Abstract: Methods and system consistent with the present invention provide an appliance having inlet valves connected to respective supply lines with a control system that senses a temperature of a fluid supplied by a first of the supply lines, associates the first inlet valve connected to the first supply line with one of a plurality of predetermined temperature ranges, one of which includes the sensed temperature of the fluid in first supply line, and activates the first inlet valve upon a request by the appliance for a fluid in the one predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a critical process variable, such as the temperature of one or more temperature control units for cluster tools in a semiconductor fabrication facility, uses dual interrelated PID) algorithms for interrelated but at times separate control of heating capabilities. The temperature control units operate with high power efficiency, because no heating energy is expended during cooling and non-transition modes. When approaching a temperature threshold, however, the heating algorithm is reinstated just long enough to provide minimum undershoot and enabling precise, low per consuming, steady state control at ±0.1° C., minimizing undershoot and enabling precise steady state control at ±0.1° C.

Abstract: An electronic mixed water preparation device comprises a compact flush-mounted unit for electronically controlling mixed water in private households. Previously, such methods could only be implemented in an industrial environment or in combination with additional devices. The compact unit comprises an electronic controller and a step motor which acts upon a mechanical actuator. The preparation of mixed water can be exclusively carried out in conjunction with a temperature sensor whose measuring values are used to detect throughflow and excess temperature, in addition to actual temperature values.

Abstract: An adapter for use with a mixing valve, an automatic temperature regulating mixing valve, and a method of providing automatic temperature regulation for a fluid mixing valve are provided. The adapter includes an inlet adapted to attach to an outlet of a mixing valve, and at least one temperature sensing switch positioned to sense the temperature of fluid flowing through the adapter. The thermal sensing switch activates at a predetermined temperature to close its internal contacts. This contacts are wired between the line inputs of the electrically controlled valves governing the flow of fluid into each of the hot and cold fluid inlets of the mixing valve. Both or either a high and low temperature switch may be used. The adapter may also include a flow control element.

Abstract: A shower control system for facilitating a user's control of the temperature and pressure of water used during a shower. The shower control system includes a shower assembly having a pair of inlet pipes. A first of the inlet pipes is designed for being in fluid communication with a building cold water supply. A second of the inlet pipes is designed for being in fluid communication with a building hot water supply. A stem pipe of the shower assembly is in fluid communication with the inlet pipes. A shower head of the shower assembly is in fluid communication with the stem pipe. A mixing assembly is operationally coupled to the shower assembly. The mixing assembly is designed for controlling pressure and temperature of water sprayed from the shower head. A power assembly is operationally coupled to the mixing assembly for providing power to the mixing assembly.

Abstract: A mixing valve having two different fluid inputs and at least one fluid outlet. The fluid inputs are adapted to be coupled to the fluid outlet in variable proportions according to mix ratio data provided by a controller means. An electric motor operated gear box is adapted to be coupled to the operating shaft of the mixing valve. A sensing probe is mounted in communication with the mixing valve outlet fluid and is adapted to be coupled to the controller means. Optional, electrically operated fluid solenoids are adapted to be coupled to the controller means. The controller means is provided with an output for switching the switching device between its first, second or third states in a predetermined sequence for inducing a polarity conditioned voltage signal. The power supply and dry cell battery are coupled to the AC mains for supplying a low-voltage, supply to the controller means.

Abstract: An electromechanically actuated pressure balancing and/or thermostatic valve system, operable in a wet, electrically hazardous environment, used to control the temperature and flow of water supplying plumbing fixtures such as showers, baths and medical podiatry systems. The pressure and/or temperature balancing valve comprising a hot and cold water inlet and one or more mixed water outlets, includes a gear motor drivingly coupled to said pressure and/or temperature balancing valve. The switching device coupled to the motor, the switching device being operative in either a first state wherein significant current flow the motor is prevented or a second state wherein current flow through the motor causes rotation in a first direction or a third state wherein current flow through the motor causes rotation in a direction opposite to the first direction. The user controls provide desired mixed outlet water temperature setpoint.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic mixed water preparation device. Previously such methods could only be implemented in an industrial environment or in combination with additional devices. The inventive mixed water preparation device is a compact flush-mounted unit for electronically controlling mixed water in private households. The compact inventive unit comprises an electronic controller and a step motor which acts upon a mechanical actuator. The preparation of said mixed water can be exclusively carried out in conjunction with a temperature sensor whose measuring values are used to detect throughflow and excess temperature, in addition to actual temperature values.

