Hot water only-on-request faucet system
OwnerJens Kjaerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A modified single-handled faucet is configured to permit the faucet to dispense hot water only if the operator actuates a hot water demand switch. The control valve couples the outlet of the faucet to the cold water source unless the operator actuates the hot water demand switch, and thereafter permits water to be dispensed from the hot water source, preferably via a conventional mixing valve that mixes hot and cold water in a desired proportion prior to dispensing the mixed stream.
Claims21
A system for dispensing only cold water unless hot water is desired, comprising:
- a faucet having a handle and a water outlet;
- a first, mixing valve that is actuated by the handle and that is configured to regulate the amount of hot and cold water dispensed at the outlet, the mixing valve having a hot water inlet, and a cold water inlet in fluid communication with the faucet outlet;
- a hot water conduit in fluid communication with the hot water inlet of the mixing valve;
- a cold water conduit in fluid communication with the cold water inlet of the mixing valve;
- a second, control valve disposed between the hot water conduit and the hot water inlet, the control valve having a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet, and an outlet in fluid connection with the hot water inlet of the mixing valve;
- and
- a cold water bypass leading from the cold water conduit to the cold water inlet of the control valve.
A system for dispensing only cold water unless hot water is desired, comprising:
- a faucet having a handle and a water outlet;
- a first, mixing valve that is actuated by the handle to regulate the amount of hot and cold water dispensed at the outlet, the mixing valve having
- a hot water inlet and cold water inlet in fluid communication with the mixing valve;
- a hot water conduit in fluid communication with the hot water inlet of the mixing valve;
- a cold water conduit in fluid communication with the cold water inlet of the mixing valve;
- a second, control valve disposed between the hot water conduit and the hot water inlet, wherein the control valve has a first, energy savings position, which prevents water from the hot water conduit from entering the hot water inlet, and a second, hot water position, which allows water from the hot water conduit to enter the hot water inlet;
- a cold water bypass leading from the cold water conduit to the control valve;
- and
- a switch assembly disposed between the mixing valve and the control valve, wherein the switch assembly is actuated by movement of the handle.
A method of dispensing hot water from an outlet comprising:
- manipulating a handle of a single-handled faucet to dispense water, the handle being movable through a range to produce a desired mixture of hot water and cold water;
- dispensing only cold water through at least a majority of the range of handle motion;
- then
- activating a hot water demand switch;
- and then
- dispensing hot water through at least the majority of the range of handle motions.
A method of installing an energy saving faucet arrangement comprising:
- modifying the mixing valve of a single-handled faucet outlet to attach at least one switch actuator;
- installing at least one switch adjacent to the at least one switch actuator;
- installing an electrically powered control valve in a hot water line;
- installing a bypass conduit in a cold water line;
- connecting a bypass conduit to a control valve;
- and
- electrically connecting the control valve and at least one switch to a controller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.