Fluid handling – Systems – Multiple inlet with single outlet
Reexamination Certificate
1997-06-17
2001-02-06
Recla, Henry J. (Department: 3751)
Fluid handling
Systems
Multiple inlet with single outlet
C137S896000, C239S311000, C239S428500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182703
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an improved venturi based vacuum valve for modifying the flow rate of liquids. More particularly, this invention relates to a venturi based vacuum valve for improving flow pressure at a lower flow rate.
No one debates the need for water conservation. Low flow water devices have been introduced to conserve both toilet and shower water use. Some low flow shower devices are as simple as placing flow restrictors anywhere along the main water stream so as to interrupt the flow of the water. A problem with these low flow shower water devices in the prior art, however, is that while water flow rate is reduced, the water flow is also reduced so that the feel of a shower at high flow rates is lost altogether. Recently, prior art devices have been developed that introduce air into the water stream at the shower nozzle. This inventor is aware of a product marketed by the DuPont Company under the trademark SPA2001. This device is a shower nozzle with a variety of moving parts that is designed to suck air in at the outlet end of the shower nozzle and introduce it upstream of the outlet.
Drawbacks to the devices known in the art, and this particular DuPont device, are that they require the elimination of the pre-existing shower head with which the user has become accustomed, they include a variety of moveable parts and attachments, and they introduce air from the outlet thereby increasing chances of clogging and fouling with water expelled from the outlet end of the device. Thus, there is a need in the art for providing an improved venturi based vacuum valve that includes no moving parts, that enables the use of existing shower heads, and which provides a venturi effect away from the outlet end of the shower head. It, therefore, is an object of this invention to provide an improved venturi based vacuum valve which includes no moving parts, which is compatible for use with existing shower heads, and which has a venturi effect opening at a location removed from the outlet of the valve.
SHORT STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the venturi based vacuum valve of the present invention includes a plug with first, second and third openings. The first opening is formed in the plug as an inlet and is smaller than the second opening. The second opening and the first opening are connected within the plug so that a small diameter space is connected with a large diameter space within the plug. A third opening, open to the atmosphere and forming a suction hole, intersects the small and large diameter space within the plug after the small diameter space and before the second opening. The second opening forms an outlet in the plug. In a preferred embodiment, the plug is conformed to fit entirely within a shower pipe. In another preferred embodiment, the plug includes threads for attachment to a shower pipe and attachment of a shower head to the plug. A corresponding method of providing a venturi based vacuum valve is also provided as set forth more fully hereafter.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2510396 (1950-06-01), Goodrie
patent: 2724583 (1955-11-01), Targosh et al.
patent: 2891913 (1959-06-01), Welford
patent: 3797747 (1974-03-01), Buzzi et al.
patent: 4573639 (1986-03-01), Logue
Huynh Khoa
Recla Henry J.
Shaffer & Culbertson LLP
Shaffer Jr. J. Nevin
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