Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1
METERED DISPENSE POT FILLER
Background and Summary of the Disclosure
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a fluid delivery
apparatus and,
more particularly, to a faucet including a metered dispense input device.
[0002] Electronic faucets typically include an electrically operable
valve coupled to
an electronic controller for controlling fluid flow through a water outlet.
Some electronic
faucets include proximity sensors, such as active infrared ("IR") proximity
detectors or
capacitive proximity sensors to control operation of the electrically operable
valve. Such
proximity sensors may be used to detect a user's hands positioned near the
faucet and to
automatically start fluid flow through the faucet in response to detection of
the user's hands.
Other electronic faucets may use touch sensors, such as capacitive touch
sensors, to control
the faucet. An illustrative electronic faucet is detailed in U.S. Patent
Application Publication
No. 2016/0362877 to Thomas et al.
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a metered dispense pot filler
which
includes a metered dispense input device that is integrated into the metered
dispense pot
filler to allow the dispensing of precise volumes of water. The present
disclosure further
relates to a metered dispense pot filler which includes an electrically
operable valve
operably coupled to a metered dispense input unit and a control module in
communication with the input controller and configured to control operation of
the
electrically operable valve.
[0004] According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure,
a metered
dispense pot filler mounted on a wall having a fluid supply for use in
dispensing fluid into
cooking utensils resting on a cooking surface, the pot filler includes a
metered dispense
input device in fluid communication with the fluid supply, a first arm having
a first and
second end, the first end rotatably coupled to and extending radially of the
metered dispense
input device a second arm having a first and second end, the first end
rotatably coupled to
and extending radially of the second end of the first arm, and a fluid outlet,
in fluid
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
2
communication with the fluid supply and mounted to the second end of the
second arm,
wherein the metered dispense input device includes a shell defining a chamber,
an input
controller disposed within the chamber and operably coupled with an
electrically operable
valve of the fluid supply, a rotatable first dial supported by the shell and
operably coupled to
the input controller, a rotatable second dial supported by the shell and
operably coupled to
the input controller, and an activation button positioned above the first dial
and in
communication with the input controller, the activation button operably
coupled to the first
dial and the second dial.
[0005] According to another illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, a
metered dispense pot filler mounted on a wall having a fluid supply for use in
dispensing
fluid into cooking utensils resting on a cooking surface, the pot filler
includes a metered
dispense input device in fluid communication with the fluid supply, a first
arm having a first
and second end, the first end rotatably coupled to and extending radially of
the metered
dispense input device, a second arm having a first and second end, the first
end rotatably
coupled to and extending radially of the second end of the first arm, and a
fluid outlet, in
fluid communication with the fluid supply and mounted to the second end of the
second
arm, wherein the metered dispense input unit includes a shell defining a
chamber, an input
controller disposed within the chamber and configured to communicate with an
electrically
operable valve, a rotatable first dial supported by the shell and operably
coupled to the input
controller, a rotatable second dial supported by the shell and operably
coupled to the input
controller, an activation button positioned above the first dial, the
activation button operably
coupled to the input controller, an electrically operable valve operably
coupled to the
metered dispense input unit, and a control module in communication with the
input
controller and configured to control operation of the electrically operable
valve.
[0006] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will
become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following
detailed
description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of
carrying out
the invention as presently perceived.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
3
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0007] A detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to the
accompanying
figures, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary electronic
faucet of the
present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a metered dispense input device
for use with
the exemplary electronic faucet of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a metered dispense input device
for use with
the exemplary electronic faucet of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present
disclosure, wherein
the metered dispense input device further includes indicator markings;
[0011] FIG. 2C is first perspective view of a further illustrative
metered dispense
input device similar to FIG. 2B, showing indicator markings as indicia
representing serving
units and quantities;
[0012] FIG. 2D is a second perspective view of the illustrative metered
dispense input
device of FIG. 2C, showing the input dials rotated clockwise;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the metered dispense input
device of FIG.
2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is another cross-sectional view of the metered dispense
input device of
FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional view of the metered dispense
input device of
FIG 2;
[0016] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the metered dispense
input device
of FIG 2;
[0017] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a lower portion of the
metered
dispense input device shown in FIG. 6;
[0018] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a middle portion of the
metered
dispense input device shown in FIG. 6;
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
4
[0019] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an upper portion of the
metered
dispense input device of FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of dials used in the metered
dispense input
device of FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the dials of FIG. 10;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the upper portion of
the metered
dispense input device of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a shell of the metered dispense
input device of
FIG. 2;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective view in cross-section of the metered
dispense input
device of FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an illustrative wireless control
module of
FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 16A is an exploded perspective view of the illustrative
wireless control
module of FIG. 15;
[0027] FIG. 16B is a plan view of the printed circuit board of FIG. 16A;
[0028] FIG 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIG.
15;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an illustrative metered pot
filler of the present
disclosure, shown in a stored position;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the metered pot filler of FIG.
18, shown in a
fluid dispensing position;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a close-up perspective view of the metered pot filler
of FIG. 18;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 of FIG.
20;
[0033] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative metered
dispense
input device of the metered pot filler of FIG.18; and
[0034] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the metered dispense input
device taken
along line 23-23 of FIG. 20.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
5
Detailed Description of the Drawings
[0035] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles
of the
present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated
in the
drawings, which are described herein. The embodiments disclosed herein are not
intended to
be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Rather,
the
embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may
utilize their
teachings. Therefore, no limitation of the scope of the claimed invention is
thereby intended.
The present invention includes any alterations and further modifications of
the illustrated
devices and described methods and further applications of principles in the
invention which
would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
[0036] The present disclosure relates to a metered dispense input device
that
communicates with a control module of an electronic faucet to allow control of
the faucet
such that precise volumes of water can be dispensed. In an illustrative
embodiment, the
metered dispense input device wirelessly communicates with the control module
to dispense
water from the faucet. In another illustrative embodiment, the metered
dispense input device
is integrated into the faucet.
