Mixing Valve With Temperature Motive Means Patents (Class 236/12.11)
  • Patent number: 11920694
    Abstract: An antifreeze valve unit has a valve body provided with at least one opening for the delivery of a fluid used in an air conditioning plant; this unit has a first thermostatic valve, fitted at a drain outlet to drain the fluid in function of the fluid temperature, and a second thermostatic valve fitted at the drain outlet to enable or prevent the drain of the fluid in function of the external environment temperature. This antifreeze valve unit operates reliably in any temperature condition of the inner fluid and of the external environment temperature, and enables the plant to be drained only if a real possibility of fluid freezing occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Caleffi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Marco Caleffi
  • Patent number: 11761184
    Abstract: An electronic faucet including a wireless module facilitating remote control of an electrically operable valve. Illustratively, the wireless module includes a body defining a fluid passageway in fluid communication with the electrically operable valve, and a receiver configured to receive wireless signals from a remote transmitter. The remote transmitter may comprise a voice recognition and conversion device to facilitate voice control of the electrically operable valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Veros, Kurt Judson Thomas, Jeremy Schmitt, Randy L. Schneider, II, Joel D. Sawaski
  • Patent number: 11697929
    Abstract: An anti-scald device, fluid supply system including an anti-scald device and methods are provided. The anti-scald device can be configured to provide scald protection as well as configured to allow hot water disinfection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Geberit International AG
    Inventors: Robert Bobek, Prasert Buranatum
  • Patent number: 11442479
    Abstract: An intelligent water outlet device includes a water-temperature regulating valve, a water-output control valve, a power source unit, an input unit, a motor drive unit, a first step motor, a second step motor and a control unit. The power source unit energizes the water outlet device. The input unit selects a temperature value for the water output. The motor drive unit drives the first step motor and second step motor, to rotate an adjusting bar of the water-temperature regulating valve and to push a valve bar of the water-output control valve, respectively. The control unit receives a temperature option and an expected water volume from the input unit, and then controls the first step motor and the second step motor to output warm water with the inputted temperature value and the expected water volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: NCIP INC.
    Inventor: Rong-Chyan Tzeng
  • Patent number: 11359829
    Abstract: Controlled internal atmosphere systems and methods are disclosed, including a system comprising a cell having a top, a bottom, and wall(s) extending between the top and bottom defining an enclosed area inside the cell; the top and wall comprising a first layer having embedded energy-transfer tubing, a sealant layer outside the first layer, an aerated substrate layer outside the sealant layer, and an impermeable layer outside the substrate layer; a heating/cooling unit connectable to the tubing to control the temperature of the first layer and thereby control the temperature of an atmosphere of the enclosed area inside the cell; sensor(s) within the enclosed area; and a computer configured to receive input from the sensor(s) indicative of the condition of the enclosed area atmosphere, to receive input regarding environmental conditions outside of the cell, and to control operation of the heating/cooling unit based on the received input and predicted effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Rupert R. Thomas, Sr.
  • Patent number: 11306845
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a faucet includes a receiver defined by a handle body and having a vertically tapered side wall defining a receiving chamber, a slot extending through the tapered side wall into the receiving chamber, and a wire form retainer coupled around the receiver and being at least partially disposed within the slot for extending into the receiving chamber. A tapered valve stem includes a retaining recess, and wherein the tapered valve stem is received within the receiving chamber of the receiver so that at least a portion of the wire form retainer extends through the slot of the receiver and is received within the retaining recess of the tapered valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Yilin Tang, Adam M. DeVries, Kurt Judson Thomas
  • Patent number: 11136751
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic plumbing fixture fitting including a preset feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: FB Global Plumbing Group LLC
    Inventor: Brian Patrick Frackelton
  • Patent number: 10975515
    Abstract: A washing machine includes: a cabinet; a tub; a pump for discharging washing water received in the tub to an outside of the tub; and a valve assembly for introducing washing water discharged from the pump. The valve assembly includes: a valve housing; a first chamber defined inside the valve housing and configured to connect to a circulation flow path for sending washing water introduced from the pump to the tub and a drainage flow path for draining washing water introduced through the pump to an outside of the cabinet; a disc valve configured to linearly move in a vertical direction inside the first chamber and move upward by a pressure of washing water discharged from the pump; and a weight part disposed above the disc valve and configured to apply a load to the disc valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Suil Park, Minseong Kim, Jinhyouk Shin, Youngsoo Kim
