US20100287695A1

US20100287695A1 - Valve apparatus and system

Info

Publication number: US20100287695A1
Application number: US12/779,842
Authority: US
Inventors: Harmon Houghton; Reinhold Wirth
Original assignee: ECO PRODUCTS GROUP Inc
Current assignee: ECO PRODUCTS GROUP Inc
Priority date: 2009-05-13
Filing date: 2010-05-13
Publication date: 2010-11-18
Also published as: US20100288383A1

Abstract

The present invention includes a hands free faucet system and a valve configured for delivery of water in a predetermined temperature and volume. The valve can include a first body portion having a first inlet port and a first outlet port connected to the first water line, a second body portion connected to the first body portion and having a second inlet port, a second outlet port, a third inlet port third outlet port. The valve can also include at least a first selectively positionable gate defining a first opening and a second opening and disposed adjacent to the second outlet port and the third outlet port such that in response to the first selectively positionable gate being positioned in a first position, water of a predetermined temperature will flow from at least one of the second outlet port and the third outlet port.

Description

The present application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 61/177,713 entitled “Retrofit Cylinder Valve” and filed on May 13, 2009, provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/186,694 entitled “Original Equipment Manufacturer Cylinder Valve” and filed on Jun. 12, 2009, and provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/186,611 entitled “Drainharvest Cylinder Valve” and filed on Jun. 12, 2009, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of mechanical engineering and more specifically to the fields of water delivery and water conservation.
2. History of the Related Art and Summary of the Present Invention
Traditional sinks and basins typically are equipped with “hand operated” faucets to provide a means of controlling flow rate and temperature mix of water used in a vast number of situations and applications. Flow rate and temperature mix adjustments require the use of the user's hands to manipulate faucet valves, or other mechanisms such as levers, or joysticks to control any desired output settings. In the use of conventional hand operated faucets, the single user must free, at minimum, one hand in order to manipulate the faucet control mechanism. This conventional use restricts the single user, in certain situations, full use of both hands to perform secondary operations while simultaneously controlling the faucet output.
In applications that require full use of both hands, the single user is subject to an initial presetting of the faucet output controls to the desired setting. Meanwhile, during the adjustment phase, water is flowing continuously and for a period while the user prepares and engages in the secondary operation. For example, in initial conditions where both hands are contaminated and is undesirable to spread the contamination to the faucet controls, the single user must rely on secondary measures to manipulate conventional faucet valves and mechanisms to initiate the desired output. Similarly, in post conditions where both hands have been thoroughly scrubbed and free of contamination and is undesirable to contract any contamination by direct hand contact with the faucet controls, the single user must rely on secondary measures to shut off the faucet output. Conventional faucets and faucet controls result in massive waste of clean water during normal use, not to mention the energy expended in the heating of wasted water, all of which only increases in a multi-user scenario.
Accordingly, the present invention has been conceived to simplify the use and maintenance of water faucet systems while also conserving water and energy. As described in greater detail below, the present invention generally includes a hands free faucet system and a valve configured for delivery of water in a predetermined temperature and volume. The valve can include a first body portion having a first inlet port and a first outlet port connected to the first water line, a second body portion connected to the first body portion and having a second inlet port, a second outlet port, a third inlet port third outlet port. The valve can also include at least a first selectively positionable gate defining a first opening and a second opening and disposed adjacent to the second outlet port and the third outlet port such that in response to the first selectively positionable gate being positioned in a first position, water of a predetermined temperature will flow from at least one of the second outlet port and the third outlet port. As noted in greater detail below, the system and valve of the present invention can control a water temperature and a water volume, thereby permitting complete hands free control of a faucet. In some embodiments described herein, the system and valve of the present invention can be controlled remotely by a user having a hands free user interface, thereby ensuring minimal water use and energy consumption.
These and other features and advantages of the system and valve apparatus of the present invention are described in detail herein with reference to the following figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a water faucet system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side-elevation view of a valve apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front-elevation view of the valve apparatus of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top-elevation view of the valve apparatus of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a first portion of the valve apparatus of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a second portion of the valve apparatus of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a side-elevation view of a portion of the valve apparatus of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of the portion of the valve apparatus of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side-elevation view of a portion of the valve apparatus of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B of the portion of the valve apparatus of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the second portion of the valve apparatus of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in a selected state.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the second portion of the valve apparatus of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in a selected state.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the second portion of the valve apparatus of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in a selected state.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the first portion of the valve apparatus of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in a selected state.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the first portion of the valve apparatus of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in a selected state.