[0037] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an electronic
faucet 10 is
shown according to some illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure.
The electronic
faucet 10 includes a spout 12 supporting a passageway or fluid conduit for
delivering fluids
such as water, for example. The passageway of the spout 12 may include fluid
passages 28
between a hot water source 16, a cold water source 18, and a water outlet 19
of the spout 12.
See, for example, passages 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 28e of FIG. 1, which may
comprise flexible
tubes made of a polymer (e.g., cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)).
[0038] The electronic faucet 10 illustratively includes an electrically
operable valve,
such as a solenoid valve 22, in fluid communication with the hot water source
16 and the
cold water source 18. The solenoid valve 22 is illustratively controlled
electronically by a
valve controller 24. In an illustrative embodiment, the valve controller 24 is
configured to
open and close the solenoid valve 22 to turn on and off the fluid flow to the
outlet 19 of the
spout 12. In another illustrative embodiment, the valve controller 24 may be
further
configured to proportionally control the solenoid valve 22 to adjust the flow
rate and/or
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
6
temperature of the fluid flowing through the spout 12. In an illustrative
embodiment, the
solenoid valve 22 may comprise a pilot operated solenoid valve, although
another suitable
electrically operable or actuator driven valves may be provided, such as an
electronically
proportional valve (EPV). Additional details of the solenoid valve 22 is
further provided in
U.S. Patent No. 9,458,612.
[0039] The illustrative valve controller 24 may control the solenoid
valve 22 based
on output from at least one activation sensor, such as a proximity sensor
and/or a touch
sensor, for example. The activation sensor may comprise a capacitive sensor 26
in
communication with the valve controller 24 for providing signals to the valve
controller 24
indicating the detection of an object, such as a user's hands, on or near
spout 12. Other
suitable activation sensors may be utilized, such as infrared (IR) sensors,
manual toggle
switches, push buttons, etc.
[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 1, an electrode 25 of the capacitive sensor
26 is coupled
to the spout 12 to detect an object contacting the spout 12. The electrode 25
may be
positioned elsewhere on faucet 10 for detecting the presence of a user's
hands. The
capacitive sensor 26 and the electrode 25 may be utilized for either a touch
mode of
operation, a hands-free mode of operation, or a combined touch and hands-free
mode of
operation. In the hands-free mode of operation, the capacitive sensor 26 and
the valve
controller 24 detect a user's hands or other object within a detection area or
zone near the
spout 12. In one embodiment, the detection area includes the water stream
discharged from
the outlet 19 and the area in the sink basin immediately surrounding the water
stream. The
detection area may be expanded to other areas depending on the location and
sensitivity of
the capacitive sensor 26. In the touch mode of operation, the capacitive
sensor 26 and the
valve controller 24 detect a user's hands or other object upon contact with a
surface of the
spout 12 (or other designated component of the faucet 10). To turn on the
faucet 10 in either
mode, the solenoid valve 22 is activated by the valve controller 24 upon
detecting the object
(e.g., the user's hands) to toggle water flow on and off.
[0041] In some illustrative embodiments, by sensing capacitance changes
with the
capacitive sensor 26, the valve controller 24 is configured to make logical
decisions to
control different modes of operation of the faucet 10 such as changing between
a manual
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
7
mode of operation and a hands free mode of operation as described in U.S.
Patent No.
7,537,023; U.S. Patent No. 7,690,395; U.S. Patent No. 7,150,293; U.S. Patent
No.
7,997,301; and PCT International Patent Application Publication Nos. WO
2008/094651
and WO 2009/075858.
[0042] Still referring to FIG. 1, in one illustrative embodiment, the
water temperature
and the water flow rate may be manipulated by manual adjustment of a manual
valve handle
14 operably coupled to a manual valve assembly 20. As the manual valve handle
14 is
adjusted, the manual valve assembly 20 positioned in the passageway of the
spout 12 may
correspondingly adjust the temperature and/or flow of fluid from the hot water
source 16
and the cold water source 18 to the solenoid valve 22. A separate manual valve
handle 14
may be provided for each of the hot water source 16 and the cold water source
18. In other
illustrative embodiments, the electronic faucet 10 is a fully automatic faucet
without the
manual valve handle(s) 14 orthe manual valve assembly 20. An illustrative
manual valve
assembly 20 is detailed in U.S. Patent No. 7,753,074.
[0043] The valve controller 24 may further control the valve assembly 20
electronically. For example, the valve assembly 20 may comprise an
electrically operable
valve, such as an electronic proportioning or mixing valve that is adjusted by
the valve
controller 24 to control the mixture of hot and cold water and thus the
temperature of the
water flowing through the spout 12 to the outlet 19. Such an electronic mixing
valve 20 may
be in addition to, or replace, the solenoid valve 22. Additionally, the mixing
valve 20 may
be replaced by separate hot and cold water proportional valves. Exemplary
electronically
controlled mixing valves are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,458,520 and PCT
International
Patent Application Publication No. WO 2007/082301.
[0044] The amount of fluid flowing from the hot water source 16 and the
cold water
source 18 may be controlled by the valve controller 24 based on one or more
user inputs,
such as desired water temperature, desired water flow rate, desired water
volume, various
task based inputs, various recognized presentments, and/or combinations
thereof. For
example, the faucet 10 may include a temperature sensor 27 in fluid
communication with the
water output of the electrically operable valve 22, and thereby the water
discharged from the
outlet 19 of the spout 12, to provide feedback to valve controller 24 for use
in controlling
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
8
the water temperature. In one illustrative embodiment, the valve controller 24
controls the
electrically operable valve 22 via an auxiliary port (not shown).