  • Patent number: 10866603
    Abstract: Various systems for controlling coolant flow through a plurality of coolant lines via a wax thermostat are provided. In one embodiment, a thermostat comprises at least one wax motor that mediates coolant flow between two inlet passages and three outlet passages as a function of longitudinal position, the longitudinal position varying in response to changes in coolant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Putman Styron, Michael Joseph Giunta, Peter Rowling, Erik Thomas Andersen
  • Patent number: 10642289
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are described for using a connected device that measures water usage and controls temperature of a hot water line. In some implementations, a monitoring system monitors a property that includes one or more sensors located throughout the property and generates sensor data. The monitor control unit receives sensor data and based on the sensor data, determines an action that is likely to occur. Based on the action, determine a water temperature. Generate an instruction specifying the water temperature. The monitoring system includes a connected mixing valve that connects to a hot water supply line and a cold water supply line; receives the instruction specifying the water temperature; and, determines a first amount of hot water from the hot water supply line to combine with a second amount of cold water from the cold water supply line to produce water at the water temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventor: Alexander Lawrence Reeder
  • Patent number: 10495720
    Abstract: A control valve assembly may include a housing, an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of thermostatic control valves biased toward a closed position and arranged within the housing between the inlet and the outlet. The thermostatic control valves may each be associated with separate respective flow paths between the inlet and the outlet and have different operating temperatures. The valves may be configured to open at their respective operating temperatures and remain open unless the fluid falls below their respective operating temperature such that when multiple thermostatic control valves are open the amount of fluid flowing through the control valve is equal to the addition of the amount of fluid flowing through each valve. The operating temperatures and the flow rates of the thermostatic control valves may be selected to limit the passage of pathogens through the control valve assembly. A degassing valve may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: WTS LLC
    Inventors: Brian Plourde, John Abraham, Douglas Plourde, Richard Pakonen
  • Patent number: 10407884
    Abstract: A control unit (100) is in use located under a kitchen sink. The control unit (100) controls the timing of the power demand from each device so that they can all be run from a single electrical circuit coupled to the control unit (100). The control unit (100) also accommodates sensors and other accessories such as flow meters (134), electronic faucets (114), leak detectors (118), shutoff valves (136), and state communication either wired or wireless which allows these sensors and other accessories to be added with little additional cost beyond the cost of the sensors and other accessories. A common faucet base (302) is disposed in use on an underside of a sink. The common faucet base (302) is configured to accommodate a plurality of faucet heads (304) having different faucet styles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 10267022
    Abstract: An electronic faucet assembly includes a mixing valve and a user interface in communication with a controller. Input to the user interface illustratively causes the controller to operate in a flow control mode or a temperature control mode. In the flow control mode the mixing valve provides flow control of water at a constant temperature, while in the temperature control mode the mixing valve provides temperature control of water at a constant flow. A memory device may be secured to a faucet component to store identification data related thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Veros, Kurt J. Thomas, Mark Galambus, Adam M. DeVries, Anthony E. Tyner, Joel D. Sawaski, Kyle Robert Davidson
  • Patent number: 9823671
    Abstract: This cartridge comprises a base (10), a fixed attached piece (20), a spool (30) for controlling the temperature of the mixture of the hot and cold fluids, and a thermostatic element making it possible to move the spool along an axis. The base simultaneously delimits an outlet orifice (16) for the mixture, an inlet orifice (14) for the cold fluid that supplies, via a first distribution channel (F4), cold fluid around the spool, a passage (F3), delimited axially between the spool and the base, and an inlet orifice (15) for the hot fluid that supplies, via a second channel (C4) for distribution hot fluid around the spool, a passage (C3) delimited axially between the spool and the attached piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: VERNET
    Inventors: Matthieu Draber, William Da Silva
  • Patent number: 9822513
    Abstract: A mixing valve includes a mixing chamber, a first flow control valve having a first flow control opening, and a second flow control valve having a second flow control opening. The first and second flow control openings each have a diameter of approximately six millimeters and the mixing valve has a flow coefficient of approximately 2.5 when both flow control valves are in a mid-open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventor: Kevin T. Peel
  • Patent number: 9366015
