Pneumatic actuated switch for hot water dispenser
US4911335A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 1988 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/3185
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A combined air gap and dispensing device is adapted to be mounted on a sink, and comprises an internal air gap between inlet and outlet waste tubes. A liquid carrying pipe, such as a hot water pipe, also extends through the device to a faucet for being dispensed. A pair of fiber optic cables have exposed ends at the upper end of the device, and are coupled to a control system for valving liquid to the dispensing pipe. The control circuit may include a light source directed to one of the fiber optic cables, a photo sensor connected to the fiber optic cable to receive reflected light, and amplifying and demodulating circuitry, as well as a logic circuit responsive to determined conditions at the upper ends of the fiber optic cables for controlling the flow of liquid to the dispensing pipe. A pneumatic tube and pneumatic actuator may be provided instead of the optic cables and associated optic devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.