Abstract: A water control valve configured for use with a bypass valve to automatically bypass cold or tepid water in a hot water supply line so as to maintain hot water at the fixture. The water control valve is useful for shower/tub facilities and for appliances such as washing machines and dishwashing machines. The water control valve for use with shower/tub facilities is adapted for the bypass valve to attach to or be adjacent to the water control valve by utilizing bypass ports, passageways and/or connectors. The water control valve for use with appliances is adapted to have a second outlet for connecting to a second water control valve or, for combination service valves, to have the bypass valve disposed in the tubular section between the hot and cold water components. The preferred bypass valve is a thermostatically controlled bypass valve of the type having a thermal actuating element.

Abstract: A process for making multi-colored fabrics from a single dye formula is described. The process involves providing a substrate including synthetic fibers, with the substrate having defined regions where the synthetic fibers have differing levels of fiber orientation, and dyeing the substrate with a dye bath containing at least one dye from at least two of the categories of a) high contrast dyes, 2) medium contrast dyes and c) low contrast dyes, to thereby produce a multi-colored substrate from a single dye formula. The substrates are characterized by having a base of a first color and patterned regions of a different color, with the regions of different colors corresponding to regions of different levels of fiber orientation.

Abstract: An optical coupler for use within a sink assembly comprising a countertop having a countertop bore formed therethrough and a sink basin mounted above the countertop, the basin having a bore co-axial with the countertop bore for receiving the terminal end of a water drain pipe passing up through the countertop to the sink basin. The light coupler includes a light coupler body having a lower portion received through the countertop bore and an upper portion resting on the countertop about the countertop bore. The water drain pipes passes up through a bore formed through the light coupler body, the coupler further having a light-transmissive portion coupling the lower portion with the upper portion. Light from a light source located proximal the lower surface of the light coupler body lower portion is admitted through the lower surface and transmitted up through the light coupler body and out the upper surface to the sink basin.

Abstract: A water quality sampling system and method in which compact water impurity detector and monitoring units intended for domestic use are installed in a residential environment while detected values are electronically transmitted to a Central Monitoring Station (CMS), where customers can register and pay over the Internet. Using the impurity detector units, a portion of an incoming water stream is passed to an analyzer for detection of chlorine and various contaminants. The detector analyzes related data for determining the condition and extent of impurity in the water elements. This data is transmitted from a compact control box, known as the wall unit, that translates the data for output to the CMS, located in another geographic locale, via a common data acquisition network. This network can be the Internet or a cellular and/or satellite connection.

Abstract: A sink, and a method of reducing vibration and resulting noise of such sinks, are disclosed. The sink includes a basin, a drain and first and second pads. The basin has a bottom wall, side walls, and inner and outer surfaces of such walls. The drain is in the bottom of the basin, and first and second regions are defined between the drain orifice and the first and second sides, respectively. The pads are attached to the bottom and a side wall, in each case proximate respective midpoints of open regions thereon. The pads are a laminate of a rubber-like material and metal.

Abstract: A thermostatically controlled bypass valve for bypassing water away from a hot water valve until the water temperature reaches a desired level at a fixture in use for home or industrial applications. The bypass valve has a valve body with a thermally sensitive actuator disposed between the hot water inlet and discharge ports and the cold water inlet and discharge ports that is thermally responsive to the temperature of the water. A bias spring pushes against the piston on the thermal actuator to close the actuator and open a passage between the cold and hot water sides when water needs to be bypassed. When the water from the hot water heater reaches the desired temperature level at the bypass valve, the bypass valve closes and hot water is made available to the hot water side of the fixture. Until then, the thermal actuator remains open and cold or tepid water is allowed to bypass the hot water side of the fixture.

Abstract: A personal care module for use by a patient within a room of a healthcare facility comprises a first washing station, at least one of a toilet and a second washing station, and a housing coupled to the first washing station and the at least one of the toilet and the second washing station.