    Abstract: A method of controlling at least one of the flow rate or temperature of outlet water from a mixing valve having a first control valve configured to receive water at a first temperature and a second control valve configured to receive water at a second temperature higher than the first temperature includes moving at least one of the first or second flow control valves to output a flow of water from the mixing valve having at least one of a desired flow rate or temperature, wherein the force required to actuate the flow control valves is substantially independent of water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventor: Kevin T. Peel
  • Patent number: 9244467
    Abstract: A system of thermally activated feedback control valves and thermally activated sensors to provide heated fluid within a desired temperature range which operates consistently at high and low flow rates, suitable for control of combination safety shower and eyewash stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: THERM-OMEGA-TECH, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn Quinty
  • Patent number: 9158309
    Abstract: A sanitary fitting contains a rectilinear or slightly curved tubular outlet body, at one face end of which there is arranged an outlet, out of which the water flows, with the valve open, in a direction extending the direction of the outlet body. At this end of the outlet body there is arranged an actuating element for a valve cartridge arranged axially in the outlet body. At the opposite end of the outlet body there is arranged at a face end an actuating element for a valve cartridge accommodated in the outlet body. The outlet body has a lateral fastening attachment, by way of which the sanitary fitting is fastened to a horizontal or vertical surface and through which the supply lines are led.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Hansgrohe SE
    Inventors: Joachim Blattner, Phillipe Grohe, Stefanie Schweickerdt
  • Patent number: 9134737
    Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve includes a mixing slide arranged between two seats for mixing fluids at different temperatures and capable of flowing between the mixing slide and the two seats, respectively, so as to supply a mixed fluid; and an axial thermal actuator arranged between the mixing slide and an absorption member sensitive to the temperature of the mixed fluid for creating a controlled movement of the position of the mixing slide between the two seats in order to supply the mixed fluid at a controlled temperature, where the absorption member includes one of the seats and is capable of moving in a direction that increases the distance between the seats when the mixing slide is bearing on the other seat so as to absorb an excess of axial movement of a rod of the absorption member due to excessive variation of the mixed fluid temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Watts Industries France
    Inventor: Georges Menet
  • Patent number: 9127779
    Abstract: A frictionless, pressure balanced proportioning valve assembly, for low power electric operated thermostatic cartridge, composed of a housing with spaced apart hot and cold water inlets and intermediate mixed water outlet, flow communicated to a spool bore with a central widened portion; a spool, guided in the spool bore, by widened end portions, is carrying a central widened disk portion, separating the spool bore into two tubular inlet chambers; two diaphragm seals disposed at both ends of the spool and housing, pressure balancing the inlet chambers; a temperature sensor, exposed to the mixed water outlet pathway, generates a signal, readable by a control circuit; a drive unit energized by a low power electric motor, driving past gear train and eccentric shaft, a bendable connecting rod, axially displacing the spool. Axial displacement of the balanced friction-free spool, proportions flow from the hot and cold water inlets to the mixed water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Eitan Rivlin
  • Patent number: 9081392
    Abstract: A mixing valve (10) includes a valve body (12) having a hot fluid inlet (14), a cold fluid inlet (16), a mixed fluid outlet (18), and a cavity (20) in the valve body (12) between the inlets (14, 16) and the outlet (18). Mixing valve (10) includes a liner (30, 130, 230, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) positioned in valve body (12) and a valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840) movable therein between a first position restricting the flow of hot fluid and a second position. Liner (30, 130, 230, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) includes a downstream valve seat (74, 174, 274, 474, 574, 674, 774) that, when engaged by valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840), restricts flow of hot fluid past valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: MAGARL, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin B. Kline
  • Patent number: 8985473
    Abstract: A regulating valve has a dome, a discharge sheet and a flow deflector. The dome has a base and a circumferential wall. The discharge sheet and the flow deflector are set in the dome in sequence. A discharge portion, a cold water portion, a hot water portion and a warm water portion are set on the base. A discharge slot, a cold water slot, a hot water slot and a warm water slot are set on the discharge sheet correspondingly. A guide slot is extended outwards from the center of the circle on the surface of the flow deflector. The end point of the center of the guide slot is set correspondingly to the discharge slot. When the flow deflector is rotated, there may occur either of a water shutdown state, or a hot, lukewarm, warm, chilly or cold water discharge state, enabling to switch water discharge efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Teng-Lung Liu
  • Publication number: 20150013622
