Having Electrical Motive Means Patents (Class 236/12.12)
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Patent number: 8800882Abstract: A device and a method for operating a drive having a mechanically commutated electric motor, is provided, wherein a rotary position of the drive is determined by a circuit from a ripple of a motor current of the electric motor, wherein at least one correction value is determined for an error characteristic of the electric motor, wherein at least one correction value is determined for an error characteristic of the electric motor, in that the drive is moved to a reference position that can be sensed by means of a position sensor, in that the drive is moved from the reference position into a plurality of positions at a distance from the reference position and at least one position deviation is determined by the circuit, and in that the correction value is determined from the particular position deviation and stored.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Grohe AGInventors: Kai Huck, Jan Erik Bertram
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Publication number: 20140202549Abstract: A water heater system including two or more water storage tanks plumbed in series, parallel or a combination thereof and methods of controlling said water heater systems. The water heater systems may include one or more mixing valves and one or more temperature sensors for providing water at a desired temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Fritz Hazzard, David Heil, James Holmberg, Gregory Young, Donald J. Kasprzyk, Bruce L. Hill
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Patent number: 8783651Abstract: A sanitary fitting includes a joint arrangement having a support connection piece that defines an abutment face that is at least approximately flat; a joint part that rests flat against the abutment face by way of an at least approximately flat mating face, and defines a neutral position; a spring that is supported at one end against the support connection piece and at the other end against the joint part, the spring using a spring force to push the joint part against the abutment face by way of the mating face; and a rod-like extremity that is arranged on the joint part at a fixed angle in relation to the mating face.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2010Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: KWC AGInventors: Christian Gautschi, Daniel Baumann
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Publication number: 20130341418Abstract: A mixing valve includes a first inlet for receiving a first fluid, a second inlet for receiving a second fluid, and a mixing chamber having a fluid outlet for outputting the first fluid or the second fluid or a mixture thereof. The mixing valve includes a first flow control valve for controlling the flow of the first fluid into the mixing chamber and a second flow control valve, separate from the first flow control valve, for controlling the flow of the second fluid into the mixing chamber. At least one of the first or second flow control valve includes at least two separate outlets into the mixing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Inventor: Kevin T. Peel
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Patent number: 8561913Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 3, 2007Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Henri Peteri Beheer B.V.Inventors: Niels Theodoor Peteri, Ivo Legel
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Patent number: 8534568Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 17, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: KWC AGInventors: Christian Gautschi, Daniel Baumann
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Patent number: 8534318Abstract: To provide a water spouting device capable of switching between spouting and stopping, flow volume adjustment, and spouted water temperature adjustment with a single operating portion. The present invention is a water faucet device (1) furnished with a flow volume adjustment function and a temperature adjustment function, including: an operating portion (6) capable of being pressed and rotated by a user; and flow volume/temperature adjustment means (10), whereby in a stopped water state, spouting is commenced when the operating portion of this flow volume/temperature adjustment means is pressed; in a spouting state, spouted water flow volume is changed when the operating portion is pressed continuously for a predetermined long-press determining time; and water flow is stopped when pressing of the operating portion ceases in less than the long-press determining time.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Toto Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Kanemaru, Kenichi Aoyagi, Masato Yamahigashi, Masateru Miyazaki, Tsuyoshi Miura
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Publication number: 20130175350Abstract: Disclosed are systems and apparatus for controlling water flows into and/or out of a bath, shower or other similar bathroom fixture. A water mixing system for a bathroom fixture includes a conduit having a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet, and an outlet, as well as a flow controller for controlling the flow rates of water entering the conduit through the hot and cold water inlets, a temperature sensor downstream of the flow controller and upstream of the outlet, and a system controller which receives a signal from the temperature sensor and controls the flow controller in order to adjust the flow rates of hot and cold water in use, so the combined water flows have a required temperature at the outlet, wherein the hot water inlet and cold water inlet are provided with solenoid operated shut-off valves which are normally closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: MARKON HOLDINGS LIMITEDInventor: Kipley Roydon MARKS
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Patent number: 8317110Abstract: A water-and-hot-water mixing device includes a mixing valve unit which mixes hot water and water and discharges mixed water therefrom, an operation part which sets a predetermined temperature, a mixed water thermistor which detects a temperature of mixed water, a hot-water thermistor which detects a temperature of hot water supplied to the mixing valve unit, and a controller which performs a feedback control of a discharge water temperature by controlling the mixing valve unit. The controller starts the feedback control when the controller determines that a change amount of the temperature of the hot water per unit time detected by the hot-water thermistor is not more than a fixed value and the temperature of the hot water detected by the hot-water thermistor is not lower than the predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Toto Ltd.Inventors: Kenichi Aoyagi, Hiroshi Kanemaru, Tsuyoshi Miura, Masayuki Oba
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Patent number: 8267328Abstract: The invention relates to a fitting, in particular a washstand or bathtub fitting comprising an electronic control device for controlling a mixing device or a shut-off device for closing a pipe and an operating device, which is formed by a plate which is contact-sensitive and/or which is provided with proximity switches, for operating the control device. The plate is embodied in such a manner that at least two parameters from a group comprising a temperature parameter, a dispensing parameter, a volume flow rate parameter and a time parameter can be set at the same time by means of a sweeping motion, which is executed on the surface of said plate, by means of selectively touching different areas of the surface thereof and/or by means of a contact-free motion in front of the surface thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Inventors: Achim Pohl, Tomas Fiegl
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Publication number: 20120187200Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing device for tap water, comprising a mixing valve and a flow control valve that can each be actuated by a spindle and are arranged one behind the other. Sensors (21, 22) are provided for determining the volume and temperature of the water flow, the sensors being connected to a control and regulating device used to adjust the volume and temperature of the water flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2009Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: Fluehs Drehtechnik GmbHInventors: Friedrich Thurau, Lutz Lange
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Patent number: 8220722Abstract: The present invention relates to a shower monitor to alert a person how long they have been in the shower by emitting a short audible sound at preset intervals and by emitting a continuous audible sound when a preset time limit has been reached. The shower monitor is provided with security features to prevent unauthorized users from by passing the device. The monitor may have a liquid crystal display providing a visual indication of the time remaining. The monitor has a thermal sensor for activation of a timing cycle. The monitor may employ a flow sensor in combination with or in lieu of the thermal sensor for activation of the timing cycle.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Inventor: Bruce Shaffer
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Publication number: 20120138157Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing fluid such as water at a controlled temperature. In some embodiments, hot and cold fluid is provided to a thermostatically controlled mixing valve, which then provides fluid at a mixed temperature to a plumbing system. The thermostat provides a first loop for closed-loop control of fluid exit temperature, and preferably there is a second, electronically controlled closed loop for adjusting the temperature of fluid exiting the valve. In yet other embodiments the electronic control loop is fail-fixed, such that a loss of electrical communication to the actuator results in the actuator maintaining its last position. In yet other embodiments there is a system including a flow sensor and a recirculation pump such that the temperature of the fluid exiting the valve cannot be adjusted if there is insufficient flow, or if the pump is actuated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: MAGARL, LLCInventors: Robert B. Eveleigh, Thomas R. Baker, Cameron Joseph West
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Patent number: 8130510Abstract: Disclosed herein is a printed circuit board assembly of an electronic appliance including a plurality of boards on which electrical parts to perform functions necessary for the electronic appliance are separately arranged according to the specification of the electronic appliance. The printed circuit board assembly is divided into a plurality of boards, such that electrical parts having a common specification and electrical parts having different specifications are arranged on different boards, thereby optimizing the printed circuit board assembly and configuring the boards according to the specification of the electronic appliance without loss. Microprocessors are arranged on the boards, and the boards are connected to each other in a serial communication, thereby reducing the number of wiring harnesses (W/H) and thus configuring the printed circuit board assembly with high reliability.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang Wook Jang, Matsumoto Satoru
