Integral check, pressure balanced, control valve
US5425394A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87676
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a shower control valve assembly which includes a casing mountable in a wall with inlets for hot and cold water. A cartridge is insertable into the casing in one of two orientations so that the hot water inlet of the cartridge can be aligned with either one of the casing inlets, depending on which one is the hot water inlet. The casing has two outlets, one for the shower and the other for the tub. There is an integral bypass which takes water from the tub outlet to the shower outlet upon activation of a diverter valve. The cartridge is of the pressure and temperature balancing type, with water of the desired temperature flowing to the tub outlet and then to the tub or shower as desired. Each water inlet in the cartridge includes a check valve which, in one position allows water to enter the cartridge, and in the other position prevents water from leaving the cartridge through the inlet. This feature prevents cross flow of hot and cold water, prevents back flow into the supply pipes and, most significantly, prevents water hammer in the supply pipes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.