Fluid handling – Systems – Multiple inlet with single outlet
Patent
1990-09-19
1992-03-17
Hepperle, Stephen M.
Fluid handling
Systems
Multiple inlet with single outlet
25112904, F16K 1124
Patent
active
050959450
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to electronic tapware and more particularly to an electronic tap control unit for controlling the flow of water from a water dispensing means.
The need for facilities allowing "hands free" operation of water taps has arisen due to increasing awareness of the dangers associated with transmission of disease via tap handles, the difficulties experienced by handicapped, infirm and arthritic people in operating tap handles and the benefits of conservation through more efficient use of water. It is therefore highly desirable that such facilities be provided, especially in sanitary environments such as hospitals, medical centres and food preparation areas in hotels and restaurants, and more generally in retirement villages, handicapped institutions, schools, sports centres, public toilets and in the home.
Recently, some systems with electronic control have become available and these typically consist of an optical sensor or other electronic sensing device which senses when a user places their hands under a tap and initiates a flow of water in response thereto. The flow of water ceases when the hands are removed from under the tap. These systems have several obvious disadvantages. Firstly, the flow of water cannot be initiated without actually placing an object, such as a hand, under the tap. However in many situations it would be desirable to be able to initiate the flow of water without first getting one's hand or some other object wet. Secondly, these systems allow for the flow of water at one temperature only. It is not possible to select hot, cold or warm water with such prior art systems.
The present invention was developed with a view to providing an improved electronic tap control unit which allows a user to select a flow of water at two or more temperatures without having to operate any tap handles. The invention also includes a system and method of controlling the flow of water using the control unit.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an electronic tap control unit for controlling the flow of water, at preselected first and second temperatures from first and second water supply lines respectively, to a water dispensing means, the unit comprising: detecting a user control input and generating an output signal in response thereto; and second valve means in said first and second water supply lines respectively, said logic control means being responsive to said output signal to activate one or the other of said first and second valve means whereby, in use, a user can select a flow of water from the water dispensing means at either one of said first or second preselected temperatures by supplying said user control input to the detecting means.
Preferably the logic control means includes a timing means whereby said first or second valve means can be activated for a predetermined time interval so that, in use, a user can select a flow of water from the water dispensing means for said predetermined time interval.
Preferably the control unit further comprises indicating means for indicating whether the first temperature or the second temperature has been selected in response to the user supplying the user control input to the detecting means.
The logic control means preferably includes a second timing means whereby said first or second valve means can be activated for a second different predetermined time interval so that, in use, a user can select a flow of water from the water dispensing means for said first or said second predetermined time interval at either one of said first or second preselected temperatures by supplying said user control input to the detecting means.
Preferably the detecting means comprises a proximity sensor and said user control input involves the user placing an object in, or removing an object from, close proximity to the detecting means.
Preferably the logic control means further comprises a sequential selecting means responsive to said user control input for sequentially selecting said first preselected temperature for sa
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patent: 4345621 (1982-08-01), Dunckhorst
patent: 4528709 (1985-07-01), Getz et al.
patent: 4589435 (1986-05-01), Aldrich
patent: 4653534 (1987-03-01), Chung-Shan
patent: 4700884 (1987-10-01), Barrett et al.
Hepperle Stephen M.
Ryemetal Forgings (VIC) Pty. Ltd.
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