Abstract: A thermostatic valve is controlled by a motor that receives signals from an electronic control module (ECM). The ECM sends an electric signal corresponding to a desired outlet stream temperature to the motor, which turns the thermostatic valve to a location corresponding to the desired temperature. The ECM also adapts the thermostatic valve capacity to outlet flow demands by restricting and opening inlet valves, ensuring that the thermostatic valve can maintain an equilibrium temperature for both high and low outlet flow applications.

Abstract: Water faucets that allow the user to manually mix hot and cold water until the desired temperature is felt have existed for a very long time. However, it typically can take up to a few minutes of various manual adjustments to get the desired temperature. Since the early 80's there existed also the possibility of doing the mixing automatically until a certain preselected temperature is reached, for example by an electric faucet with a temperature sensor. However, these patents did not solve the problem of the waiting time until the cold water in the hot water pipe gets out, and they did not solve the problem of reaching the desired heat if the hot water source is not hot enough and/or reaching the desired coldness of the cold water source is not cold enough. Clearly a more sophisticated system is needed.

Abstract: A mixing valve apparatus including a mixing valve for mixing water from a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet and supplying the mixed water to a water outlet, the water inlets and outlets being for connection to an external water system, a valve servo for moving the position of the valve, a control system for operating the valve servo and thereby controlling at least the temperature at the water outlet, wherein the control system characterises the external water system in which the mixing valve is connected and optimizes control of the valve according to the characterisation.

Abstract: The controller 70 of the brine supply device 10 performs the PID calculation of the manipulated variable MV of the valve 14, calculates the compensated manipulated variable MV′ by compensating the manipulated value MV, and controls the operation of the valve 14 based on the compensated manipulated variable MV′. The variation &Dgr;MV of the manipulated variable MV becomes proportional to the variation &Dgr;PV of the brine supply temperature Pt1 as the operation of the valve 14 is controlled with the compensated manipulated variable MV′. This makes it possible to control temperature with a high accuracy using only one set of PID constants.

Abstract: A rotary liquid mixing solenoid valve comprises a valve casing, a cold and/or hot water inletpipes, a mixed water outlet pipe, a temperature sensor installed in the mixed water outlet pipe, and a guardless rotary electromagnet mounted on a side of the valve casing. Both side faces of a regulating block mounted on an epitaxial end of a rotary armature shaft of the electromagnet may fit with the end faces of cold, hot liquid inlet openings respectively. After a coil is energized, the regulating block causes the temperature of mixed liquid to be stable via regulating the flow of cold, hot liquids in proportion according to a preset temperature. The valve has the advantages as follows: e.g. a simple structure, a miniature volume, a small power consumption, a high working efficiency, a fast regulating response, a high accuracy, and a stable and reliable operation, etc.

Abstract: A biometric water mixing valve uses a measured biometric characteristic to identify a user and to identify the user's preferred output water temperature and/or output water volume. Hot and cold water flow are mixed in amounts required to yield an output discharge temperature that the identified user prefers. By using a biometric characteristic, a preferred discharge water temperature and/or volume can be achieved merely by having the biometric characteristic scanned.

Abstract: A high efficiency valving system for a washing machine includes a three coil water valve. The valve is designed for specific flow rates for each port, with one coil controlling the hot flow, and the other two controlling the high cold flow and a low cold flow. When filling for a hot wash the hot coil and the low cold coil are energized. For warm washes, all three coils are activated. For cold washes, the two cold coils are energized.