[0045] The temperature sensor 27 can be used to provide water at a
desired
temperature, or may be utilized to implement additional features of an
exemplary faucet. For
example, the temperature sensor 27 and the valve controller 24 may define a
high
temperature limit and/or a "warm-up" feature. The temperature sensor 27
illustratively
provides a signal to the valve controller 24 corresponding with the
temperature of the water
as it flows over the temperature sensor 27. The valve controller 24 may
compare feedback to
the settings of the electronic faucet 10 to ensure that the water temperature
does not exceed a
maximum setting or to ensure the water is preheated for use, for example. In
both
circumstances, when a desired water temperature is reached, the valve
controller 24 may
turn off or close the electrically operable valve 22.
[0046] The faucet 10 may include one or more indicators 29 controlled by
the valve
controller 24 to provide a visual or audio indication of the operational mode
(e.g., hands free
and/or touch mode) and/or water temperature of the electronic faucet 10. An
exemplary
indicator 29 includes a light-emitting diode (LED) or other light source, or
audible device
positioned near the faucet 10. Other exemplary indicators 29 include a liquid
crystal display
(LCD) and a magnetically latching mechanical indicator. In one embodiment, the
indicators
29 are operative to indicate operating mode and/or the temperature of the
water flowing
through the faucet 10 based on the selective illumination of different colored
LED's or a
single multi-colored LED. The indicator 29 may provide a color indication of
water
temperature (e.g., cold water represented by a blue light, and hot water
represented by a red
light).
[0047] The valve controller 24 may be in communication with a remote
device in
addition to the electronic faucet 10, illustratively an auxiliary device 30.
The exemplary
auxiliary device 30 may include, for example, another faucet spout, a soap
dispenser, a
beverage dispenser, or another suitable dispensing device. The auxiliary
device 30 may be
positioned adjacent the same sink basin as the spout 12. Alternatively, the
auxiliary device
30 may be positioned to dispense into a different sink basin, such as another
sink basin in a
bathroom or kitchen or in another room, for example. The auxiliary device 30
may also
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
9
comprise any of a garbage disposal, a dishwasher, an instant hot device, a
remote switch
(e.g., a foot switch), or other device associated with or in proximity to a
plumbing device. In
another illustrative embodiment, the auxiliary device 30 may alternately or
additionally
comprise a wireless control module 200.
[0048] While the illustrative auxiliary device 30 may be fully controlled
by valve
controller 24, the device 30 may also include a separate controller (e.g.,
microprocessor) for
operating itself, while receiving power and/or communication from the
controller 24.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, a metered dispense input device 252 is
illustratively in
communication with the wireless control module 200. Illustratively, a wireless
transceiver
253 of the metered dispense input device 252 (FIG. 7) is in wireless
communication with a
wireless transceiver 250 of the wireless control module 200 (FIG. 16B). In one
illustrative
embodiment, a wireless connection 254 between the metered dispense input
device 252 and
the wireless control module 200 is a Bluetooth or radio frequency (RF)
connection. In
another embodiment, the connection 254 is a Wi-Fi connection. However, it is
within the
scope of the present disclosure that alternate forms of wireless connection
may be used, such
as near field communication (NFC), for example. In other illustrative
embodiments, a wired
connection may be used between the metered dispense input device 252 and the
control
module 200 (or directly between the metered dispense input device 252 and the
valve
controller 24) such that the metered dispense input device 252 may be
integrated within the
electronic faucet 10. For example, the metered dispense input device 252 may
comprise an
auxiliary device 30 in direct communication within the valve controller 24. It
should be
further noted that in certain illustrative embodiments, the valve controller
24 and the
wireless control module 200 may be defined by a single controller.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 2-14, the illustrative metered dispense
input device
252 is shown in greater detail. The illustrative metered dispense input device
252 includes
an activation button 262, a top shell 314, a serving quantity dial 256, a
measurement units
dial 258, and an outer shell 260 to house the internal components of metered
dispense input
device 252 further discussed herein. As further detailed herein, the
rotational position of the
serving quantity dial 256 selects one of a plurality of values corresponding
with a numerical
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
10
value or unit. The rotational position of the measurement units dial 258
selects one of a
plurality of values corresponding with a fluid serving size.
[0051] The activation button 262 illustratively stands proud of the top
shell 314 in a
raised position, and sits in a seat 316 (FIG. 3) positioned underneath the top
shell 314. The
illustrative activation button 262 is also spring loaded in the seat 316 such
that when
activation button 262 is depressed, a spring 263 biases the activation button
262 to its
original or raised position. Further, when activation button 262 is actuated
(e.g., by
pressing), the metered dispense input device 252 is activated via a button
switch 292 (FIG.
5).
[0052] In an illustrative embodiment, when the activation button 262 is
actuated
(e.g., by pressing), the button switch 292 activates the circuitry (e.g., via
communication
with a power supply 276) of an input controller, illustratively a circuit card
274 (FIG. 3). A
rotary sensor (e.g., a potentiometer 272) is operably coupled to a processor
242, such as a
conventional microprocessor, of the circuit card 274 (FIG. 7), thereby
providing information
on the rotational position of the dials 256 and 258 between the metered
dispense input
device 252 and the faucet 10, for example, via the wireless transceiver 253
and the wireless
control module 200 (FIG. 16B). In another illustrative embodiment, the
activation button
262 may be activated by other input devices, such as a capacitive sensor
detecting a user's
touch rather than requiring depressing of the activation button 262. Further,
after a period of
inactivity for the metered dispense input device 252, the button switch 292
may deactivate
or electrically decouple the power supply 276 of the circuit card 274 (i.e.,
from the
potentiometer 272), such that there is no power draw into metered dispense
input device 252
while the metered dispense input device 252 is nonoperational, thereby
disconnecting the
metered dispense input device 252 and the faucet 10. In another illustrative
embodiment, the
processor 242 on the circuit card 274 may enter into a sleep mode to reduce
power
consumption from the power supply 276.
