Including Bypass Patents (Class 236/12.13)
  • Patent number: 12006870
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for an aircraft includes an inlet plenum housing defining an inlet plenum configured to receive a fluid and an outlet plenum housing defining an outlet plenum configured to discharge the fluid. Furthermore, the heat exchanger includes a core configured to heat or cool a first portion of the fluid, with the core defining a plurality of fluid passages extending from the inlet plenum to the outlet plenum. Moreover, the heat exchanger includes a passive bypass defining a passive bypass flow path fluidly coupled to and extending between the inlet plenum and the outlet plenum. As such, the passive bypass flow path is in parallel with at least a portion of the core such that a second portion of the fluid bypasses at least a portion of the core and flows continuously and unobstructed through the passive bypass flow path to the outlet plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Matthew Ryan Johns, Alex William Ariapad, Nicolas Kristopher Sabo, Jeffrey Douglas Rambo, Ramon Martinez, Jared Wolfe
  • Patent number: 11998935
    Abstract: A shower system includes a water supply conduit, a reservoir, and a valve actuator. The reservoir is fixedly coupled to the water supply conduit such that the reservoir and the water supply conduit are fluidly coupled. The valve actuator is configured for actuation between a first position in which water is supplied from the water supply conduit and a second position in which water is supplied from the reservoir. In some implementations, the shower system further includes a showerhead that is fluidly coupled to the water supply conduit and the reservoir such that water may be supplied from either the water supply conduit to the showerhead or from the reservoir to the showerhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: Matthew Joseph Ball
  • Patent number: 11987964
    Abstract: A sanitary faucet having a faucet body; a mixing valve for mixing cold water and warm water to form a mixed water; and a thermostatic mixing valve for mixing cold and hot water to generate the warm water, containing an expansion material element and a gate valve operated by the expansion material element for adjusting a mixing ratio between the cold water and the hot water, wherein the expansion material element and the gate valve are arranged non-coaxially to each other, wherein the expansion material element can be used to operate the gate valve via a connection element, and wherein the connection element can be attached to the gate valve or the expansion material element and can subsequently be rotated into a closed position, in which the gate valve and the expansion material element are interconnected by the connection element. A method of installing a sanitary faucet is proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: GROHE AG
    Inventor: Ole Benedikt Kostorz
  • Patent number: 11739509
    Abstract: A method adjusts a regulated temperature in a faucet that includes a spout, a faucet body, a hot water valve and a cold water valve. The method includes regulating a maximum water temperature of water provided to the spout using a thermostatic valve cartridge to add cold water that bypasses the cold water valve to the water provided to the spout as a function of water temperature inside the thermostatic valve cartridge. The thermostatic valve cartridge is affixed to the faucet body and external access to the thermostatic valve cartridge is inhibited by at least one element. The method also includes removing the at least one element to expose at least a portion of a thermostatic valve cartridge, and rotating a rotatable portion of the thermostatic valve cartridge to adjust the regulated maximum water temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventor: Scott E. Dolgos
  • Patent number: 10870920
    Abstract: A technology, when forming a film by supplying TiCl4 gas and NH3 gas a plurality of times in alternation to a substrate, can increase the amount of gas flow while suppressing cooling of a valve device, and contribute to an increase in throughput. In the formation of the film, the gas for atmosphere replacement supplied into a processing vessel between supplying one processing gas and supplying the other processing gas is heated ahead of time. Thus, the flow rate of gas can be increased while suppressing cooling of the gas-contacting sites such as a wafer and the inner wall of the processing vessel, and so it is possible to reduce the time necessary to replace the atmosphere, resulting in being able to contribute to increased throughput, and problems such as adhesion of reaction products due to cooling at the valve device are suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Shigeyuki Okura
  • Patent number: 10675573
    Abstract: A faucet filter system is connected to a water supply line, and includes a manifold connectable to the supply line and providing selective fluid communication with the supply line and a filter apparatus in fluid communication with the manifold, at least one remote actuated valve is associated with the manifold and configured for controlling water flow in the manifold to the filter apparatus when filtered water is desired. A wireless controller is disposed remotely from the filter apparatus and the manifold and is configured for actuating the valve between a first position, in which water flows from the water supply conduit through a faucet inlet, and a second position, in which water flows from the water supply conduit, to the filter apparatus, through the filter outlet and through the faucet inlet. Depending on the actuation of the valve, the either filtered or unfiltered water is emitted through a faucet spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: CULLIGAN INTERNATIONAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Bryan Miller, Kerry Quinn, Doug Anderson, Zach Schroeck
