Mixing Faucet Patents (Class 4/676)
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Patent number: 6832396Abstract: An improved bathroom tap water control valve allowing back-to-back installation includes a body, a water guide and a water temperature control unit, an adaptation trough at the center of the body, the guide being hollow having a disk adapter at bottom to be received in the adaptation trough; the water temperature control unit comprised of a casing and a spindle being accommodated inside the guide; a primary and a secondary supply lines being respectively provided on both sides of the body; a primary and a secondary supply pipes connecting through the primary and the secondary supply lines being provided to the guide; an upper supply area connecting through the primary supply pipe and a lower supply are connecting through the secondary supply pipe being respectively provided on the casing of the water temperature control unit; characterized by that the guide being capable of exercising 180-degree rotation to allow interchangeable conduction between the primary and the secondary supply pipes and the primary andType: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.Inventor: Shih-Hung Lin
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Publication number: 20040199995Abstract: A device enables a user to selectively change the flow of water produced by a waterspout between aerated flow and non-aerated flow. The device is preferably implemented as an adapter that is threaded to or otherwise coupled to the end of a waterspout such as a kitchen or bathroom faucet waterspout or a bathtub waterspout. The device includes a closure mechanism that is operable by a user to permit or prevent aeration of water flowing through the adapter. The adapter may include a control ring that may be rotated by a user to selectively open and close bores for introducing air into the interior of the adapter. When the control ring is turned to an open position, air is introduced and an aerated water flow is produced. When the ring is turned to a closed position, air is not introduced and non-aerated or laminar flow is produced. A user is thereby enabled to select the desired type of flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2003Publication date: October 14, 2004Applicant: INTERBATH, INC.Inventor: Le Trong Bui
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Publication number: 20040133975Abstract: An improved strainer in a shower bath tap valve is essentially having provided a trough respectively over the inlet passages of cold and hot water to place in a strainer comprised of support, seat and mesh; the strainer then is secured to the valve with fixation nuts so to make easier replacement of the strainer without removing couplings to both cold and hot water supply lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventor: Scott Ouyoung
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Publication number: 20040117906Abstract: A faucet body (10) is molded from a plastic material and coupled to an underbody that is likewise molded from a plastic material. The unitary faucet body includes a spout portion (12) and a base portion (14). The underbody comprises a manifold (40) including an inlet (48) and an outlet (50). An end body (24) is coupled to the manifold and to the base portion. The end body includes means for coupling the faucet body to the manifold. A valve (96) is coupled to the end body. Alternatively, the faucet spout and base can be molded as a unitary structure using a lost core method, thereby eliminating the need for a separate manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2004Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Scott C. Baker, Andrew Wong, Oscar Romero, Walter H. Strader
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Patent number: 6738996Abstract: A spray head for a faucet or the like has a wand body defining a flow path from an inlet to first and second outlets. Diverter seats are provided so a face seal on a diverter spool can direct flow to the first or second outlet. The spool is positioned by a trigger acting on cam surfaces formed on a toggle. A spring biases the toggle to one of two stable states. Movement of the spool by the trigger causes the toggle to change states so subsequent actuation of the trigger causes the spool to move in the opposite direction. The wand body also has a pause button that reciprocates in a chamber that is part of the flow path. The chamber includes a valve seat and the pause button has a spool having a face seal that is engageable with the valve seat to shut off flow through the spray head. A return spring causes separation of the pause button's face seal upon release of pressure on the pause button.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Moen IncorporatedInventors: Michael L. Malek, W. Randall Tucker
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Patent number: 6722575Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventors: Kelly S. Gagne, Philip C. Hawken, James E. Pearson
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Patent number: 6718568Abstract: A modular faucet assembly is configured for installation upon a conventional sink top having left and right hot and cold water control valve passages and a central faucet assembly passage. The present modular assembly includes a single, central faucet and mixer control valve, with all water lines extending through the central sink top passage and the left and right sink top passages remaining free of any water supply lines. The present assembly makes use of these otherwise unused passages by having left and right faucet base passages which align with the corresponding sink top passages, and serve to secure the faucet assembly to the sink top and accept various accessories removably installed therein. The accessories may comprise a liquid soap dispenser pump, a retractable spray nozzle, or other device(s) as desired. A cap(s) may be installed at the accessory passage(s) when no accessory or accessories are installed.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Inventor: Donald L. Hensley