FIG. 16 is a schematic sectional view of the valve apparatus of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 17 is a side-elevation view of a portion of the valve apparatus of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is described herein with reference to selected preferred embodiments and figures. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the following detailed description and associated figures are exemplary in nature, and the scope of the present invention should be understood exclusively with reference to the appended claims.
As shown in FIG. 1, one aspect of the present invention is a hands-free water faucet system 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 of the preferred embodiment can include a faucet 12 that is configured to be connected to a hot water source 20 and a cold water source 24. In one variation of the system 10 of the preferred embodiment, the faucet 12 can include a handle 14 or other suitable manual operating means for controlling a temperature or a flow volume of water from the hot water source 20 and the cold water source 24. Alternatively, the faucet 12 of the system 10 of the preferred embodiment can be designed without a handle 14 such that both the water temperature and flow volume are controllable by one or more of a valve 30 and a user interface 26 as described in detail herein. In another variation of the system 10 of the preferred embodiment, the faucet 12 can include a handle 14 and is configured for operation and control by one or more of the handle 14 or the valve 30 and a user interface 26 in a bypass mode, which is also described further herein.
As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 of the preferred embodiment can include a valve 30 that is connected to the hot water source 20 through a hot water input pipe 18. Additionally, the valve 30 can be connected to the cold water source 24 through a cold water input pipe 22, which as shown in FIG. 1, can also be configured through an exemplary T-type fitting to supply cold water directly to the faucet 12. The valve 30 of the system 10 of the preferred embodiment can also include an output pipe 16 that conveys water of a predetermined temperature and flow volume to the faucet 12 as described further herein.
The system 10 of the preferred embodiment can further include a user interface 26 that is connected to the valve 30 and adapted to control the operational states of the valve 30 which in turn are determinative of the temperature and flow volume of the water output to the faucet 12. In accordance with selected variations of the system 10 of the preferred embodiment, the operational states of the valve 30 can include: an off state in which no water is transmitted from the valve 30 to the faucet 12, a hot state in which primarily hot water is transmitted from the valve 30 to the faucet 12, a cold state in which primarily cold water is transmitted from the valve 30 to the faucet 12, a mix state in which a predetermined mixture of hot and cold water is transmitted from the valve 30 to the faucet 12, and an optional bypass state in which the valve 30 is maintained in a hot state of predetermined volume but a user has the option of manipulating the handle 14 of the faucet 12 to determine a final volume and temperature of the water output by the faucet 12.
As described further herein, the user interface 26 of the system 10 of the preferred embodiment can include for example any suitable type of signal receiver and/or signal transmitter that is configured to receive and input from a user and provide a predetermined output to the valve 30. As an example, the user interface 26 can receive mechanical, electromechanical, piezoelectric, infrared, motion or other suitable inputs from a user and convert those inputs into a signal or instruction usable by the valve 30 to control one or more of its operational states. Suitable user interfaces 26 can include a mechanical foot pedal, an electromechanical foot pedal, a voice actuated electronic user interface, a touch actuated electronic user interface, a motion or infrared actuated electronic user interface and the like. The signals from the user interface 26 to the valve 30 can be determined by the type of actuation employed by the valve 30. Accordingly, a mechanical foot pedal type user interface 26 can control the valve 26 via mechanical or electromechanical inputs; and a voice actuated type user interface 26 can control one or more electrical or electromechanical drivers or actuators on the valve 30. Other types of user interface 26 configurations are described in further detail below.
FIGS. 2, 3, 4 5 and 6 are illustrative of various views of a valve 30 in accordance with one example embodiment of the system 10 of the preferred embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment can include a first body portion 50 a and a second body portion 50 b that are separated by a divider or septum 52. The first body portion 50 a of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment can include a first inlet port 60 and a first outlet port 16 that is directed toward the faucet 12 of the system 10 of the preferred embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the first inlet port 60 and first outlet port 16 a are substantially contiguous with a first cavity 62 (shown in phantom) through which water can flow from the first inlet port 60 through the first cavity 62 and the first outlet port and eventually to the faucet 12. As shown in FIG. 5, in one variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the first body portion 50 a can define a first inner surface 54 a and a first spool seat 56 a therein, thereby permitting the first body portion 50 a to be aligned flush with the septum 52 while permitting the placement of a spool valve therein.
The valve 30 of the preferred embodiment can further include a second body portion 50 b connected to the first body portion 50 a. As shown in FIG. 6, the second body portion 50 b can include a second inlet port 18 connected to a second outlet port 64 and a third inlet port 22 connected to a third outlet port 68. The second inlet port 18 can be substantially contiguous with the second outlet port 64 through a second cavity 66 (shown in phantom) that permits the flow of water from the second inlet port 18 through to the second outlet port 64. Similarly, the third inlet port 22 can be substantially contiguous with the third outlet port 68 through a third cavity 70 (shown in phantom) that permits the flow of water from the third inlet port through to the third outlet port 68. As shown in FIG. 6, in one variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the second body portion 50 b can define a second inner surface 54 b and a second spool seat 56 b therein, thereby permitting the second body portion 50 b to be aligned flush with the septum 52 while permitting the placement of a spool valve therein.
The valve 30 of the preferred embodiment can further include a first selectively positionable gate defining a first opening and a second opening and disposed adjacent to the second outlet port 64 and the third outlet port 68. The selectively positionable gate of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment is configured such that in response to the first selectively positionable gate being positioned in a first position, a predetermined amount of water will flow from at least one of the second outlet port 64 and the third outlet port 68. In one variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the first selectively positionable gate can be a first spool valve 78 exemplified in FIGS. 9 and 10. As shown therein, the first spool valve 78 defines a first opening 80 a and a second opening 80 b and is rotatable about a spindle 76 b. As described below, the spindle 76 b can be controlled via the user interface 26 and one or more apparatuses or mechanisms for determining a quantity and temperature of the water to flow from the second body portion 50 b of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment.
The spool valve 78 of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment can further define a concave surface 82 that can be configured to be substantially coplanar with the second inner surface 54 b of the second body portion 50 b. Water that emerges through the first opening 80 a and the second opening 80 b can mix in the volume defined between the concave surface 82 and the septum 52 as further described and shown herein. Alternatively, the spool valve 78 can define a substantially planar surface but be disposed at a distance from the septum 52 when seated in the second body portion 50 b such that there is a mixing volume defined between the spool valve 78 and the septum 52. Returning to FIG. 6, in one variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the spindle 76 b can be inserted through a passage 58 b in the second body portion 50 b of the valve 30, thereby permitting the relative rotational position of the spool valve 78 to be determined and controlled by a mechanism or device disposed on the outside of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment.