  • Patent number: 10571156
    Abstract: A valve (9) for use in a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed. The valve (9) comprises a first inlet (13) arranged to be connected to a gaseous outlet (11) of a receiver (6), a second inlet (14) arranged to be connected to an outlet of an evaporator (8), a first outlet (15) arranged to be connected to an inlet of a compressor unit (2), a non-return valve arrangement (19) arranged to allow a fluid flow from the second inlet (14) towards the first outlet (15), but to prevent a fluid flow from the first outlet (15) towards the second inlet (14), and a control valve mechanism (20) arranged to control a fluid flow from the first inlet (13) towards the first outlet (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventor: Michael Birkelund
  • Patent number: 9235220
    Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve unit in an emergency wash unit has an integrated housing with cold and hot water inlets each having an associated check valve, and a tempered water discharge having a thermostat for cold/hot water mixing to provide a predetermined tempered water discharge. A high temperature limit valve responds to the water discharge temperature to permit or prevent hot water inflow when the water discharge exceeds a preset temperature. A cold water bypass valve is coupled by a diverter valve to the lower of the cold and hot water supply pressures to maintain a substantial water discharge flow when the high temperature limit valve restricts hot water flow or when the hot water check valve is stuck closed, or upon failure of the cold water supply as by sticking of the cold water check valve in a closed position or by a clogged filter screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Haws Corporation
    Inventor: Zoltan Goncze
  • Patent number: 9122284
    Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve is used in a tempered water blending system. A cold water bypass line in the system acts under the control of a modulating valve and electronic controller to divert cold water back to a temperature sensing element in the mixing valve. By flooding the temperature sensing element, the mixing valve detects a false temperature and adjusts its flow rate of hot and cold water accordingly. The electronic controller acts in reverse of normal fashion, providing negative feedback to the sensing element of the mixing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: PVI Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Mark A. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9033254
    Abstract: A non electric, temperature controlled system for passing or bypassing a solar water heating apparatus includes a temperature controlled water distribution valve directing water to flow from a main supply of water toward a user depending on the setting and configuration of the temperature controlled water distribution valve within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Jeff Wieland
  • Patent number: 9027844
    Abstract: A water delivery system is provided, including at least one sink with a faucet device having a cold water faucet part and a hot water faucet part, a cold water line to the at least one sink, a hot water line to the at least one sink, and a valve associated with the at least one sink allowing in an open state the transport of water between the hot water line and the cold water line and inhibiting in a closed state the transport of water between the hot water line and the cold water line, wherein the open state and the closed state of the valve depend solely on whether a differential pressure across the valve is below or above a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Xylem IP Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Karsten Laing
  • Patent number: 8960269
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes: a bypass valve; a stack of standard tubes; and, in the stack, a pair of stacked-together adapter tubes. Each standard tube end has spaced-apart walls including openings. Each adapter tube end has: a wall including an opening; and a passage. At one end of the pair, the passages communicate with one another and the openings communicate with the openings in adjacent standard tubes; at the other end, the openings communicate with the openings in adjacent standard tubes. The valve includes a plug with opposed plug walls, one plug wall having one of an inlet and outlet, the plug being disposed with its walls between and at said other end of the pair and with the inlet and outlet communicating with the passages. An actuator is adjacent to the plug and has a reciprocating plunger for selectively blocking at least said one of the inlet and outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Dana Canada Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Cheadle, Yuri Peric, Doug Vanderwees
  • Publication number: 20150027551
    Abstract: Embodiments include eyewash valves in which the temperature of the water emerging from the valve is thermostatically controlled by a wax motor which regulates the flow of hot and cold water through the valve. Embodiments include provisions for continuing water flow through the valve despite failure of the hot water supply. Embodiments also include provisions for water flow through the valve despite failure of the wax motor in the upper position or in the lower position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Acorn Engineering Company