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Patent number: 6718569Abstract: A tub and shower valve assemble including a valve having a housing with an outwardly opening cup-like socket. A removable cartridge having an outwardly extending operating stem is installed in the cup-like socket. A plaster ground is provided for mounting the valve on a supporting wall structure. An escutcheon assembly is positioned over the valve housing and is removably attached to the plaster ground and to the valve housing and cartridge for removal and replacement of the cartridge. A transparent overlay is applied to the escutcheon with graphics and operating indicia applied to the underside of the overlay.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Moen IncorporatedInventors: Terry L. Burger, Thomas L. Falencki, Darren S. Lopp, Brian J. Schwartz, Sharon M. Vilagi
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Patent number: 6705534Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Inventor: Craig D. Mueller
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Publication number: 20040041035Abstract: A control to enable a further degree of enhancement in combustion efficiency in an automobile by effectively performing temperature control of cooling water in an automobile engine in accordance with various states of operation. Parameters from a variety of sensors that detect the state of an automobile engine are input into an engine control unit. Then, when the engine control unit determines from values of the accelerator opening and engine rotation speed, which serve as parameters indicating the operating state of the automobile, that the engine load is about to decrease, control is performed in the electronic control thermostat to maintain the cooling water temperature at a high temperature. Conversely, when it is determined that medium or high loads are due to increase, the control method is switched such that the electronic control thermostat is controlled by reading a target temperature corresponding to these parameter values from the engine control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventors: Toshiharu Takei, Yuichi Murata
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Patent number: 6688530Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: (I)nnotech Electronic GmbHInventors: Volker Wack, Heiko Petzold
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Patent number: 6676024Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Masco CorporationInventors: Gerald Joseph McNerney, Garry R. Marty
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Patent number: 6651271Abstract: A handle for controlling water temperature and/or water flow is mounted on the side of a bathtub and shaped such that the handle may be controlled by a bather's foot. The vanes of the handle are shaped to accommodate the shape of the foot and are spaced apart from each other to allow easy operation of the handle.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Inventor: Samuel Bayne Bentley
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Publication number: 20030213850Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Yaron Mayer, Anat Cohen, Batya Bar-Hon, Haim Gadassi
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Patent number: 6647568Abstract: A handle for controlling water temperature and/or water flow is mounted on the side of a bathtub and shaped such that the handle may be controlled by a bather's foot. The vanes of the handle are shaped to accommodate the shape of the foot and are spaced apart from each other to allow easy operation of the handle. An invertible port plate in the valve is provided for mounting the handle in both right sidewall and left sidewall versions.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Inventor: Samuel Bayne Bentley
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Patent number: 6640357Abstract: A water faucet structure includes a first valve seat mounted in one side of a wall, a first ceramic control valve fastened to the first valve seat, a second valve seat mounted in other side of the wall in a back-to-back manner in relation to the first valve seat, and a second ceramic control valve fastened to the second valve seat. The first and the second ceramic control valves each have a bottom seat which is provided with a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a water outlet. The water inlets and the water outlets of the first and the second ceramic control valves are arranged in a mirror image pattern.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Hain Yo Enterprises Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chia-Bo Chang
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Patent number: 6631730Abstract: An apparatus is provided for installing a faucet on a top side of a deck. The apparatus includes a threaded member engaged with the faucet and extending through the mounting hole to be rotated from above the deck. A nut is threadedly connected to the threaded member to pass through the mounting hole to the underside of the deck. A second member associated with and parallel to the threaded member engages the nut to prevent rotation thereof during rotation of the threaded member whereby the nut will be shifted up or down along the length of the threaded member. A pair of retaining arms are provided whereby, upon rotation of the threaded member to raise the nut in the direction of the deck, the retaining arms will bend outwardly and engage the underside of the deck to clamp the faucet to the deck.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Emhart Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Bloom, Brian J. Matt, Steven L. Hecker, Ravi K. Sawhney, Frank Zinni, Kurt Botsai
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Patent number: 6484330Abstract: A combined faucet and drain system can be installed primarily from above the basin. The faucet includes a quick-connect fastening assembly with a threaded sleeve bolt that also doubles as a life rod guide. A spring-biased toggle fastener threads onto the sleeve bolt and collapses when inserted through an installation opening from above the basin. It then automatically unfolds and engages an undersurface when the sleeve bolt is turned. The drain assembly is mounted in a drain opening of the basin and includes a movable stopper guide that can be used during installation to align the drain flange to the drain body from above the sink. A method of installing a combined faucet and drain assembly to a plumbing fixture is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Ricardo O. Gray, Jeffrey L. Mueller, Perry D. Erickson, Mark F. McMullen