In another variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the valve 30 can include a second selectively positionable gate defining a third opening and disposed adjacent to the first inlet port 60 of the first body portion 50 a. The second selectively positionable gate is configured such that in response to being positioned in a second position, a predetermined amount of water will flow into the first inlet port 60 and out the first outlet port 16 to the faucet 12. In one example configuration, the second selectively positionable gate can be a second spool valve 72 as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. As shown therein, the second spool valve 72 can define a third opening 74 through which water can selectively flow through to the first inlet port 60, the first outlet port 16 and to the faucet 12. As described below, the second spool valve 72 can also include spindle 76 a, which can be controlled via the user interface 26 and one or more apparatuses or mechanisms for determining a quantity and temperature of the water to flow from the first body portion 50 a of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment.
In another variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the second spool valve 72 can define a substantially planar surface but be disposed at a distance from the septum 52 when seated in the first body portion 50 a. In this example configuration, there is a mixing volume defined between the second spool valve 72 and the septum 52 such that water passing through the septum 52 can pass through the third opening 74 of the second spool valve 72 and into the first body portion 50 a. As shown in FIG. 5, in one variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the spindle 76 a can be inserted through a passage 58 a in the first body portion 50 a of the valve 30, thereby permitting the relative rotational position of the spool valve 72 to be determined and controlled by a mechanism or device disposed on the outside of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment.
In an aforementioned variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the valve 30 can include a septum 52 disposed between the first selectively positionable gate 78 and the second selectively positionable gate 72. The septum 52 functions to receive water flow from at least one of the second outlet port 64 and the third outlet port 68 and to merge the water flow from at least one of the second outlet port 64 and the third outlet port 68 into the third opening 74 of the second selectively positionable gate 72. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the septum 52 can be disposed between the first body portion 50 a and the second body portion 50 b such that it is also disposed between the first selectively positionable gate 78 and the second selectively positionable gate 72. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the septum 52 can further define a passage 84 therein that functions to establish fluid communication between the first selectively positionable gate 78 and the second selectively positionable gate 72. That is, any water that flows from the first selectively positionable gate 78 can flow through the passage 84 of the septum 52 and into the third opening 74 of the second selectively positionable gate 72.
As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment is configured to control a water temperature through control of the first selectively positionable gate 78 and a volume of water through control of the second selectively positionable gate 72. It follows that control of both first and second selectively positionable gates 72, 78 permits a user to control water temperature and volume, or rather to control all aspects of the water emerging from the faucet 12. As noted above, in one variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the first and second selectively positionable gates 78, 72 can be rotatable spool valves. Other example configurations for the first and second selectively positionable gates 78, 72 can include for example bladder-type valves, ported piston valves, ball valves, gate valves, screw and gasket valves or any suitable combination thereof.
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the first opening 80 a and the second opening 80 b can define elongate eccentric openings, thereby permitting selected amounts of hot and/or cold water to flow through the first selectively positionable gate 78, which is illustrated as a spool valve by way of non-limiting example. Other geometries for the first opening 80 a and the second opening 80 b can be equally suitable for permitting selected water flow, including, but not limited to, circular openings, cycloid openings, spiral openings, trapezoidal openings, rectangular openings, triangular openings and the like.
FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 illustrate various operational states of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment relative to the second outlet port 64 and the third outlet port 68. As shown, when the first selectively positionable gate 78 is in a predetermined position, one or both of the second outlet port 64 and the third outlet port 68 will be partially or substantially contiguous with one or both of the first opening 80 a and the second opening 80 b, respectively. As such, FIG. 11 illustrates a mix operational state in which both the first opening 80 a and the second opening 80 b are at least partially contiguous with the second outlet port 64 and the third outlet port 68. Therefore, both hot and cold water are permitted to flow through the first selectively positionable gate 78 resulting in a mixture thereof. Rotation of the first selectively positionable gate 78 will cause one of the first opening 80 a or the second opening 80 b to become more contiguous with its respective outlet port 64, 68, while the other will become less so. In this manner, a user can vary the relative volume of hot and cold water, further permitting a user to finely tune and adapt the water temperature at the faucet 12 to his or her liking.
In one example operational state shown in FIG. 12, the first selectively positionable gate 78 is rotated such that the first opening 80 a is substantially contiguous with the second outlet port 64 while the second opening 80 b does not overlap at all with the third outlet port 68. Assuming that the valve 30 is configured such that cold water flows into the second cavity 66 (shown in phantom), then only cold water will flow through the first selectively positionable gate 78. This is a cold water operational state in which only cold water is supplied by the valve 30 to the faucet 12. If on the other hand, the user configured the valve 30 such that hot water flows into the second cavity 66 (shown in phantom), then this operational state would be the hot water state or the bypass state, described below.
Another example operational state is shown in FIG. 13, in which the second opening 80 b is shown being substantially contiguous with the third outlet port 68. As shown, the first opening 80 a is entirely occluded and non-contiguous with the second outlet port 64, such that no water from the second cavity 66 (shown in phantom) can flow through the first selectively positionable gate 78. Assuming that the user has configured the valve such that hot water flows into the third cavity 70 (shown in phantom), then the operational state shown in FIG. 13 would be the hot water state or the bypass state. In the hot water state, only hot water is permitted to flow through the first selectively positionable gate 78. The bypass state is usable in a valve 30 that is used in a system 10 of the type shown in FIG. 1, in which the faucet 12 has a handle 14 or other means for controlling the temperature and flow of the water.
