Having Only One Actuating Means Patents (Class 4/677)
  • Patent number: 7452008
    Abstract: The feed screw coupling for a base of a hybrid outlet spigot including a water control spigot located on a granite counter and an inlet pipe fixed on the bottom of water control spigot by a thread insert. A locking thread insert is set in advance of an inlet coupling of inlet pipe, and a locking groove is located on the ring-shaped edge near the top side of the inlet coupling; and a C-type ring is embedded on the locking groove and locking the locking thread insert on the thread section of the water control spigot. An angle of in let pipe can be adjusted to make it parallel with the water control spigot while locking tightly while locking the thread insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Chiu-Chih Chung
  • Publication number: 20080276367
    Abstract: Disclosed is a swivel faucet, such as one having a pull-out sprayer. In one aspect the inlet and outlet lines are formed in an integral structure with a transverse plate that faces a mixing valve. In another aspect the control handle for the faucet is provided with a concentric visible bore and hidden set screw bore combined with a bushing having a cutout to facilitate their use. In still another aspect there is provided a bearing that mounts to a pivotable sprayer and provides distinct swivel positions through the use of a detent connection to a land.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: William R. Bares, Perry D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 7389796
    Abstract: A faucet with a vertically adjustable spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Ejvind Vilhelmsen
  • Patent number: 7373952
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sanitary outflow fitting, especially a single-lever mixer (1), comprising, in a manner known per se, a housing (2) provided with at least one admission (5, 6) for water, and one outlet (49). A control cartridge (26) is located inside (10) the fitting housing (2), the manually operable control lever (34) of said cartridge controlling the flow of water through the outflow fitting (1). The aim of the invention is to be able to use a conventional control cartridge (26) with the admission and outflow openings thereof located on the lower side, even when the outflow (49) is in the upper or uppermost region of the outflow fitting (1). To this end, the control cartridge (26) is arranged inside a receiving insert (14). Water arriving towards the control cartridge (26) and leaving the same flows through said receiving insert (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventors: Fritz Gaenzle, Rainer Stark
  • Patent number: 7296588
    Abstract: A water faucet includes a valve body, a valve seat, two water inlet pipes, a locking bolt, and a clamping member. Thus, the water faucet is mounted on the sink by the locking action between the clamping member, the locking bolt and the water inlet pipes, so that the water faucet is mounted on the sink easily and conveniently without having to mount the water faucet in a narrow space under the sink, thereby facilitating a user mounting the water faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Ren-Yih Hwang
  • Patent number: 7032619
    Abstract: A guide ring of a sanitary spout fitting having a swivelling spout which can be fitted swivellably on a fitting body via a swivelling sleeve which forms part of the swivelling spout, has material projections on both cylindrical faces. Through these material projections the guide ring is in contact both with the inner cylindrical surface of the swivelling sleeve and with the outer cylindrical surface of the fitting body. The guide ring thus ensures good radial guidance of the swivelling sleeve of the swivelling spout on the fitting body. Because the guide ring can rotate with respect both to the swivelling sleeve and to the fitting body in the new state, the smooth running of the swivelling spout is preserved even if one of these rotation possibilities is obstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventor: Fritz Gaenzle
  • Patent number: 7000637
    Abstract: A modified single-handled faucet is configured to permit the faucet to dispense hot water only if the operator actuates a hot water demand switch. The control valve couples the outlet of the faucet to the cold water source unless the operator actuates the hot water demand switch, and thereafter permits water to be dispensed from the hot water source, preferably via a conventional mixing valve that mixes hot and cold water in a desired proportion prior to dispensing the mixed stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Jens Kjaer
  • Patent number: 6868564