Abstract: The controller 70 of the brine supply device 10 performs the PID calculation of the manipulated variable MV of the valve 14, calculates the compensated manipulated variable MV′ by compensating the manipulated value MV, and controls the operation of the valve 14 based on the compensated manipulated variable MV′. The variation &Dgr;MV of the manipulated variable MV becomes proportional to the variation &Dgr;PV of the brine supply temperature Pt1 as the operation of the valve 14 is controlled with the compensated manipulated variable MV′. This makes it possible to control temperature with a high accuracy using only one set of PID constants.

Abstract: A plumbing control system includes a plurality of plumbing fixtures operated by an electronic control board having a microprocessor. The control board can form a node on a network that monitors and controls the functions of multiple boards throughout a facility from a central computer. Network software running on the central computer communicates with the control boards. The software includes a binding feature that requires reporting of a network operating variable at a first control board to the central computer or a second control board. The network software also has site and device setup forms.

Abstract: The fluid supply apparatus supplies and controls one or more fluids while adjusting/controlling one or more continuously parameters; and includes an outlet, at least one control valve and a touchless user control interface. For example a faucet has sensors mounted thereon to control water flow (6) and temperature (16, 17). For example a user hand in field (16) will increase temperature over time and decrease in field (17). The on/off sensor field may include the water stream, a bi-colour light emitting diode indicates temperature, temperature feedback means maintains the desired temperature, a battery or super capacitor allows operation or fluid shut off if power fails, an anti-tamper feature requires the fluid to be shut off if more than one sensor is covered and a time prevents waster wastage. The hygienic touchless interface may be in a tile or flat plate. Other applications may include panel mounted fluid control systems for controlling a plurality of fluid types and associated parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic mixed water preparation device. Previously such methods could only be implemented in an industrial environment or in combination with additional devices. The inventive mixed water preparation device (1) is a compact flush-mounted unit for electronically controlling mixed water in private households. The compact inventive unit comprises an electronic controller (6) and a step motor which acts upon a mechanical actuator. The preparation of said mixed water can be exclusively carried out in conjunction with a temperature sensor (13) whose measuring values are used to detect throughflow and excess temperature, in addition to actual temperature values.

Abstract: A fluid data monitoring and control system useful in monitoring fluid properties and controlling the flow of that fluid from a faucet is described. The system includes a fluid property sensor/transmitter attached to a faucet which communicates via a wireless link to a controller. The wireless link is utilized to facilitate installation on a faucet. Various embodiments of the system include a system having a user detector for touchless control of the flow of water from a faucet, a digital display with audio and/or visual alarms to indicate if pro-set fluid conditions have been realized, a control valve (20) to moderate flow of water to the faucet and a design to provide the incorporation of multiple sensors into the system.

Abstract: A device is provided for controlling the feed of mixed cold and hot water and the temperature of the mixed water in a sanitary installation, in particular for controlling the filling of a sanitary tub. The device comprises a mixing valve located in the water feed line, and an electronic controlling device associated with the mixing valve. The electronic controlling device comprises interfaces for connecting at least one data input and output device, a temperature sensor and a system for detecting the filling level in the tub. The mixing valve comprises a valve block containing separate inlets for cold and hot water, and a channel for mixed water with a mixed-water outlet, and valve chambers for rotary valves with rotating valve bodies. Two rotary valve drives connected to the controlling device are secured on the outer side of the valve block.

Abstract: A mixing valve apparatus including a mixing valve for mixing water from a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet and supplying the mixed water to a water outlet the water inlets and outlets being for connection to an external water system, a valve servo for moving the position of the valve, a control system for operating the valve servo and thereby controlling at least the temperature at the water outlet, wherein the control system characterises the external water system in which the mixing valve is connected and optimizes control of the valve according to the characterisation.