Abstract: A field sanitation unit provides multiple compartments forming separate sinks. The multiple compartments are heated via a channel located on the underside of the trough, having at one end thereof a firebox. The firebox receives a flame tube from a burner, and supplies hot gases through the firebox to a channel running the length of the trough. By providing baffles within the channel, it is possible to redirect the hot gases laterally, thereby controlling the temperature of each sink.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance with a work surface made of a temperature-resistant plastic material or composite plastic material, which has a cooktop receptacle. To reduce the installation effort for use in a row of kitchen appliances, a kitchen sink has cutouts for associated plumbing fixtures and a control panel receptacle is embodied in the work surface, besides the cooktop receptacle. Splash guard edges with support receptacles for support elements for kitchen utensils, kitchen utensil deposits and/or kitchen utensil supports are formed on the work surface.

Abstract: A multi-functional and transportable wash station for use in an industrial facility, the facility having overhead extending pressurized water supply lines and waste water drainage lines. The wash station includes a body with a polygonal shaped base and a superstructure extending upwardly from the base. An inlet supply line extends from the body and is operatively connected to a selected water supply line of the facility. A selected number of both potable and non-potable water supply sources, such as faucet and sink stations, faucet and hose connections, drinking fountains and emergency shower stations are provided at specified locations of the wash station and are in communication with the inlet supply line. An electric power input is provided to the wash station and operates such features as a sewage ejection pump, a water heater and a water chiller.

Abstract: A valve includes a housing with an input for unheated water and an output for delivering unheated water to a toilet tank and a supplemental input for cooled and hot water in. The valve has a thermally responsive component to open and close the supplemental input.

Abstract: A complete pre-fabricated tile counter is described that is already tiled and grouted and ready for installation upon a cabinet or other substructure, with or without a back splash or side splash panel. Counter tops including built-in sinks, and counters and splash panels may be produced economically in any style, shape and tile selected by a homeowner or builder prior to installation at a site. The invention counters are designed to be installed easily by the average homeowner or builders, in a minimum of time and with little mess to be cleaned up.

Abstract: A portable hot sink system comprising a frame having two parallel upper elongated tubes with a first end and a second end. The system also comprises a first inverted U-shaped support with two intermediate cross braces and an upper cross handle. A second inverted U-shaped support is provided with three substantially similarly sized and shaped tubs. Each tub has closed rectangular lower ends and four upwardly extending generally rectangular vertical walls and with upper open ends. The central tub shares a common wall with the adjacent tubs. Drains are located within each of the tubs. Lastly, a heating element is located within a vertical wall of each tub with electrical lines coupling the heating elements to a common control element with a common light at the control element to illuminate until the preselected temperature of about 180 degrees Fahrenheit is reached.

Abstract: A multipurpose water delivery system, and a method for its construction, which comprises an internal assembly consisting of water delivery conduit and a variety of connectors attached thereto; a hollow vertically oriented cylindrical external assembly which houses the internal assembly and through which a plurality of accessories such as shower heads, valves, and hose bibs may be connected to the internal assembly; and a non-threaded twist-resistant mounting base which can be quickly and easily installed onto hard surfaces or into soil, yet secures the external assembly in position even during gale force winds. In portable embodiments which are connected to positive pressure water supplies through a conventional garden hose, a simple twisting and lifting force applied to the external assembly can quickly separate it from the mounting base.

