443 results about "Plumbing fixture" patented technology

A system for gathering date in a space includes a data server, a first wireless module operably connected to the data server, a first plurality of wireless sensor modules, and at least one other wireless sensor module. The first plurality of wireless sensors module are operable to generate sensor data relating to the control and operation of an HVAC system. The first plurality of wireless sensor modules are also operable to communicate the first sensor data to the first wireless module. The at least one other wireless sensor module is operable to generate second sensor data relating to at least one of the group consisting of light fixtures, architectural fixtures and plumbing fixtures, office equipment, and vending machines and furniture. The at least one other wireless sensor module is also operable to communicate the second sensor data to the first wireless module.

A plumbing fixture is operated by a user interface that has an enclosure with a faceplate from which a pedestal seamlessly projects outward. An alphanumeric display is visible through the faceplate and a plurality of switches respond to the user pressing different portions of the faceplate. A selector includes a selector ring that has a plurality of permanent magnets and which is positioned to rotate around the pedestal. A Hall effect sensor of the selector is located adjacent the selector ring and produces an electrical signal in response to motion of the permanent magnets. The user interface also enables the selection of a plurality of predefined operating configurations for the plumbing fixture. An optional wireless remote control may be provided by which the user can activate and deactivate the plumbing fixture and select from among the predefined operating configurations.

The present construction system and method for constructing energy efficient multi-story buildings with a plurality of standard single or mixed units utilizing premanufactured, prefinished, and preassembled non-weight bearing walls, interior components and exterior components for a plurality of standard single or mixed units comprising: installing exterior window walls on exterior sides of the plurality of standard single or mixed units and partially enclosing each of the plurality of standard single or mixed units; installing demising walls in a perpendicular direction interfacing with the exterior window walls and partially enclosing the each of the plurality of standard single or mixed units; installing utility walls on the interior sides of the plurality of standard single or mixed units in a perpendicular direction interfacing with the demising walls and connecting with the demising walls to completely enclose the each of the plurality of standard single units; installing end walls on the exterior sides of the plurality of standard single or mixed units at ends of the building in a parallel direction as the demising walls and completely enclosing the each of the plurality of standard single or mixed units located at the ends of the building; installing bathroom floor pans into a preformed recess within the floor and ceiling slabs in the each of the plurality of standard single or mixed units; connecting utilities and plumbing fixtures to the utility walls; installing entry doors adjacently positioned by the utility walls; installing interior partitions within the each of the plurality of standard single units for separating rooms and configuring the each of the plurality of standard single or mixed units; installing kitchen and bathroom components to the utility walls; installing roof components on top of the building; and assembling exterior walkways depending on the building's configuration.

The present disclosure generally relates to improved water closet flanges and methods for installing such water closet flanges. In one exemplary embodiment, an improved water closet flange apparatus includes a flexible conduit portion (i.e. sleeve) and an integral membrane element sealing the top opening of the flexible sleeve. The membrane element is made of flexible materials such that the membrane element may be removed without breaking into pieces. In one embodiment, the integral membrane element includes indented portions to facilitate its removal. In another embodiment, the flange apparatus includes an outer flange connected to the flexible sleeve. Related methods for installing the disclosed flange apparatus between plumbing fixture discharges and waste drainpipes are also described.

The invention provides a radio frequency (RF) valve control system that replaces mechanical systems that physically links a button or a handle to a flush valve or hard wired electronic control systems that physically links a sensor / electronic switch to a valve actuator within a plumbing installation. The new system is characterized by two modules, a user interface module (UIM) for locating at or adjacent a plumbing fixture (such as a water closet or urinal), and a valve interface module (VIM) operatively connected to a flush valve actuator or a valve in the water supply line of the plumbing fixture. The UIM generally has the function of providing an RF valve control signal to the VIM and the VIM has the functions of receiving, analysing, and responding to the RF valve control signal and sending a signal to the valve actuator to initiate a flush cycle or initiating a valve control process to control a valve within the water supply line to start or stop water flow to the fixture. The system may be deployed as a single UIM / VIM pair or as multiple UIM / VIM pairs within a multi-fixture installation. In each case, each UIM / VIM pair communicates with its respective UIM or VIM in both a learning and active mode.

Disclosed is an actuating device for fixtures, particularly plumbing fixtures, comprising at least one input unit that is provided with a plurality of sensors which are connected to a control unit, and at least one drive unit for at least one closing device for at least one fluid pipe, especially a valve of a water pipe that can be controlled by means of the control unit. At least three sensors are arranged in a substantially regular manner essentially along a closed curve. The drive unit is triggered when signals of at least two adjacent sensors are detected.

