VALVE APPARATUS AND SYSTEM
The present invention includes a hands free faucet system and a valve configured for delivery of water in a predetermined temperature and volume. The valve can include a first body portion having a first inlet port and a first outlet port connected to the first water line, a second body portion connected to the first body portion and having a second inlet port, a second outlet port, a third inlet port third outlet port. The valve can also include at least a first selectively positionable gate defining a first opening and a second opening and disposed adjacent to the second outlet port and the third outlet port such that in response to the first selectively positionable gate being positioned in a first position, water of a predetermined temperature will flow from at least one of the second outlet port and the third outlet port.
The present application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 61/177,713 entitled “Retrofit Cylinder Valve” and filed on May 13, 2009, provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/186,694 entitled “Original Equipment Manufacturer Cylinder Valve” and filed on Jun. 12, 2009, and provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/186,611 entitled “Drainharvest Cylinder Valve” and filed on Jun. 12, 2009, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of mechanical engineering and more specifically to the fields of water delivery and water conservation.
2. History of the Related Art and Summary of the Present Invention
Traditional sinks and basins typically are equipped with “hand operated” faucets to provide a means of controlling flow rate and temperature mix of water used in a vast number of situations and applications. Flow rate and temperature mix adjustments require the use of the user's hands to manipulate faucet valves, or other mechanisms such as levers, or joysticks to control any desired output settings. In the use of conventional hand operated faucets, the single user must free, at minimum, one hand in order to manipulate the faucet control mechanism. This conventional use restricts the single user, in certain situations, full use of both hands to perform secondary operations while simultaneously controlling the faucet output.
In applications that require full use of both hands, the single user is subject to an initial presetting of the faucet output controls to the desired setting. Meanwhile, during the adjustment phase, water is flowing continuously and for a period while the user prepares and engages in the secondary operation. For example, in initial conditions where both hands are contaminated and is undesirable to spread the contamination to the faucet controls, the single user must rely on secondary measures to manipulate conventional faucet valves and mechanisms to initiate the desired output. Similarly, in post conditions where both hands have been thoroughly scrubbed and free of contamination and is undesirable to contract any contamination by direct hand contact with the faucet controls, the single user must rely on secondary measures to shut off the faucet output. Conventional faucets and faucet controls result in massive waste of clean water during normal use, not to mention the energy expended in the heating of wasted water, all of which only increases in a multi-user scenario.
Accordingly, the present invention has been conceived to simplify the use and maintenance of water faucet systems while also conserving water and energy. As described in greater detail below, the present invention generally includes a hands free faucet system and a valve configured for delivery of water in a predetermined temperature and volume. The valve can include a first body portion having a first inlet port and a first outlet port connected to the first water line, a second body portion connected to the first body portion and having a second inlet port, a second outlet port, a third inlet port third outlet port. The valve can also include at least a first selectively positionable gate defining a first opening and a second opening and disposed adjacent to the second outlet port and the third outlet port such that in response to the first selectively positionable gate being positioned in a first position, water of a predetermined temperature will flow from at least one of the second outlet port and the third outlet port. As noted in greater detail below, the system and valve of the present invention can control a water temperature and a water volume, thereby permitting complete hands free control of a faucet. In some embodiments described herein, the system and valve of the present invention can be controlled remotely by a user having a hands free user interface, thereby ensuring minimal water use and energy consumption.
These and other features and advantages of the system and valve apparatus of the present invention are described in detail herein with reference to the following figures.
The present invention is described herein with reference to selected preferred embodiments and figures. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the following detailed description and associated figures are exemplary in nature, and the scope of the present invention should be understood exclusively with reference to the appended claims.
As shown in
As shown in
The system 10 of the preferred embodiment can further include a user interface 26 that is connected to the valve 30 and adapted to control the operational states of the valve 30 which in turn are determinative of the temperature and flow volume of the water output to the faucet 12. In accordance with selected variations of the system 10 of the preferred embodiment, the operational states of the valve 30 can include: an off state in which no water is transmitted from the valve 30 to the faucet 12, a hot state in which primarily hot water is transmitted from the valve 30 to the faucet 12, a cold state in which primarily cold water is transmitted from the valve 30 to the faucet 12, a mix state in which a predetermined mixture of hot and cold water is transmitted from the valve 30 to the faucet 12, and an optional bypass state in which the valve 30 is maintained in a hot state of predetermined volume but a user has the option of manipulating the handle 14 of the faucet 12 to determine a final volume and temperature of the water output by the faucet 12.
As described further herein, the user interface 26 of the system 10 of the preferred embodiment can include for example any suitable type of signal receiver and/or signal transmitter that is configured to receive and input from a user and provide a predetermined output to the valve 30. As an example, the user interface 26 can receive mechanical, electromechanical, piezoelectric, infrared, motion or other suitable inputs from a user and convert those inputs into a signal or instruction usable by the valve 30 to control one or more of its operational states. Suitable user interfaces 26 can include a mechanical foot pedal, an electromechanical foot pedal, a voice actuated electronic user interface, a touch actuated electronic user interface, a motion or infrared actuated electronic user interface and the like. The signals from the user interface 26 to the valve 30 can be determined by the type of actuation employed by the valve 30. Accordingly, a mechanical foot pedal type user interface 26 can control the valve 26 via mechanical or electromechanical inputs; and a voice actuated type user interface 26 can control one or more electrical or electromechanical drivers or actuators on the valve 30. Other types of user interface 26 configurations are described in further detail below.
The valve 30 of the preferred embodiment can further include a second body portion 50b connected to the first body portion 50a. As shown in
The valve 30 of the preferred embodiment can further include a first selectively positionable gate defining a first opening and a second opening and disposed adjacent to the second outlet port 64 and the third outlet port 68. The selectively positionable gate of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment is configured such that in response to the first selectively positionable gate being positioned in a first position, a predetermined amount of water will flow from at least one of the second outlet port 64 and the third outlet port 68. In one variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the first selectively positionable gate can be a first spool valve 78 exemplified in
The spool valve 78 of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment can further define a concave surface 82 that can be configured to be substantially coplanar with the second inner surface 54b of the second body portion 50b. Water that emerges through the first opening 80a and the second opening 80b can mix in the volume defined between the concave surface 82 and the septum 52 as further described and shown herein. Alternatively, the spool valve 78 can define a substantially planar surface but be disposed at a distance from the septum 52 when seated in the second body portion 50b such that there is a mixing volume defined between the spool valve 78 and the septum 52. Returning to
In another variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the valve 30 can include a second selectively positionable gate defining a third opening and disposed adjacent to the first inlet port 60 of the first body portion 50a. The second selectively positionable gate is configured such that in response to being positioned in a second position, a predetermined amount of water will flow into the first inlet port 60 and out the first outlet port 16 to the faucet 12. In one example configuration, the second selectively positionable gate can be a second spool valve 72 as best shown in
In another variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the second spool valve 72 can define a substantially planar surface but be disposed at a distance from the septum 52 when seated in the first body portion 50a. In this example configuration, there is a mixing volume defined between the second spool valve 72 and the septum 52 such that water passing through the septum 52 can pass through the third opening 74 of the second spool valve 72 and into the first body portion 50a. As shown in
In an aforementioned variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the valve 30 can include a septum 52 disposed between the first selectively positionable gate 78 and the second selectively positionable gate 72. The septum 52 functions to receive water flow from at least one of the second outlet port 64 and the third outlet port 68 and to merge the water flow from at least one of the second outlet port 64 and the third outlet port 68 into the third opening 74 of the second selectively positionable gate 72. As shown in
As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment is configured to control a water temperature through control of the first selectively positionable gate 78 and a volume of water through control of the second selectively positionable gate 72. It follows that control of both first and second selectively positionable gates 72, 78 permits a user to control water temperature and volume, or rather to control all aspects of the water emerging from the faucet 12. As noted above, in one variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the first and second selectively positionable gates 78, 72 can be rotatable spool valves. Other example configurations for the first and second selectively positionable gates 78, 72 can include for example bladder-type valves, ported piston valves, ball valves, gate valves, screw and gasket valves or any suitable combination thereof.