[0053] The linkage 284 corresponds, and is operably coupled, with a
quantity dial
256, and the linkage 282 corresponds with the units dial 258. The quantity
dial 256
cooperates with the units dial 258 to control the quantity of liquid dispensed
from the
electronic faucet 10. Illustratively, the quantity dial 256 and the units dial
258 are rotatable
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
11
around the circumference of the metered dispense input device 252 and utilize
a detent
mechanism described further herein to enable user selection of a discrete
amount of liquid to
be dispensed by the electronic faucet 10 in response to input from the metered
dispense
input device 252. The quantity dial 256 and the units dial 258 are
illustratively vertically
spaced from each other, and are supported for rotation about a common
longitudinal axis
319 defined by the shell 318.
[0054] Specifically, the quantity dial 256 allows the user to select a
discrete
denomination of the liquid to be dispensed (e.g., 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, etc.),
and the units dial 258
allows the user to select the serving size of the liquid to be dispensed
(e.g., cups,
tablespoons, gallons, liters, etc.). For example, if a user selects a "3" on
the quantity dial 256
and "tablespoons" on the units dial 258, then metered dispense input device
252 would
communicate with the electronic faucet 10 such that the electronic faucet 10
dispenses three
tablespoons of liquid upon actuation of the activation button 262. In one
embodiment, the
units dial 258 of the metered dispense input device 252 allows for at least
six different units
to be selectable such as tablespoons, ounces, cups, pints, quarts, and
gallons. In another
embodiment, a metric version of the units dial 258 could also be used. In yet
another
embodiment, the quantity dial 256 has quantities of 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4,
1,2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, and
8. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that alternate
quantities and units
may be used.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 2B, markings 257 and 259 may be present on the
outer
surface of each of the quantity dial 256 and the units dial 258, respectively,
to facilitate
selection of a particular unit and/or quantity of measurement by the user. An
indicator, such
as an arrow 261, may be supported by the outer shell 260 for aligning the
markings 257 and
259 as the dials 256 and 258 are rotated into a desired position. With
reference to FIGS. 2C
and 2D, illustrative markings on the quantity dial 256 include numerical units
of 1/4, 1/3, 1/2,
2/3, 3/4, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. while illustrative markings on the units
dial 258 include W,
Tbsp, Oz, Cup, Pint, Qt and Gal. Marking W represents a warm-up function as
further
detailed herein, while Tbsp, Oz, Cup, Pint, Qt and Gal represents liquid
serving sizes of
tablespoon, ounce, cup, pint, quart and gallon, respectively.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
12
[0056] As shown generally in FIGS. 2-14 and more specifically in FIGS. 10
and 11,
the quantity dial 256 includes an outer ring 302, a middle ring 304, and an
inner ring 306.
Similarly, the units dial 258 includes an outer ring 308, a middle ring 310,
and an inner ring
312. The outer rings 302, 308 provide tangible surfaces which the user
contacts to rotate the
dials 256, 258 during operation of the metered dispense input device 252. The
middle rings
304, 310 function to rotatably couple the respective outer rings 302, 308 to
the inner rings
306, 312. The inner rings 306, 312 support the linkages 284, 282 that are
configured to
connect dials 256, 258 to potentiometer 272, as further discussed herein.
[0057] The inner ring 306 of the quantity dial 256 further includes
circumferentially
spaced recesses, illustratively grooves 264, along the inside surface of the
inner ring 306.
The grooves 264 are configured to selectively receive a detent 300 (FIGS. 3
and 11),
wherein each groove 264 corresponds with an available quantity selection. A
spring 301
biases the detent 300 radially outwardly for engagement with a selected groove
264. The
inner ring 312 of the units dial 258 further includes circumferentially spaced
recesses,
illustratively grooves 266, along the inside surface of the inner ring 312.
The grooves 266
are configured to selectively receive a detent 298 (FIG. 3), wherein each
groove 266
corresponds with an available serving size. A spring 299 biases the detent 298
radially
outwardly for engagement with a selected groove 266. The engagements of the
detents 300,
298 in the corresponding grooves 264, 266 yield an amount of liquid that is
communicated to
the wireless control module 200 and the communicated amount of liquid is
subsequently
dispensed from the electronic faucet 10 upon actuation by operation of the
activation button
262. In one illustrative embodiment, the engagement of the detents 300, 298 in
the
corresponding grooves 264, 266 may also yield an auditory output of the
selected quantity
and serving size via the wireless connection 254 between the metered dispense
input device
252 and the electronic faucet 10.
[0058] Referring now to the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, an
outer shell 260
provides a housing for the internal components of the metered dispense input
device 252
discussed further herein. The outer shell 260 is adjacent to and coupled to an
inner shell 318.
The inner shell 318 illustratively extends beyond the height of the outer
shell 260 and is
contoured to provide a ledge 322 upon which the quantity dial 256 and the
units dial 258 are
positioned. As shown in at least FIGS. 6-9, the inner shell 318 includes
apertures 324, 326
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
13
that are configured to receive linkage 282 of the quantity dial and linkage
284 of the units
dial 258, respectively, to operably couple the quantity dial 256 and the units
dial 258 relative
to the inner shell 318.
[0059] As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, the inner
shell 318 is
threadingly engaged with a battery access cover 280 to provide an inner
chamber 328 within
the metered dispense input device 252. The circuit card 274 is illustratively
positioned
within the inner chamber 328, and includes the processor 242 and the
potentiometer 272.