Abstract: A hand washing and drying apparatus comprising a washing and drying chamber including at least one access port providing access for inserting at least one hand to be washed, a wash liquid dispenser in fluid communication with the interior of the washing and drying chamber for dispensing wash liquid within the washing and drying chamber, a blow dryer in fluid communication with the interior of the washing and drying chamber for providing a directed supply of drying air within the washing and drying chamber, a towel dispenser in communication with the interior of the washing and drying chamber for dispensing a towel, e.g., a disposable paper towel, within the chamber, and a waste disposal for disintegrating a spent towel dispensed from the towel dispenser and exhausting disintegrated waste through a drain. The apparatus further may include a control device for controlling the operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A water appliance of a modular construction including a basin module having attachable wing modules, a cabinetry module having cabinet doors to match surrounding kitchen cabinetry or appliances, a utility module for containing water, electrical, and electronic conduits from counter level down to below the basins, a garbage disposer module flow connected to drains of the basin and pre-piped for drainage, and a control module connected to a top of the utility module and quickly connectable to water, electrical, and electronic conduits from the utility module. The control module provides a light for the basin area as well as water dispensing conduits which can be precisely electronically controlled for water delivery, flow rate, quantity, temperature, CO.sub.2 content, purity level, detergent level, etc. A hand held brush extending from the controller module by a flexible hose can be provided and its controls applied onto the control panel of the controller module.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sink cover designed primarily for double sinks comprising a planar, substantially rectangular cover member having four peripheral edges, a bottom surface, a top surface and a plurality of recesses on the top and bottom surfaces. The recesses on one side receive conductive thawing plates while the other recesses receive microwaveable gel packs which engage the thawing plates. Frozen foods may then be placed onto the heated thawing plates to facilitate thawing. The cover member also has an aperture for receiving a hose which may be removably attached to a faucet so that water leaking therefrom will drip directly into the sink bypassing the cover member. A rubber gasket is disposed on the bottom surface of the cover member proximal its peripheral edges to provide a water tight seal when the device is placed over a sink.

Abstract: Provided is a self-contained water supply system for over-the-road trucks. More specifically, the present invention includes a sink assembly stowable within a cabinet assembly which is capable of providing a self contained supply of water from a supply tank located within the interior of the vehicle. The sink assembly further includes a basin for collecting water and draining the waste water into a drain tank also contained within the vehicle. The sink assembly including the basin and the faucet assembly are disposed within a drawer assembly which is stowable within a cabinet assembly located in the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: The laundry dresser includes (a) a dresser frame having two segments arranged horizontally; (b) a flat table plate extending horizontally over the two segments; (c) a hollow portion disposed in a first segment beneath the table plate for receiving a drum rotation-type washing machine; (d) a washbowl mounted to the dresser frame; and (e) a drain pipe having (i) an upright portion rotatable around a vertical axis thereof, and (ii) a slightly slanting, horizontal portion connected to a lower end of the upright portion and having an exit opening at a lower end thereof, the direction and length of the horizontal portion being determined such that the exit opening of the horizontal portion is fitted into a drain opening of a floor, the drain pipe receiving a drain hose of the washing machine and a drain hose of the washbowl through the upper opening to allow drainage from the washing machine and the washbowl to flow into the drain opening.

Abstract: A portable sink is particularly adapted for use in a portable toilet and includes a cabinet in which a conventional five gallon bottle of water can be retained. The sink is designed to drain into the portable toilet, and a supply of deodorizing soap operates to both clean a user's hands and deodorize the entire portable toilet assembly. Suction cups are provided on rear and bottom surfaces of the sink to facilitate its attachment to the plastic housing of the portable toilet, and adjustable brackets mounted on magnetic supports allow the brackets to be positioned to fit virtually any manufactured shape of water bottle.

Abstract: A portable kitchen for storing and preparing food products comprising a main box having a table, a sink detachably connected to and covering the main box, and a front panel pivotally attached to the main box where the front panel opens to provide access to a compartment defined by the main box.

Abstract: A hose retainer for spray hoses that uses a "U" shaped hose retainer that has a hollow interior. The hose retainer is sized to hold a fully retracted sprayer hose. The sprayer hose can be attached to a sprayer nozzle or to a removable faucet sprayer, found on modern sinks. A flange secures the hose retainer under the counter top. If needed, brackets can be installed near the bottom of the hose retainer to provide additional support. In this way, the hose can be stored within the hose retainer, removed for use, and replaced without exposing the sprayer hose to any of the under-sink plumbing or items that may be stored there.

Abstract: A work station comprising a support unit which includes a liquid collection surface with a drain outlet, and which provides a support surface; at least at least one work facility, such as a sink or a drainage surface, mounted removably in the support unit on the support surface, the work facility having a drain outlet through which liquid can drain from the work facility onto the collection surface of the support unit, for collection for the drain outlet provided therein.