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Publication number: 20120031982Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: MAGARL, LLCInventors: Robert Eveleigh, Gary Cook
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Patent number: 8070072Abstract: A method for controlling a digital shower system includes the steps of: actuating the digital shower system for operation; detecting whether the system is in order or not, and if not, generating an error message; otherwise, performing the next step; entering a ready mode, for discharging in advance a water flow in an outlet pipe that does not reach a preset outlet water temperature; entering a shower mode, in which a desired message is input through a digital user interface, a water outlet is controlled by a control unit to continuously output water maintained at the same temperature as the preset outlet water temperature; and providing several preset power-off conditions for automatically turning off the digital shower system. The method may not only achieve the function of discharging water in advance, but also automatically shut off the water output in a certain time period, so as to save water.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.Inventor: Jing-Yang Lin
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Publication number: 20110232862Abstract: A fresh water heating system for mobile applications is provided which comprises: a coolant reservoir for storing a predetermined amount of coolant, the coolant reservoir comprising a coolant inlet for supplying coolant to the coolant reservoir and a coolant outlet for discharging coolant from the coolant reservoir; a coolant circuit connected to the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, the coolant circuit comprising a fuel-operated heat source (5; 5?); and a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger arranged in the coolant reservoir for transferring heat from stored coolant to fresh water.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: WEBASTO AGInventor: Paul Gofton
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Publication number: 20110215163Abstract: A temperature controlling valve serves to adjust a mixed rate of cold and hot waters to control a temperature of the mixed cold and hot water by using a water supplying means having a first pore to flow the cold water, a second pore to flow the hot water, a first shield to close the first pore, and a second shield to close the second pore; wherein when the temperature control set is driven by a driving motor to rotate at an original position, the first and the second shields are actuated to close the first and the second pores so that the cold and the hot waters flow into a valve core to be mixed together, wherein an inverse relationship exists between the cross sectional area of the first pore to flow the hot water and the cross sectional area of the second pore to flow the cold water.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventors: Yuanhao Chang, Tsungyi Lo
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Publication number: 20110185493Abstract: A touch free automatic faucet is provided. The faucet includes a faucet housing including many sensors for controlling water flow and water temperature. A processor is connected to the sensors. A first control valve assembly is connected to the processor. A second control valve assembly is connected to the processor. A power source is connected to the processor, the first control valve assembly and the second control valve assembly. Water flow and water temperature are controlled by the sensors without touching of the faucet housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventor: Chung-Chia Chen
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Publication number: 20110168790Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2009Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: STUDIO TECNICO SVILUPPO E RICERCHE S.T.S.R. S.R.L.Inventor: Francesco Knapp
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Patent number: 7946504Abstract: An electronic faucet for mixing hot and cold fluids and a manual override system therefor. The override system is adapted to override the electronics of the faucet in order to allow a user to gain full manual control, for example, if the user merely desires it or there is a malfunction in the faucet's electronics or an electric power outage. The faucet can be operated in an automatic mode, a manual mode and switch between those modes. According to one embodiment, the override system disables the faucet's electronics as a result of manual movement of the handles causing a motor of the electronic faucet to deviate from its normal resistance or current, signaling the electronics to become disabled. According to another embodiment, pulling or pushing of the handles mechanically disengage them from the electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Inventors: Yuval P. Shapira, Asaf Shaltiel
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Publication number: 20110049251Abstract: An automatic temperature control for a washing machine or the like may adopt in a first embodiment a single triac switched between a hot-water valve and cold-water valve by mechanical switch elements to provide for a range of temperature control via a microprocessor receiving a temperature command input. In a second embodiment two triacs may be used to permit a range of temperature controls to be effected by voltage signals generated by low-voltage low current switches implemented on an integrated circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: Erik K. Larson, David C. Gill, Juan J. Barrena, Mark A. Romo