    Abstract: A water heater appliance and a method for operating the same are provided. The method includes receiving a first temperature measurement from a temperature sensor of the water heater appliance, receiving a second temperature measurement from the temperature sensor of the water heater appliance, and establishing if water is flowing through a conduit of the water heater appliance based at least in part on the first and second temperature measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Brett Alan Farris, Craig lung-Pei Tsai, Eric Jeffrey Klingeman
  • Patent number: 8931706
    Abstract: A mixed water control valve for a faucet includes a control unit, two mounting seats and a balance unit. The control unit includes a valve housing, a rotation plate and a control handle. The balance unit includes a fixed sleeve and a pressure regulating sleeve. The pressure regulating sleeve is movable in the fixed sleeve by a pressure differential between the two mounting seats to control the water flow rate of the cold and hot water of the two mounting seats and to regulate the water pressure automatically so as to provide a pressure balance and to stabilize the temperature of the mixed cold and hot water in the valve housing so that the mixed water flowing from the valve housing is kept at a constant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ing Tzon Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Mei-Fen Lin
  • Patent number: 8899491
    Abstract: A thermostatic mixer device for sanitary appliances, includes: a cartridge envelope; a distributor bottom member with intake openings for cold and hot water, a delivery opening for mixed water, and elements for controlling and intercepting the delivered flow rate; a mixing member located inside the envelope, forming a cylinder, control openings and passageways for directing hot water and cold water from the intake openings to the respective control openings; a distribution slide valve, sealingly sliding in the axial direction within the cylinder of the mixing member, and cooperating with the control openings in order to partially shut the control openings in opposite senses; a thermometric element for displacing the distributing slide valve against the action of a return spring; and control elements for establishing the temperature desired for the delivered mixed water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Studio Tecnico Sviluppo e Ricerche S.T.S.R. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Francesco Knapp
  • Patent number: 8881992
    Abstract: Provided is a valve assembly having a thermal valve member and a priority valve member that are shiftable to first and second positions in response to a temperature and pressure of a fluid flowing through the valve assembly. Consequently, the valve can provide for flow through a heating orifice under low temperature, high pressure conditions so that pressure drops in fluid lines coupled to the valve assembly may be prevented or reduced, allowing fluid lines with small diameters to be used in an aircraft or other fluid flow system, thereby reducing the weight of the aircraft or fluid flow system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: John Scott Vanderveen, Samuel C. Sayles
  • Patent number: 8870085
    Abstract: A hot and cold water mixing valve including a temperature adjusting dial, and a cylindrical casing having formed therein a hot water inlet and a cold water inlet is provided with a control valve member in which one end thereof is subjected to a load from a biasing member and the other end is subjected to a load from an actuator. By balancing between the loads applied by the biasing member and the actuator, a mixture ratio between the hot water which flows in through the hot water inlet and the cold water which flows in through the cold water inlet is adjusted. A temperature adjuster adjusts a position of the control valve member through the biasing member and includes a tapered skirt portion, which spreads in a radial direction, at an end on the control valve member side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignees: Toto Ltd., Nippon Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kensaku Todaka, Hideyuki Matsui, Eiji Seki, Isao Negishi
  • Publication number: 20140283295
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for tempering the temperature of a liquid in a fluid conducting system. More particularly, some embodiments of the invention relates to tempering the temperature of water supplied to a fixture from a water heater in a fluid conducting system. The system can include a heater for heating the fluid and a diffuser for slowing the rate at which water provided to a decontamination fixture is heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Magarl LLC
    Inventors: Robert Eveleigh, Gary Cook
  • Patent number: 8757505
    Abstract: A mixing faucet (1) includes a casing (2) having a hot water inlet opening (24), a cold water inlet opening (23), and an outlet opening (28); a control valve element (3) slidably mounted in the casing (2); a temperature adjusting screw (7) rotatably disposed in the casing (2); a slider (6) sliding in the casing (2) through rotation of the temperature adjusting screw (7); a bias spring (5) disposed in the casing (2), between the control valve element (3) and the slider (6), and biasing the control valve element (3) toward the cold water inlet opening (23); a temperature sensing spring (4) which biases the control valve element (3) toward the hot water inlet opening (24); and a pull-up spring (10) for biasing the control valve element (3) toward the hot water inlet opening (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Nippon Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Negishi, Eiji Seki, Shigeru Iwai, Takeshi Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 8746582