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Patent number: 6473917Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Franz Kaldewei GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Ludger Mateina
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Patent number: 6467104Abstract: A faucet device includes a faucet member having one or more ports for coupling to water reservoirs and a water outlet. The faucet member includes a hole and a chamber communicating with each other. A hose has one end coupler for selectively securing to the hole of the faucet member, and a sprayer device coupled to the other end. A valve device may be used for controlling the water to flow out through the sprayer device and the outlet of the faucet member. A lock cap may be selectively secured to the hole of the faucet member when the coupler is disengaged from the faucet member.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Inventor: Ming Chun Shieh
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Patent number: 6457191Abstract: A faucet has a base formed with a outwardly open cavity and a pair of confronting open outlet ports opening into the cavity. A sleeve fitted over the base at the cavity has an inner surface directed radially inward at the base, and is rotatable on the base. A spout extending radially outward from the sleeve is formed with a pair of passages each radially inward at the sleeve inner surface into the cavity. A connector in the cavity is formed with an outer surface radially confronting the sleeve inner surface, with a pair of axially oppositely directed tubular inlet nipples fitted in the outlet ports, and with respective passages extending from the nipples and opening radially outward at the outer surface level with the passages. Seals between the surfaces couple the connector to the spout fitting for joint rotation therewith and preventing fluid flow between the grooves.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KGInventors: Heinz Brandebusemeyer, Harald Körfgen
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Patent number: 6446875Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Inventors: Darrell G. Brooks, Danny O. Brooks
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Patent number: 6434765Abstract: A plumbing fixture adapted to be installed from the top side of a sink deck through a sink deck opening includes a housing having a body portion which is adapted to extend through the sink deck opening and below the sink deck when mounted. The housing has a shoulder which is adapted to seat on the sink deck when mounted. There is a collar slidably movable on the body portion and of a size to pass through the sink deck opening. A threaded bore is in the collar and an unthreaded bore is in the housing shoulder, and a threaded member extends through these bores, with rotation of the threaded member from above the sink deck moving the collar axially along the housing body portion. Outwardly-biased yielding members are associated with the collar and extend outwardly therefrom such that when so extended the collar will not pass through the sink deck opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Moen IncorporatedInventors: Leonard J. Burns, Nicholas A. Mascari, Martin Zummersch
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Patent number: 6431610Abstract: A tube assembly for communicating water under pressure from a water supply valve and a water fixture inlet tube assembled at a job site, having an elongate corrugated tube with alternating grooves and ridges and cut to length to extend between a water fixture inlet tube and a water supply valve. The tube receives a pair of nuts in opposing relation, and each nut has an interior thread sized for engaging a respective one of a water fixture inlet tube and a water supply valve. A pair of C-clips, each received in a respective one of the grooves in opposing distal end portions of the tube, define bearing surfaces for the nuts. The distal ends of the tube receive a gasket, which are adapted for sealing between the respective distal end of the tube and the water fixture inlet tube and the water supply valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignees: Beijing Bork Metal Hose, Co., Ltd., Iwatani International Corporation, Iwatani International CorporationInventors: Tetsuya Ohirano, Noboru Ogawa, Yusuke Kato
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Patent number: 6405749Abstract: An apparatus is provided for installing a faucet or end body valve assembly on a top side of a deck. The apparatus includes a threaded member engaged with the faucet or end body and extending through the mounting hole to be rotated from above the deck. A wedge nut is threadedly connected to the threaded member to pass through the mounting hole to the underside of the deck. A second member associated with and parallel to the threaded member engages the nut to prevent rotation thereof during rotation of the threaded member whereby the nut will be shifted up or down along the length of the threaded member responsive to the direction of rotation of the threaded member. A retainer member is disposed around the threaded member and includes a plurality of legs which each include a foot portion at an end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Emhart LLCInventors: Mark S. Bloom, Brian J. Matt, Steven L. Hecker
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Patent number: 6381776Abstract: A lavatory faucet comprises a water mixing bolt seat, a locating plate, a water mixing bolt tube, a locating bolt, and a faucet neck. The water mixing bolt seat is connected with a cold water control valve and a hot water control valve. The water mixing bolt tube is securely mounted on the water mixing bolt seat in conjunction with the locating plate and the locating bolt. The locating plate is pressed against the lavatory basin. The locating bolt enables the inner end of the faucet neck to be located securely on a support plate of the water mixing bolt seat.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventor: Shih-Ming Wang
