Having Only One Actuating Means Patents (Class 4/677)
  • Patent number: 11920329
    Abstract: A bath faucet system includes a housing, a diverter assembly, and an internal waterway. The housing forms an outer shell of the bath faucet system and includes a water inlet, a water outlet, and a cavity extending between the water inlet and the water outlet. The internal waterway is disposed within the cavity between the water inlet and the water outlet. The internal waterway includes a water jacket and a hose. The water jacket is coupled to the water inlet and configured to contain water flowing into the housing via the water inlet. The water jacket includes a hose connector along an outside surface of the water jacket. The hose includes a first end coupled to the hose connector, a second end coupled to the water outlet, and a central portion connecting the first end to the second end and configured to prevent water from contacting the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: Adam John Reich
  • Patent number: 11821185
    Abstract: An automatic faucet includes a faucet body, an inner tube, a faucet nozzle, a sensor, and a waterway control unit. The waterway control unit is fitted in the faucet body. The waterway control unit includes a mixed water valve core for delivering water to the inner tube, a solenoid valve for controlling water flowing out from the inner tube, and an integrated valve seat for accommodating the mixed water valve core and the solenoid valve. The sensor is electrically connected to the solenoid valve. The structure and the assembly process of the faucet are simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Inventors: Xingui Zhang, Yihui Chen, Mouyong Lin
  • Patent number: 11814827
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a shower apparatus, which comprises an upper body, a lower body and a mixing valve, the upper body and lower body are interconnected and fixed, the upper body is provided with a capacious space, the mixing valve is placed within the capacious space; the lower body comprises a cold water inlet channel, a hot water inlet channel and a mixing water outlet, the upper body comprises a cold water crossing channel, a hot water crossing channel and a mixing water crossing channel, the upper body comprises a cold water crossing channel, a hot water crossing channel and a mixing water crossing channel, the cold inlet channel, the hot inlet channel and the mixed water outlet are hermetically connected to the cold water crossing channel, the hot water crossing channel and the mixed water crossing channel, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventors: Yongsheng Wang, Dingjun Wang, Taoyan Zhang, Zhisheng Li, Wen Go, Lizhong Liao
  • Patent number: 11814826
    Abstract: A fitting for dispensing liquids includes an outlet with a first outlet part and a second outlet part, a first liquid outflow for delivering a first of the liquids, and a second liquid outflow for delivering a second of the liquids. The first liquid outflow is arranged in the first outlet part, and the second liquid outflow is arranged in the second outlet part. The first outlet part and the second outlet part can be set movably and releasably in relation to each other. A receiving part is arranged in the first outlet part for releasably setting the second outlet part on the first outlet part, and the first liquid outflow is arranged in the receiving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: BLANCO GMBH + CO KG
    Inventors: Johannes Stupp, Olaf Stenvers
  • Patent number: 11788265
    Abstract: A device for disinfecting the interior of a drain pipe having a tubular wall formed with a hole between the sink drain inlet and the U-shaped trap. A UV-C LED module is positioned to register with the hole and includes a UV-C LED that generates a radiation beam having a predetermined radiation angle to transmit UV-C light into the drain pipe through the hole to irradiate at least a portion of said interior surface and expose airborne pathogens contained therein to UV-C light. A lens generally coextensive with the tubular wall has a peripheral edge aligned with the hole. The UV-C LED is spaced from the lens a distance to cause the radiation beam to extend up to but not beyond the peripheral edge of the lens to maximize transmission of UV-C light through the lens to maximize exposure of the interior surface and airborne pathogens to the UV-C light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: STERILUMEN, INC.