    Abstract: The hot and cold water mixing valve having a cylindrical casing is provided with a control valve member which adjusts a ratio between hot and cold water inlets by balancing loads applied by a biasing member and an actuator, and cylindrical temperature adjuster which adjusts a position of the control valve member when rotated. In the temperature adjuster, an upper surface is formed at one end, a knob is provided in the center of the upper surface, and a ring-shaped recess is formed around the knob at the upper surface. The temperature adjuster is arranged inside the casing and the knob is inserted, coaxially with the casing, into the hole which opens at one end of the casing. A spacer which covers the recess is interposed and held between the upper surface of the temperature adjuster and one end of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Toto Ltd., Nippon Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kensaku Todaka, Hideyuki Matsui, Eiji Seki, Isao Negishi
  • Patent number: 8740097
    Abstract: According to the invention, the cartridge (1) includes a thermostatic element (72) which is thermally activated by a mixture of a cold fluid and a hot fluid, which is mechanically connected to a regulator slide (70) and which is moved by a single lever (50) for controlling the flow rate and the temperature of said mixture. In order to improve cartridge temperature regulation within a large flow range, the cartridge includes second (30) and third discs (40) in addition to a first disc which is stationary relative to the cartridge body (10). The second disc is translationally stationary relative to the first disc and is capable of rotation under the action of the lever actuation via a nut partially containing a thermostatic-member-moving assembly (76, 78, 80) which is rotatably connected to the control lever about the axis (X-X) and which is provided with extensions (66) that engage mechanically with the second disc for rotating same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Vernet
    Inventors: Emmanuel Platet, William Da Silva
  • Patent number: 8740098
    Abstract: The initially cold water streams of a household hot water plumbing circuit are accumulated in a storage container to be thereafter drained off with the cold water stream, at various flow restricted levels, thereby conserving water use. This accumulate may be adjustably admixed into the waste products of a household drinking water purification system, thereby diluting it to acceptable levels that may be useful for washing and the like. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the fresh water stream may be admixed into the water purification waste water stream. Each of these water conserving functions is conformed to be combined in a stepwise manner, thereby accommodating budgetary and use growth constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Nitroworks Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Greenthal, Neal W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8733666
    Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve having a temperature adjustment mechanism for adjusting the temperature of the discharge fluid exiting a fluid outlet of the thermostatic mixing valve. The thermostatic mixing valve may include a tamper-resistant feature that resists accidental adjustment of the discharge fluid temperature, and in some cases, does not require specialized tools for purposeful adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph William Beagen
  • Patent number: 8640969
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermostatic mixing valve comprising a hollow body having a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet in fluid communication with the first inlet and/or the second inlet via a mixing chamber. The flow through the valve is controlled by an axially extending thermostatic actuator comprising a stem, an enlarged portion and a heat sensitive bulb, said bulb extending into the mixing chamber. The thermostatic actuator is axially displaced between a first end position in which only the first inlet is connected to the outlet and a second end position in which only the second inlet is connected to the outlet. The thermostatic actuator is displaced in a sleeve member arranged to restrict the flow of water from the second inlet past the enlarged portion of the thermostatic actuator during its axial displacement until the thermostatic actuator reaches the second end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Thermoventiler i Ulricehamn AB
    Inventor: Anders Thomasson
  • Publication number: 20140020676
    Abstract: The present invention keeps fluid temperature at a point in a flowing fluid system below a preset limit by providing automatic self-adjusting over-temperature protection that cools the fluid when needed and without requiring a separate cold fluid source. The present invention keeps the temperature of the fluid at a point in the system clipped at a cutoff temperature and prevents overcooling the fluid. When the fluid temperature is below the cutoff temperature, the temperature of the fluid is unchanged as it passes through the apparatus of the present invention. The present invention can operate without electrical power or any power source, can function in any orientation, and works for both unpressurized and pressurized systems. The present invention has application in the areas of solar thermal energy systems, fluid storage tanks, engine oil and coolant systems, transmission oil systems, hydraulic systems, and cutting oil systems, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Richard Wehner
  • Publication number: 20130320101
    Abstract: A water valve assembly of the present invention includes a temperature controller, a main controller, and a connecting tube disposed therebetween. Water entering the temperature controller further enters the main controller via the connecting tube and is discharged from the main controller. The temperature controller and the main controller are arranged in an edge of bathtub, and the connecting tube is parallel to the edge of bathtub. Also, water always flows not parallely to a width of the edge of bathtub in the water valve assembly. Thus, the water valve assembly of the present invention is able to be installed in a narrower edge of bathtub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Tsai-Chen YANG