As an example, the bypass state can be used since the faucet 12 is already connected to the cold water source 24, thus the user can set the valve 30 into a hot (bypass) state in which hot water flows through the valve 30 at a predetermined volume and the user is still capable of controlling the temperature and volume of water using the handle. In configurations of the system 10 that do not include a handle 14 or other alternative means for controlling the temperature and volume of water from the faucet 12, the state shown in FIG. 13 is just a hot state, as there is no other means or mechanism between the valve 30 and the faucet 12 to control either the volume or temperature of water from the faucet 12. In summary, the system 10 of the preferred embodiment and the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment can be used with a faucet 12 that either includes or does not include a handle 14. That is, the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment can be retrofit into an existing system of the type having a faucet with a handle. Alternatively, the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment can be retrofit into an existing system of the type in which the faucet does not have a handle. Finally, the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment can be configured as a component in a new system in which the faucet can either have or lack a handle as determined by user preference.
In another variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment, the third opening 74 of the second selectively positionable gate 72, which is illustrated by example only as a spool valve, can define an elongate eccentric opening thereby permitting a user to more precisely modulate a volume of water that flows into the first body portion 50 a. An example configuration of this variation of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. As shown in FIG. 14, the third opening 74 is substantially contiguous with the first inlet port 60 such that a maximal amount of water can flow into the first body portion 50 a of the valve 30. FIG. 15 illustrates another example condition in which the third opening 74 is only partially contiguous with the first inlet port 60, thereby decreasing the overall volume of water that will flow into the first body portion 50 a and on to the faucet 12. Other geometries for the third opening 74 can be equally suitable for permitting selected water flow, including, but not limited to, circular openings, cycloid openings, spiral openings, trapezoidal openings, rectangular openings, triangular openings and the like.
The valve 30 of the preferred embodiment can optionally be configured to operate in another operation state in which the flow of water is completely terminated, i.e., an off state. Referring to FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, an off state can exist in any combination of configurations in which the first selectively positionable gate 78 is positioned such that neither the first or second openings 80 a, 80 b is contiguous with neither of the second outlet port 64 and the third outlet port 68; or in which the third opening 74 is not contiguous with the first inlet port 60. That is, an off state can exist when water flow out of the second body portion 50 b is terminated via the position of the first selectively positionable gate 78 and/or when water flow into the first body portion 50 a is terminated via the position of the second selectively positionable gate 72.
As noted above, control of the first and second selectively positionable gates 78, 72 can be accomplished by any number of means or mechanisms that can receive a user input and convert that input into a mechanical or electromechanical output to cause the relative movement of the first and second selectively positionable gates 78, 72, thereby controlling the temperature and volume of water flowing through the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment. In the example embodiment of the valve 30 of the preferred embodiment shown in the Figures, the valve 30 can include a controller connected to the first and second selectively positionable gates 78, 72, which are depicted as rotatable spool valves by way of example.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 specifically, the controller 32 can include a first motor 32 a that is mounted to the first body portion 50 a via fore and aft brackets 34 a, 36 a. The first motor 32 a can be configured to drive a rack, first gear or first beveled gear 38 a that has one or more teeth suited to drive a pinion, second gear or second beveled gear 40 a. The second gear 40 a can be connected to the second selectively positionable gate 72 via the spindle 76 a such that rotation of the second gear 40 a causes rotation of the second selectively positionable gate 72, thereby controlling a volume of water in accordance with the example embodiments described above. Similarly, the controller 32 can include a second motor 32 b that is mounted to the second body portion 50 b via fore and aft brackets 34 b, 36 b. The second motor 32 b can be configured to drive a rack, first gear or first beveled gear 38 b that has one or more teeth suited to drive a pinion, second gear or second beveled gear 40 b. The second gear 40 b can be connected to the first selectively positionable gate 78 via the spindle 76 b such that rotation of the second gear 40 b causes rotation of the first selectively positionable gate 78, thereby controlling a temperature of water in accordance with the example embodiments described above.
In an alternative embodiment, the first and second motors 32 a, 32 b can be independently controlled by a user such that the temperature of the water output from the second body portion 50 b does not affect the volume of water output by the first body portion 50 b. Alternatively, the first and second motors 32 a, 32 b can be integrated into a single controller that is adapted to optimize water flow in response to a volume and temperature of water being provided by the second body portion 50 b to the first body portion 50 a. Other suitable controllers 32 can include for example piezo cells, linear and/or circular electromechanical solenoids, one or more hydraulic motors, circular and/or linear air cylinders as well as any suitable combination thereof.
As noted herein, in one variation the system 10 of the preferred embodiment can include a user interface connected to the controller 32. For example, the user interface 26 of the system 10 can be connected to each of the first and second motors 32 a, 32 b and allow for independent or dependent control thereof. As noted above, suitable user interfaces 26 can include a mechanical foot pedal actuated by one or more hydraulic lines, an electromechanical foot pedal, a voice actuated electronic user interface, a touch actuated electronic user interface, a motion or infrared actuated electronic user interface and the like. The signals from the user interface 26 to the controller 32 can be determined by the type of actuation employed by the valve 30. Accordingly, a mechanical foot pedal type user interface 26 can control the valve 30 via mechanical or electromechanical inputs; and a voice actuated type user interface 26 can control one or more electrical or electromechanical drivers or actuators of the valve 30. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the first and second motors 32 a, 32 b can be driven by electrical signals from the user interface 26 that indicate a temperature and volume of water to be delivered by the faucet, which in turn causes the first and second motors 32 a, 32 b to register the first and second selectively positionable gates 78, 72 in the appropriate position to deliver the user's request.
In another variation of the system 10 of the preferred embodiment, the controller 32 can be a digital to analog (DAC) controller adapted to receive digital control signals from a user and convert them into analog signals by which the valve 30 can be actuated. The DAC controller can further include a memory module for logging data related to the water usage patters and consumption of the user. Possible user interfaces 26 for the DAC controller can include for example a voice actuation module, a foot platform or trackpad that translates position and/or pressure signals into related states of the valve 30, or a motion actuated or PIR-type sensor that translates position and/or radiation signals into related states of the valve 30.
The present invention has been described herein with reference to particular preferred embodiments as well as the example embodiments and variations thereof depicted in the Figures. One of skill in the art will recognize that various modifications and additions can be made to that which has been described without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A valve apparatus comprising:

