Abstract: A heat recovery system with a heat exchanger and a mixing valve. A drain trap includes a heat exchanger with an inner coiled tube, baffle plate, wastewater inlet, wastewater outlet, cold water inlet, and preheated water outlet. Wastewater enters the drain trap through the wastewater inlet, is slowed and spread by the baffle plate, and passes downward to the wastewater outlet. Cold water enters the inner tube through the cold water inlet and flows generally upward, taking on heat from the wastewater. This preheated water is fed to the mixing valve, which includes a flexible yoke to which are attached an adjustable steel rod, two stationary zinc rods, and a pivoting arm. The free end of the arm forms a pad which rests against a valve seat. The rods and pivoting arm expand or contract as the temperature of the incoming preheated water changes. The zinc rods expand more than the steel rod, flexing the yoke and rotating the pivoting arm.

Abstract: A recirculating shower is especially adapted for showering a person's body with a relatively small supply of water. Before it is directed into the shower stall, the water is first recirculated through an alternate series loop pathway and concurrently cleaned and filtered as well as being heated to a desired temperature level. During the showering of the person's body the water continues to be recirculated, cleaned, filtered, and heated. When the showering is completed, the water is again directed through the alternate pathway for further cleaning and filtering, in preparation for a subsequent re-usage.

Abstract: A heat exchanger unit to be positioned in the floor area of a bathtub or shower stall which extracts heat from spent shower or bath water, transferring that heat to water yet to be supplied to the shower or bathtub, reducing the amount of hot water required from a water heater for comfortable bathing.

Abstract: In order to achieve a fully automatic, electronic adjustment by means of a process for controlling a plumbing combination set with a multi-disc mixing valve for hot and cold water, whereby temperature is adjusted by making a comparison between the actual temperature of the mixing water and the target temperature of the mixing water, it is proposed that the actual mixing value be constantly measured and that a factor for the regulator of the appropriate mixing valve adjustment disc be derived from the target/actual divergence, and that at the same time the preselected flow of the mixture can be maintained at a constant level without measurement of the flow quantities, a correction factor being derived from the factor of the aforementioned adjustment disc for the factor of the flow adjustment disc regulator.

Abstract: An improved shower-cabin comprising a base provided with a drain for evacuating waste water, and a heat recuperator incorporated into this base. The recuperator comprises a waste water tank connected to the cabin drain and a coil mounted in this tank. The heat of the waste water passing through the tank may be recovered for heating or pre-heating an incoming cold water flowing through the coil.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed for controlling the temperature of a liquid such as water flowing into a container such as a bathtub or the like. The device also controls the level of liquid within the container and includes a solid state circuit in conjunction with a temperature sensing device for maintaining the temperature of the liquid within the container to a preselected level. The control device includes a plurality of switches for preselecting the required temperature and liquid level. Switches are also provided for selecting the use of the bathtub as a bath or as a shower. The flow and mixing of water into the bathtub and the flow of water out of the bathtub is accomplished by solenoid flow control valves responsive to the control device. The invention may be applied to industrial, commercial, medical or residential applications and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for decreasing the energy consumed by shower baths. The apparatus comprises a heat exchanger used to preheat incoming cold water with hot drain water and a local hot water heater used to elevate the temperature of the hot water feed to levels above about 170.degree. F. The local heater and heat exchanger cooperate to result in energy savings of approximately 50% or more.

Abstract: A heat exchanger disposed in the piping of the drain line of a shower bath closet for conducting heat from the spent shower bath water to the water entering the cold water inlet of the shower bath. The heat exchanger has at least two concentric helical coils through which the incoming water flows and over which the spent bath water flows. A central core baffle directs the spent water between the helical coils for good transfer of heat. The spent water preheats the incoming cold water thereby reducing the amount of hot water required from the water heater.

Abstract: A shower-sauna apparatus includes an electrically insulative container for accomodating a volume of water to be heated. A vertical central tube extends through the container and has a threaded upper end adapted to be connected to a source of water and a threaded lower end through which steam or hot water is discharged into a sauna-shower area defined by a flexible curtain suspended from a flat dish-shaped member secured to the threaded lower end of the central tube and defining the top wall of the sauna-shower area. A plurality of spaced, tubular electrode plates are disposed in the container and are adapted to be connected to an electric power source for passage of electric current through the water between the plates to generate Joule heat for automatically and instantaneously heating the volume of water to enable generation of either steam or hot water. The central tube is divided by a stopper into an upper water inlet portion and a lower steam or hot water outlet portion.

Abstract: A self-contained, compact towable facility having sanitary components and electrical, water and gas distribution systems with minimum weight, optimum balance and a maximum volume of water adapted to be stored therein and including a frame having an axle and a tow bar adapted to be coupled to a towing vehicle, a multi-stage potable water storage and drain and waste water collection and isolation system which includes a potable water storage system, adapted to be filled by an exterior source, comprising tanks having a predetermined geometrical shape and balance over the wheels forming the axle of the trailer and wherein the tanks are positioned to have the collective center of gravity thereof located at approximately the collective center of gravity of the drain and waste water collection and isolation system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for decreasing the energy consumed by shower baths. The apparatus comprises a heat exchanger used to preheat incoming cold water with hot drain water and a local hot water heater used to elevate the temperature of the hot water feed to levels above about 170.degree. F. The local heater and heat exchanger cooperate to result in energy savings of approximately 50% or more.

Abstract: A shower bath, sink, or other fluid receiving vessel is described wherein heat is reclaimed from the drain fluid to warm the incoming cold water to reduce the amount of hot water which must be mixed in to produce water of the temperature desired for use within the vessel. The improvement consists of a cover pan for collecting the received fluid and depositing it on a particular region of the vessel floor which is contoured to direct the received fluid along a particular channel to a drain. The cold water supply tube is positioned within the channel in contact with the draining fluid. The warmer drain fluid transfers heat energy into the cooler water flowing within the submerged cold water supply tube.