    Inventor: Max Munn
  • Patent number: 11713564
    Abstract: Disclosed are faucet control device and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: THE SL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byoung Kyu Shon, Seung Hwan Tak, In-Ho Song
  • Patent number: 11624173
    Abstract: A dual-outlet faucet and a dual-outlet faucet system are disclosed. The dual-outlet faucet has two water channels to output two different types of water flows, which is convenient for the user to use. The dual-outlet faucet system includes the dual-outlet faucet and a water treatment apparatus. The dual-outlet faucet system can output the normal water and the water processed by the water treatment apparatus, which is convenient for the user to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: XIAMEN FORBETTER SANITARY WARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xingui Zhang, Yihui Chen, Mouyong Lin
  • Patent number: 11591779
    Abstract: The disclosure described herein relates to waterway assemblies and manifolds for waterway assemblies for use in water fixtures such as, for example, faucets. Examples of the manifold for a waterway assembly of the present disclosure include an insert with a pair of inlet tubes which are offset from a supply tube. A method of manufacture for the waterway assembly and manifold having the insert with a pair of inlet tubes which are offset from a supply tube is also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Don Currey, Earl Christian, Scott R. Gardner, Adam DeVries, Jonathan Lester
  • Patent number: 10253484
    Abstract: A faucet assembly includes a bushing defining a cutout at a portion of a first end, and a control handle received on the first end of the bushing. The control handle includes an inner wall defining a set screw bore therein, and an outer wall spaced apart from the inner wall, the outer wall defining a visible bore therethrough. The control handle further includes a cavity at least partially defined between the inner wall and the outer wall. The cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of the cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: William R. Bares, Perry D. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20150121616
    Abstract: A dispensing arrangement for water comprises a tap, in particular a kitchen tap such as a boiling water tap, provided with a shut-off valve and an operating element, such that the dispensing arrangement is operable with a compound movement of the operating element. For dispensing of the water at least a portion of the compound movement serves to release the shut-off valve prior to operation and comprises at least one of a movement to-and-fro, a repeated movement and a movement of at least a predetermined duration and wherein a subsequent portion of the compound movement serves to operate the shut-off valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Niels Theodoor Peteri
  • Patent number: 9003577
    Abstract: Ligature-resistant lavatory assembly incorporating a ligature-resistant adjustable faucet and valve, particularly suitable for use in behavioral health, psychiatric facilities, or prisons. The ligature-resistant adjustable faucet control includes a fixable seating element and a control knob at least partially rotatable received in the seating element. The control knob is connected to a mixing valve so that rotation of said control knob controls the mixing valve and, in turn, adjusts the temperature of water dispensed from the faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Laurence D. Kopp, Edward J. Kopp, Christopher L. Kopp
  • Patent number: 8990974
    Abstract: A overmold fitting is coupled to a fluid conduit. The overmold fitting may include a first portion and a spaced apart second portion proximate a first end of the fluid conduit. The first portion may be an end ring and the second portion may be a retention ring. The overmold fitting may include a visual indicator to provide an indication of the fluid to be used with the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Masco Corporation of Indiana, Mercury Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Thomas, Derek A. Brown, Brian A. Enlow
  • Patent number: 8944093
    Abstract: A fluid delivery device includes a waterway assembly, a valve assembly, and a waterway adapter that fluidly couples the waterway assembly to the valve assembly. An illustrative waterway adapter may be constructed of a polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: Masco Corporation of Indiana, Mercury Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Veros, Timothy J. Sailors, Jr., Alfred C. Nelson, Kurt J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8925572
    Abstract: A connecting structure of a faucet body and a control valve contains a faucet body, a fixing cylinder, a guiding seat, a control valve, and an outlet pipe. The faucet body includes a first segment, a second segment, a positioning rim, and a receiving space. The fixing cylinder is fitted into the faucet body and includes a circular cavity, an orifice, and two apertures. The guiding seat is disposed in the circular cavity and includes two grooves and two inlets. The control valve is inserted into the receiving space from the first segment of the faucet body, and a bottom end of the control valve is biased against the guiding seat. The outlet pipe couples with the faucet body and communicates with the guiding seat. Thereby, the guiding seat and the control valve are fixed in the faucet body, and a shape of the faucet body is geometrical and variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Tai-World Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sen-Tien Shih
  • Patent number: 8925571