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Patent number: 6382236Abstract: A laboratory faucet has a base, a spout and a vacuum breaker wherein at least a portion of the vacuum breaker is cast within an upper portion of the spout. The upper portion of the spout assists in protecting the vacuum breaker from vandalistic acts. Additionally, the base of the faucet is advantageously designed to provide access to the valve operators to allow use of the valve operators at a location to minimize drippage from the operator's hands onto a counter top. Furthermore, the base may be configured with a gas supply controlled by valves.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Collegedale Casework LLCInventor: Charles E. Kuhlman
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Patent number: 6378912Abstract: A system and method for installing plumbing spouts, such as shower heads and tub spouts, includes providing a stub out which protrudes out of a wall at shower height. A specialized adapter is then slid onto the protruding stub out until the adapter abuts the wall. The adapter is internally threaded with an integral ferrule, and may also be equipped with a one-way gripper ring and an O-ring to sealingly secure the spout to the stub out. The stub out, if closed, is then cut off outside the adapter and a standard shower arm or nipple for a tub spout is threaded into the adapter. A threaded end of the shower arm or nipple engages the ferrule and compresses it against the stub out creating a seal therebetween. When installing a shower head, an escutcheon plate is adapted to be slid over the shower arm to engage peripheral fingers of the adapter to secure the escutcheon in place. A shower head is then threaded onto the shower arm to complete the installation.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1999Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Sioux Chief Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Duane R. Condon, Frank D. Julian, Joseph P. Ismert
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Patent number: 6334226Abstract: A faucet support member for fixing a faucet in a mounting hole made in a base plate, comprising tightening members which are fixed to a support seat, which is provided to support a base end portion of the faucet, by connectors so that the tightening members are pivotable with the connectors and slidable along the connectors, and which are formed so that the tightening members can be inserted into the mounting hole when the front end portions thereof are directed inward, and open beyond the diameter of the mounting hole when the front end portions of the tightening members are directed outward; and members for preventing the tightening members, opening beyond the diameter of the mounting hole, from being turned further, the tightening members opening beyond the diameter of the mounting hole being moved toward a bottom surface of the support seat to hold the base plate between the bottom surface of the support seat and an upper surface of the tightening members and support the faucet on the base plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Toto Ltd.Inventors: Osamu Tokunaga, Hideyuki Hasebe, Sigemiti Inada
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Patent number: 6286764Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventors: Edward C. Garvey, Donald D. Onorati
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Patent number: 6270014Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Encon Safety ProductsInventors: Christopher J. Bollas, Dai Duc Nguyen, Charles R. McAdams
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Patent number: 6250558Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Inventor: Miguel E. Dogre Cuevas
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Patent number: 6220279Abstract: A faucet assembly 30 includes an underbody 36 having end bodies 40 and 42 which are linked by conduits 44 with a center body 38, and further includes a spout 32 and a attached shank 34, all of which are to be assembled with a deck 56. Portions of the upper ends of the end bodies 40 and 42 are each formed with an annular groove 72 which extend through holes 60 and 62 in the deck 56. A pair of trim flanges 48 and 52 are each formed with a platform 160 having an opening 162 extending therethrough which facilitates the positioning of portions of the platform within the annular groove 72 to retain the underbody 36 with the deck 56. Another hole 58 is formed in the deck 56 above the assembled center body 38 and is formed with an axial passage 76 for receipt of the shank 34.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1997Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Emhart Inc.Inventor: Donald J. Segien
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Patent number: 6170098Abstract: A faucet fitting system having interchangeable components useable in both single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. The component system is designed to allow the same putty plate with breast plate, waterway spout, aerator and mounting nuts to be used with the various escutcheons, metering valves and waterways associated with the single handle and duel handle faucet fixtures. Specially constructed water valves, putty plates and escutcheon constructions useable in conjunction with the system are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventor: Walter Pitsch
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Patent number: 6161230Abstract: A faucet fitting system having interchangeable components useable in both single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. The component system is designed to allow the same putty plate with breast plate, waterway spout, aerator and mounting nuts to be used with the various escutcheons, metering valves and waterways associated with the single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. Specially constructed water valves, putty plates and escutcheon constructions useable in conjunction with the system are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2000Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventor: Walter Pitsch