    Inventors: James C. Graves, Dejan Zivancevic
  • Patent number: 8876012
    Abstract: A water saver system that includes a temperature and touch sensitive valve, connected between the shower water control valves and the shower head, that diverts water to an accumulator tank until the water warms up. The temperature sensitive valve opens when the water reaches a preset temperature. The water stored in the accumulator tank flows back through a metering orifice and mixes with the warm water over the course of the shower so little water is wasted. The accumulator tank could be placed on the floor of the shower or outside the tub (under sink) in a retrofit or built into the wall stud cavity in new construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: John L. McMurtry
  • Patent number: 8820653
    Abstract: A water control fixture includes a fixture body in fluid communication with a pressurized supply of hot water and a pressurized supply of cold water. The fixture body interconnects the supply of hot water and the supply of cold water. The fixture body has a spout outlet configured to dispense water from the fixture body. At least one operating valve is coupled to the fixture body for controlling a flow of water to the spout outlet. A bypass valve is disposed in the fixture body for controlling a recirculating flow of water through the fixture body. The bypass valve blocks and permits recirculating flow from the supply of hot water to the supply of cold water based on a temperature of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: Dale Kempf, Ken Lum
  • Patent number: 8820652
    Abstract: A bypass valve includes a housing having a hot water port configured to communicate with a hot water supply line and a return port configured to discharge water from the housing for recirculation to a hot water source. The housing has a passage permitting recirculating flow between the hot water port and the return port. A valve member is operable to allow and restrict recirculating flow through the passage. The valve member restricts water flow through the passage in a failed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Grundfos Pumps Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Kempf, Ken Lum
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140110487
    Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve is used in a tempered water blending system. A cold water bypass line in the system acts under the control of a modulating valve and electronic controller to divert cold water back to a temperature sensing element in the mixing valve. By flooding the temperature sensing element, the mixing valve detects a false temperature and adjusts its flow rate of hot and cold water accordingly. The electronic controller acts in reverse of normal fashion, providing negative feedback to the sensing element of the mixing valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: PVI Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Mark A. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20130334324
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermostatic mixing valve with integrated flow diverter provided with a first coupling for a control lever for the flow rate adjustment and the flow diversion through a valve group that is housed between a base and a cylindrical body, and with a second coupling for a knob for the temperature adjustment through a thermostatic device, said valve including a member for the transmission of the flow rate adjustment and flow diversion control that directly connects the control lever to the valve group passing through the cylindrical body without moving it, the latter being also enclosed within an external casing secured to the base and achieving a watertight sealing with the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Manolo Ruga
  • Patent number: 8505830
    Abstract: A water control fixture includes a fixture body in fluid communication with a pressurized supply of hot water and a pressurized supply of cold water. The fixture body interconnects the supply of hot water and the supply of cold water. The fixture body has a spout outlet configured to dispense water from the fixture body. At least one operating valve is coupled to the fixture body for controlling a flow of water to the spout outlet. A bypass valve is disposed in the fixture body for controlling a recirculating flow of water through the fixture body. The bypass valve blocks and permits recirculating flow from the supply of hot water to the supply of cold water based on a temperature of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Grundfos Pumps Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Kempf, Ken Lum
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120325918
    Abstract: A bypass valve includes a housing having a hot water port configured to communicate with a hot water supply line and a return port configured to discharge water from the housing for recirculation to a hot water source. The housing has a passage permitting recirculating flow between the hot water port and the return port. A valve member is operable to allow and restrict recirculating flow through the passage. The valve member restricts water flow through the passage in a failed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Grundfos Pumps Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Kempf, Ken Lum