    Abstract: A fixing structure of a pull-out faucet is mounted on a platform with a fixing hole and contains a pull-out faucet including a housing, a pull-out spray head, a mixing valve, and a pipe line set; the pipe line set including a plurality of fixedly static pipe lines and a movably dynamic pipe line; a positioning device including a seat and a clamping set; the seat being fixed under the platform by the clamping set and being fixed in the fixing hole to fit with the housing, the seat including a passage set for inserting the pipe line set; wherein the passage set has a first passage for inserting the static pipe lines and a second passage for inserting the dynamic pipe line, and the first passage is spaced apart from the second passage so that the dynamic pipe line is limited in the second passage to move smoothly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Chunhung Li, Yongjun Wu, Weimien Hsu, Wanhong Tan, Qiuyong Li
  • Publication number: 20150000032
    Abstract: A mixer tap is provided that includes: a lever; a temperature adjusting mechanism that enables adjusting a discharge water temperature by rotating the lever from side to side; a discharge amount adjustment mechanism that enables adjusting the discharge amount by rotating the lever back and forth; a side-to-side click mechanism that effects a side-to-side click feeling in association with rotation of the lever from side to side; and a back-and-forth click mechanism that effects a back-and-forth click feeling in association with rotation of the lever back and forth. In the mixer tap, a click feeling is varied depending on a lever back-and-forth position and/or a lever side-to-side position. The difference in the click feeling can provide a user with various items of information. This information allows the improvement of the convenience of the mixer tap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Kazuma Yasuhara, Naoki Ogata
  • Publication number: 20140359935
    Abstract: An electronic faucet assembly includes a mixing valve and a user interface in communication with a controller. Input to the user interface illustratively causes the controller to operate in a flow control mode or a temperature control mode. In the flow control mode the mixing valve provides flow control of water at a constant temperature, while in the temperature control mode the mixing valve provides temperature control of water at a constant flow. A memory device may be secured to a faucet component to store identification data related thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Veros, Kurt J. Thomas, Mark Galambus, Adam M. DeVries, Anthony E. Tyner, Joel D. Sawaski, Kyle Robert Davidson
  • Patent number: 8863780
    Abstract: A faucet includes an outer housing having a surface formed of a first material. The outer housing has an entry and an outlet, and a valve cartridge is positioned at least partly in the outer housing and is configured to control flow of water to the outlet. An insulator sleeve is positioned at least partly in the outer housing between a wall of the outer housing and the valve cartridge. A collar having a surface made of a second material different from the first material is at least partly nested within the insulator sleeve outside of the valve cartridge. The insulator sleeve is made of a material that acts to galvanically insulate the outer housing from the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: John C. Esche, Steven T. Radder
  • Publication number: 20140259382
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for providing and dispensing various hand care alternatives from a common point of dispension, such as a faucet, for standardizing the hand care, washing, sanitizing, and drying process is disclosed. Included is a liquid flow path having an inlet in fluid communication with a liquid source and an outlet in fluid communication with a user reception point. A secondary flow path has an inlet in communication with one or more hand care alternatives and an outlet in communication with the user reception point. A first pump operatively connected to the hand care alternative and a second pump, independent from the first, pumps air. The air and hand care alternative may be mixed and foamed. In use, the air pump can provide clearing, drying and mixing functions independent from the first pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Thomas Dobizl, Sarah Elise Gilbertson
  • Publication number: 20140215709
    Abstract: A sink faucet assembly that includes a sink faucet and a filter faucet combined together into a single unit. The sink faucet is of the single-handle type for mixing hot and cold water and includes a body member, base, or escutcheon mount upon which the filter faucet is attached. The filter faucet includes a faucet body and spout that may dispense filtered water from an undersink filter and it may further include a water filter fluidly disposed between the faucet body and spout. A filter replacement kit is provided in an embodiment that includes a generally inline water filter, an optional water spout, and an elongated hollow tubular stem adapter attachable to the filter faucet body in a generally push-in manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Scott Anthony Nightlinger, Grzegorz Loniewski
  • Publication number: 20140215710
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sanitary single-lever washstand fitting on a washstand, comprising a single-lever cartridge, a fitting body with a water outlet, a fitting handle, and inlet hoses for hot and cold water, and said single-lever cartridge having at least one cartridge base, a cartridge bearing, sealing discs, a cartridge housing, a pivot, and a mixed water outlet. In order for the fitting body to be easier and more cost-effective to produce, easy to replace on an installed sanitary standard single-lever cartridge, and for the installation to be simplified in general, the invention suggests that the single-lever cartridge is fixed directly to the washstand and that the fitting body is put over said single-lever cartridge and fixed thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: CERAMTEC GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Christ, Matthias Sell
