Water conservation recirculation system
First Claim
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1. A water recirculation system comprising:
- a hot water source and a cold water source;
a hot water delivery line connected between said hot water source and at least one plumbing fixture;
a cold water delivery line connected between said cold water source and said plumbing fixture;
said hot water delivery line and said cold water delivery line being in communication with each other through a recirculation line;
said recirculation line including a pump and a temperature control switch, wherein said pump is activated by said temperature control switch when the temperature of the water in said recirculation line falls below a preselected value;
a backflow line connecting said cold water delivery line to said recirculation line so a portion of the water from the cold water line flows past said temperature control switch, wherein a portion of the water moved by said pump towards the cold water delivery line is also directed into said backflow line; and
a directional valve positioned in said backflow line so that water can only flow from the cold water delivery line to the temperature control switch.
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Abstract
The present invention is a water conservation system that provides instant hot water at a user'"'"'s sink. The system includes a backflow line positioned between the cold water line and a thermal switch. A check valve is placed in the backflow line to prevent hot water from entering the cold water supply. A thermal switch that contacts the flow of water is used to give a more accurate measurement of the hot water temperature. This system prevents large quantities of warm water from being pumped into the cold water supply.
68 Citations
7 Claims
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1. A water recirculation system comprising:
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a hot water source and a cold water source; a hot water delivery line connected between said hot water source and at least one plumbing fixture; a cold water delivery line connected between said cold water source and said plumbing fixture; said hot water delivery line and said cold water delivery line being in communication with each other through a recirculation line; said recirculation line including a pump and a temperature control switch, wherein said pump is activated by said temperature control switch when the temperature of the water in said recirculation line falls below a preselected value; a backflow line connecting said cold water delivery line to said recirculation line so a portion of the water from the cold water line flows past said temperature control switch, wherein a portion of the water moved by said pump towards the cold water delivery line is also directed into said backflow line; and a directional valve positioned in said backflow line so that water can only flow from the cold water delivery line to the temperature control switch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification