Fluid handling – Convertible – Unit orientable in a single location between plural positions
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-07
2001-05-29
Hepperle, Stephen M. (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Convertible
Unit orientable in a single location between plural positions
C137S454600, C137S597000, C137S625400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06237622
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates primarily to a flow diverter assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flow diverter assembly for use in regular installations in single bathrooms and showers or in back-to-back installations in multiple bathrooms and showers that share a common wall and common supply plumbing within that wall.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Flow diverters of the prior art, especially when used in back-to-back installations, were complex and costly to install, and some could be prone to leak unless installed with great care, especially those that required hydraulic pressure of the water to seal the valve. Adapters could also be used to obtain standard flow patterns and avoid reversal of hot and cold water controls of the control valve involved in the back-to-back installations. The use of adapters required extra parts to be carried in inventory and added to the cost of the installation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and to provide a flow diverter that is simple, economical, reliable and easy to install. It is another object of the present invention to provide a flow diverter that is self-contained and may be installed in either one of the two positions for regular and/or back-to-back installation.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a flow diverter that uses the orientation of plate members sandwiched between a pressure balancer and a mixing valve, typically of the ceramic cartridge type, for regular or back-to-back installation.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a flow diverter that uses the orientation of an intermediate plate of the plate members to obtain a regular or back-to-back installation of the hot and cold water supplied to the mixing valve, regardless of whether or not the water supply lines have a regular or reversed orientation.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a flow diverter that always directs the hot water from the water supply line to the same hot water inlet port of the mixing valve and cold water from the cold water supply line to the same cold water inlet port of the mixing valve, regardless of the orientation of the hot water supply line and the cold water supply line delivering the respective hot and cold water to the mixing valve.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.
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patent: 5806552 (1998-09-01), Martin, Jr.
Cook William D.
Inocelda Arthur C.
Tice Robert G.
DelPonti John D.
Emhart Inc.
Hepperle Stephen M.
Murpy Edward D.
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