  • Patent number: 8763175
    Abstract: A fixing structure of a faucet is fixed on a sink countertop with a hole and contains a faucet having a housing, a pull-out spray head, a mixing valve, and a water supply set. The water supply set includes a cold-water inlet pipe, a hot-water inlet pipe, and a mixing outlet pipe. A positioning device includes a base having a peripheral fence, a bottom fence, and a mouth. The bottom fence has a limiting face and at least one orifice, the limiting face has a channel, two stop posts, and an abutting face. Two screw rods extend out of the hole and are rotated above the base. Two clamping blocks are screwed with the two screw rods and are limited by the two stop posts to rotate when the two screw rods are rotated, and the two clamping blocks move upwardly to retain a bottom end of the sink countertop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Chunhung Li, Weimien Hsu, Wanhong Tan, Yongiun Wu, Qiuyong Li
  • Patent number: 8739327
    Abstract: A single handle faucet is fixed on a basin with a first hole and two second holes and contains a body; a control valve set fixed on the body and including a handle located above a central position of the body to rotate the valve core; two inlet pipes connected with the control valve set to feed cold water and hot water individually and extending out of the first hole of the basin; an outlet pipe coupled with the control valve set to flow mixed water of the cold water and the hot water; two screw rods including two top ends to connect with two sides of the housing individually and two bottom ends extending out of the two second holes respectively; two nuts screwed with the two screw rods respectively and engaged with a bottom end of the basin so that the faucet is locked on the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Weimien Hsu, Chunhung Li, Yongium Wu, Xiaomao Tang
  • Patent number: 8739813
    Abstract: A fluid delivery device includes a waterway assembly, a valve assembly, and a waterway adapter to fluidly couple the waterway assembly to the valve assembly. The exemplary embodiment of the waterway assembly includes at least one inlet supply tube and at least one outlet supply tube generally disposed opposite to the at least one inlet supply tube. The waterway adapter and at least one inlet supply tube are supported by at least one coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignees: Masco Corporation of Indiana, Mercury Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Moore, Alfred C. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8695638
    Abstract: A valve includes a generally cylindrical housing including first and second end portions that are offset from each other along a longitudinal axis of the generally cylindrical housing. First and second inlet ports are arranged on one of said first or second end portions, and at least one outlet port is arranged on one of said first or second end portions. A disk is disposed in the generally cylindrical housing and is configured to independently control both mixing and flow rate of fluid flowing into at least one of the first and second inlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: David DiNunzio
  • Publication number: 20140075667
    Abstract: A fixing structure of a faucet is fixed on a sink countertop with a hole and contains a faucet having a housing, a pull-out spray head, a mixing valve, and a water supply set. The water supply set includes a cold-water inlet pipe, a hot-water inlet pipe, and a mixing outlet pipe. A positioning device includes a base having a peripheral fence, a bottom fence, and a mouth. The bottom fence has a limiting face and at least one orifice, the limiting face has a channel, two stop posts, and an abutting face. Two screw rods extend out of the hole and are rotated above the base. Two clamping blocks are screwed with the two screw rods and are limited by the two stop posts to rotate when the two screw rods are rotated, and the two clamping blocks move upwardly to retain a bottom end of the sink countertop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Chunhung Li, Weimien Hsu, Wanhong Tan, Yongiun Wu, Qiuyong Li
  • Patent number: 8631816
    Abstract: A faucet structure includes a main body, a water collecting base, a water output head and a water control valve. The main body is tubular with thin body wall, having a receiving space that receives the water collecting base having two water inlet holes and one water outlet hole on lower portion thereof, and a water inlet channel and a water outlet channel extends from the water inlet hole and water outlet hole. A valve base is formed on sideway of the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel. The faucet includes the main body and the water collecting base respectively, so the complexity of the main body is reduced, and the manufacturing process is simplified. Also, the structure of the main body can be simplified to a thin-wall structure to reduce material and further reduce manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Da Yuan Sheng Industrial Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Ming-Yuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 8584696
