Flush-mount retrofit fluid control switch
AssigneeI-CON Systems, Inc.
InventorShawn D. Bush
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is a fluid control switch which includes an adapter element for engagement with a switch housing assembly in a fluid control system. The switch housing assembly has a switch orifice surrounded by a switch orifice rim. The adapter element also includes an activation portion in communication with a signal switch, which creates a analog/digital data signal when the activation portion is activated. When the adapter element is engaged with the switch housing assembly, the activation portion of the adapter element extends at least flush with the switch orifice rim of the switch housing assembly.
Claims17
A fluid control switch, comprising:
- an adapter element configured to be engaged with a switch housing assembly in a fluid control system, the switch housing assembly having a switch orifice surrounded by a switch orifice rim;
- and
- the adapter element further comprising an activation portion in communication with a signal switch, the signal switch creating a data signal when the activation portion is activated, the activation portion and the signal switch arranged within the switch housing assembly such that the activation portion of the adapter element extends at least flush with the switch orifice rim of the switch housing assembly, when engaged therewith,
- wherein the signal switch further comprises an analog/digital signal converter configured to convert an analog signal, which is at least one of heat and pressure, received from the activation portion of the adapter element, to a digital signal;
- and
- wherein the activation portion creates the data signal through contact without the use of moving parts, such that the activation portion is a non-mechanical activation portion.
A method for retrofitting a fluid control switch to a switch housing assembly having a switch orifice with switch orifice inner walls having threads disposed thereon and surrounded by a switch orifice rim, comprising the steps of:
- providing an adapter element having an activation portion in communication with a signal switch that creates a data signal when the activation portion is activated, wherein the signal switch further comprises an analog/digital signal converter configured to convert an analog signal, which is at least one of heat and pressure, received from the activation portion of the adapter element, to a digital signal, and wherein the activation portion creates the data signal through contact without the use of moving parts, such that the activation portion is a non-mechanical activation portion;
- and
- arranging the activation portion and the signal switch within the switch housing assembly, such that the activation portion extends at least flush with the switch orifice rim of the switch housing assembly.
A kit for a fluid control system, comprising:
- a flow valve in fluid communication with a faucet and a control valve;
- an external control unit in communication with the control valve;
- and
- a fluid control switch having an adapter element configured to be engaged with a switch housing assembly having a switch orifice surrounded by a switch orifice rim, the adapter element further comprising an activation portion in communication with a signal switch, which creates a data signal when the activation portion is activated, and a communication line in communication with the signal switch and configured to transmit the data signal emanating from the signal switch to the external control unit,
- wherein the activation portion and the signal switch are arranged within the switch housing assembly, such that the activation portion extends at least flush with the switch orifice rim of the switch housing assembly;
- wherein the signal switch further comprises an analog/digital signal converter configured to convert an analog signal, which is at least one of heat and pressure, received from the activation portion of the adapter element, to a digital signal;
- wherein the activation portion creates the data signal through contact without the use of moving parts, such that the activation portion is a non-mechanical activation portion;
- wherein when the signal switch of the adapter element produces a data signal and the data signal is transmitted to the external control unit via the communication line, a second data signal is transmitted to the control valve, activating the control valve, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the flow valve, and further through the faucet associated with the switch housing assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.