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Publication number: 20110041561Abstract: A washing machine with a single input hose for both hot and cold water. The solenoid-operated water mixing valve assembly has a direct attachment to the hot and cold water supply valves. A flexible hose connects the washing machine to the solenoid-operated water mixing valve assembly. When the washing machine fill cycle begins, the solenoid-operated water mixing valve assembly is turned on and the water is output to the flexible hose. When the washing machine fill cycle ends, the water supply is turned off. The hot and cold water are mixed prior to input to the flexible hose, and as a result, only one flexible hose is required to supply water to the washing machine. The flexible hose is attached to the output of the solenoid-operated water mixing valve assembly and therefore is not under water pressure unless the washing machine is in a fill cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventor: Adam Apel
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Patent number: 7857234Abstract: A remote shower actuator and temperature sensing unit installs in a shower having a shower head in a water line that is downstream of hot and cold water mixing for the shower. The shower actuator includes a battery powered wireless actuated blocking valve, a digital temperature sensor mechanism, a temperature indicating mechanism and generally two independent one wireless controllers. The valve may move between a closed position, an open position and a trickle flow position. The trickle flow position is a significantly reduced flow in response to a potentially hazardous temperature reading. The temperature indicating mechanism may be a visible display on the controllers that constantly displays the measured temperatures, or may be a visible or audible indicator on the controllers that identifies that the flowing water temperature has reached an acceptable steady state temperature, or a combination of the two.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Thorley Industries LLCInventors: Robert D Daley, Henry F. Thorne
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Patent number: 7849916Abstract: An apparatus for use with a process liquid for controlling the temperature of a semiconductor-processing target comprises first and second tanks adapted for holding process liquid, at least one fluid level sensor carried by the first tank for monitoring the amount of process liquid in the first tank, and a valve coupled to one of the at least one fluid level sensor and configured to increases the flow of process liquid from the second tank to the target when the amount of process liquid in the first tank drops to a first predetermined amount. The first tank may include first and second compartments partially separated by a divider with a top whereby process liquid in the first compartment flows over the top of the divider into the second compartment.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2006Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Noah Precision, LLCInventors: Boris Atlas, Yefim Bichutskiy, Boris Bruk
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Publication number: 20100276500Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2008Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventor: Eitan Rivlin
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Patent number: 7802733Abstract: A fluid delivery control system including a rotatable flow control member to provide a flow control signal to a controller and a rotatable temperature control member to provide a temperature control signal to a controller.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Masco Corporation of IndianaInventor: Randall Paul Schmitt
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Publication number: 20100206956Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: KWC AGInventors: Christian GAUTSCHI, Daniel BAUMANN
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Patent number: 7744007Abstract: Thermostatic mixing valves and systems for mixing fluids of dissimilar temperature are disclosed. A thermostatic mixing valve in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention can include an elongated valve body defining a cold fluid inlet, a hot fluid inlet, a mix fluid outlet and a mixing chamber, a fluid flow regulator for adjusting the flow of cold and hot fluid injected into the mixing chamber, and temperature selection means for adjusting the temperature of fluid contained within the mixing chamber. The valve body may have a vertical, in-line configuration wherein the hot fluid inlet, mixing chamber, and mix fluid outlet are substantially axially aligned along a vertical longitudinal axis of the valve body, allowing hot fluid to pass substantially vertically through the valve body towards the mix fluid outlet.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2004Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Joseph W. Beagen, Steve Goins
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Patent number: 7742883Abstract: A battery powered, low voltage faucet flow timer, water usage calculator, and energy consumption awareness meter is simple to install and calibrate and may enable a user to understand the water usage associated with showering, bathing or other open faucet water use activity. The device may provide a simple method for calculating the flow characteristics for a shower, bath or other faucet and entering this flow rate into the timing device so that the timer provides an accurate calculation of water usage indicating both the time spent with the water running and approximate total water usage.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Umagination Labs, L.P.Inventors: Douglas C. Dayton, Sung Park, Mark R Florence