    Abstract: A water control structure of a faucet includes a main body, a water collecting base, and a water control valve. The main body is tubular with thin body wall, having a receiving space that receives the water collecting base having water inlet holes on lower portion thereof for water inlet tubes, and each water inlet hole extends upwards to form a water inlet channel, and a water outlet channel is formed therebetween. A water outlet hole is formed on an upper portion of the water outlet channel, and the water outlet hole is provided for the water connecting tube of the water channel to plug in. A valve base is formed on sideway of the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel. The faucet includes the main body and the water collecting base respectively, so the complexity of the main body is reduced, and the manufacturing process is simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Da Yuan Sheng Industrial Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Yuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 8584697
    Abstract: An easy-to-install faucet structure includes an inner tube, a main body, a water control unit and a water outlet head. The inner tube is disposed in a through space of the main body, and has a tube base that has a plurality of rib units at an inner periphery thereof. A plurality of guiding slots are formed between each rib unit, so that when water inner tubes and a water outlet of the water control unit pass through the inner tube, they can be guided to directly pass through a second path of the connecting portion without further bundling to achieve the goal of easy tube connection and installation to simplify the assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Da Yuan Sheng Industrial Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Yuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 8468620
    Abstract: A faucet structure includes a faucet main body, a limit disc and a plurality of guide pipes. The faucet main body includes a plurality of inlet passages and a plurality of inlets at lower ends of the inlet passages to connect upper ends of the guide pipes. At least one side of each inlet has an engaging recess for engagement of a limit protrusion of the corresponding guide pipe. The faucet main body has a threaded hole at a bottom thereof. Each guide pipe includes a stop ring and a neck part fitted on the upper end thereof. The neck part has the limit protrusion at one side thereof. The limit disc has a plurality of through holes and a hole corresponding in position to the inlets and the threaded hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Shao-Hwa Tarng
  • Patent number: 8464369
    Abstract: Disclosed are fittings (e.g. tub spouts) suitable for mounting to a member (e.g. a water pipe). Special clamping structures are provided and located in a cavity of a fitting body. The clamping structures have at least two separate clamp parts that surround the water pipe or other member. A set screw can be extended radially inward from a hole in the fitting body to drive a clamp part. This helps to retain the end of the member in the cavity, while distributing clamping load away from a single point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Michael R. Furseth
  • Patent number: 8453669
    Abstract: A fluid delivery device includes a waterway assembly, a valve assembly, and a waterway adapter that fluidly couples the waterway assembly to the valve assembly. An illustrative waterway adapter may be constructed of a polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Michael J. Veros, Timothy J. Sailors, Alfred C. Nelson, Kurt J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8439076
    Abstract: A faucet module has a base, a valve chamber formed in the base, a cold water inlet port, a hot water inlet port and an outlet port in communications with a cold water inlet pipe, a hot water inlet pipe and an outlet pipe respectively, a first threaded section formed at an outer periphery of an opening of the valve chamber, a flange formed around all the pipes at a predetermined position away from the bottom face of the base, a protrusion having a second threaded section respectively formed at an end of each pipe below the flange, each of the base, the valve chamber, the cold water inlet port, the hot water inlet port, the outlet port, the cold water inlet pipe, the hot water inlet pipe, the outlet pipe, the first threaded section, the flange, the protrusion and the second threaded section formed as an entire unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Wen-Tsung Lin
  • Patent number: 8375993
    Abstract: A faucet is disclosed which has an outer housing formed of zinc which has a lower entry, an upper outlet, and a side cavity. There is a supply line structure extendible from the lower entry into or adjacent the side cavity, and a valve cartridge positioned in the side cavity. A plastic insulator sleeve is positioned in the side cavity between a wall of the outer housing and the valve cartridge. A brass collar is nested within the insulator sleeve and positioned outside of the valve cartridge. Hence, the advantages of a zinc outer housing are achieved while avoiding galvanic corrosion due to contact between brass and zinc surfaces. The insulator sleeve also facilitates rotational and axial alignment, and sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: John C. Esche, Steven T. Radder
  • Publication number: 20120330468
    Abstract: Device for supplying water with temperature and flow adjustment and related usage methods. Temperature and flow adjustment device of the type comprising a cold-water inlet and a hot-water inlet each provided with solenoid valves that are adjustable by the user using means for selecting the flow rate and temperature of the water mixed to be supplied and a control unit to adjust the flow rates of cold water and hot water supplied by the respective inlets, in which the device also comprises a mixer connected downstream of said solenoid valves and a mixed-water output characterized in that the inlets of said mixer coming from said solenoid valves face one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Zeyron Technologies, S.L.