    Abstract: A sanitary appliance for use, for example, as a kitchen water control and temperature mixing valve, has a base part which is fixed to a plate and a housing surrounding the base part. The base part receives all functional parts of the appliance but is not visible from the outside. A receiving area for a mixer cartridge is provided in the base part, in addition to a bottom for feed pipes and optionally drainpipes. The mixer cartridge and the feed pipes are connected by a mechanism of an interchangeable intermediate element. The appliance can be adapted to various operational modes and mixer cartridges by replacing the intermediate element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Hansgrohe AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Ginter, Alessio Orlandi, Patrik Riester
  • Patent number: 6832396
    Abstract: 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 and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Shih-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 6786240
    Abstract: An improved structure of sprout assembly to allow it to be externally fixed to the faucet without welding and permit faucet and sprout to be plated first before connecting both to each other is characterized by that a connector in the faucet to engage a locking sleeve in the sprout, and a threaded tube being inserted through both of the connector and the locking sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Scott Ouyoung
  • Patent number: 6757921
    Abstract: A pull-out faucet has a hollow faucet body with open top and bottom ends and a cylindrical (laterally extending) side opening. A hollow, cane-shaped spout mounts to the top end and seats a spray head at one end. A separate valve block mounts in the housing through the side opening and connects to a mixing valve cartridge lying adjacent thereto on a lateral side. Water supply hoses snap into inlet passages of the valve. One end of a counterweighted spray hose assembly snaps into an outlet passage of the valve block and the other end connects to the spray head. The spray head can be extended from the spout and then retracted. A method of assembling the hoses and valve assembly into the hollow faucet body through the side opening is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: John C. Esche
  • Patent number: 6738996
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael L. Malek, W. Randall Tucker
  • Patent number: 6736369
    Abstract: A metering faucet includes a housing and a faucet metering cartridge positioned within the housing and having an outwardly extending faucet stem which is movable along a stem axis. There is a cartridge cap which is positioned within the housing and has a portion extending over and in contact with the cartridge stem to provide an inward force thereon. A handle is pivotally mounted to the housing on one side of the stem axis, with the handle having a portion which extends through a housing opening to contact the cartridge cap. Upon pivotal movement of the handle, an inward force is applied on the cartridge stem. The handle has a force applying area which extends a substantial distance from the pivotal mounting of the handle and terminates at the diametrical opposite side of the pivotal mounting of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert A. Lenart, Todd C. Loschelder
  • Publication number: 20040088786
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Michael L. Malek, W. Randall Tucker
  • Patent number: 6718568
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Donald L. Hensley
  • Patent number: 6666966
    Abstract: The self-disinfecting drain trap is an arrangement for the automatic cleaning and disinfecting of drain traps in drain channels. The cleaning and disinfection take place automatically during normal usage and without interruption of the operation of the drain trap. They take place by means of a novel combination for drain traps of electromechanical oscillation, preferably ultrasound, heating the interior space of the drain trap and heating the confining liquid and preventing growth on the inner wall by means of a growth-inhibiting and antimicrobially effective coating. The danger of recontamination of sanitary apparatuses and devices and therewith also of the ambient air by microorganisms from wastewater pipelines is effectively countered therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Alexander Schluttig
  • Patent number: 6651271
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Samuel Bayne Bentley
  • Patent number: 6647568
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Samuel Bayne Bentley
  • Patent number: 6640357
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hain Yo Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Bo Chang
  • Patent number: 6446281