Abstract: A water temperature and pressure regulating system includes a control unit having a display module with user controls for selecting from predetermined water temperature and pressure settings and for adjusting those settings. The system includes inlet conduits connected to hot and cold water sources and an outlet conduit. Temperature and pressure sensors are connected to the outlet conduit and communicate with a central processing unit. Each inlet conduit includes a control valve. Electromechanical worm gear assemblies connect the CPU with the control valves for incrementally opening or closing the valves to maintain selected temperature and pressure settings. Temperature sensors connected to the inlet conduits enable the CPU to decrease pressure and conserve hot water while maintaining a selected temperature when cooling of the hot water is detected. The inlet conduit sensors also enable the CPU to open the valves even prior to receiving data from the outlet conduit sensor.

Abstract: A water temperature and pressure regulating system includes a control unit having a display module with user controls for selecting from predetermined water temperature and pressure settings and for adjusting those settings. The system includes inlet conduits connected to hot and cold water sources and an outlet conduit. Temperature and pressure sensors are connected to the outlet conduit and communicate with a central processing unit. Each inlet conduit includes a control valve. Electromechanical worm gear assemblies connect the CPU with the control valves for incrementally opening or closing the valves to maintain selected temperature and pressure settings. Temperature sensors connected to the inlet conduits enable the CPU to decrease pressure and conserve hot water while maintaining a selected temperature when cooling of the hot water is detected. The inlet conduit sensors also enable the CPU to open the valves even prior to receiving data from the outlet conduit sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for automating control of the water in a shower system includes at least one sensor disposable within a water flow path intermediate the valve and the showerhead. A processing unit operatively connectable to the sensor processes the sensor signal and generates control signals in response thereto. A valve control mechanism operatively connectable to the valve and the processing unit positions the valve in response to the control signals from the processing unit. A user interface operatively connectable to the processing unit receives user commands and displays values for the water temperature and flow rate. In the illustrative embodiment the processing unit is microprocessor based and enables previously defined vales for water temperature and flow rate to be stored and recalled in association with a particular user identifier.

Abstract: An adjustable liquid temperature control system for a washing machine regulates the temperature of washing liquid established in a washing tub in an accurate and economical manner without the use of a dedicated temperature sensor. Preferably, numerous default mixing ratios for hot and cold fill water are preset in the washing machine. The system is designed to enable the washing machine operator to adjust one or more of the default mixing ratios in order to selectively fine tune the system. In accordance with one embodiment, the operator can directly input a desired mixing ratio. In another embodiment, the operator can indirectly establish a mixing ratio by entering a desired washing temperature.

Abstract: A method and system for providing temperature-sensitive water delivery using thermostatic controls on home plumbing systems including showers, sinks, and bathtubs. A biometric device is utilized to record user fingerprints and associate the user with a desired temperature setting. An electronic temperature control component is used to accurately specify the desired water temperature for the particular water outlet and a thermostatic gauge is used to determine when the desired temperature is reached. When the desired temperature is reached, then a specified action occurs to display this indication. An output display is used to indicate the fact that the desired temperature has been reached or the flow of water is diverted back to the output of the faucet. The water is routed to an input reservoir until the desired temperature is reached for the purpose of preventing burns or too hot (or cold) water coming out.

Abstract: A voice activated faucet is provided with a valve coupled between the faucet and a water line for allowing water to flow to the faucet upon the actuation thereof. Further provided is a voice recognition mechanism including a microphone for receiving and recognizing at least one audio signal. Also included is a control mechanism connected to the valve and voice recognition mechanism for actuating the valve upon the recognition of the audio signal by the valve.

Abstract: The controller 70 of the brine supply device 10 performs the PID calculation of the manipulated variable MV of the valve 14, calculates the compensated manipulated variable MV′ by compensating the manipulated value MV, and controls the operation of the valve 14 based on the compensated manipulated variable MV′. The variation &Dgr;MV of the manipulated variable MV becomes proportional to the variation &Dgr;PV of the brine supply temperature Pt1 as the operation of the valve 14 is controlled with the compensated manipulated variable MV′. This makes it possible to control temperature with a high accuracy using only one set of PID constants.