a first body portion comprising a first inlet port and a first outlet port, the first inlet port and first outlet port contiguous with a first cavity;

a second body portion connected to the first body portion, the second body portion comprising a second inlet port connected to a second outlet port and a third inlet port connected to a third outlet port; and

a first selectively positionable gate defining a first opening and a second opening and disposed adjacent to the second outlet port and the third outlet port such that in response to the first selectively positionable gate being positioned in a first position, a predetermined amount of water will flow from at least one of the second outlet port and the third outlet port.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second selectively positionable gate defining a third opening and disposed adjacent to the first inlet port of the first body portion such that in response to the second selectively positionable gate being positioned in a second position, a predetermined amount of water will flow into the first inlet port.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a septum disposed between the first selectively positionable gate and the second selectively positionable gate.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the septum is adapted to receive water flow from at least one of the second outlet port and the third outlet port and further adapted to merge water flow from at least one of the second outlet port and the third outlet port into the third opening of the second selectively positionable gate.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first opening and the second opening define elongate eccentric openings.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the third opening defines an elongate eccentric opening.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first selectively positionable gate comprises a first rotatable spool.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second selectively positionable gate defines a second rotatable spool.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first selectively positionable gate comprises a first rotatable spool.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a controller connected to the first and second rotatable spools.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the controller comprises a first motor adapted to rotate the first rotatable spool in response to user input and a second motor adapted to rotate the second rotatable spool in response to user input.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first motor is adapted to control a water temperature and the second motor is adapted to control a water volume.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first and second motors are independently controllable by a user.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the controller further comprises a user interface connected to the first and second motors.

