Proximity sensing shower system

• US 5,853,130 A
• Filed: 07/16/1996
• Issued: 12/29/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 07/17/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ellsworth, Robert S.
• Original Assignee: Ellsworth, Robert S.
• Inventors: Ellsworth, Robert S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kashnikow, Andres
• Assistant Examiner(s): EVANS, ROBIN OCTAVIA
• Application Number:
  US08/680,800
• Time in Patent Office: 896 Days
• Field of Search: 239/67, 239/69, 239/71, 239/73, 239/74, 239/99, 239/436, 239/443, 239/444, 239/445, 239/548, 239/556, 239/557, 239/558, 239/562, 239/563, 4/597, 4/601
• US Class Current: 239/548
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 1/16 having selectively- effective outlets
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 1/18 Roses; Shower heads with means for adding soap or the like E03C1/046; jet regulators E03C1/08
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 12/122 responsive to presence or shape of target B05B12/124 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/057 touchless, i.e. using sensors

Abstract

The present disclosure concerns a fluid dispersion system such as for use in a personal shower. Groups of nozzles on a single showerhead are separately activated and regulated by corresponding valves. Each valve is controlled from a remote panel to provide an appropriate flow of water. A position detection system determines the relative position of a body with respect to the showerhead. The remote panel receives data from the position detection system and adjusts the valves to ensure the user remains in a desired flow of water.

Claims

1. A system for dispersing a fluid from a fluid source toward a body, said system comprising:

a showerhead dispersing the fluid, said showerhead including a plurality of nozzles, said plurality of nozzles are separated into a plurality of nozzle sets each containing at least one of said plurality of nozzles;

valves infinitely variably regulating flow of the fluid to each of said plurality of nozzle sets, said valves being interposed between the fluid source and said showerhead, said valves including a separate valve for each of said plurality of nozzle sets;

a plurality of fluid conduits establishing fluid communication between said valves and said showerhead, each one of said plurality of fluid conduits establishing fluid communication between a different one of said separate valves and a corresponding nozzle set;

a position detector determining the position of the body with respect to said showerhead; and

a controller individually adjusting each of said separate infinitely variable valves to automatically establish an appropriate fluid flow from each of said plurality of nozzle sets for each position of the body with respect to said showerhead as determined by said position detector.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein a single showerhead disperses all the fluid from the fluid source.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of fluid conduits extend within a common sheath.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein said common sheath includes a substantially rigid tubular covering circumscribing said plurality of fluid conduits and supporting said showerhead.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein said plurality of fluid conduits and said common sheath are longitudinally elongated and pliable.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said valves include an actuator driving each said separate valve.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein a separate actuator drives each said separate valve.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein said actuator is an electric motor.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein said electric motor is powered by a direct current source.

10. The system according to claim 6, wherein said actuator is powered by the fluid flowing from the fluid source.

11. The system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a communication link extending between said controller and said valves, wherein said controller is separated and spaced from said valves.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein said communication link includes a plurality of wires.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein said communication link includes a transmitter and a receiver.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein said transmitter and said receiver are operably interconnected by radio waves.

15. The system according to claim 13, wherein said transmitter and said receiver are operably interconnected by infrared light.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein said position detector includes a radar transceiver.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein said position detector includes a sonar transceiver.

18. The system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a fluid supply sensor in contact with said fluid, said sensor detects and informs said controller of changes in at least one of the fluid properties consisting of fluid pressure and fluid temperature.

19. The system according to claim 1, wherein said controller includes a memory storing and recalling at least one system profile.