The potentiometer 272 is illustratively coupled to the circuit card 274 via
soldering, while a
threaded nut 273 illustratively couples the potentiometer 272 and the attached
circuit card
274 to the inner shell 318. The potentiometer 272 illustratively includes a
potentiometer
shaft 294 operably coupled to the linkages 282 and 284 via connectors 283 and
285, such as
sleeves, respectively. In an illustrative embodiment, the potentiometer shaft
294 is a coaxial
dual shaft type having a rotatable inner shaft 294A and an independently
rotatable outer
shaft 294B, each providing independent position readings for the quantity dial
256 and the
units dial 258. The connectors 283 and 285 receive the linkages 282 and 284 to
connect the
dials 256 and 258 to the potentiometer shafts 294A and 294B. Such an
arrangement
facilitates having a small opening in the bulkhead of the metered dispense
input device 252,
which minimizes the diameter of o-rings 286 and 288 operably coupled to the
connectors
283 and 285, respectively. Such minimization of the diameters for o-rings 286
and 288
enable the user to apply a light pressure to tum the quantity dial 256 and the
units dial 258
due to the mechanical advantage provided to the user in relation to the drag
of o-rings 286
and 288. For example, the diameters of o-rings 286 and 288 are several times
smaller than
the diameter of either dial 256 and 258 onto which the user is applying force.
[0060] As further shown in FIG. 3, the potentiometer shaft 294 functions
to receive
the user's quantity and serving size selections via the quantity dial 256 and
the units dial 258
and transmit the selections to the potentiometer 272. In one embodiment, the
potentiometer
shaft 294 is integrally formed with potentiometer 272. The potentiometer
shafts 294 extend
through the potentiometer 272 and rotate the electrical components inside,
varying the
resistance of the potentiometer 272 thereby, allowing the circuit card 274 to
"read" the
position of the potentiometer shafts 294. The inner potentiometer shaft 294A
and the outer
potentiometer shaft 294B communicate with the quantity dial 256 and the units
dial 258,
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
14
respectively, such that each of the inner shaft 294A and the outer shaft 294B
can provide
independent position readings. In another illustrative embodiment, the inner
potentiometer
shaft 294A and the outer potentiometer shaft 294B communicate with the units
dial 258 and
the quantity dial 256, respectively.
[0061] The potentiometer 272 functions to receive the signal (of the
user's quantity
and serving size selections) from the shaft 294 and transmit the signal to the
processor of the
circuit card 274, illustratively upon actuation of the activation button 262.
In some
embodiments, alternatives to the potentiometer 272 may be utilized. For
example, other
rotary sensors may be used, such as magnets in dials 256, 258 with magnetic
sensors to
operate the metered dispense input device 252. A switch, such as a
microswitch, or an
encoder may also be implemented to indicate rotational positions of the dials
256 and 258.
[0062] The circuit card 274 may be electrically coupled to a power supply
that is
configured to provide power to the metered dispense input device 252. The
power supply
may illustratively be a battery 276, or may otherwise be a capacitor, a
hydrogenator, or may
otherwise be hard wired or capable of wireless charging. The circuit card 274
may further
include an electrical button 292 operably coupled to the activation button 262
to operate the
metered dispense input device 252 as discussed earlier. A threaded piston 290
and a
connecting pin 293 may operably couple the activation button 262 to the
electrical button
292.
[0063] The battery access cover 280 may include a magnet 278 configured
to
magnetically couple the metered dispense input device 252 to a threaded anchor
320 to install
the metered dispense input device 252 on a mounting deck, such as a sink deck
(not shown),
using a mount 268. In alternate embodiments, the metered dispense input device
252 may be
coupled to the mount deck by using alternate methods, such as via an adhesive.
In yet
additional embodiments, the metered dispense input device 252 may be modified
to be
removably or permanently attached to a faucet 10 and/or its components (e.g.,
electronic
proportioning valve (EPV), solenoid valve, etc.). If permanently attached to
the faucet 10,
the metered dispense input device 252 may be hard wired to the faucet 10 and
the system of
the faucet 10 with the metered dispense input device 252 could be battery
powered or
otherwise powered as described above.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
15
[0064] Referring specifically to FIG. 4, in an embodiment having the
threaded anchor
320, the threaded anchor 320 is positioned adjacent to the battery access
cover 280 and
includes magnets 325 that are magnetically coupled to the magnet(s) 278 of the
battery
access cover 280. The magnetic coupling of the magnets 278 with the magnets
325 assist in
orienting and retaining the metered dispense input device 252. Further, such a
magnetic
coupling enables a user to easily remove the metered dispense input device 252
from a
mounting deck and operate the metered dispense input device 252 remotely from
the
mounting deck, for example, in a user's hand via battery 276. In other
illustrative
embodiments, the threaded anchor 320 may be attached to the battery access
cover 280 via
other coupling means such as an adhesive.
[0065] Now referring specifically to FIGS. 2 and 6, a nut 270 may be
threadingly
engaged with the threaded anchor 320 and configured to cooperate with the
magnets 278,
325 to mount the metered dispense input device 252 to the mount deck. The nut
270 is
adjustable along the anchor 320 and functions to retain the anchor 320 on the
mount deck
(not shown). Then, to mount the metered dispense input device 252, the magnets
278, 325
are magnetically coupled to each other as discussed above. Such a mounting
configuration
enables removal or dismounting of the metered dispense input device 252
without
unthreading the nut 270 along the anchor 320.
