Abstract: An improved method of securing a pipe to a connector is provided that includes inserting an end of the pipe into the connector with sufficient force for the pipe to fully seat in the connector. The inventive improvement is generating an auditory signal, a visual signal, or combination thereof in response to pipe fully seating in the connector. The signal generation is provided by components within the connector itself or through resort to a sensing tool.

Abstract: An inventive touch faucet device for coupling to a pressurized fluid supply is provided that includes a faucet with a depressible touch surface segment and an outlet, where a mechanical touch mechanism is actuated by the touch surface, and induces a fluid flow from the pressurized fluid supply through the outlet in response to a user depression of the touch surface segment. The touch faucet device may further include a mixing valve for control of fluid temperature and flow rate. The mechanical touch mechanism in embodiments of the inventive touch faucet device includes an activation knob in an activator mechanism that is actuated by pressure applied by the touch surface, and a hydraulic valve in mechanical communication with the activator mechanism, the activator mechanism controlling the hydraulic valve.

Abstract: A showerhead for personal hygiene is provided that includes a valve actuator that is powered mechanically or electrically to provide variation in spray pattern, variation in water flow, or a combination thereof upon a user initiating valve actuator operation. A power supply, with a recharge capability for the power source, is provided of a battery-electric motor or a spring, the power supply is in mechanical communication with the actuator. A user interface includes buttons corresponding to different multimodal operational programs for the showerhead. A user programmable keypad allowing selection between different spray modes, flow rates and a combination thereof is provided within an integral showerhead housing or a remote control. A user is able to change modes without intervening manual manipulation between modes; as a result an enhanced massage experience is provided. A timed shower period, reduced water flow patterns, or a combination thereof is also provided to save water.

Abstract: A towel warmer is provided that has a frame assembly and one or more heating fabric sleeves affixed to the frame assembly. The heating fabric sleeves have electric heating wires that when connected to an electrical power supply to produce a more uniform heat transfer to a contacting article such as a towel than a conventional towel warmer. A thermostat is optionally provided to moderate sleeve temperature. Additionally, a controller is optionally provided to adjust operating parameters of the thermostat. A kit is also provided that includes the towel warmer partially disassembled and instructions for assembly of the frame assembly and attaching the one or more heating fabric sleeves to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A shower fixture is provided that includes a fixed fluid dispensing unit and a removable fluid dispensing unit releasably secured to a receptacle therefor associated with the fixed dispensing unit such that the fixed dispensing unit and removable dispensing unit in a secured relationship form an integral dispensing face. A fluid supply provides selective communication with a front mounted diverter control interface for directing fluid flow to at least one of the fixed and removable fluid dispensing units.

Abstract: A showerhead for personal hygiene is provided that includes a valve actuator that is powered mechanically or electrically to provide variation in spray pattern, variation in water flow, or a combination thereof upon a user initiating valve actuator operation. A power supply, with a recharge capability for the power source, is provided of a battery-electric motor or a spring, the power supply is in mechanical communication with the actuator. A user interface includes buttons corresponding to different multimodal operational programs for the showerhead. A user programmable keypad allowing selection between different spray modes, flow rates and a combination thereof is provided within an integral showerhead housing or a remote control. A user is able to change modes without intervening manual manipulation between modes; as a result an enhanced massage experience is provided. A timed shower period, reduced water flow patterns, or a combination thereof is also provided to save water.

Abstract: A shower fixture is provided that includes a fixed fluid dispensing unit and a removable fluid dispensing unit releasably secured to a receptacle therefor associated with the fixed dispensing unit such that the fixed dispensing unit and removable dispensing unit in a secured relationship form an integral dispensing face. A fluid supply provides selective communication with a front mounted diverter control interface for directing fluid flow to at least one of the fixed and removable fluid dispensing units.

Abstract: A towel warmer is provided that has a frame assembly and one or more heating fabric sleeves affixed to the frame assembly. The heating fabric sleeves have electric heating wires that when connected to an electrical power supply to produce a more uniform heat transfer to a contacting article such as a towel than a conventional towel warmer. A thermostat is optionally provided to moderate sleeve temperature. Additionally, a controller is optionally provided to adjust operating parameters of the thermostat. A kit is also provided that includes the towel warmer partially disassembled and instructions for assembly of the frame assembly and attaching the one or more heating fabric sleeves to the frame assembly.