  • Patent number: 8291930
    Abstract: A hot water system includes cold water pipes, hot water pipes, a water heater, a pump, a pump control unit and a connection valve unit. The pump is used to increase the pressure of the hot water pipes to a preset higher level than the pressure in the cold water pipes. When hot water is needed, the connection valve unit at the user side is opened to connect the cold water pipes and the hot water pipes, and when the cold water pipes and the hot water pipes are connected, the water pressure difference between them will become smaller. When the pressure difference change is detected, the pump control unit will activate the pump to pump the water in the hot water pipes into the cold water pipes, so the water in the pipes starts to circulate, and the water will flow through the water heater and will be heated. When the heated hot water reaches the user, the pump is stopped. After the hot water is being served or when the water temperature drops down, the pump is again put into normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Yu-Tuan Lee
  • Patent number: 8245946
    Abstract: A unitary valve block assembly is interposed between a hot and cold water outlet and a faucet assembly including a hot and cold valve to convey the initially cold portion from the hot water outlet into an accumulator during all the times when the accumulator is substantially unfilled. This accumulated water is then emitted through the cold water valve each time cold water is demanded. When the pressure ratio between the accumulator and the water source indicates that it contains substantial quantities of un-evacuated stored water the subsequent demands of hot water are conveyed directly to the hot water valve regardless of the temperature thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Nitroworks Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Greenthal, Neal W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8231064
    Abstract: A water control fixture includes a housing having a plurality of ports defining a hot water inlet port, a cold water port, a fixture outlet port, and an auxiliary port, wherein water is dispensed from the housing via the fixture outlet port. A flow control unit is configured to be selectively positioned in fluid communication with different combinations of the plurality of ports, wherein the flow control unit has a main passage in fluid communication with the hot water inlet port, the cold water port, and the fixture outlet port. The flow control unit controls the flow of water from the hot water inlet port and the cold water port to the fixture outlet port. The flow control unit has an auxiliary passage in fluid communication with the auxiliary port and at least one of the hot water inlet port, the cold water port, and the fixture outlet port to perform an auxiliary function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Grundfos Pumps Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Lum, Dale Kempf
  • Patent number: 8210441
    Abstract: A water control fixture for use in a water circulation system includes a housing having a plurality of ports defining a hot water inlet port, a bypass port, and a fixture outlet port, wherein water is dispensed via the fixture outlet port. The water control fixture includes at least one operating valve disposed in the housing for controlling a flow of water from the hot water inlet port to the fixture outlet port, and a bypass valve disposed in the housing for controlling a flow of water through a bypass path between the hot water inlet port and the bypass port. The bypass valve includes a valve unit in the bypass path of the water circulation system that is operable in a closed state, an open state, and a failed state. The valve unit restricts water flow through the bypass path in the closed state, the valve unit allows water flow through the bypass path in the open state, and the valve unit restricts water flow through the bypass path in the failed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Grundfos Pumps Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Kempf, Ken Lum
  • Patent number: 8091793
    Abstract: A faucet has a fixture body in fluid communication with a pressurized supply of hot water. The fixture body has a spout outlet configured to dispense water from the fixture body. At least one operating valve is coupled to the fixture body for controlling a flow of water to the spout outlet. A bypass valve is disposed in the fixture body for controlling a recirculating flow of water through the fixture body, where the bypass valve changes state when heated and when cooled to block and permit the recirculating flow of water based on a temperature of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Grundfos Pumps Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Kempf, Ken Lum
  • Patent number: 8066196
    Abstract: A water saver system that includes a temperature-sensitive valve, connected between the shower water control valves and the shower head, diverts water to a bladder pressure tank until the water warms up. The temperature sensitive valve opens when the water reaches a preset temperature. The water stored in the pressure tank flows back through a metering orifice and mixes with the warm water over the course of the shower so little water is wasted. The pressure tank could be placed on the floor of the shower or outside the tub (under sink) in a retrofit or built into the wall stud cavity in new construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: John Lance McMurtry
  • Publication number: 20110132989