    Abstract: Disclosed is a water supply operated by a foot, in which the type or water such as warm or cold water is selected and the flow rate of water is regulated by operation of a foot. The water supply (53) has a ceramic cartridge inserted at the inside of the water supply and lever (91) fixed with operating pedal (54) whose upper plate has constant thickness when the cartridge is laid horizontally. According to a degree to push the pedal toward “A” portion, the flow rate of water supply is regulated, and according, to selection of “C” or “D” portion of the pedal, warm or cold water is selected. Thus, since the water supply is operated by a foot, it facilitates its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Sunjin Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Yeae Kim
  • Patent number: 6442776
    Abstract: A sanitary appliance (1) has a location space (3), which is cut out of a housing (2) and intended for a cartridge (4) containing the control elements. A base (6) closes off the location space (3) in a downward direction. A water supply pipe (11) is detachably fastened in a bore (25) of the base (6). The water supply pipe (11) is axially locked by a conical tension spring (21) disposed in a location space (19) of the base (6). The tension spring (21) is applied by its smaller-diameter end with frictional engagement against the outer surface of the water supply pipe (11). With its larger-diameter end the tension spring (21) is supported against the base of the location space (19). The conical lateral surface of the tension spring (21) widens towards the outer end of the water supply pipe (11). In said manner, smooth water supply pipes may be fastened through simple insertion into the otherwise already completely assembled sanitary appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventor: Hans Oberdörfer
  • Patent number: 6409148
    Abstract: The combination of a shower valve having a metallic movable stem to control operation of the valve and a non-metallic high strength composite handle adapter secured to the stem for movement therewith, with the non-metallic handle adapter preventing galvanic corrosion between the metallic valve stem and a metallic handle attached to the handle adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: James F. Dempsey, John C. Holzheimer, Matt R. Kesti
  • Patent number: 6394133
    Abstract: A faucet (29) of the type which has an adjustable delivery spout (14) and includes a mixing cartridge (21) with single control lever (25) installed in a cavity or recess (35) available on the faucet. The recess for installation of the cartridge in the valve is formed in a component (11) of the faucet that is integrally formed with the spout (14). The component (11) in which the cartridge is installed has a two-way rotating hydraulic coupling to the fixed body (1) which is operably connected to supply pipes. As the spout (14) is adjusted about the fixed body (1), the lever (25) is carried by the component (11) to retain the same orientation of the lever (25) with respect to the spout (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of India
    Inventor: Francesco Knapp
  • Patent number: 6390125
    Abstract: A manually-operated valve is provided in series with an electromagnetically-operated valve and the manually-operated valve is provided with a proximity detector connected to the electronic controller whereby a switch in the manually-operated valve, in one position of the single control lever therefor, corresponding to about 50% of maximum supply rate, is operated to activate the proximity sensor and enable the water flow to be controlled by an object within its detection range. Removal of the object, e.g. the hand of the user from the range, will shut off the water through the manually-operated valve. Outside the position of the lever at which the switch is operated, the proximity detector is ineffective and control is effected exclusively by swinging the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Pawelzik, Hans-Jürgen Ludewig, Wolfgang Gebhardt, Hartwig Philipps-Liebich
  • Patent number: 6370713
    Abstract: A pull-out spray head, which is connectable with a faucet by a flexible hose, has a water conveyance body disposed within an outer enclosure. The water conveyance body has a cavity which is arranged substantially transversely to the water delivery direction, has an opening facing toward the water intake duct defined by the body, and is divided into two facing portions on opposite sides with respect to the opening. Each facing portion has a water delivery port connected, respectively, to the peripheral ports and to the central port of a disk which locks the body within the enclosure. One of the facing portions is provided with a hollow plug or slider which includes a port for connection to the water delivery port of that one facing portion. A flow control element is positioned within the body and has a rod which protrudes outwardly of the enclosure so as to be connected to an actuation lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: AMFAG S.p.A.
