Water temperature and flow rate selection display and control system and method
US4420811A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 5, 1981 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 5, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87692
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and method for selecting, displaying and automatically controlling water flow rates and temperatures at the outlets of devices used in plumbing fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs, showers, or lavatories; the apparatus includes a temperature sensor at the water output, a control panel for selecting desired output water temperatures and flow rates, a comparator for comparing the selected temperature to the output temperature, and for generating signals to control separate hot and cold water valves to achieve and automatically maintain, within limits, any desired combination of flow rate and temperature. In one embodiment the comparator is embodied in a microprocessor which receives a digital signal representative of the actual water temperature, and generates a modified signal to adjust hot and cold water flow to the output means until the actual output temperature matches the selected temperature within a small error range while maintaining flow rate at a constant level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.