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Patent number: 7740181Abstract: A method and a device are provided whereby a container can be continuously filled with mixed water from separate cold and hot water pipes K, W within a short time and the temperature T of the mixed water is kept as constant as possible at a predetermined value Ts during the supply process. According to the method according to the invention, the regulating process always takes place only in one direction from higher to lower temperature values. The method is implemented by a regulator 1 to 6 with separate intake pipes K and W for cold and hot water and a mechanical control element 6 which is only moved in one direction. The essential advantage of the method according to the invention is that it can be implemented very cheaply, especially a synchronous motor without reversal of the direction of rotation can be used as a drive for the control member 6. Possible perturbations in the hot water system can by intercepted to a sufficient extent by compensation which is easy to implement.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventor: Horst Wiemer
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Publication number: 20100127087Abstract: A method for controlling a digital shower system includes the steps of: actuating the digital shower system for operation; detecting whether the system is in order or not, and if not, generating an error message; otherwise, performing the next step; entering a ready mode, for discharging in advance a water flow in an outlet pipe that does not reach a preset outlet water temperature; entering a shower mode, in which a desired message is input through a digital user interface, a water outlet is controlled by a control unit to continuously output water maintained at the same temperature as the preset outlet water temperature; and providing several preset power-off conditions for automatically turning off the digital shower system. The method may not only achieve the function of discharging water in advance, but also automatically shut off the water output in a certain time period, so as to save water.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: Globe Union Industrial Corp.Inventor: Jing-Yang LIN
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Publication number: 20100006658Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dispensing water, comprising a water tank for keeping water at a tank temperature, which water tank comprises a tank inlet and a tank outlet, in which the tank inlet is connected to a source of water, and the tank outlet is connected to a tapping point for warm or hot water. The invention is characterized by the fact that the device comprises a mixing device with a first water supply, a second water supply and a water discharge connected to a dispensing point, in which 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 the tank outlet, in which the mixing device comprises 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, and in which the tank temperature is higher than the desired temperature of the water to be dispensed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2007Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: HENRI PETERI BEHEER B.V.Inventors: Niels Theodoor Peteri, Ivo Legel
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Patent number: 7624757Abstract: A faucet assembly is operable automatically or mechanically to facilitate control in a non-powered or motor failure condition. In the automatic control position, separate and automatic control of fluid flow and temperature is provided by respective actuation of first and second handles. In the manual control position, the first and second handles are moved axially to decouple electric motors from corresponding fluid control valves. Such axial movement of the first and second handles concurrently couples the handles mechanically to the corresponding fluid control valves to provide the desired manual actuation.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Masco Corporation of IndianaInventor: Randall Paul Schmitt
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Patent number: 7597269Abstract: A water circulation unit (120) for reducing bacteria growth in a water supply system includes elements for controlling temperature and flow (133) which is arranged to provide a dynamically controlled flow of water from both a hot water pipe (140) and a cold water pipe (150) to at least one return water pipe (160) such that the water from the hot water pipe is above the temperature region in which dangerous bacteria growth may occur, and the water from the cold water pipe (150).Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Inventor: Mikael Nutsos
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Patent number: 7584898Abstract: A valve system including a manual control mechanism configured to move a valve member.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Masco Corporation of IndianaInventors: Randall Paul Schmitt, Jeffrey Belz
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Patent number: 7475827Abstract: A fluid mixer including a mixing element configured to separate and mix hot and cold water streams.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Masco Corporation of IndianaInventor: Randall Paul Schmitt
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Patent number: 7458520Abstract: An electronic proportioning valve for connection to a cold water source, a hot water source and a mixed water outlet and for providing a mixed water of a desired water temperature and flow rate to the mixed water outlet.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Masco Corporation of IndianaInventors: Jeffrey Belz, Randall Paul Schmitt, Jeff Iott, Cliff Chiang, Thomas Alan Barnett