  • Patent number: 8579206
    Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve for the mixing of a first and second fluids is disclosed. The thermostatic mixing valve includes a valve body having first and second inlets, and a mixed fluid outlet. The thermostatic mixing valve includes a valve member configured to control the rate of flow of at least the first fluid. The member includes a thermostat in communication with the mixed fluid and a shuttle coupled to the thermostat, configured for movement within a liner, and oriented to adjustably engage the flow of the first fluid through an opening within a wall of the liner, the direction of flow of the first fluid being at least partially transverse with respect to the shuttle. A fluid inlet may include a check valve configured to prevent fluid from flowing out of the valve through the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Magarl, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin B. Kline
  • Patent number: 8561913
    Abstract: A device for dispensing water includes a water tank for keeping water at a tank temperature higher than the desired temperature of the water to be dispensed. A tank inlet is connected to a source of water. device includes a mixing device with a first water supply, a second water supply and a water discharge connected to a dispensing point. The first water supply is connected to a hot water pipe originating from a central hot water source arranged at a distance, and the second water supply is connected to a tank outlet. The mixing device includes a control device which is designed to mix water from the first and second water supply in such a manner that the water to be dispensed substantially has a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Henri Peteri Beheer B.V.
    Inventors: Niels Theodoor Peteri, Ivo Legel
  • Patent number: 8544760
    Abstract: A mixing valve (10) includes a valve body (12) having a hot fluid inlet (14), a cold fluid inlet (16), a mixed fluid outlet (18), and a cavity (20) in the valve body (12) between the inlets (14, 16) and the outlet (18). Mixing valve (10) includes a liner (30, 130, 230, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) positioned in valve body (12) and a valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840) movable therein between a first position restricting the flow of hot fluid and a second position. Liner (30, 130, 230, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) includes a downstream valve seat (74, 174, 274, 474, 574, 674, 774) that, when engaged by valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840), restricts flow of hot fluid past valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Magarl, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin B. Kline
  • Patent number: 8534568
    Abstract: A sanitary fitting includes a cold water connection; a hot water connection; a mixed water outlet; a valve device for setting a mixed water temperature and a mixed water throughflow rate, wherein the valve device is connected to the cold water connection and the hot water connection at one end and is connected to the mixed water outlet at the other end; an electrical controller for actuating a valve; and a control signal transmitter for generating an input signal to the controller, wherein the valve is an integral constituent part of the valve device, and the controller actuates the valve device as a function of the input signal of the control signal transmitter such that a mixed water temperature and a mixed water throughflow rate are set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: KWC AG
    Inventors: Christian Gautschi, Daniel Baumann
  • Publication number: 20130221115
    Abstract: A sanitary fitting contains a rectilinear or slightly curved tubular outlet body, at one face end of which there is arranged an outlet, out of which the water flows, with the valve open, in a direction extending the direction of the outlet body. At this end of the outlet body there is arranged an actuating element for a valve cartridge arranged axially in the outlet body. At the opposite end of the outlet body there is arranged at a face end an actuating element for a valve cartridge accommodated in the outlet body. The outlet body has a lateral fastening attachment, by way of which the sanitary fitting is fastened to a horizontal or vertical surface and through which the supply lines are led.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: HANSGROHE SE
    Inventor: HANSGROHE SE
  • Patent number: 8517282
    Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve has an enhanced response to temperature change by arranging one of the hot water and cold water flows into a series of jets that intersect the other flow such that the proportions of hot water and cold water mixing at the surface of the thermostat is made to respond to the inlet water pressure to augment the temperature change normally experienced at the surface of the thermostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Kohler Mira Limited
    Inventors: Nigel Paul Sansum, Richard Timothy Hopson
  • Patent number: 8500035
    Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve including a cold water bypass passageway controlled by a pressure-operated check valve that opens upon a failure of a hot water supply to the valve for use with safety devices, such as eyewash and drench shower stations. The thermostatic mixing valve allows the continued delivery of cold water upon a failure of a hot water supply. The lack of hot water causes a cold water valve opening to be closed by a thermal motor, which retracts upon the lack of hot water, yet the bypass passageway is adapted to allow cold water to bypass the thermal motor-controlled cold water valve opening and be directed to the outlet of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Watts Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Zoltan Goncze