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Patent number: 6112342Abstract: A cartridge for a valve housing having outlets, the cartridge comprising a stationary body sleeve for fixed insertion within the housing and having outlet ports permanently aligned with the outlets of the housing, a moveable substantially hollow stem sleeve inserted within the stationary body sleeve and having an opening selectively alignable with the ports of the stationary body sleeve, the body sleeve and hollow stem being connected to one another by a retaining ring which aligns and maintains the cartridge as a unit in the housing. The diverting valve may be installed as a deck mounted fixture in a tub, whirlpool, soaking bath, spa, roman tub, or the like wherein the tub spout is located below the flood line rim of the respective fixture wherein the diverting valve can be repaired by replacing the cartridge from the top of the valve by removing the handle and replacing the cartridge in its entirety.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Silvano BredaInventor: Silvano Breda
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Patent number: 6085784Abstract: A quick connect hose assembly is provided for a widespread faucet including a spout and a pair of end bodies mounted to a deck at spaced locations from the spout. The quick connect hose assembly includes a T-connector slidably mounted on an end of a waterway tube connected to the spout. The T-connector includes a pair of serrated hose connecting portions. A pair of connector members are provided including a hollow body portion which slidably receives a bottom portion of the end bodies and an outwardly extending serrated hose connecting portion extending from the hollow body portion. A first hose is connected between the T-connector and one of the connector members and a second hose is connected between the T-connector and the other connector member.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Emhart Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Bloom, Donald J. Segien, Jr., Neil G. Bullock
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Patent number: 6079061Abstract: A diversion device between a faucet and a shower head comprises a hollow assembling seat jointed by a pair of water pipes: one for cold water and the other for hot water, and is used to shut off the source water as well divert it either to a shower head or to a spout while no longer has to resist the pressure of the water therefor being light and handy in operation. The diversion device includes a perforated tube with an internal valve member having flow blocking shields mounted on the valve member.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1999Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Inventor: Chen-Yueh Fan
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Patent number: 6067675Abstract: A new foot operated faucet system for permitting operation of the faucet by a user using their feet. The inventive device includes a foot pedal movably coupled to a base, a swivel bar coupled between the foot pedal and a mixing valve for permitting adjustment of the passing of a mixture of hot and cold water through the mixing valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1999Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Inventor: John Boyette
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Patent number: 6023796Abstract: A faucet fitting system having interchangeable components useable in both single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. The component system is designed to allow the same putty plate with breast plate, waterway spout, aerator and mounting nuts to be used with the various escutcheons, metering valves and waterways associated with the single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. Specially constructed water valves, putty plates and escutcheon constructions useable in conjunction with the system are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventor: Walter Pitsch
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Patent number: 6003170Abstract: A faucet assembly has a conduit defining a flow path between a supply of water and an outlet, a mechanical valve in the conduit and having an open position and a closed position, and a lever coupled to the mechanical valve for shifting it between its open and closed positions. A proximity detector has a detection field adjacent the outlet and a controller connected between the proximity detector and an openable and closable servo valve is activatable for opening the servo valve on detection of an object in the field of the proximity detector. A position-detecting switch associated with the mechanical valve is connected to the controller for activating this controller on shifting of the mechanical valve into its open position and for deactivating the controller on shifting of the mechanical valve into its closed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AGInventors: Jurgen Humpert, Eckhard Gransow
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Patent number: 5979776Abstract: A temperature and flow controller for a bath tub or shower is disclosed. The device includes a panel that replaces or surrounds the standard bath tub water valves. Within the panel is a control assembly in communication with temperature sensors in the shower head and the bath tub faucet as well as control valves on the hot and cold water supply lines. The temperature sensors are immediately downstream from a unique, two stage mixing chamber having a rotatable impeller in a first section and a helically grooved inner surface in a second section to thoroughly mix hot and cold water therein. The controller also includes means for enabling water flow at a preset time of day, for a predetermined duration or to deliver a predetermined volume of water.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Inventor: Roderick A. Williams
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Patent number: 5979489Abstract: A faucet fitting system having interchangeable components useable in both single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. The component system is designed to allow the same putty plate with breast plate, waterway spout, aerator and mounting nuts to be used with the various escutcheons, metering valves and waterways associated with the single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. Specially constructed water valves, putty plates and escutcheon constructions useable in conjunction with the system are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventor: Walter Pitsch