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Publication number: 20080237362Abstract: A hot water supply system is provided for saving of water and energy. The disclosed subject matter implements a circle piping whereby the water flow in the circle piping can be promptly heated to the preset water temperature for use, so that the user does not need to wait for water to be heated and the objective of convenient use can be achieved. Similarly, the disadvantage of draining a great quantity of cold water before the desired hot water is produced in a conventional hot water system can also be solved.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventor: Rui-Zong Huang
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Publication number: 20080156889Abstract: An electronic faucet for mixing hot and cold fluids and a manual override system therefor. The override system is adapted to override the electronics of the faucet in order to allow a user to gain full manual control, for example, if the user merely desires it or there is a malfunction in the faucet's electronics or an electric power outage. The faucet can be operated in an automatic mode, a manual mode and switch between those modes. According to one embodiment, the override system disables the faucet's electronics as a result of manual movement of the handles causing a motor of the electronic faucet to deviate from its normal resistance or current, signaling the electronics to become disabled. According to another embodiment, pulling or pushing of the handles mechanically disengage them from the electronic control.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2008Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Yuval P. Shapira, Asaf Shaltiel
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Patent number: 7325747Abstract: A fluid control system includes a valve and a restrictor. The valve is configured to regulate the proportion at which a first fluid and a second fluid are mixed together. Based on the pressure drop across the restrictor, the valve further regulates the overall flow rate of the mixed first and second fluids. In one form, the valve includes a pair of spools that regulate the proportion and flow rate of the fluids. In another form, the valve includes a thermostatic element that regulate the proportion at which the first and second fluids are mixed together so as to control the temperature of the mixed fluids. The valve in a further form incorporates a pair of diaphragm valves.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2004Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Masco Corporation of IndianaInventor: Patrick Jonte
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Publication number: 20080006707Abstract: The present invention relates to a showerhead of a type which is connected by a flexible conduit to a mixer tap assembly controlling the delivery of fluid, the showerhead including at least one electric control connected to a power drive means for controlling the fluid outflow, said power drive means being associated with the mixer tap assembly. Advantageously, the electric control comprises an on/off control pushbutton for the fluid outflow. Also provided is at least a second electric control for controlling the fluid temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2006Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventor: Fabrizio Nobili
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Patent number: 7040542Abstract: A temperature measuring device and a flowrate measuring device are both connected to a regulating unit, thus enabling the mixing temperature of the mixing water flowing through a supply line and the flowrate to be determined. The regulating unit serves for controlling a mixing valve and a shut-off valve. At the end of the filling operation, the overall volume introduced into a container and input via a control apparatus has the likewise input desired temperature, the regulating unit continuously determines, based on the flowrate and the measured mixing temperature, since a starting time point, the actual heat quantity contained in a part volume which has already flowed out.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: KWC AGInventor: Werner Hugger
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Patent number: 7011744Abstract: A brine supply unit for supplying brine to at least one load after controlling the brine so as to meet a target temperature of the load comprises: a heat exchanger disposed at a brine-cooling channel, through which the brine returned from the load flows, for cooling the brine with water for industrial use; a heater disposed at a brine-heating channel formed in parallel with the brine-cooling channel, through which the brine flows, for heating the brine; a mixing section disposed at a connecting portion between the brine-cooling channel and the brine-heating channel, for mixing the cooled brine and the heated brine; and a tank disposed between the mixing section and the load, which has a capacity of about 10 liters or more and is constructed so that the brine can pass therethrough slowly to relieve a sudden temperature change of the brine.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignees: Choshu Industry Co., Ltd., Anelva CorporationInventors: Tomio Takamura, Tadashi Hirayama, Yoshiyuki Ikemura, Masahiko Tamaru, Yasumi Sago, Masayoshi Ikeda, Kazuaki Kaneko, Jun Miyaji, Noriaki Tateno