Abstract: A water temperature control circuit for a washing machine includes window detector and dual water valve drivers to modulate the hot and cold water valves to maintain the water temperature at a desired level. A temperature selector switch provides hot, regulated hot, warm, regulated warm, and cold temperature settings for the washing machine. During regulated temperature operation the window detector modulates one of the water valves to maintain the water temperature within a narrow temperature band. The window comparator includes two comparators that receive a common temperature input from a temperature sensing element. As such, no shunt resistor is required for one or the other comparators, thus improving accuracy. The control circuit operates open loop with respect to the hot and cold water valves that it controls, utilizing instead only the temperature input for controlling the proper water valve when enabled.

Abstract: A water heating system in which the output water temperature is regulated by a mixing valve which allows the temperature of the water contained within the water heater to be maintained at a much higher temperature without compromising safety. Significantly more hot water is therefore available for use yet the maximum temperature supplied to the various points of usage are within the safe limits. The system can be additionally configured to supply unmixed hot water to points of usage where a higher temperature is needed and a user is not exposed to the water such as for example in a dishwasher.

Abstract: A fluid or gas delivery system is provided for controlling fluid or gas temperature, flow rate and volume at a system outlet. The system comprises single or double control valves for regulating flow of a first fluid or gas and a second fluid or gas from corresponding first and second fluid or gas sources into a mixing port, wherein the first fluid or gas has a different temperature from the second fluid or gas. A fluid or gas supply control valve actuator operatively connected to the first and second fluid or gas supply valves actuate opening and closure operations of the valves. A thermosensor thermally coupled with the mixing port senses an estimated present temperature of a mixed fluid or gas within the mixing port. A flow control valve regulates flow of a mixed fluid or gas at the system outlet. A flow control valve actuator operatively connected to the flow control valve actuates opening and closure thereof.

Abstract: An emergency tempered water blending apparatus is described which has a threeway, thermostatic mixing valve for mixing a cold water intake stream with a hot water intake stream at effective proportions to form a tempered water output stream having a desired, preset temperature. When the flow of the cold water is detected, a normally-closed valve in the tempered water stream opens allowing flow to the user. Water flow defaults to cold water upon either a mechanical or electrical failure, or upon the temperature of the tempered water becoming too hot to reduce probability of failure in hot mode.

Abstract: A shower temperature and pressure control system including a bathtub with an associated shower outlet. A mixing valve is coupled to a hot water source and a cold water source. The mixing valve is adapted to control the amount of hot water and cold water to flow so as to maintain a flow of water with a constant temperature corresponding to a predetermined temperature. A restrictive valve is adapted to control the water pressure so that a flow of water is maintained with a constant pressure corresponding to a predetermined pressure. Finally, a control unit has temperature selection buttons adapted to transmit to the temperature sensor a predetermined temperature and pressure selection buttons adapted to transmit to the pressure sensor a predetermined pressure thus affording a unique method of controlling both the temperature and pressure of a shower.

Abstract: A sanitary fitting for attachment to a plumbing wall including a fitting body with a common supply housing, the common supply housing having an elongated shape with a hot water supply and a cold water supply which are positioned in a supply plane substantially perpendicular to the plumbing wall and a valve for closing and/or mixing water flowing through the sanitary fitting, the valve having an elongated shape and being located outside the supply housing underneath the supply plane and the common supply housing, where a lengthwise axis of the valve means extends substantially parallel to a lengthwise axis of the supply housing.

Abstract: A water faucet assembly providing touchless water temperature and water flow adjustment. The assembly comprises a spout, a water mixing valve, at least one proximity sensor, and a microcomputer. The water mixing valve provides a mix and controls the flow of hot water from a hot water supply and cold water from a cold water supply to the spout. The at least one proximity sensor provides a water temperature or water flow input signal having a value corresponding to the distance of an object from the sensor. The microcomputer is responsive to the value of the water temperature input signal to control the water mixing valve and generate a mixture of the hot and cold water corresponding to the distance of the object from the proximity sensor. The microcomputer is also responsive to the value of the water flow input signal to provide a flow of water from the spout corresponding to the distance of the object from the proximity sensor.