    Inventor: Orlando Bosio
  • Patent number: 6364210
    Abstract: A sanitary valve contains an inlet for cold water, an inlet for hot water and two outlets for mixed water. The valve contains a thermostat, which determines the mixed water temperature. For controlling the mixed water quantity leaving the valve a disk control is provided, which simultaneously forms a changeover device between the two outlets. For changeover purposes use is made of the actuator with which the quantity control is also implemented. On turning from the closed position in one direction one outlet is opened, whereas on turning in the opposite direction the other outlet is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Hansgrohe AG
    Inventor: Werner Lorch
  • Patent number: 6363549
    Abstract: A valve system in which a magnetic valve is in series with a manually-operated valve and contact with the handle of the manually-operated valve initiates flow via the electronic controller whereas, upon loss of contact, a proximity detector controls the magnetic valve when an object, such as a user's hand, is in range. The manual contact is superordinate and proximity detection is subordinate and the proximity detector remains permanently switched on during the operating duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Humpert, Eckhard Gransow
  • Patent number: 6360774
    Abstract: A sanitary fitting including a fitting body with at least one supply channel and at least one discharge channel, at least one supply line which is flow-connected to the supply channel for providing flow connection to a supply network, a drain arm which is flow-connected to the discharge channel, at least one actuating element for adjusting the amount of flow and/or flow temperature, and a fastening element for fastening the fitting body to a base, the fastening element including at least one receiver for frictionally engaging the at least one supply thereby removably securing the fitting body to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Ideal-Standard GmbH & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Albert Becker, Josef Behr
  • Patent number: 6328067
    Abstract: A kitchen use faucet structure includes a faucet having a lower end fitting hole for receiving a fixed base and having a screw hole for allowing passage of a locking screw which is secured in an annular limiting groove defined in the outer wall of the fixed base so that the faucet is pivoted on the fixed base, the fixed base provided with two introducing holes for securing two cold/hot water tubes, a cold water introducing chamber connecting to one of the two introducing holes and provided with a cold flow tube, a hot water introducing chamber connecting to the other of the two introducing holes, a cold water fitting hole defined in the faucet for receiving the cold flow tube, a cold water chamber defined in the faucet and connecting to the cold water fitting hole, a hot water chamber defined in the faucet and connecting to the outlet of the hot water introducing chamber, the cold water chamber and the hot water chamber each having an upper end defining a fitting hole for receiving two fitting posts of a cont
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Chao-Pei Hsiung
  • Patent number: 6321788
    Abstract: The armature consists of a base part (12), in which a pivoting outlet (2) is mounted in a pivoting manner, in which a mixer valve (1) with one connection (9) each for cold and warm water is mounted. A rotating part (8) is inserted into the base part (12) with one first canal (18, 19) each for cold and warm water. The first canals (18, 19) are connected via rigid lines (7) with the connections (9). The supply lines (16′, 17′) for cold and warm water are connected to second canals (16, 17) in the base part (12). The first and second canals (16-19) are connected hydraulically via a separate pivoting connection each. In so doing, an unimpaired pivoting of the outlet as well as a problem-free implementation of the high-pressure warm and cold water supply to the mixer valve is made possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Armaturefabrik Wallisellen AG
    Inventor: Werner Egli
  • Patent number: 6301728
    Abstract: A quick-install assembly for a single control faucet connected to water supply lines that extend through an opening in a deck to which the faucet is mounted, which assembly has a collar of larger diameter than the diameter of the opening of the deck and positioned from above the deck to be disposed at the opening of the deck. The collar has a pair of ears formed thereon that extend over the opening in the deck. A pair of fasteners are operatively engaged from above the deck to be threadedly connected to the ears to be disposed from above through the opening of the deck. A retainer is threadedly connected to the fasteners and includes a pair of swing flaps thereon adapted to be axially shifted toward and away from the collar responsive to the direction of rotation of the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Emhardt Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Pilatowicz, Oscar Romero
  • Publication number: 20010020302
    Abstract: A pull-out shower head for kitchens, wherein the water conveyance body comprises a cavity which is arranged substantially transversely to the water delivery direction and has an opening toward a water intake duct and is divided into two portions on opposite sides with respect to the opening; each portion comprises water delivery ports suitable to be connected respectively to the peripheral ports and to the central port of the delivery disk, at least one portion being provided with a hollow plug which comprises a port for connection to the water delivery port that is comprised within the portion, a flow control element being further provided which is connected to an actuation lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Applicant: AMFAG S.p.A.