[0066] In one illustrative embodiment, to operate the metered dispense
input device
252, a user may activate the metered dispense input device 252 by depressing
the activation
button 262 so that the button 262 slides on the grooves in the seat 316,
returning to its
original position once no longer actuated due to the spring loaded
configuration of the
button 262. The activation button 262 may be attached by the threaded piston
290 that slides
in a piston bore, ensuring the piston 290 slides smoothly and maintains its
orientation. When
the activation button 262 is depressed, the small pin 293 coupled to the
piston 290 may pass
through an o-ring 296 (FIG. 5) to contact the button 292 on the circuit card
274. Such an
arrangement allows minimization of the size of the metered dispense input
device 252 and
also allows minimization of the size of the o-ring 296. By minimizing the size
of the o-ring
296, the resistance to pushing the button 262 is reduced while still
maintaining a watertight
seal.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
16
[0067] In subsequent operation of the metered dispense input device 252,
the user
rotates the quantity dial 256 and/or the units dial 258 to the desired
position for dispensing
the appropriate amount of water, if needed. As discussed previously, each user-
selectable
position for the quantity dial 256 and the units dial 258 has a matching notch
on the inner
diameter of the corresponding dial to receive a dampened spring plunger or the
respective
detents 300, 298, as discussed above. The shaped end of the respective spring
plungers or
the respective detents 300, 298 pull the rings of the dials 256, 258 into
precise position once
the user rotates the dial close enough for the respective detents 300, 298 to
enter the
respective grooves 264, 266 as discussed above.
[0068] Once the device 252 is activated, software within the processor
242 on the
printed circuit board 274 reads the potentiometer values and has a correlated
range of
readings for each position on each of the quantity dial 256 and the units dial
258. If either
the quantity dial 256 or the units dial 258 are slightly to the right or left
of specific value, the
software will interpret that input as the closest specific value. Furthermore,
the software is
specifically programmed to ignore multiple actuations of the button 262 in
quick succession
to reduce user errors. That is, a button press or button presses of the
activation button 262
after the initial activation will be ignored until the dispense is complete.
This allows for
repeatable potentiometer readings for each position and provides tactile and
auditory
feedback to the user.
[0069] When the activation button 262 is pressed, a latching circuit
maintains
electricity to the functional circuits of the circuit card 274 until the
metered dispense input
device 252 finishes reading the potentiometer 272 values and wirelessly
transmits the values
and the activation command to the control module 200, that is in line with the
mixed water
flow through the electrically operable valve 22. The control module 200 then
communicates
to the corresponding solenoid(s) 22 to activate and measure the flow of water
until the
desired amount input by the user has exited the faucet 10 at which time, the
controller 200
closes the solenoid valve 22 and awaits the next wireless communication from
the metered
dispense input device 252. In one embodiment, the controller 200 is powered
with alternating
current (AC). However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that
the controller 200
is alternatively powered.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
17
[0070] In one illustrative embodiment, the user can use a touch interface
of the
metered dispense input device 252 to command the solenoid valve 22 of the
faucet 10 to
close during a dispense process. In this instance, the dispense action is
cancelled via the
control module 200, and the faucet 10 returns to regular operation and awaits
further input
from the user. Moreover, the flow rate and temperature of the exiting liquid
can be adjusted
through an inline mixing and volume control valve in the faucet 10 without
altering the
dispense function command from the metered dispense input device 252 unless
the
manual valve 20 is in an off position to prevent liquid discharge.
[0071] With reference to FIGS. 15-17, the illustrative wireless control
module
200 includes a main body 202 including a tube 204 defining a waterway or fluid
passageway 206 extending between an inlet 208 and an outlet 210. The main body
202
may be formed from a polymer, such as a glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic
material.
A housing or cover 212 is coupled to the main body 202. More particularly, an
end wall
214 of the main body 202 is coupled to an open end 216 of the housing 212. The
housing 212 may be formed from a polymer, such as an acetal copolymer. An
inlet
portion 218 of the tube 204 extends in a first direction from the end wall
214, and an
outlet portion 220 of the tube 204 extends in a second direction, opposite the
first
direction, from the end wall 214. A chamber 222 is defined within the housing
212 and
receives the wireless control module 200. The outlet portion 220 of the tube
204 extends
through the chamber 222 and out of the housing 212 via an opening 226 in an
end wall
228 of the housing 212.
[0072] The inlet 208 is fluidly coupled to an outlet of the solenoid
valve assembly
22, the outlet corresponding with the water passageway 28d of FIG. 1. The
outlet 210 of
the control module 200 is fluidly coupled to the water outlet 19 of the spout
12 (FIG 1).
More particularly, the inlet portion 218 of the tube 204 receives the outlet
tube
corresponding with water passageway 28d (FIG. 1) of the solenoid valve
assembly 22.
A swing clip 71 of the control module 200 secures the outlet tube
corresponding with
water passageway 28d (FIG. 1) of the solenoid valve assembly 22 to the tube
204 of the
wireless control module 200. More particularly, a first end 230 of the swing
clip 71 is
pivotably coupled to pins 232 on the inlet portion 218 of the tube 204. The
outlet
portion 220 of the tube 204 is received within a passageway in fluid
communication
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
18
with the water outlet 19 of the spout 12 (FIG. 1). An 0-ring 31 may be
positioned
intermediate the tube 204 and the passageway to provide fluid sealing
therebetween.
[0073] The wireless control module 200 illustratively includes a printed
circuit
board 240 received within the chamber 222 of the housing 212. The printed
circuit
board 240 illustratively supports a processor 243, such as a conventional
microprocessor. An auxiliary port 244 may also be supported by the printed
circuit
board 240 and may be in electrical communication with the valve controller 24.
The
auxiliary port 244 is accessible through an opening 246 in a side wall 248 of
the housing
212.