A water heater and thermal mixing valve assembly and method for providing a reduced discharge water temperature and a hot water temperature from the same tank. The assembly includes a tank adapted to accept and store an amount of cold water, a heater to heat the cold water held in the tank and increase the cold water temperature to a predetermined hot water temperature, at least one thermal mixing valve integrated with the tank in communication with a hot water passage and a cold water bypass conduit to provide a discharge water of a controlled temperature, the cold water bypass conduit being mounted to the cold water passage allowing the associated cold water to communicate with the tank and the thermal mixing valve. An adjustment member is mounted to the thermal mixing valve to adjust a temperature range of the discharge water, a discharge output passage and a hot output passage provide communication with an associated piping system oriented to supply discharge water from the thermal mixing valve and hot water from the tank to associated plumbing fixtures.

A soft-feel plumbing fixture having a rigid internal structure encased by a generally “soft-feel” protective coating. Depending upon fixture style, the rigid internal structure can be a fluid conduit or valve stem. The “soft-feel” protective coating can be applied over an intermediate support structure that functions to separate the rigid internal structure from direct physical contact with the soft-feel protective coating. The soft-feel protective coating protects a user from potential injury as a result of falls or other accidents which can cause the user to accidentally bump or fall upon the plumbing fixture. Representative soft-feel plumbing fixtures can include single-handle faucets, wide spread and center-set faucets, sink spouts, tub spouts, handles, shower heads and the like. The soft-feel protective coating can be applied over the intermediate support structure so as to resemble decorative themes, animals, dinosaurs, mascots, fictional characters, sporting equipment and the like.

A plumbing fixture includes a receptacle for receiving waste, a tank for storing water, and an electrically operated pump that conveys water from the tank into the receptacle to flush the waste through a drain. The duration that the pump in operated to flush the waste is altered in response to variation of the electrical voltage supplied to the plumbing fixture. The pump is operated to decrease the amount of water in the tank when that amount is sensed to be excessive. Further operation of the pump is inhibited for a given interval to avoid overheating when the pump has been operating too frequently. The pump is cycled on and off in predefined patterns to indicate different malfunctions to a user.

The invention provides a radio frequency (RF) valve control system that replaces mechanical systems that physically links a button or a handle to a flush valve or hard wired electronic control systems that physically links a sensor / electronic switch to a valve actuator within a plumbing installation. The new system is characterized by two modules, a user interface module (UIM) for locating at or adjacent a plumbing fixture (such as a water closet or urinal), and a valve interface module (VIM) operatively connected to a flush valve actuator or a valve in the water supply line of the plumbing fixture. The UIM generally has the function of providing an RF valve control signal to the VIM and the VIM has the functions of receiving, analysing, and responding to the RF valve control signal and sending a signal to the valve actuator to initiate a flush cycle or initiating a valve control process to control a valve within the water supply line to start or stop water flow to the fixture. The system may be deployed as a single UIM / VIM pair or as multiple UIM / VIM pairs within a multi-fixture installation. In each case, each UIM / VIM pair communicates with its respective UIM or VIM in both a learning and active mode.

The present invention is directed to hard surface cleaning compositions comprising encapsulated fragrances and / or malodour counteractants and methods for making the same. These compositions are well suited for use in cleaning toilet bowls, baths, shower surrounds and other plumbing fixtures, bathroom and kitchen hard surfaces, glass windows and floor surfaces.

The present invention comprises an apparatus and system for automatic activation and de-activation of water flow to a sink, bathtub, shower, or similar plumbing fixture. It can be readily installed and operated safely using AC or DC power of varying voltage, even in locations in which electrical power sources are unreliable, inconsistent, or unstable.One or more normally closed solenoid valves, activated by way of a capacitance-sensitive electronic switch, control water flow. The switch functions in response to contact by a part of the human body with one or more touch-sensitive pads, which are designed to be resistant to malfunctions associated with the buildup of soap and scum.A programmable microprocessor periodically re-calibrates and resets the system to ensure accurate function and longevity. The manner and timing of water flow can be adjusted, and a by-pass is included to allow continued access to water in the event of power failure.

An apparatus is provided to control a plumbing fixture, such as a whirlpool, that has electrically operated components. The apparatus has a dial that is moveable by the user into a plurality of positions to select a function of the plumbing fixture to be controlled. A unique sensor arrangement detects motion and the direction of the motion and provides a signal to a controller that changes the valve of a pointer that designates which function is presently selected. The user then presses a keypad to indicate whether the selected function is to be activated or deactivated and to control the intensity of the selected function. The signals from the keypad also are applied to the controller.