In one example operational state shown in
Another example operational state is shown in
As an example, the bypass state can be used since the faucet 12 is already connected to the cold water source 24, thus the user can set the valve 30 into a hot (bypass) state in which hot water flows through the valve 30 at a predetermined volume and the user is still capable of controlling the temperature and volume of water using the handle. In configurations of the system 10 that do not include a handle 14 or other alternative means for controlling the temperature and volume of water from the faucet 12, the state shown in
In another variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the third opening 74 of the second selectively positionable gate 72, which is illustrated by example only as a spool valve, can define an elongate eccentric opening thereby permitting a user to more precisely modulate a volume of water that flows into the first body portion 50a. An example configuration of this variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment is shown in
The valve 30 of the preferred embodiment can optionally be configured to operate in another operation state in which the flow of water is completely terminated, i.e., an off state. Referring to
As noted above, control of the first and second selectively positionable gates 78, 72 can be accomplished by any number of means or mechanisms that can receive a user input and convert that input into a mechanical or electromechanical output to cause the relative movement of the first and second selectively positionable gates 78, 72, thereby controlling the temperature and volume of water flowing through the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment. In the example embodiment of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment shown in the Figures, the valve 30 can include a controller connected to the first and second selectively positionable gates 78, 72, which are depicted as rotatable spool valves by way of example.
Referring to
In an alternative embodiment, the first and second motors 32a, 32b can be independently controlled by a user such that the temperature of the water output from the second body portion 50b does not affect the volume of water output by the first body portion 50b. Alternatively, the first and second motors 32a, 32b can be integrated into a single controller that is adapted to optimize water flow in response to a volume and temperature of water being provided by the second body portion 50b to the first body portion 50a. Other suitable controllers 32 can include for example piezo cells, linear and/or circular electromechanical solenoids, one or more hydraulic motors, circular and/or linear air cylinders as well as any suitable combination thereof.
As noted herein, in one variation the system 10 of the preferred embodiment can include a user interface connected to the controller 32. For example, the user interface 26 of the system 10 can be connected to each of the first and second motors 32a, 32b and allow for independent or dependent control thereof. As noted above, suitable user interfaces 26 can include a mechanical foot pedal actuated by one or more hydraulic lines, an electromechanical foot pedal, a voice actuated electronic user interface, a touch actuated electronic user interface, a motion or infrared actuated electronic user interface and the like. The signals from the user interface 26 to the controller 32 can be determined by the type of actuation employed by the valve 30. Accordingly, a mechanical foot pedal type user interface 26 can control the valve 30 via mechanical or electromechanical inputs; and a voice actuated type user interface 26 can control one or more electrical or electromechanical drivers or actuators of the valve 30. In the example embodiment shown in
In another variation of the system 10 of the preferred embodiment, the controller 32 can be a digital to analog (DAC) controller adapted to receive digital control signals from a user and convert them into analog signals by which the valve 30 can be actuated. The DAC controller can further include a memory module for logging data related to the water usage patters and consumption of the user. Possible user interfaces 26 for the DAC controller can include for example a voice actuation module, a foot platform or trackpad that translates position and/or pressure signals into related states of the valve 30, or a motion actuated or PIR-type sensor that translates position and/or radiation signals into related states of the valve 30.