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Patent number: 5970534Abstract: A cartridge for a valve housing having outlets, the cartridge comprising a stationary body sleeve for fixed insertion within the housing and having outlet ports permanently aligned with the outlets of the housing, a moveable substantially hollow stem sleeve inserted within the stationary body sleeve and having an opening selectively alignable with the ports of the stationary body sleeve, the body sleeve and hollow stem being connected to one another by a retaining ring which aligns and maintains the cartridge as a unit in the housing. The diverting valve may be installed as a deck mounted fixture in a tub, whirlpool, soaking bath, spa, roman tub, or the like wherein the tub spout is located below the flood line rim of the respective fixture wherein the diverting valve can be repaired by replacing the cartridge from the top of the valve by removing the handle and replacing the cartridge in its entirety.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Silvano BredaInventor: Silvano Breda
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Patent number: 5960490Abstract: A faucet fitting system having interchangeable components useable in both single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. The component system is designed to allow the same putty plate with breast plate, waterway spout, aerator and mounting nuts to be used with the various escutcheons, metering valves and waterways associated with the single handle and dual handle faucet fixtures. Specially constructed water valves, putty plates and escutcheon constructions useable in conjunction with the system are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventor: Walter Pitsch
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Patent number: 5946746Abstract: An apparatus is provided for installing a faucet on a top side of a deck. The apparatus includes a threaded member engaged with the faucet and extending through the mounting hole to be rotated from above the deck. A nut is threadedly connected to the threaded member to pass through the mounting hole to the underside of the deck and to be shifted toward and away from the underside of the deck responsive to the direction of rotation of the threaded member. A second member associated with and parallel to the threaded member engages the nut to prevent rotation thereof during rotation of the threaded member whereby the nut will be shifted up or down along the length of the threaded member responsive to the direction of rotation of the threaded member. A retaining bracket is pivotally connected to the nut and gravity balanced to assume a free position across the nut which is substantially perpendicular to the threaded member when the nut has been shifted downwardly sufficiently away from the deck.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Emhart Inc.Inventor: Mark S. Bloom
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Patent number: 5924451Abstract: An improved structure for faucet which the conventional faucet body has a casing portion made of brass punched into form, including an upper cover body and a lower cover body to be assembled together by using a connection edge and a plurality of positioning flanges. The water-output end thereof is fastened together by using a aerating seat and a fastening ring; the end of two cover bodys nearing the pull rod position is fastened together by means of a fixed bar and a pull-rod seat so as to have the casing portion and the water-guide assembly connected together as one piece. The inner space of the casing portion is mounted with the water-guide assembly to supply water.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1998Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Inventor: Lian-Jie Kuo
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Patent number: 5896601Abstract: A mixing valve has a housing holding a fixed valve plate a flat outer surface generally centered on and perpendicular to an axis and formed offset from the axis with a pair of angularly offset and axially throughgoing inlet ports and offset therefrom with a pair of axially throughgoing outlet ports. Hot and cold water is supplied under pressure to the inlet ports and passages in the housing connect the outlet ports to respective users, e.g. a faucet and a shower. A movable valve plate in the housing has an inner surface flatly engaging the outer surface of the fixed valve plate and an opposite outer surface and is formed with an axially throughgoing inlet port alignable with the fixed-plate inlet ports and offset from the respective inlet port an axially throughgoing outlet port alignable with the fixed-plate outlet ports.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AGInventors: Jurgen Humpert, Manfred Pawelzik
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Patent number: 5852848Abstract: A faucet handle base includes a socket receiving the head of a valve stem, and a laterally directed elongate bore communicating with the socket. The inner end portion of the bore is internally threaded and receives a retaining screw extensible into the valve socket, the outer end portion of the bore, of a relatively larger internally threaded diameter, receives the mounting nipple on a handle insert, closing the bore and completely concealing the retaining screw.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Wolverine Brass, Inc.Inventor: Gordon L. Spurgeon
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Patent number: 5845844Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless temperature monitoring system useful in reducing the risk of scalding to a user. The system includes a temperature sensor/transmitter on the end of a faucet which communicates via a wireless link to a controller. The wireless link is utilized to facilitate installation on a faucet. The invention may also provide a digital display with audio and/or visual alarms to indicate if a pre-set maximum temperature has been exceeded and a shut-off valve to interrupt flow of water to the faucet.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1996Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Inventor: Peter Zosimodis