Patent classifications
E03B7/006
METHODS,SYSTEMS, AND APPARATUS FOR USE IN MAIN PIPES CONNECTED TO BRANCH CONDUIT
A pipe rehabilitation system and/or robot can be used inside a pipe to measure characteristics of branch conduits, install plugs into branch conduits before the pipe is lined with a liner, remove portions of plugs and liners after lining to restore fluid communication between the pipe and branch conduits, and/or install fittings into the branch conduits to connect the liner to the branch conduits. A probe can measure characteristics of a branch conduit. A tool can install plugs and/or fittings into the branch conduits. A linkage can connect a tool to a robotic tractor so that the connected elements can navigate through a main pipe. A visualization system can aid in aligning a robot with a branch conduit. Height-adjustable braces can support robotic tools in a pipe. A plug can include integrated locating features and/or movable parts that enable expanding the plug to seal with the branch conduit.
Plumbing fixture with user interface
A water delivery device that includes a body having a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and an outlet; a mixing valve in the body, and a touchscreen user interface on a surface of the body. The mixing valve includes a housing having a mixing chamber that is fluidly connected to the outlet, a first flow control valve moveably disposed in the housing to control a cold water flow from the cold water inlet to the mixing chamber, and a second flow control valve moveably disposed in the housing to control a hot water flow from the hot water inlet to the mixing chamber. The touchscreen user interface allows a user to control a temperature and/or a flow rate of water from the outlet by controlling the first and second flow control valves.
Plumbing fixture with heating element
A shower head that includes a movable handset, a mixing valve, and an electric heater. The movable handset includes a stem configured to detachably engage a shower head dock, and a spray head coupled to the stem and configured to discharge water. The mixing valve is disposed within the movable handset and includes a housing including a waterway located therein for water to flow through, a first flow control valve located within the housing and configured to control the flow of hot water to the spray head, and a second flow control valve located within the housing and configured to control the flow of cold water to the spray head. The electric heater is disposed within the movable handset and configured to heat at least part of the housing to an elevated temperature sufficient to kill organisms within the waterway.
HOT FLUSHING OF BUILDING WATER SYSTEM
Apparatus and methods for improved hot water flushing of a water supply system.
WATER MAIN FLUSHING WITH HIGH PRESSURE JETTING AND DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND REVERSE FLOW MANIFOLD FOR A WATER MAIN FLUSHING SYSTEM
A flushing system includes a recirculating unit having a pump, filter, and flow manifold. The manifold includes a first conduit delivering water to the filter utilizing the pump. A first valve divides the first conduit into first and second portions. A second conduit receives water from the filter. A second valve divides the second conduit into first and second portions. A first reverse conduit having a third valve couples the first portion of the first conduit with the second portion of the second conduit. A second reverse conduit having a fourth valve couples the second portion of the first conduit with the first portion of the second conduit. When the first and second valves are open and third and fourth valves are closed, water flows in a forward direction. When the first and second valves are closed and third and fourth valves are open, water flows in a reverse direction.
LEAD SERVICE WATER PIPE LINE REMOVAL APPARATUS AND METHOD
An apparatus and a method of extracting buried lead water supply pipe with minimal excavation and which allows removal and containment of the lead pipe. The extraction apparatus includes a frame having an upwardly extending mast, a guide pulley mounted on the frame, and a pulling apparatus mounted on the mast. A take-up spool is mounted on the mast between the guide pulley and pulling apparatus and positioned to force a pipe pulling cable into a non-linear path between the guide pulley and the pulling apparatus. Extracted pipe is pulled into the non-linear path until the pipe is fully extracted from the ground. Multiple spiral loops around the take-up spool by the pulling cable may be necessary to fully contain the extracted pipe. Following extraction, the pipe may be unspooled from the take-up spool, the pulling cable removed for re-use, and the pipe may then be sent for disposal.
MIXING VALVE
A mixing valve that includes a housing having a first outlet, a second outlet, and a mixing chamber; a first flow control valve for controlling flow through the first outlet to the mixing chamber; and a second flow control valve for controlling flow through the second outlet to the mixing chamber; wherein the housing has a length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, and the largest of these dimensions is no more than approximately 65 millimeters.
Method of controlling mixing valve
A method including configuring a valve so that an operating force to actuate the valve when in an open position is substantially independent of water flow. The valve includes a first valve member assembly comprising a spool having a connector portion; a first valve member mounted on the spool at a first location and configured to seat against a first valve outlet in a closed position of the valve; and a second valve member mounted on the spool at a second location spaced apart from the first location and configured to seat against a second valve outlet in the closed position of the valve. The method also includes controlling the valve to output a flow of the water having a desired flow rate by moving the spool in a linear direction with a portion of a stepper motor coupled directly to the connector portion of the spool.
Shower head with integrated mixing valve
A plumbing fitting having a body and a housing located in the body that includes a first inlet for receiving the first fluid, a second inlet for receiving the second fluid, and a mixing chamber. The plumbing fitting includes a first flow control valve operatively coupled to the housing; a second flow control valve operatively coupled to the housing; and an actuator assembly configured to move the first flow control valve relative to the housing to control flow of the first fluid from the first inlet to the mixing chamber, such that the first fluid exerts substantially no net force on the first flow control valve, and configured to move the second flow control valve relative to the housing to control flow of the second fluid from the second inlet to the mixing chamber, such that the second fluid exerts substantially no net force on the second flow control valve.
PLUMBING FIXTURE WITH USER INTERFACE
A water delivery device that includes a body having a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and an outlet; a mixing valve in the body, and a touchscreen user interface on a surface of the body. The mixing valve includes a housing having a mixing chamber that is fluidly connected to the outlet, a first flow control valve moveably disposed in the housing to control a cold water flow from the cold water inlet to the mixing chamber, and a second flow control valve moveably disposed in the housing to control a hot water flow from the hot water inlet to the mixing chamber. The touchscreen user interface allows a user to control a temperature and/or a flow rate of water from the outlet by controlling the first and second flow control valves.