    Inventor: Orlando Bosio
  • Publication number: 20010011390
    Abstract: A valve system in which a magnetic valve is in series with a manually-operated valve and contact with the handle of the manually-operated valve initiates flow via the electronic controller whereas, upon loss of contact, a proximity detector controls the magnetic valve when an object, such as a user's hand, is in range. The manual contact is superordinate and proximity detection is subordinate and the proximity detector remains permanently switched on during the operating duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jurgen Humpert, Eckhard Gransow
  • Patent number: 6220278
    Abstract: A top mountable faucet for mounting on a sink or countertop having a wall with an opening, a supporting surface at one side, and a clamping surface at an opposite side. The faucet includes a base adapted to be positioned on the supporting surface. A body extends from the base, and includes a lip spaced from said base. An escutcheon surrounds the body and is interposed between the base and the lip. A clip is interposed between the escutcheon and lip to lock the escutcheon over said base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Sauter, Michael T. Seum
  • Patent number: 6219859
    Abstract: An automatic control system for a faucet of a sink includes a valve manifold adapted to be disposed beneath the sink. The valve manifold is adapted to communicate with at least one of a hot water supply line and a cold water supply line and at least one of a hot water faucet connecting line and a cold water faucet connecting line for delivering water to the faucet of the sink. The valve manifold includes at least one electrically actuatable valve for controlling the flow of water to at least one of the hot water faucet connecting line and the cold water faucet connecting line and a diversionary valve adapted to allow water in the valve manifold to bypass the at least one electrically actuatable valve and flow to at least one of the hot water faucet connecting line and the cold water faucet connecting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Soheyl Derakhshan
  • Patent number: 6209153
    Abstract: A quick-install mounting nut assembly for connecting a shank of a faucet to a deck with the shank having an enlarged upper portion disposed above the deck and a smaller diameter lower portion extending through an opening of the deck. A strap of the assembly is loosely disposed on the lower portion of the shank to be axially raised thereon. The strap has a pair of ears formed thereon with apertures therein. A pair of clips are connected to the ears of the strap and each has an aperture therein aligned with the apertures of the ears of the strap. Each of the clips has a clamping portion biased downwardly into engagement with the lower portion of the shank. A pair of fastener members are separately disposed through the apertures of the strap and the clips and are in threaded engagement with the clips. A pair of nuts are separately disposed upon the ears of the strap to be threadedly engaged by the fastener members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Segien, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6202686
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a faucet which includes a one-piece manifold body and a swivel spout pivotably mounted on the body. The body preferably has first and second leg portions for accepting fluid flow therethrough. The faucet may also preferably include an escutcheon coupled to the body, a cartridge coupled to the body, and a retainer ring interposed between the cartridge and the body. In one preferred embodiment, the faucet may include an auxiliary outlet mechanism which may include a diverter valve disposed in the body, as well as a hand spray coupled to the body and in fluid communication with the diverter valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Pitsch, Juergen Mueller
  • Patent number: 6189569
    Abstract: The faucet housing assembly comprises an escutcheon and an undercover plate. The undercover plate fits into the undersurface of the escutcheon forming a snap-fit engagement, there being no need for any fasteners between the undercover plate and the escutcheon. The escutcheon is secured onto a faucet with fasteners and the undercover plate is assembled into the undersurface of the escutcheon. The base section of the undercover plate includes an opening disposed on each side. A strut abuts the outside edge of each opening. Each strut engages one of a pair of mounting posts extending downward from the undersurface of the escutcheon. An arcuate lip extends from the center arched section of the undercover plate, the arcuate lip being positioned about a spout outlet. The arcuate lip forms an abutting engagement against a pair of rib members positioned about the aerator on the undersurface of the escutcheon, the rib members compressing the arcuate lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Keith A. Calhoun
  • Patent number: 6170098
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Pitsch
  • Patent number: 6161230
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Pitsch
  • Patent number: 6154897