    Abstract: A water control fixture for use in a water circulation system includes a housing having a plurality of ports defining a hot water inlet port, a bypass port, and a fixture outlet port, wherein water is dispensed via the fixture outlet port. The water control fixture includes at least one operating valve disposed in the housing for controlling a flow of water from the hot water inlet port to the fixture outlet port, and a bypass valve disposed in the housing for controlling a flow of water through a bypass path between the hot water inlet port and the bypass port. The bypass valve includes a valve unit in the bypass path of the water circulation system that is operable in a closed state, an open state, and a failed state. The valve unit restricts water flow through the bypass path in the closed state, the valve unit allows water flow through the bypass path in the open state, and the valve unit restricts water flow through the bypass path in the failed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: GRUNDFOS PUMP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dale Kempf, Ken Lum
  • Patent number: 7934663
    Abstract: A valve assembly (18) including: a housing (41) having a water supply inlet (48), a hot water outlet (49), a cold water outlet (50), a hot water flow passage (64) between said water supply inlet and said hot water outlet and a cold water flow passage (65) between said water supply inlet and said cold water outlet; hot water valve means (51) in said housing adapted to open said hot water flow passage (64) in response to entry of water above a predetermined temperature into said housing through said water supply inlet and to close said hot water flow passage in response to entry of water below said predetermined temperature into said housing through said water supply inlet; first cold water valve means (51) adapted to open said cold water flow passage (65) at a first position in response to entry of water below said predetermined temperature into said housing through said water supply inlet and to close said cold water flow passage at said first position in response to entry of water above said predetermined te
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Innovative Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew Donald Willsford, Christopher James Murray
  • Patent number: 7934662
    Abstract: An automated water control system for a shower or bath that provides means for automated controls that give the user management of both water temperature and water flow as well as historical statistics on consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7874498
    Abstract: A water control fixture configured to be fluidly coupled to a cold water supply line and a hot water supply line of a water circulating system includes a housing having a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and an outlet. The fixture also includes at least one operating valve disposed in the housing for controlling the flow of water from the cold water inlet and from the hot water inlet to the outlet, and a thermostatically controlled bypass valve disposed in the housing. The bypass valve is configured to bypass water from the hot water inlet to the cold water inlet based on a temperature of the water at the hot water inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Grundfos Pumps Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Kempf, Ken Lum
  • Patent number: 7845574
    Abstract: The cartridge comprises two ceramic disks (20, 24) for regulating the temperature and flow of a mixture (M) of two entering fluids. In order to ensure that the temperature of the mixture remains lower than a predetermined value, the cartridge comprises thermostatic means (16) designed for, in the event of a high-temperature mixture, automatically shutting off, upstream from these disks, the circulation of the entering fluid (C) of the highest temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Vernet
    Inventor: Christian Mace
  • Patent number: 7832651
    Abstract: A fluid mixing valve for producing a mixed fluid stream from first and second inlet fluid streams having different, varying temperatures, and having different, varying pressures, the mixed fluid stream having a substantially stable, preselected temperature of a magnitude between the temperatures of the first and second inlet fluid streams, the fluid mixing valve including a housing and a mixing regulation assembly disposed within the housing. The invention also provides a method for producing a mixed fluid stream from first and second inlet fluid streams having different, varying temperatures, and having different, varying pressures, the mixed fluid stream having a substantially stable, preselected temperature of a magnitude between the temperatures of the first and second fluid streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Eitan Rivlin
  • Patent number: 7744007
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Beagen, Steve Goins
  • Patent number: 7740182
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a water circulation system includes a bypass valve with an inlet and an outlet that permits recirculating flow of water from a hot water line of the water circulation system. The valve assembly also includes a shut-off valve with a valve body having a hot water inlet and a hot water outlet configured to be coupled to a fixture of the water circulation system. The shut-off valve is located proximate the fixture and operating in an open position allowing water to flow to the hot water outlet and a closed position restricting water from flowing to the hot water outlet. The shut-off valve is configured to move automatically from the open position to the closed position in a controlled manner to limit discharge, from the hot water outlet, of water having a temperature below a desired level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Grundfos Pumps Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Lum, Dale Kempf