The present disclosure generally relates to improved water closet flanges and methods for installing such water closet flanges. In one exemplary embodiment, an improved water closet flange apparatus includes an outer flange and a flexible conduit portion (i.e. sleeve) extending downwardly therefrom. The flexible sleeve has a sufficient degree of flexibility to accommodate connection between offset, misaligned, angled, or otherwise incongruous plumbing fixture discharges and waste drain pipe outlets. In one embodiment, the flexible sleeve includes at least one corrugated portion to aid the desired flexibility. An upper portion of the flexible sleeve may include an inwardly extending lip portion to accommodate the desired seal between the plumbing fixture discharge and the flange apparatus. Related methods for installing the disclosed flange apparatus between plumbing fixture discharges and waste drainpipes are also described.

A water leak detection and prevention system uses sensors, wires, and wireless transmitters, to monitor all plumbing fixtures (faucets, toilets, hose bibs, etc.) and water-using appliances (dishwashers, washing machines, icemakers, etc.). When water is being used at a plumbing fixture or a water-using appliance, the sensor shows water that is expected to be used at that location and communicates the usage and the amount of flow for that location. Excessive usage or flow, or any flow when a location has not called for water, is indicative of a leak. Water to the building is on all the time—water pressure remains in the plumbing—creating no delay in water delivery. Water pressure and water flow are monitored at all times whether water is off or on. Should a leak occur the water flow sensor will show that water is flowing and that no approved location has called for water. The main valve will immediately be turned off and water in the plumbing system will be purged safely outside the building. Plumbing system protection: Should an over-pressure situation occur—due to expanding water being heated for instance—system will evacuate a small amount of water to the outside of the building, protecting plumbing, fixtures and appliances. Temperature sensors placed on piping at strategic locations will protect plumbing from freezing. Should temperatures near the freezing point, the system will purge water from the pipes. Water conservation system: should a toilet flapper become stuck open or partially open, or a faucet left dripping or running, the system main valve will close and water will be conserved.

An emergency redundant mounting flange is provided for incorporation into an oil-well blow-out-preventer (BOP), enabling rapid, tight-fitting attachment of an oil containment cap over a BOP outflow port in an emergency. This flange extends radially outward from the protected port, and includes an annular region with a connection feature, such as a ring of bolt-holes, permitting cap attachment. The cap, also provided, is a barrel-shaped diameter-reduction pipe which can be connected onto the emergency mounting flange at its bottom end, and onto a standard riser pipe at its top end, thus containing or stopping the flow of oil. After installation, the cap fully encloses the protected port, while creating a tight seal with the emergency mounting flange. Extension of these methods to bell-and-spigot plumbing fixtures, including reinforced concrete pipe, is also provided.

A self-contained temperature monitor is provided for use in combination with a range of plumbing fixtures and piping through which liquid will flow either continuously or periodically. The temperature monitor typically includes a main body, a temperature sensor, a processing unit and a indicator means, such as a digital display or an array of light emitting devices, for conveying the sensed temperature information to a user. Various configurations of the temperature monitor provide for temporary or more permanent mounting on plumbing fixtures, particularly faucets, and pipes.

The present invention includes an infrared sensor flushing control method and the plumbing fixture flushing system. The realization of flushing with two different jets is achieved by using the infrared sensor and MCU to control the electromagnetic-controlled valves. The MCU preinstalled with three different solid waste flushing procedures and one liquid waste flushing procedure, providing the water-saving consumption according to the requirements of each individual and the automatic discrimination of the usage. The integrated design also accomplishes the purpose of convenient installation and space saving.

A thermostatic valve incorporated within a plumbing system for regulating the flow of fluid. The thermostatic valve includes two valve assemblies operatively cooperating to preclude the flow of scalding water. The first valve assembly and second valve assembly respond to different fluid temperatures, as well as, over separate periods of time. The thermostatic valve can be incorporated in an “end-line” device such as a showerhead or faucet assemblies to create an “anti-scaled” plumbing fixture. The invention includes a valve housing having a first compartment and a second compartment, a fluid passageway, a first valve assembly, a second valve assembly, a first spring, a first stopper, a first flange, a first-thermostatic cylinder, a second spring, a second stopper, a second flange, a second thermostatic cylinder, and a third spring.

Apparatus useful for allowing the flow of liquid down through a pluming fixture to a destination below it and limiting or preventing the backflow of gas from the destination up into the pluming fixture includes a frame and a disc pivotably connected thereto. The disc is biased in a closed position and pivotably moveable into an open position upon the application of sufficient forces acting on the upper surface thereof caused by fluid from the plumbing fixture.

A power generating device for use with a plumbing fixture includes: a volute configured to receive water from a water supply pipe; a stator having a plurality of blades positioned around a circumference thereof positioned within the volute; a rotor positioned within the stator; and a generator coupled to the rotor. The volute directs substantially all of the water received from the water supply pipe in a circumferential direction through the plurality of blades of the stator to the rotor, thereby causing the rotor to rotate.