  • Patent number: 8480003
    Abstract: A separated-flow temperature control faucet mainly comprises a constant temperature control device to mix hot water and cold water, a flow divider valve to control water flow direction and a main housing coupling with the constant temperature control device and the flow divider valve. The constant temperature control device contains an axial movement member movable axially by turning to control hot and cold water flow amount to control water temperature. The flow divider valve provides water separating function and stop function to stop water from flowing out. The faucet thus formed has a longer life span, is less likely to accumulate water dreg, can supply a greater water discharge amount, stabilize water temperature, and offer a simpler structure and improve usability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Deluxe Brassware Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Yu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8453942
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single-unit faucet that comprises a tubular faucet body (2) and a thermostatic cartridge (3) defining a pre-assembled assembly provided inside the faucet body and including a hollow shell (4) made of a plastic material, in which is provided a thermostatic means (5) for adjusting the temperature of a cold-fluid and hot-fluid mixture. In order to firmly and simply secure the shell in the faucet body, a rigid part (6) is provided between them, and is capable of movement along a movement axis (Z-Z) transverse to the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the faucet body, while being kinematically connected to the shell both in the direction of the axis of the faucet body and in rotation about said axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Vernet
    Inventor: Frederic Robert Jager
  • Publication number: 20130112762
    Abstract: A mixing adjusting thermostatic water valve with a pressure balancing device includes a valve body (14), a water temperature adjusting block (8) and a temperature sensor (6). A cold water pipe (1) and a coaxial hot water pipe (10) are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the valve body (14), a mixing water pipe (7) is communicated with the cold and hot water pipes (1, 10) to form an inner cavity (15) in which the water temperature adjusting block (8) is provided. An adjusting block tooth (8-1) is provided at the bottom of the water temperature adjusting block (8) and engages with a rack (5) parallel with the axis of the cold and hot water pipes (1, 10). A left and a right pressure balancing cavities (17, 16) are arranged on two sides of the lower part of the inner cavity (15) respectively, and the two ends of the rack (5) pass through the internal sidewalls of the left and right pressure balancing cavities (17, 16) respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Zhaokeng Pan
  • Patent number: 8434691
    Abstract: A thermostatic valve control structure mainly has an axial movement element movable axially to control opening size of a hot water inlet and a cold water inlet. The axial movement element has a ceramic layer which has a smooth surface to reduce friction with a sealing ring. The ceramic layer provides advantages of resisting acid and alkali, less likely to accumulate water dregs, simpler structure and longer life span. Thus the total life span and durability of the thermostatic valve control structure can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Deluxe Brassware Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minnan Hong
  • Publication number: 20130099007
    Abstract: Mixing valve turbulence generators and methods are disclosed. Embodiments include turbulence generation apparatuses and methods that increase the turbulence of, impart swirl to, reverse the direction of, create tortuous paths for, and/or accelerate the mixing of hot and cold fluid within a valve assembly. Alternate embodiments include angled radial slots, angled surfaces and fin-like baffles to enhance the mixing of hot and cold fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: MAGARL, LLC
    Inventor: Magarl, LLC
  • Patent number: 8376241
    Abstract: A single lever valve for mixing hot and cold liquids has a mixer which can internally impose an upper limit on the temperature of any liquid emerging from it. The means used may enable the upper limit to be changed by exchange of a component so that the mixer can be used in any location in an installation even though different locations might have different upper limit requirements. The mixer may take the form of a cartridge able to be exchanged with an existing cartridge to convert an “unsafe” mixer to a “safe” one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Greens Industries Limited
    Inventors: John William Green, Ian Moran
  • Publication number: 20130026242
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular device formed by a single module (1) for installation between the hot water pipe (H) and cold water pipe (C) and a faucet (4), consisting of: two feed line sections for hot water (2) and cold water (3); a recirculation pump (5) in a bypass conduit (12) that connects the inlet conduits (2) and (3) ; a pressure switch (6) in feed section (2); a flow meter (7) arranged in feed section (2); a thermal switch (8) in section (2); a check valve (9) at the intersection of the bypass conduit (12) and section (3); and water flow regulating means (10, 11) located between the bypass conduit (12) and the hot water feed section (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Alfonso Cuervo-Arango Y De Cachavera