    Inventor: Daniel Lopez Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20120204344
    Abstract: The sanitary fitting has a control cartridge which is arranged in an end region of a fitting housing and defines a longitudinal axis (A). The control cartridge and an end, on this side, of the fitting housing are covered by a fitting cap. The fitting cap has a through-passage, through which an actuating shaft of the control cartridge is connected to an actuating lever which is arranged outside the fitting cap, said actuating shaft being pivotable about a pivot axis (B) that runs at right angles to the longitudinal axis (A). A deformable, annular covering element according to the invention is fastened by way of a first rim, facing the control cartridge, to a supporting ring arranged on the control cartridge, and engages in a sealing manner by way of a second rim around the actuating shaft or a connecting element seated thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: KWC AG
    Inventors: André LEUTWYLER, Christian GAUTSCHI
  • Patent number: 8214941
    Abstract: Disclosed are fittings (e.g. tub spouts) suitable for mounting to a member (e.g. a water pipe). Special clamping structures are provided and located in a cavity of a fitting body. The clamping structures have at least two separate clamp parts that surround the water pipe or other member. A set screw can be extended radially inward from a hole in the fitting body to drive a clamp part. This helps to retain the end of the member in the cavity, while distributing clamping load away from a single point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Michael R. Furseth
  • Publication number: 20120151673
    Abstract: A overmold fitting is coupled to a fluid conduit. The overmold fitting may include a first portion and a spaced apart second portion proximate a first end of the fluid conduit. The first portion may be an end ring and the second portion may be a retention ring. The overmold fitting may include a visual indicator to provide an indication of the fluid to be used with the fluid conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: MASCO CORPORATION OF INDIANA
    Inventors: Kurt J. THOMAS, Derek A. BROWN, Brian A. ENLOW
  • Patent number: 8104111
    Abstract: A shower device is proposed that features a fixed-installation housing. This housing can, for example, stand up from the floor and may extend beyond normal human body size. The housing is fitted with a shower arm that can be moved out of an inactive position. In the inactive position, the surface of the shower arm lies flush with the surface of the housing. The jet discharge area of a shower head arranged in the shower arm faces inwards, so that it is only possible to see a flat surface on the exterior of the housing. Through pressure on this surface, a catch mechanism is released and this causes the shower arm to move out of the housing. This is accomplished via a drive mechanism, which may feature a spring, for example. Extension is performed at a relatively slow speed, which can be achieved using a damper device. The shower arm moves to a position in which the now-visible jet discharge disc of the shower head can be used as an overhead shower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hansgrohe AG
    Inventors: Juergen Gross, Elvira Mangold
  • Patent number: 8079098
    Abstract: A pull rod coupling configured to operably couple a pull rod to a fluid control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Kurt Judson Thomas
  • Patent number: 8051507
    Abstract: A faucet includes a mounting unit and a valve unit. The mounting unit includes a fixed seat and a rotatable seat rotatable relative to the fixed seat. The fixed seat is formed with a plurality of inverted L-shaped retaining hooks. The valve unit includes a housing, a coupling member disposed in the housing, a valve seat, an electromagnetic valve, and an infrared sensor. The coupling member includes a plurality of L-shaped retaining grooves engaging respectively the retaining hooks. The retaining hooks can be removed from the retaining grooves to allow for maintenance and replacement of the valve unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Ming-Shuan Lin
  • Patent number: 7775450
    Abstract: An adjustable height housing enables a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) with a dial permitting manual control of bathtub shower water temperature to be vertically mounted in a horizontal bathtub deck. The housing can be installed on a narrow bathtub rim yet also accommodates substantial substrate thickness of bathtub decks where required. Manual adjustment of hot and cold ring stops is performed from the top-side using only a screwdriver to gain access. The housing includes a long threaded outer sleeve which extends from near the top deck surface to the thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) cartridge body housing below, thereby accommodating any deck thickness from a 1/16 inch thick stainless steel tub edge to a compound deck construction up to 2¾ inches thick. The rotatable temperature dial is coupled to a cap rotatable by the adjustment handle which, in turn, rotates an adjustable extension shaft within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Jerome Warshawsky