  • Publication number: 20100116895
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for controlling the water temperature on at least one water outlet of a water line comprising a safety mixing valve having a warm water inlet and a cold water inlet, with which a predetermined temperature of the mixed water coming from the water line can be set and with which water flow is prevented if the predetermined water temperature is exceeded. A bypass line having a valve is associated with the safety mixing valve such that, if the valve is in an open position, the warm water is guided to the water outlet by bypassing the safety mixing valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Gerald Kures
  • Patent number: 7681803
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for taking showers at alternating temperatures. The device is used with a delivery pipe for one or several shower heads, a hot water pipe that is connected to the outlet of a thermostatic mixer, and a cold water pipe which is connected to a water pipe. The device includes a switching means regarding the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe. The switching means is provided with a first control means and a second control means, both of which can be moved into two positions in such a way that the second control means is in a first position when the first control means does not connect the delivery pipe to the cold water pipe while the second control means is in a second position when the first control means connects the delivery pipe to the cold water pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignees: Masco, Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Alfons Knapp
  • Publication number: 20100065650
    Abstract: The present invention provides an air conditioning system that is capable of treating a conditioned space by treating outdoor air from outside the conditioned space and return air from inside the conditioned space, and mixing the outdoor air with the return air to form supply air for the conditioned space, the air conditioning system including an outdoor air latent cooling treatment stage configured to provide parallel airflow with a return air sensible cooling treatment stage, and a means for mixing outdoor air with return air to form conditioned space supply air, wherein the outdoor air latent cooling treatment stage includes at least a dehumidification heat exchanger, combination pre-cooling and heat reclaim heat exchangers, and a heat transfer pump, and the return air sensible cooling treatment stage includes at least a sensible cooling heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: SMAC TECHNOGIES PTY LTD
    Inventor: Peter George Phillips
  • Patent number: 7648078
    Abstract: A water control fixture includes a housing having a plurality of ports defining a hot water inlet port, a bypass port, and a fixture outlet port, wherein water is dispensed via the fixture outlet port. At least one operating valve is disposed in the housing for controlling a flow of water from the hot water inlet port to the fixture outlet port. A bypass valve is disposed in the housing for controlling a flow of water from the hot water inlet port to the bypass port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Grundfos Pump Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Dale Kempf, Ken Lum
  • Patent number: 7611068
    Abstract: A device is provided to prevent the autorotation of the temperature adjustment handle in an automatic hot and cold water mixing valve. A member is prevented from moving in the circumferential direction of the body and is pressed in the radial direction by a spring against the periphery of an adjusting screw receiver, which forms the rotation shaft of the temperature adjustment handle incorporated in the body. Alternatively, the member is dressed against a connecting sleeve connected to the adjusting screw receiver and the temperature adjustment handle. The member is pressed with sufficient force to oppose autorotation in the temperature adjusting handle when the temperature is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Nippon Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Iwai, Takeshi Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 7597269
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Mikael Nutsos
  • Publication number: 20090200388
    Abstract: There is described a mixer tap with integrated thermostatic mixing valve (TMV). The tap comprises in a single housing: hot and cold water inlets; an outlet for mixed water; hot and cold lever controls and a thermostatic mixing device within the single housing to prevent water above a certain temperature being emitted from the common outlet. The cold water control opens a fluid path from the cold inlet to the common outlet, bypassing said thermostatic mixing device, allowing better assurance of purity. The thermostatic mixing device and strainer/check valve cartridges are housed in an internal body so as to be readily accessible for servicing after installation of the device by removing only a cap part of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: HORNE ENGINEERING LIMITED
    Inventor: Michael Wellesley Grahame Jarvis
