Patent classifications
E03C1/052
Self-charging battery-powered stop valve with elongated wireless foot switch
A water-control system has a faucet, a base unit having at least one normally-open solenoid-operated valve coupled to a water inlet fitting and a water outlet fitting, control circuitry, and a first antenna, and an elongated foot switch, having a normally-open contact element, a battery, and circuitry including a second antenna. A water-supply conduit is coupled to the water-inlet fitting of the solenoid-operated valve, and a water line is connected between the water-outlet fitting of the solenoid-operated valve and a fitting at the adjustable faucet, and wherein, with the faucet open and water flowing from the faucet, stepping on the foot switch closes the normally-open contact element, causing a signal to be sent wirelessly from the elongated foot switch to the solenoid control circuitry, causing the solenoid-operated valve to close, stopping water flow from the faucet, and releasing the foot switch allows water flow to resume.
Water flow control assembly
An apparatus and kit are provided for remotely controlling the flow of a valve in a faucet or shower. The user may remotely control flow by actuating a foot pedal, which pulls a cable causing the valve to open. When the cable is released, springs force the valve closed. Temperature may be remotely controlled as well by the actuation of a separate foot pedal, in which rotation of the foot pedal is transferred by cables to cause rotation of the valve and the corresponding temperature change of the flow.
WATER FLOW CONTROL ASSEMBLY
An apparatus and kit are provided for remotely controlling the flow of a valve in a faucet or shower. The user may remotely control flow by actuating a foot pedal, which pulls a cable causing the valve to open. When the cable is released, springs force the valve closed. Temperature may be remotely controlled as well by the actuation of a separate foot pedal, in which rotation of the foot pedal is transferred by cables to cause rotation of the valve and the corresponding temperature change of the flow.
AUTOMATIC FAUCET WITH REMOTE ACTIVATION
Provided are automatic faucet systems with remote activation and kits for retrofitting existing faucets to include remote activation. Automatic faucets systems with remote activation can include a faucet comprising a faucet body and a faucet spout; an outlet hose in fluid communication with a cold water supply line, a hot water supply line, and the faucet spout; an electromechanical valve fluidly coupled to the outlet hose and configured to control water flow to the faucet spout; an activator separate from the faucet body and configured to be placed in a variety of positions during installation of the faucet system; and a controller configured to receive a first signal from the activator and, in response to the first signal, to control the electromechanical valve to control water flow to the spout.
Fluid-dispensing systems and methods related thereto
Fluid-dispensing systems and methods relating thereto are described. A method of dispensing fluid includes: (i) receiving, from a temperature encoder, a temperature signal; (ii) receiving, from a flow rate encoder, a flow rate signal; (iii) providing, based on the temperature signal and the flow rate signal, a first amount of power required by a first motor; (iv) providing, based on the temperature signal and the flow rate signal, a second amount of power required by a second motor; (v) opening, based on the first amount of power, the first valve by a first amount of valve opening; (vi) opening, based on the second amount of power, the second valve by a second amount of valve opening; and (vii) facilitating admixing of a first fluid flow at a first fluid flow rate, received from the first valve, and a second fluid flow at a second fluid flow rate, received from the second valve, to create an admixed fluid stream.
Faucet Valve Assembly
The present application discloses faucet valve assembly mounted below the mounting surface. The basic structure may comprise a valve assembly secured on the bottom or back side of a mounting surface with a valve assembly control knob secured on the other side of the mounting surface. This would allow for the knob to control the faucet fluid temperature and pressure through the mounting surface.
Rotatable Sink
A rotatable sink is provided. The rotatable sink may have a stationary unit having a faucet and a rotatable sink basin unit. The sink basin unit may move from a first orientation which covers the faucet to a second orientation wherein the sink basin may receive water dispensed from the faucet. In an embodiment, the rotation of the sink basin downward to the second orientation automatically activates the faucet to turn on and the rotation of the sink basin unit upward to the first orientation automatically turns off the faucet. A sensor may also be present to automatically activate the rotatable sink.
HANDWASHING SYSTEM
A handwashing valve structure includes a mounting structure, a dispensing structure, and a control structure. The mounting structure is configured to attach to a liquid vessel. The dispensing structure is configured to dispense a liquid from the liquid vessel and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The control structure is configured to move the dispensing structure between the closed position and the open position. The control structure is configured to be moved by pressure from a portion of a user's body to move the dispensing structure from the closed position to the open position. The dispensing structure is configured to automatically move from the open position to the closed position in the absence of any pressure from the portion of the user's body onto the control structure.
REMOTE CONTROL WATER OUTLET DEVICE
A remote control water outlet device comprises a faucet and a control assembly. The faucet is connected to one or more water inlet pipes and a water outlet pipe assembly, and the control assembly is separated from the faucet by a distance. The control assembly controls the water outlet pipe assembly to be opened and to be closed. The water outlet pipe assembly comprises a water inlet passage and a water outlet passage in communication with the control assembly. The control assembly comprises a pressure relief cavity in communication with the water inlet passage and a sealing gasket configured to abut and block inlets of the water outlet passage due to being subjected to water pressure in the pressure relief cavity. The sealing gasket comprises a control hole configured to be opened to enable the pressure relief cavity be in communication with the water inlet passage.
FOOT ACTUATED CONTACTLESS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED DEVICE
The invention includes an assembly comprising a foot or lower body actuated contactless sensor and flow valve assembly for remotely controlling the flow of fluid in faucets and showers and the assembly includes a contactless sensor to trigger at least one electromechanical (solenoid) valve to turn on and off the flow as desired by the user. The actuation logic includes a trigger such as motion or interruption of wireless signal by the foot or the leg from one position to the second position. The idle/off condition is disrupted by the pre-determined triggering action. In another embodiment an infrared signal emitting sensor is embedded in to the floor mat and the infrared signal is emitted upward. A human foot over the sensor triggers the solenoid valve to open and removal of the foot over the sensor or after elapsing of a fixed time, the solenoid valve is closed.