Tap for the delivery of liquids for the conversion from automatic to manual

• US 4,604,764 A
• Filed: 10/18/1984
• Issued: 08/12/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 10/03/1984
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Fava Enzo
• Original Assignee: Fava Enzo
• Inventors: Enzo, Fava
• Primary Examiner(s): Artis, Henry K.
• Application Number:
  US06/661,858
• Time in Patent Office: 663 Days
• Field of Search: 4/623, 4/191, 4/192, 4/DIG. 3, 4/302, 4/303, 4/304, 4/406, 4/305
• US Class Current: 4/623
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/057 touchless, i.e. using sensors
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 4/03 Electric flushing

Abstract

A fluid delivery system can be alternately manually or automatically controlled. The system comprises a body for directing fluid to a desired location. Means for supplying fluid to the body are also provided. A regulator manually controls the flow of fluid through the body. A releasable lock secures the regulator in an open position so that fluid can flow through the body. An electrically operated valve in the fluid supply has an automatically controlled fluid flow circuit and a manually controlled fluid flow circuit. Sensing means detect the presence of an object proximate the body and provide an electrical signal in response thereto. A controller is provided for opening and closing the valve. Transmitting means transmit the electrical signal from the sensor to the controller for opening the automatically controlled fluid flow circuit in the valve. When the manually controlled fluid flow circuit in the valve is closed, the lock for the regulator is engaged. On the other hand, the lock is released when the manually controlled fluid flow circuit in the valve is open. The fluid delivery system is useful in combination with wash basins.

Claims

1. A fluid delivery system, which can be alternately manually or automatically controlled, wherein the delivery system comprises:

a body for directing fluid to a desired location;

means for supplying fluid to the body;

regulator means for manually controlling flow of fluid through the body;

locking means for releasably locking the regulator means in an open position so that fluid can flow through the body;

electrically operated valve means in the fluid supply means, wherein the valve means is comprised of an automatically controlled fluid flow circuit and a manually controlled fluid flow circuit;

sensing means for detecting presence of an object proximate the body and for providing an electrical signal in response thereto;

controller means for opening and closing the valve;

means for transmitting the electrical signal to the controller for opening the automatically controlled fluid flow circuit in the valve;

wherein the locking means for the regulator is engaged when the manually controlled fluid flow circuit in the valve is closed, and the locking means is released when the manually controlled fluid flow circuit in the valve is open.

2. Fluid delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the automatically controlled fluid flow circuit and the manually controlled fluid flow circuit are separated by a flexible membrane, which closes the automatically controlled fluid flow circuit when the manually controlled fluid flow circuit is open.

3. Fluid delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the manually controlled fluid flow circuit is comprised of a conduit and a releasable screw means for blocking flow of fluid in the conduit.

4. Fluid delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the body is mounted on a basin and the body is positioned to direct fluid into the basin.

5. Fluid delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the regulator means is on the body.

6. Fluid delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the locking means is a set screw for preventing manual movement of the regulator.

7. Fluid delivery system according to claim 5, wherein the body includes means for mixing hot and cold fluid together.

8. Fluid delivery system according to claim 7, wherein the body includes a handle that is vertically movable to open and close the regulator to control flow of fluid through the body and horizontally movable to control temperature of fluid discharged from the body.

9. Fluid delivery system according to claim 8, wherein the handle is horizontally movable when the locking means is engaged, but vertical movement of the handle is prevented by the locking means.

10. Fluid delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the automatically controlled fluid flow circuit is disabled when the manually controlled fluid flow circuit is open.