15. A system comprising:

a faucet;

a first water line connected to the faucet;

a valve comprising:

a first body portion comprising a first inlet port and a first outlet port connected to the first water line, the first inlet port and first outlet port contiguous with a first cavity;

a second body portion connected to the first body portion, the second body portion comprising a second inlet port connected to a hot water line and a second outlet port, a third inlet port connected to a cold water line and a third outlet port; and

a first selectively positionable gate defining a first opening and a second opening and disposed adjacent to the second outlet port and the third outlet port such that in response to the first selectively positionable gate being positioned in a first position, water of a predetermined temperature will flow from at least one of the second outlet port and the third outlet port.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a second selectively positionable gate defining a third opening and disposed adjacent to the first inlet port of the first body portion such that in response to the second selectively positionable gate being positioned in a second position, a predetermined amount of water will flow into the first inlet port.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a septum disposed between the first selectively positionable gate and the second selectively positionable gate.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the septum is adapted to receive water flow from at least one of the second outlet port and the third outlet port and further adapted to merge water flow from at least one of the second outlet port and the third outlet port into the third opening of the second selectively positionable gate.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the first opening and the second opening define elongate eccentric openings.

20. The system of claim 16, wherein the third opening defines an elongate eccentric opening.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the first selectively positionable gate comprises a first rotatable spool.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the second selectively positionable gate comprises a second rotatable spool.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the first selectively positionable gate comprises a first rotatable spool.

24. The system of claim 23, further comprising a controller connected to the first and second rotatable spools.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the controller comprises a first motor adapted to rotate the first rotatable spool in response to user input and a second motor adapted to rotate the second rotatable spool in response to user input.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the first motor is adapted to control a water temperature and the second motor is adapted to control a water volume.

27. The system of claim 25, wherein the first and second motors are independently controllable by a user.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the controller further comprises a user interface connected to the first and second motors.