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Patent number: 6956498Abstract: A system for remote operation of a personal hygiene appliance which includes any one of a toilet flush valve, a faucet, a shower head, a soap dispenser, a hand dryer, and a paper towel dispenser, includes an electric operator associated with each appliance for causing operation thereof. A radio receiver is associated with each appliance, which, upon receipt of a message unique to that appliance, will cause its operation. There is a triggering device, remote from the appliance, which may be for example an infrared sensor or a manually operated switch for signaling an intent to cause operation of the appliance. There is a transmitter and a receiver associated with the triggering device. Each triggering device associated transmitter is programmed to transmit a message unique to that specific appliance. There is an indicator located at each triggering device and a receiver associated with the indicator.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2000Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Sloan Valve CompanyInventors: Jerome M. Gauthier, Nhon T. Vuong
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Patent number: 6938827Abstract: In a mixing valve for cold and hot water with thermostatic control of the mixed-water temperature by a thermostat (4) that is connected with a tubular double valve slide (3a, 3b) that is positioned by a temperature selector (5) and that is held in a housing (1) having at least one cold-water inlet (10), one hot-water inlet (11), and one mixed-water outlet (12), the inlet ports (22 and 23) of the mixing valve of the double valve slide (31, 3b) being oppositely controlled at opposite ends, it is suggested that the double valve slide (3a, 3b) have an annular web (31, 31a, 30b) formed with a smaller-diameter partition sleeve (31) that is axially shiftable at least at its end in a bore (24, 26) and that downstream of the inlet ports (22 and 23) the hot water and cold water each flow through respective passages (301) opening into an annular mixing compartment (302) in the web (30, 30a, 30b), the mixing compartment (302) extending radially through the partition sleeve (31) such that exiting mixed water is directed tType: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Rohe Water Technology AG & Co. KGInventors: Frank-Thomas Luig, Kai Huck
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Patent number: 6929188Abstract: A tempering valve is connected to hot and cold water supplies. The tempering valve has first and second thermal valves, each of which mixes hot and cold water flows to produce a tempered flow at a selected temperature. the mixed flow from the first thermal valve bypasses through the second thermal valve. A small valve assembly is responsive to the flow rate therethrough. At low flow rates, direct hot and cold water flow paths to the second thermal valve are blocked. At or above a selected transition flow rate, the small valve assembly opens to permit direct hot and cold water flows from hot and cold water inlets to the second thermal valve. The tempering valve may include a failure protection valve which shuts off all flow in case of a cold water supply failure.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2004Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Conbraco Industries, Inc.Inventors: Gareth Peter Taylor, Jason Daniel Scharf
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Patent number: 6913203Abstract: The present invention provides a means to add electronic control of temperature and flow rate for fluids in standard faucets. The device is self powered by means of the fluid flowing through it and generates sufficient power to operate the control electronics. Elimination of an external power source or internal battery, is important for simple retrofit installations as well as maintenance free operation for many years. The invention consists of two components that communicate with each other via either an RF (radio frequency), IR (infra red) or a wired link. The Mixing Unit serves to mix the incoming hot and cold fluids (typically water but any fluid can be mixed) to a desired temperature under control of the Main Control Unit. The Main Control Unit provides a means by which the user can adjust the temperature as well as automatically turn on and off the fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Inventor: Eric DeLangis
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Patent number: 6892952Abstract: A water control module is provided that monitors water temperature in plumbing, such as shower plumbing, and receives certain input commands from a user. The water control module may, in one example, control shower water flow temperature to preferential temperature values. Control of shower water flow temperature is accomplished by receiving user input of desired water temperature on a user interface, sensing current water temperature in the plumbing, and processing the user inputs and sensed water temperature values to control water delivery temperature. In another example, the water control module may provide a display screen with numerical and/or graphical features to inform the user of desired and/or measured temperature values.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Ewig Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chee Ann Chang, Kai Wai Wu, Wai Man Yuen
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Patent number: 6854658Abstract: The present invention provides a mixing valve (30) suitable for electric motor (38) actuation, particularly stepper motor actuation. It also provides a servo mixing valve system, which includes stepper motors for actuation and optionally includes a solenoid switched outlet manifold and a combination mixing and dye. The present invention also provides an actively controlled bathroom shower mixing system including temperature formation feedback.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1997Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: American Standard International, Inc.Inventors: Bradley James Houghton, Peter James Jeromson, Jamie Jon Aorangi Wilkinson, Peter Stephen Barnes, Giscard Hubertus Theodoor Rutten