Abstract: A portable hand washing and drying equipment unit comprises a housing having a front hand receiving opening communicating with a central hand compartment. Adjacently above the hand compartment is an upper compartment having a cleansing liquid reservoir with a valve-controlled flow tube for selectively delivering cleansing liquid from the reservoir to the hand compartment, and an electrically powered fan for providing a flow of hand drying air within the hand compartment. The reservoir and fan are supported by a shelf which is slidable into and out of the housing to enable access to such elements. Adjacently below the hand compartment is a lower compartment having a removable waste liquid receptacle therein for temporarily storing used cleansing liquid.

Abstract: A portable wash basin stand for use outdoors that uses a common garden hose as a water connection between the stand and the nearest plumbing. The stand has a circular weighted base and four upright posts that support a sink. Arrayed on the upright posts are a number of bayonet mounts that can be used to support a variety of accessories including a garden umbrella, a paper towel dispenser, a paper cup dispenser, a soap dispenser, a working shelf and other useful accessories.

Abstract: A toilet flush water supply control unit (10) which enables hot water to be immediately available at a hot water faucet (56), is described. The control unit (10) is formed from a first fluid conduit (12) and a second fluid conduit (20). The first fluid conduit provides a passage (12C) between the cold water supply (52) and the toilet flush tank (40). An intermediate opening (12D) in the first fluid conduit is opened and closed by a thermostatic device (21) mounted in the second fluid conduit. The thermostatic device allows cool water in the hot water system to flow into the first fluid conduit and thus into the toilet flush tank. Once hot water reaches the thermostatic device, the device closes. A valve (28) which is manually controlled by a handle (29) attached to the toilet flush tank, allows the user to turn the control unit on and off. The unit saves water and at the same time provides convenience of use.

Abstract: A washing-up sink includes first, second, third, and fourth side plates which are arranged in a substantially rectangular structure, and a first bottom plate mounted to a lower edge of the rectangular structure thereby defining a first compartment therebetween. The first side plate has an extension, and this extension and the fourth side plate have a second bottom plate mounted therebetween lower edges thereof. The second bottom plate has a length less than that of the extension and a width less than that of the fourth side plate. The second bottom plate has an inclined washplate projecting from outer edge thereof and extending upward and outward between the extension of the first side plate and the fourth side plate thereby defining a second compartment therebetween.

Abstract: A foldable kitchen sink suitable for used as either of an outdoor sink and an outdoor multipurpose table. The foldable kitchen sink comprises a pair of support members hinged to each other to be folded, the pair of support members having a dishwater bucket and a grille, respectively, the dishwater bucket and grille being detachably mounted on the support members. A pair of upper panels are provided at both side ends of each of the support members such that they selectively cover the dishwater bucket or the grille. A pair of twin legs and a pair of single legs are hinged to lower surfaces of the support members such that the twin legs are diagonally opposed to each other and the single legs are diagonally opposed to each other. The twin legs and the single legs are foldable, and each of the twin legs comprises two legs connected to each other by a support beam extending therebetween.

Abstract: A sink for washing tie-stall dairy farm milk pipeline systems includes a narrow trough at the bottom of the sink. The trough receives the inflations of milking machines placed in the sink for washing. The sides of the trough confine and constrain the inflations so that the machine does not tip over while in the sink. The water level remaining in the sink when the pipeline system is flushed through therefore can be small, leading to water savings of up to 30%. The trough is made from stainless steel sheets, bent to shape; the sides of the sink extend outwards and outwards from the trough at an angle, whereby the sink sides guide the inflations into the trough as the farmer lowers the milking machine into the sink.

Abstract: A sportsman sink having foldable legs is arranged to include a pump member to receive water from available water supplies and direct such water through a faucet to an underlying sink. The table is arranged for interfolding of the legs and a wing plate for ease of positioning the table relative to an underlying support surface.

Abstract: A spraying device rinses recyclable or reusable containers by inverting the container over an open end of a rigid, tubular member. The rigid, tubular member is of substantially uniform diameter with openings of smaller diameter than the tubular member at its open end. A water stream flowing through the tubular member is controlled by hand-operation of a valve member or by valve actuation using the weight of the container and/or the pressure by a user holding the container which depresses a lever initiating the water stream. Therefore, either single-handed or two-handed operation for cleaning or rinsing containers may be performed.