  • Patent number: 7775462
    Abstract: A spray device for use as a supplementary fluid output, having a mixing chamber for receiving and mixing fluid from two input supplies which supplies mixed fluid to a spray head through a flexible conduit. The relative proportions of input supplies received in the mixing chamber is controlled by a mix controller having a mix actuator which is connected to a mix valve associated with the mixing chamber by an upstanding rotatable sleeve. The spray device is mounted on a hole in a work surface by mounting means. The flexible conduit and the upstanding rotatable sleeve pass through the hole in the work surface and a bore in the mounting means. The mix controller may control the rate of fluid flow through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Hornbeam Ivy Limited
    Inventors: William Peter Herring, James Moore
  • Publication number: 20100186834
    Abstract: A component for a faucet includes a substrate including alumina and a first material provided over at least a portion of the substrate. The first material includes titanium and carbon. The component also includes a second material provided over the first material, the second material including carbon and having carbon sp3 bonding of at least 40 percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Klaus Brondum, Richard P. Welty, Patrick B. Jonte, Douglas S. Richmond
  • Publication number: 20100058534
    Abstract: There is herein described a single handle pressure balancing spool valve for mixing user-adjustable hot and cold water flow to a fixture such as a shower or tub and to adjust the rate of mixed water flow. A rotatable disc with hot and cold intake openings and an outlet opening are provided which control the degree of covering on the inlet ports of the valve. Pressure balancing of inlet pressure is provided within the valve by means of a piston-cylinder assembly to compensate for fluctuations in water inlet pressure to avoid scalding of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Martin, Danny Li
  • Patent number: 7658206
    Abstract: Faucets are provided with joystick type control handles. The joysticks are provided with springs outside the main valve housing either between the joystick handle and lever stick, or between the joystick handle and an associated ball. In the latter case the ball retains a sliding disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Gary A. Fleischmann
  • Patent number: 7647939
    Abstract: A water inlet device for a faucet includes a valve seat, a connecting pipe, and a plurality of locking screws. The valve seat includes a surrounding wall having a plurality of protrusions, each of the protrusions being provided with a respective screw hole, a base wall cooperating with the surrounding wall to define a valve space, and a branch pipe extending from the surrounding wall. The connecting pipe has a positioning plate portion disposed to abut against the base wall of the valve seat and formed with a plurality of fastener holes, a guide pipe portion, and an inner hole in spatial communication with the valve space in the valve seat. The locking screws extend respectively through the fastener holes in the positioning plate portion of the connecting pipe and engage threadedly and respectively the screw holes in the protrusions of the surrounding wall of the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Ming-Shuan Lin
  • Publication number: 20090260153
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plumbing fixture by thixotropic welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Kurt J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7575025
    Abstract: Faucets are provided with joystick type control handles. The joysticks are provided with springs outside the main valve housing between the joystick handle and an associated ball. The ball retains a sliding disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Gary A. Fleischmann
  • Patent number: 7556061
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mixing faucet assembly (1), which comprises: a mixing valve unit (8) having at least two valve inlet ports (32b), a operating rod (24) and a valve outlet port (28); a faucet body (2) having at least two water-feed passages (2b), and a valve unit-receiving recess (2a) containing the mixing valve unit in such a manner as to receive mixture of hot and cold water discharged from the valve outlet port; a spout portion (6) formed to extend from an upper end of the faucet body in an approximately horizontal direction and have a spout-portion water passage (6a) for receiving the mixture discharged from the valve unit-receiving recess, and a spout port (4); and a load-supporting portion (2d) formed to protrude inwardly toward the inside of the valve unit-receiving recess in such a manner as to come into contact with an upper region of a lateral surface of the mixing valve unit on at least one side corresponding to a location of the spout portion to support the mixing valve unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Morita, Tsuyoshi Murata