Patent classifications
E03C1/057
Faucets Incorporating Valves and Sensors
A hybrid faucet system can include one or more sensors and manual controllers. For example, a faucet system can include a first infrared sensor configured to communicate with processing electronics to initiate a first operating mode of a hybrid faucet responsive to detecting a first activation motion for a first time period. The system can include a first manual controller configured to control a flow rate of hot water into the hybrid faucet system. In some embodiments, the system includes a second manual controller configured to control a flow rate of cold water into the hybrid faucet system.
ACTIVATION DEVICE FOR AN ELECTONIC FAUCET
An activation device for an electronic faucet comprises a body, a shell, and a battery. It is further characterized in that a wireless transmission module is arranged at the shell and electrically connected with the battery pack. The wireless transmission module has an activation switch which has a timer to be set to turn on/off the wireless transmission module. Therefore, the wireless transmission module may be not continuously operated so as to effectively reduce the power loss.
Control cartridge for sanitary fittings
A control cartridge (2) for installation in a cartridge housing (3) of a sanitary fitting (1) comprises a first feed opening (4) and a discharge opening (6) as well as one or more seals (7), which are configured for sealing abutment on an internal surface (8) of the cartridge housing (3). Said seals (7) are arranged in such a way that after the completed installation of the control cartridge (2) in a cartridge housing (3) of a sanitary fitting (1) the first feed opening (4) is joined in a sealed manner to a cold-water or mixed-water connection (9) of the sanitary fitting (1) and the discharge opening (6) is joined in a sealed manner to a discharge pipe (11) of the sanitary fitting (1). The first feed opening (4) in the cartridge housing (3) or in the control cartridge (2) is directly connected to the discharge opening (6) which is sealed with respect to the cartridge housing (3). The control cartridge (2) comprises a second feed opening (5) in which an electric line (12) is disposed which connects an electrical switch (13) of the control cartridge (2) to a valve (16) arranged in a cold-water or mixed-water feed pipe (14) at least for switching a water flow on and off.
Sanitary fitting having a fitting housing and a control unit
There is proposed a water fitting having a fitting housing, having a water outlet commonly assigned to at least two water inlets, wherein at least two parallelly guided water lines are provided between one or more water inlets and the common water outlet, and wherein, in the parallelly guided water lines, there is provided in each case one control element for opening and closing the water flow path, which water fitting can be used in a flexible manner for the greatest possible number of sanitary applications, for example in kitchens, bathrooms, swimming facilities, sauna facilities, toilet facilities, abattoirs or the like, both in (semi-) public and also private areas. This is achieved according to the invention in that, when a control element in one of the parallel water lines is open, the one or more further control elements in the one or more further parallel water lines are closed.
Sensor assembly for faucet
A sensor assembly for controlling a solenoid valve, the solenoid valve controlling the flow of water through a faucet, is described. The sensor assembly includes a head including a bottom portion configured to be supported by a wall and a top portion. The sensor assembly also includes a proximity sensor including a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter projects a beam into a detection zone. The sensor assembly also includes processing electronics configured to cause the solenoid valve to open in response to a receiver detecting a reflection from an object in the detection zone.
EQUIPMENT CONTROL METHOD AND SPEECH-BASED EQUIPMENT CONTROL SYSTEM
A method is provided for controlling electric equipment according to a user's speech in a speech-based equipment control system. The method includes receiving first speech information that expresses an operating instruction causing the electric equipment to operate for a first operating time. The method also includes transmitting to the electric equipment a first control command for executing a first operating process. When receiving second speech information expressing an operating instruction causing the electric equipment to operate for a second operating time, different from the first operating time before the first operating process is complete, the method further includes detecting an elapsed operating time of the electric equipment, comparing the detected elapsed operating time to the second operating time, and conditionally transmitting a second control command to the electric equipment aborting the first operating process and executing a second operating process.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FAUCET CONTROL
A faucet system for providing adjustable water flow is provided. The system includes hot and cold water valves operable to respectively control a flow of hot and cold water, a sensor pad with substantially continuous sensing axes, and a controller in communication with the sensor pad and operatively connected to the hot and cold water valves. The controller processes user gestures detected using the sensor pad to determine a selected flow temperature or a selected flow magnitude from a substantially continuous range of possible values, and operate the hot and cold water valves to attain the selected flow temperature or the selected flow magnitude. A method is also provided for operating the same, along with a kit for retrofitting existing faucet assemblies in order to form a faucet system.
PASSIVE FLUID REGULATION SYSTEM
A system to regulate fluid flow using a single unit is shown and described. The system uses a single valve interposed on at least one fluid supply line. The valve is normally closed, cutting off the flow of fluid in the at least one fluid supply line. The valve is in electrical communication with an occupancy sensor such that when the occupancy sensor is activated the valve is signaled to open, allowing flow of fluid in the fluid supply line.
Passive fluid regulation system
The present invention provides a system to regulate fluid flow having a light switch that controls a light, wherein the light switch is in electrical communication with a wireless transmitter; and at least one valve interposed on at least one fluid supply line wherein said at least one valve is normally closed, cutting off the flow of fluid in the at least one fluid supply line, wherein the at least one valve is in electrical communication with a wireless receiver such that when the light switch is activated the wireless transmitter signals the wireless receiver to open the valve, allowing flow of fluid in the fluid supply line. The present invention also provides another system using a photocell switch to actuate the valve.
Automated water delivery systems with feedback control
A water delivery system includes a water input port, a control circuit, and a valve device. The water input port is constructed to be coupled to a water conduit receiving water from a remotely located water source. The valve device includes an actuator located near and connected to the water input port; wherein the valve device is constructed to receive control signals from the controller for providing water to a water delivery unit. The controller may be battery operated. The actuator may be a latching actuator, a non-latching actuator, or an isolated latching actuator. The controller may include a microcontroller coupled and to a sensor. The system may include a communication interface constructed and arranged to provide data to the microcontroller. The control circuit may include a power consumption controller. The control circuit includes a voltage regulator.