The present invention has been described herein with reference to particular preferred embodiments as well as the example embodiments and variations thereof depicted in the Figures. One of skill in the art will recognize that various modifications and additions can be made to that which has been described without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
Claims
1. A valve apparatus comprising:
- a first body portion comprising a first inlet port and a first outlet port, the first inlet port and first outlet port contiguous with a first cavity;
- a second body portion connected to the first body portion, the second body portion comprising a second inlet port connected to a second outlet port and a third inlet port connected to a third outlet port; and
- a first selectively positionable gate defining a first opening and a second opening and disposed adjacent to the second outlet port and the third outlet port such that in response to the first selectively positionable gate being positioned in a first position, a predetermined amount of water will flow from at least one of the second outlet port and the third outlet port.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second selectively positionable gate defining a third opening and disposed adjacent to the first inlet port of the first body portion such that in response to the second selectively positionable gate being positioned in a second position, a predetermined amount of water will flow into the first inlet port.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a septum disposed between the first selectively positionable gate and the second selectively positionable gate.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the septum is adapted to receive water flow from at least one of the second outlet port and the third outlet port and further adapted to merge water flow from at least one of the second outlet port and the third outlet port into the third opening of the second selectively positionable gate.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first opening and the second opening define elongate eccentric openings.
6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the third opening defines an elongate eccentric opening.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first selectively positionable gate comprises a first rotatable spool.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second selectively positionable gate defines a second rotatable spool.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first selectively positionable gate comprises a first rotatable spool.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a controller connected to the first and second rotatable spools.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the controller comprises a first motor adapted to rotate the first rotatable spool in response to user input and a second motor adapted to rotate the second rotatable spool in response to user input.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first motor is adapted to control a water temperature and the second motor is adapted to control a water volume.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first and second motors are independently controllable by a user.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the controller further comprises a user interface connected to the first and second motors.
15. A system comprising:
- a faucet;
- a first water line connected to the faucet;
- a valve comprising: a first body portion comprising a first inlet port and a first outlet port connected to the first water line, the first inlet port and first outlet port contiguous with a first cavity; a second body portion connected to the first body portion, the second body portion comprising a second inlet port connected to a hot water line and a second outlet port, a third inlet port connected to a cold water line and a third outlet port; and a first selectively positionable gate defining a first opening and a second opening and disposed adjacent to the second outlet port and the third outlet port such that in response to the first selectively positionable gate being positioned in a first position, water of a predetermined temperature will flow from at least one of the second outlet port and the third outlet port.
16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a second selectively positionable gate defining a third opening and disposed adjacent to the first inlet port of the first body portion such that in response to the second selectively positionable gate being positioned in a second position, a predetermined amount of water will flow into the first inlet port.
17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a septum disposed between the first selectively positionable gate and the second selectively positionable gate.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the septum is adapted to receive water flow from at least one of the second outlet port and the third outlet port and further adapted to merge water flow from at least one of the second outlet port and the third outlet port into the third opening of the second selectively positionable gate.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein the first opening and the second opening define elongate eccentric openings.
20. The system of claim 16, wherein the third opening defines an elongate eccentric opening.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein the first selectively positionable gate comprises a first rotatable spool.
22. The system of claim 20, wherein the second selectively positionable gate comprises a second rotatable spool.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the first selectively positionable gate comprises a first rotatable spool.
24. The system of claim 23, further comprising a controller connected to the first and second rotatable spools.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the controller comprises a first motor adapted to rotate the first rotatable spool in response to user input and a second motor adapted to rotate the second rotatable spool in response to user input.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the first motor is adapted to control a water temperature and the second motor is adapted to control a water volume.
27. The system of claim 25, wherein the first and second motors are independently controllable by a user.
28. The system of claim 27, wherein the controller further comprises a user interface connected to the first and second motors.
Type: Application
Filed: May 13, 2010
Publication Date: Nov 18, 2010
Inventors: HARMON HOUGHTON (SANTA FE, NM), REINHOLD WIRTH (SANDIA PARK, NM)
Application Number: 12/779,842
International Classification: E03C 1/05 (20060101);