Abstract: A perforated cylindrical receptacle is fitted within the main cylinder of an ordinary sink drain. A conical elevation of the bottom of the receptacle provides at the apex, a bearing point for a propeller, which may spin by the flow of draining fluid to free and fragment debris. By depressing a spring loaded bearing point, the same propeller can be used to manually force the propeller against the floor of the receptacle to crush and grind more resistant material. A plug placed below the receptacle and prop assembly can be raised or lowered by rotation of the assembly. The assembly is removable for cleaning and inspection.

Abstract: A wash station enclosure for installation proximate self-service gas pumps and for use by users of said pumps has a cabinet with a top surface with a flush-mounted washbasin therein. A spigot protrudes above the washbasin and communicates with a freshwater tank within the cabinet. An overhang is supported by two vertical supports which are affixed to the sides of the cabinet and support the overhang over and above the washbasin to form a sheltered space. The water within the freshwater tank is kept at a comfortable hand washing temperature by an electric heater. An electric pump communicates with the freshwater tank to cause water to flow from the tank to the spigot in response to activation of a switch. Heat lamps are mounted in the overhang soffit. The heat lamps are activated at the same time as the water flow to illuminate the washbasin and the area around it and to warm the hands of a user of the wash station by infrared radiation.

Abstract: A cabinet structure includes side walls, a floor, and a rear wall, and a top wall mounting a concave sink therewithin. The sink is operative through a manually operative pump and an underlying reservoir to direct fluid into the sink, with a drain associated with the sink directed into a further reservoir. A cylindrical cavity contains a series of nested cylindrical cups therewithin mounted for access in an inverted configuration. A modification of the invention includes a rear plate directed upwardly of a rear wall mounting a further reservoir, wherein the further reservoir includes a serpentine conduit, with the serpentine conduit directing metered fluid onto a simulated toothbrush member to effect oscillation of the toothbrush member, whererin the toothbrush member is biased by a spring to effect oscillation of the toothbrush upon fluid directed upon the toothbrush head.

Abstract: This device is an automatic faucet with three temperature settings activated by a pressure switch which is mounted on or near the floor by the user's foot. The invention includes a device which will, after a period of time, automatically turn the water off after the switch has been depressed. In the preferred embodiment, the user upon approaching the sink, could, by viewing indicator lights, readily discern whether a hot, cold or warm temperature setting has been selected.

Abstract: A built-in sink comprises separate modules, for example, a sink basin and a drainboard, positively connected with each other. Each module is provided with a joining flange, the flanges being held together by a connecting strip. The modules contain overflow spouts along the common edge therebetween. The spouts face one another and empty into a common drain disposed therebelow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sanitary equipment which is provided in a toilet attached to a clean room. The side surface of the body of the sanitary equipment is made almost vertical, and fixation elements for fastening the body of the equipment onto the wall of the toilet do not protrude into the toilet. As a result, air is circulated through the toilet in such a manner that the air flowing down in the toilet is not disturbed.

Abstract: A food washing attachment device (10) for suspending food (62) above a faucet (50) in the course of washing. The washing device (10) includes a bag (12) and rings (26-32). The rings (26-32) are used to solely support bag (12) so that the users hands maybe free to massage the bag body (18) during washing if desired. In preferred forms, the device (10) includes a sprinkler assembly (16) having a sprinkler member (34) attached to nozzle end (54) of faucet (50) by ring clamp (46). The lower end (40) of sprinkler member (34) supports ring (30and converts a stream of water into a shower of droplets. The rings may be connected either to sprinkler assembly (16) or faucet (50) or taps (58-60) or some combination thereof, for solely supporting the device (10).

Abstract: A sanitizing station suitable for use in institutional kitchens and the like includes a plumbing cabinet, a sink mounted on top of the cabinet and a spray manifold for spraying a sanitizing solution mounted above the sink. The solution is a mixture of water and a sanitizing chemical. A pump is used to inject the sanitizing chemical into a water pipe that is connected to the spray manifold. Tubing connects an outlet of this pump to the pipe. An infrared proximity switch mounted above the sink operates both the pump and a solenoid valve located in the water pipe for a preset period of time upon placement of the user's hands at a predetermined location above or in the sink. A covering hood can be mounted above the sink and it can provide support for the spray manifold and the switch.