  • Publication number: 20090036048
    Abstract: A vehicle HVAC system comprises an evaporator, a heater core, an air mixing door between the evaporator and the heater core, the air mixing door being configured to direct a portion of an airflow to either bypass or pass over the heater, and a baffle. The baffle is configured to gradually change the area available to a portion of the airflow as the air mixing door is moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Greg Rademacher, Thomas Adler, Yang Chen
  • Patent number: 7392955
    Abstract: A valve assembly for providing hot water includes a hot water side with a hot water inlet and a cold water side. The valve assembly also includes a central channel for fluid communication between the cold water side and the hot water side and a bypass valve portion. The bypass valve portion includes a thermostatic valve adapted to substantially block the fluid communication through the central channel between the cold water side and the hot water side when a temperature of water flowing through the central channel increases above a threshold temperature. The bypass valve portion also includes a temperature adjustment portion adapted to selectively vary the threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Karsten Laing
  • Patent number: 7287707
    Abstract: A water control fixture having an operating valve and a thermostatically controlled bypass valve disposed in the fixture for bypassing water away from the fixture until the water temperature reaches a desired level. When pressurized water from the hot water heater reaches the desired temperature level at the fixture, the bypass valve closes and hot water is made available to the fixture. The bypass valve has a thermal actuator element that is thermally responsive to the temperature of the water. The fixture can have a housing with an interior chamber for operatively receiving the bypass valve. Various passages or channels can be provided to facilitate communication between the bypass valve and the water supply lines. Alternatively, the bypass valve can be positioned in the operating valve, including the moveable ball and the replaceable cylindrical valving cartridge types. A system using the in-fixture bypass valve is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Grundfos Pumps Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Kempf, Ken Lum
  • Patent number: 6929188
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Conbraco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gareth Peter Taylor, Jason Daniel Scharf
  • Patent number: 6820816
    Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) for operation across a range of flow rates wherein during low pressure operation water enters the TVM (100) into chamber (157) around the circumference of the valve member (150) and cold valve seat (140) and hot water enters into chamber (158), the hot and cold water entering chamber (235) and becoming thoroughly mixed. At low pressure drops, the check valves (230) remain closed so the only pathway the mixed water can follow is through the sensing chamber (125) and the mixed water enters discharge portion (120) to the mixed water outlet (245), the flow path of the hot and cold water shown by pathways (255) and (260), the water becomes thoroughly mixed before entering the sensing chamber (225).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: The Horne Engineering Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: William Reid
  • Patent number: 6405932
    Abstract: A retrofit automatic temperature controlling apparatus and kit is attached to a prior art steam-cold water mixing valve assembly to produce mixed cold water and steam as hot water at a controlled temperature. An adjustment screw is added to the prior art valve assembly to limit the displacement of a steam poppet valve which is opened by a retrofitted piston. Cold water is redirected to a retrofit temperature control assembly having a mixing chamber for receiving the cold water. A water and steam receiving conduit terminates in the mixing chamber and has fluid isolated sections for receiving steam and cold water with a sleeve valve member for selectively coupling the steam and cold water sections to the mixing chamber. The sleeve valve member is operated by a temperature sensing device in the outlet hot water chamber. A disc member separates the mixing chamber and outlet hot water chamber with small passages which promote mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Strahman Valves, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Palmer
  • Patent number: 6315209
    Abstract: A mixing valve includes a manifold defining a hot fluid inlet, a cold fluid inlet, a temperature-controlled fluid outlet, and a cold fluid outlet. The cold fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the cold fluid outlet, and the cold fluid inlet and the hot fluid inlet are in fluid communication with the temperature-controlled fluid outlet. The manifold further defines a mixing chamber for mixing of cold fluid from the cold fluid inlet and hot fluid from the hot fluid inlet. Mixed fluid from the mixing chamber is delivered to the temperature-controlled fluid outlet. A temperature-controlled device associated with the hot fluid inlet controls the volume of flow from the hot fluid inlet to the mixing chamber. The mixing valve further includes a one-way check valve located between the hot fluid inlet and the cold fluid outlet for limiting flow of hot fluid to the cold fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Company
    Inventor: Dale S. Tripp