    Abstract: Device for a mixer tap comprising a substantially tubular central body (15), inside which there is a mixer assembly (21), a first pipe (16) to feed the cold water, a second pipe (17) to feed the hot water and an outlet pipe (19) for the water, a substantially cylindrical connection element (25) being housed inside the central body (15) arranged between the mixer assembly (21) and the water feeder pipes (16, 17) and water outlet pipe (19), means (26, 27, 30) being provided in the said connection element (25) to house at least a non-return valve (35) or a vacuum breaker valve (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Paini SpA Rubinetterie
    Inventor: Marco Paini
  • Patent number: 6079447
    Abstract: A faucet mounting system for positioning and supporting a faucet valve body and a rotatable faucet receptor on a sink deck includes a stand. The valve body is mounted in the stand above the sink deck and there is a bearing member which supports the stand on the sink deck. The receptor is rotatable about the stand and has a faucet wand support portion and there is a hose extending through the receptor and faucet wand support portion. The stand has a vertical wall which is at least in part discontinuous for passage of the hose. An upper portion of the stand vertical wall interlocks the stand and the valve body and there is a shelf on the inside of the vertical wall which supports the valve body above the sink deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: John C. Holzheimer, Nagib Nasr, Mark W. Roth
  • Patent number: 6067675
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: John Boyette
  • Patent number: 6047417
    Abstract: A block containing a set of solenoid valves interposed between a water supply line and an existing faucet and activated by switches mounted on the sink cabinet door frame will provide instantaneous or continuous control of water flow from an existing sink faucet. The controlling switches for these solenoid valves are easily mounted on the cabinet door frame or in the form of padded pressure sensitive switches mounted directly on the surface of the cabinet doors. Slight knee pressure on the door or padded switches instantly opens the solenoid valves to activate water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Soheyl Derakhshan
  • Patent number: 6035463
    Abstract: A valve having an input and two outputs is provided with a stem extending radially from and pivotal about a transverse axis from a middle position to one end position directing flow from the input to one of the outputs and to an opposite end position directing flow from the input to the other of the outputs. A valve actuator assembly has a sleeve fixed to the valve and having a rim annularly surrounding and spaced from the stem and lying in a plane generally parallel to the axis and a handle fixed to the stem above the rim and forming a guide extending substantially parallel to the stem. A latch element having an outwardly projecting arm is displaceable in the guide between a rest position with the arm engageable with the rim and blocking displacement of the stem into the one end position and an actuated position unengageable with the rim and permitting displacement of the stem into the one end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG
    Inventors: Manfred Pawelzik, Wolfgang Gebhardt, Rainer Smieja
  • Patent number: 6023796
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Pitsch
  • Patent number: 5978983
    Abstract: A portable showering cabinet for use by non-ambulatory, aged, or other persons unable to use conventional showering and hygienic home care facilities, particularly useful for a private home, hospitality industry, residential schools, general and specialized hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and bedside care in a nursing home. The showering cabinet system provides daily hygienic care for disabled, with or without minimal assistance from a caregiver, eliminating the need for a caregiver to help a disabled person enter a shower stall and eliminating the need for a caregiver to perform the showering of the individual. The portable cabinet includes a water supply system that attaches to existing hot and cold water supply cabinets and a manually movable cabinet that has casters, allowing it to be moved easily and quickly along a floor surface to a bedside, and an improved access auxiliary seat to insure safe entrance by the patient into and out of the enclosure from a seated position on the outside of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: Carl J. Queen, deceased, Donna Queen, Administratrix
  • Patent number: 5960490
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Pitsch
  • Patent number: 5946746
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Bloom
  • Patent number: 5944255
    Abstract: A self-contained unit 160 that rapidly and accurately senses, controls and maintains the temperature of water delivered to the user of a shower or bath. The invention allows a user to preset a desired water temperature using a manual control interface 60 and uses a sensor 10 located on (or within) the mixer outlet pipe 20 to measure the temperature of the mixed water being delivered to the user. The sensor produces an input signal that is used by a microprocessor 30 to calculate both derivative gain and proportional gain, and fuzzy logic may also be used by the microprocessor to produce an output signal, such that the system responds quickly and accurately to both quantum temperature changes and to the rate of temperature change. The output signal controls a motor 80, that via the action of gears 90, controls the action of the water mixer valve 110 thus maintaining a constant temperature of water delivered to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Manuchehr Shirmohamadi