Abstract: A lightweight, manually portable, fisherman's sink comprising a rectangular plastic working surface with integrally fabricated recessed sink and sidewalls that extend above and below the working surface. The sink is further equipped with a cutting board and water delivery system (e.g., electric or manual pump and faucet or spray nozzle) for withdrawing water from the lake, river or the like to clean fish. The rectangular sink is equipped with a novel combination of support mechanisms including removable legs at each corner, a plurality of notched openings on the lower edge of the sidewalls with locking means to attach to the handrail of a boat or fishing dock, and a pivotally attached adjustable leg and bracket system for suspending the sink from a bass boat handrail.

Abstract: The portable sink includes a main case having an open top and a hinged cover. In place in the main case is an inside case and a sink bowl unit. A supply tank is removably fitted in the inside case. The supply tank is generally closed, but having a filling opening and openings for conduits for admitting compressed air thereto and explusion of water therefrom. In response to placing the supply tank in the inside case, connections are automatically made for controlling a flow of air from a supply of compressed air into the tank. The sink bowl unit has two bowls, one of which is higher than the other, enabling water to run from the higher one to the lower one, and an outlet is provided in the lower sink bowl into a waste tank which is detachably secured in the assembly. A hose is connected to the outlet of the tank to enable the user to direct the water expelled from the tank into the sink bowl, or to other points of use.

Abstract: A foldaway sink pivotally connected to a supporting wall for movement between a retracted position parallel to the supporting wall and a position perpendicular to the supporting wall. The sink is made of fiberglass with a ribbed edge. A drain pipe and a support pipe are disconnectable and releasably attachable to the side of the sink in the retracted position.

Abstract: A dish washing aid device for segregating soapy dish water in a single basin kitchen sink, the device comprising a lower base portion adapted to seal with the bottom wall of the basin about a drain therein, the base portion having a water tight vertically adjustable swivel connection with an upper funnel-like portion serving as a diverter for rinse water and being adapted to be rotated to a position under the sink faucet so that the rinse water may be poured onto cleaned articles to rinse away the soapy water and diverted into the drain without diluting or draining the soapy water in which the remaining articles are soaking.

Abstract: The board consists of a planar member having first and second surfaces. The first surface, upon which a dish rack may be placed, is supported by legs at an incline and is provided with upwardly extending protrusions designed to engage the dish rack to prevent same from slipping along the first surface. The effective length of the support legs can be altered to change the incline. Other protrusions extending from the first surface cooperate with upstanding walls to retain utensils. The second surface functions as a cutting board and is supported at an incline, in part, by the dish rack engaging protrusions. Upstanding parallel ribs form a horizontal platform above one of the surfaces.

Abstract: A hand washing and drying device having a recessed bowl defining a hand washing and drying space. Drying structure is provided including an air moving device which is mounted to the bowl. The air moving structure further includes an outlet opening to within the drying space defined by the recessed bowl to provide an improved utilization of the drying air provided by the air moving structure. The hand washing and drying device also includes a water tank mounted to the bowl. The device may include a housing removably enclosing the bowl and components carried thereby. A wall hanger may be provided for removably mounting the housing in providing a wall-mounted installation of the device.

Abstract: A device is provided for removing and containing debris present in a fluid as the fluid moves through the device. The device includes a cover member attachable to an inlet pipe for receiving the fluid-carrying debris and an outlet pipe for removing the debris-less fluid. A receptacle is removably secured to the cover member while a replaceable trap bag is housed therein to contain the debris that is deposited by the fluid. The trap bag has a longitudinal seal portion which includes a flat seal portion to overlie a portion of the rim of the receptacle. A gasket member underlies the cover member to engage that portion of the trap bag which overlies the receptacle rim, including the flat seal portion. The flat seal portion substantially eliminates leakage of fluid along the longitudinal seal portion of the trap bag since there is virtually no difference in width between the flat seal portion and other portions of the trap bag overlying the rim.