[0074] The wireless transceiver 250 is illustratively supported by the
printed circuit
board 240 and is in electrical communication with the wireless control module
200. The
wireless transceiver 250 is configured to wirelessly communicate (e.g.,
receive and/or
transmit wireless signals) with the metered dispense input device 252. Such
wireless
communications may be via known technologies, such as wireless communications
in the
2.4 GHz frequency band including, for example Wi-Fi, ZigBee, and Bluetooth.
The wireless
transceiver 250 illustratively comprises a wireless radio and antenna, such as
a Wi-Fi
module or chip, a ZigBee module, or a Bluetooth module. In one illustrative
embodiment,
the wireless transceiver 250 comprises a chip configured to be in
communication with the
wireless connection 254. In one embodiment, the wireless connection 254
between
transceiver 250 and metered dispense input device 252 is a Bluetooth or radio
frequency
connection. In an alternate embodiment, the connection is a Wi-Fi connection.
In an
alternate embodiment, the metered dispense input device 252 may comprise a
voice
recognition and conversion device in wireless communication with the
transceiver 250. As
further detailed herein, the metered dispense input device 252 may communicate
over the
Internet through the cloud to the wireless control module 200.
[0075] A flow sensor 456 is illustratively supported by the tube 204 of
the main body
202 to detect water flow within the waterway 206, and is in electrical
communication with
the wireless control module 200 and/or the valve controller 24 (FIG. 1). More
particularly,
the flow sensor 456 illustratively comprises a flow turbine assembly 457
including a flow
turbine 458 supported for rotation by a flow turbine cage 460. The flow
turbine cage 460
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
19
may be received within the tube 204 such that water flow through the
passageway 206
rotates the flow turbine 458. The flow turbine 458 may be a magnetic flow
turbine including
a magnet supported by rotor 462 and a sensor or detector 463 supported on the
printed
circuit board 240, the detector 463 being configured to detect rotation of the
rotor 462. The
number of rotations detected by the sensor 456 is correlated to flow rate
and/or flow volume
by the wireless control module 200 and/or the valve controller 24 (FIG. 1).
The valve
controller 24 (FIG. 1) controls the electrically operable solenoid valve 22 to
dispense a
predetermined amount of water based upon the input from the flow sensor 456.
[0076] The wireless control module 200 illustratively provides a means
for reading
the flow turbine 456, the temperature sensor 27 and the transceiver 250, such
as Wi-Fi chip,
ZigBee module, or Bluetooth module for receiving and transmitting data. An
electronic
cable 55 communicates commands between the wireless control module 200 and the
electronic control valve 22. Illustratively, the electronic cable 55 is a
serial cable including
opposing first and second end connectors 57a and 57b. The first connector 57a
is coupled to
the port of the valve assembly 20, while the second connector 57b is coupled
to the port 56
of the wireless control module 200.
[0077] A modular waterway design may permit the wireless control module
200 to be
inserted between the outlet of the electronic control valve 22 and the
waterway extending
through faucet spout 12.
[0078] A serial protocol illustratively exists between the wireless
control module 200
and the processor 42. Serial communication between the control module 200 and
the
processor 42 is configured to occur bi-directionally. In addition to
transmitting and receiving
data signals, an 'interrupt' signal may be used to indicate to the recipient
that a data
transmission is about to begin. The interrupt signal allows both the wireless
control module
200 and the processor 42 to go into low-power sleep modes until one is woken-
up up by the
other using the interrupt signal. This scheme allows for both devices to
operate for long
periods of time on battery power; as they are not always fully powered-up
waiting for data.
The serial protocol to send data has been uniquely defined. It is all register
based. For
example, to set the water state, an auxiliary device or smart spout can write
the value of '1' to
register 0x02 to turn on the valve 22. As another example, an auxiliary device
30 can
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
20
request the current water temperature by requesting the value currently stored
in register
0x05 in the valve controller 24. All serial message packets use a start byte,
stop byte,
message length byte and two byte cyclic redundancy check (CRC) to ensure data
integrity.
[0079] While the above description illustrates the valve assembly and the
wireless
control module for use in connection with an electronic faucet 10, such as a
kitchen faucet,
it should be appreciated that they may be used in connection with other
devices, such as a
shower valve, a bathtub valve, a toilet, etc.
[0080] FIGS. 18-23 show an illustrative embodiment pot filler 510 of the
present
disclosure. Specifically referring to FIG. 18, a metered dispense pot filler
510 is configured
to be mounted on a vertical wall 512 with fluid access above a support, such
as an appliance.
For example, the metered dispense pot filler 510 may be supported above a
stove 500, such
that vessels 502, such as pots or pans can be filled in place, without
transport to and from
another water source. FIG. 18 shows a traditional stove 500 with four heating
zones 504A,
504B, 504C, 504D controlled by user inputs or control dials 506A, 506B, 506C,
506D,
respectively. As shown, pot 502 rests atop heating zone 504B. Stove 500 is
illustratively
positioned adjacent to wall 512.
[0081] Metered dispense pot filler 510 illustratively extends out from
wall 512
vertically above stove 500, to leave enough vertical space for metered
dispense pot filler 510
to clear any oversized pots 502. Metered dispense pot filler 510 includes
escutcheon 514,
metered dispense input device 252', first pivot coupler or swivel 516, first
arm 518
configured to rotate about first vertical pivot axis 520, second pivot coupler
or swivel 522,
second arm 524 configured to rotate about second vertical pivot axis 526,
fluid outlet 530,
and manual input 532 controlling a manual valve 534. Pot filler 510 can move
above pivot
axes 520 and 526 between a retracted or stored position (FIG. 18) and an
extended or
dispense position (FIG. 19). In the dispense position, water flow 536 is
discharged from
outlet 530 along an outlet axis 538.
