Abstract: A fluid valve includes a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A valve seat formed from the valve body between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet for the passage of fluid therebetween. A movable valve member formed from ceramic material is positioned in the valve body between the valve seat and the fluid outlet for controlling the flow of fluid through the valve seat. The valve member is axially movable relative to the valve seat, with the quantity of fluid flowing through the seat to the fluid outlet being directly proportional to the distance between the valve member and the valve seat.

Abstract: A diverter valve for a faucet directs water to either the faucet spout or a spray nozzle. The faucet assembly of the present invention includes a shuttle chamber from which water may access either of two outlet paths. A poppet valve selectively enables water flow from the shuttle chamber to the outlet path leading to the faucet spout whenever the water pressure in the outlet path leading to the spray nozzle is greater than or equal to the pressure in the shuttle chamber. When the spray nozzle is actuated, pressure in the outlet path leading to the nozzle is relieved and the poppet valve closes off the outlet path leading to the faucet spout. A bypass channel is provided between the shuttle chamber and the outlet path leading to the spray nozzle, thereby allowing water to flow through the nozzle while it is actuated. A precision sized orifice in the bypass channel maintains the pressure differential acting on the poppet valve so that flow to the faucet spout remains cut off while the spray nozzle is actuated.

Abstract: Individual switch actuators are formed by etching offset grooves in opposite sides of a thin metal plate. The groove on one side of the plate falls just within the groove on the other side of the plate. A web is formed between the adjacent groove walls which provides significant localized flexibility. A discrete contact pad is defined on the inside that is in the plane of the metal plate.

Abstract: A nut and washer unit for attachment of a plumbing faucet or fixture permits rapid and easy mounting at a supporting structure. The nut is placed on the shank before the faucet or fixture is dropped through the mounting hole. A C-shaped washer is positioned from below, between the nut and the mounting structure. An axially separable coupling between the nut and washer achieves initial placement of both parts at the mounting structure by simple hand rotation of the nut. Final clamping is achieved by engagement of wings formed on the washer, rotation of the washer causing corresponding rotation of the nut and, hence, advancement of both parts into clamping position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for selecting, displaying and automatically controlling water flow rates and temperatures at the outlets of devices used in plumbing fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs, showers, or lavatories; the apparatus includes a temperature sensor at the water output, a control panel for selecting desired output water temperatures and flow rates, a comparator for comparing the selected temperature to the output temperature, and for generating signals to control separate hot and cold water valves to achieve and automatically maintain, within limits, any desired combination of flow rate and temperature. In one embodiment the comparator is embodied in a microprocessor which receives a digital signal representative of the actual water temperature, and generates a modified signal to adjust hot and cold water flow to the output means until the actual output temperature matches the selected temperature within a small error range while maintaining flow rate at a constant level.

Abstract: A control valve is placed between a water supply pipe and a delivery device such as a tub spout or a shower head. The control valve includes a cylinder open at the discharge end. The supply line is connected to the other end of the cylinder by a series of radial inlet ports. A slide closure in the cylinder moves to open and at least partially to close the inlet ports by a thermal sensor located upstream of the valve. The closure freely passes water on opposite sides so that the closure is balanced and unaffected by fluid pressure. Resetting of the control valve is quickly achieved as soon as safe conditions are sensed under reduced flow conditions.

Abstract: A drain closure includes a flexible seal member formed as a segment of a sphere and centrally mounted on a post located at the center of the drain. The seal member is bistable between opposite involuted positions. In one position its free edges snap downwardly to engage the flange of the drain nut and in the other position its free edges snap upwardly to open the drain. The post is guided for limited vertical movement in a centrally hubbed retainer so that downwrd movement of the post flips the seal member to its upwardly involuted position. A relatively rigid disk slidably mounted about a button attached to the top of the post shields the seal member from a hard stream of water issuing from the spout above, thereby preventing the closure member from accidentally snapping closed. Also, the disk shields the closure member from the current of waste water draining through the device, thereby preventing accidental closure.