually-operated valve is provided in series with an electromagnetically-operated valve and the manually-operated valve is provided with a proximity detector connected to the electronic controller whereby a switch in the manually-operated valve, in one position of the single control lever therefor, corresponding to about 50% of maximum supply rate, is operated to activate the proximity sensor and enable the water flow to be controlled by an object within its detection range. Removal of the object, e.g. the hand of the user from the range, will shut off the water through the manually-operated valve. Outside the position of the lever at which the switch is operated, the proximity detector is ineffective and control is effected exclusively by swinging the lever.

Abstract: A faucet assembly has a faucet housing having an outlet, a conduit defining a flow path from a supply of water through the housing to the outlet, an openable and closable servovalve in the conduit, and an openable and closable manual valve in the conduit and having a control element movable between a full-flow open position, an intermediate-flow middle position, and a no-flow closed position. A position-detecting switch subassembly mounted on the housing engages the control element and a proximity detector has a detection field adjacent the outlet. A controller connected to the proximity detector, to the switch subassembly, and to the servovalve serves in the closed position of the element for deactivating the detector and closing the servovalve. In the middle position of the element the controller opens the servovalve on detection of an object in the field of the proximity detector. In the open position of the element the controller disables the detector and opens the servovalve.

Abstract: A valve system in which a magnetic valve is in series with a manually-operated valve and contact with the handle of the manually-operated valve initiates flow via the electronic controller whereas, upon loss of contact, a proximity detector controls the magnetic valve when an object, such as a user's hand, is in range. The manual contact is superordinate and proximity detection is subordinate and the proximity detector remains permanently switched on during the operating duration.