[0082] Metered dispense pot filler 510 easily fits in a standard 3.5"
(2x4 framing)
wall cavity and could be connected to a fluid coupler (e.g., a pipe nipple)
like conventional
pot fillers, with similar or different positioning of the pipe nipple (not
shown). Additionally,
a mounting ring could be anchored to the drywall and the body could be
attached to that
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
21
mounting ring (not shown). However, other mounting methods such as a rough
mounting
body are also envisioned. Furthermore, metered dispense pot filler 510 could
be unscrewed
from the mounting in a few minutes and the slid out to replace or clean
control module 200
if solenoid valve 22 failed. Also, removal of escutcheon 514 allows access to
replace a
battery (in the embodiments where a battery is used).
[0083] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, illustrative escutcheon 514 is
disposed at the
base of metered dispense pot filler 510 to cover any gap between metered
dispense pot filler
510 and wall 512. Extending out from escutcheon 514 is metered dispense input
device 252'
which is similar to metered dispense input device 252, wherein similar parts
are similarly
labeled, and variations are identified with an identical reference number
followed by a prime
(') as a suffix. The differences between metered dispense input device 252'
and metered
dispense input device 252 will be discussed in greater detail below.
[0084] First swivel 516 extends vertically up from metered dispense input
device
252'; first arm 518 extends from a first terminal end, horizontally out from
first swivel 516;
second swivel 522 extends vertically up from a second terminal end of first
arm 518; and
second arm 524 extends from a first terminal end, horizontally out from second
swivel 522.
First swivel 516 functions as a rotatable pivot point for a first terminal end
of first arm 518 to
illustratively rotate more than 180 degrees. Illustratively, first swivel 516
includes an outer
tube 540 rotatably supported by an inner tube 542 defining an inner passageway
544. A port
546 illustratively provides fluid communication between inner passageway 544
and inner
channel 550 of the first arm 518. A cap 548 fluidly seals an upper end of the
first swivel
516.
[0085] Second swivel 522 functions as a rotatable pivot point for a first
terminal end
of second arm 524 to illustratively rotate up to 360 degrees about the second
terminal end of
first arm 518. Illustratively, second swivel 522 includes a lower outer tube
552 and an upper
outer tube 554. An inner tube 556 is illustratively secured to the lower outer
tube 552,
wherein the upper outer tube 554 is rotatably supported by the inner tube 556
above the
lower outer tube 552. The inner tube 556 defines an inner passageway 559
extending
between a lower port 558 and an upper port 560. The lower port 558
illustratively provides
fluid communication between inner passageway 559 and inner channel 550 of the
first arm
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
22
518, while the upper port 560 illustratively provides fluid communication
between inner
passageway 559 and inner channel 562 of the second arm 524. A cap 561 fluidly
seals a
lower end of the second swivel 522.
[0086] First arm 518 and second arm 524 are hollow pipes, through which
liquid
flows when metered dispense pot filler 510 is activated. First swivel 516 and
second swivel
522 may be of traditional pot filler swivel design and are configured to
rotate while
providing a sealed flow path for water to travel from fluid coupling in wall
512 to fluid
outlet 530. Illustratively, fluid outlet 530 extends vertically down from the
second terminal
end of second arm 524; and manual input 532 is disposed at the second terminal
end of
second arm 524. Manual input 532 illustratively includes a handle 568 operably
coupled to a
valve stem 570 of manual valve 534. Manual valve 534 is received within a
valve body 564
supported by second terminal end of second arm 524. A port 566 illustratively
provides fluid
communication between inner channel 562 of the second arm 524 and manual valve
534. An
aerator 572 may be received within the fluid outlet 530.
[0087] In FIG. 18 and 20, metered dispense pot filler 510 is shown
mounted on wall
512 in a retracted or stored position, with first arm 518 rotated about first
swivel 516 such
that it is parallel to wall 512, and with second arm 524 rotated about second
swivel 522 such
that it is parallel to wall 512 and extending in an opposite direction of
first arm 518. FIG. 19
illustrates metered dispense pot filler 510 in one of its many possible
extended or dispense
configurations. To reconfigured metered dispense pot filler 510, user
pulls/pushes any
portion first arm 518 and/or second arm 524 and place the outlet 530 where
desired, such as
overheating zone 504B to supply water to vessel 502.
[0088] FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate the structure and pieces of metered
dispense input
device 252'. As mentioned above, metered dispense input device 252' is
substantially the
same as metered dispense input device 252. Similar structures are similarly
referenced
throughout. In operation, and similar to the embodiment described above, a
pilot operated
solenoid valve 22 is used to control the flow of water. Dials or buttons 256'
258' are used to
indicate to control module 200 how much water to dispense and flow turbine 457
with
magnetic sensor is used to precisely measure the amount of water (FIG. 17). In
the
illustrative embodiment, button 262' is used for activation to prevent
dangerous accidental
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
23
dispenses that could be associated with capacitive touch activation. Also, in
the illustrative
embodiment, button 262' has a long travel which is used to mitigate accidental
activation.
[0089] Referring again to FIGS. 22 and 23, two dials 256' and 258' are
illustratively
used to select the amount of water to dispense. Illustratively, dial 256' is
configured to select
a quantity, and dial 258' is configured to select a unit. Alternatively,
single dial is envisioned
that could also be used to cover a range of available quantities. Dials 256'
and 258' could
also have labeling 257' and 259' that faces outwardly to provide indicia of
quantity and
units. Additionally, a grid of buttons to select quantity and units is
envisioned which could
also be used and provide an additional failsafe by requiring both buttons to
be pushed to
activate metered dispense input device 252'. In this specific embodiment, a
unit's button and
a quantity button would both have to be selected within a few seconds of each
other, or
control module 200 would not activate flow turbine 457. Additionally, in the
illustrative
embodiment metered dispense input device 252' runs on a single 9V battery, and
button
switch 292' allows metered dispense input device 252' to fully power off when
dispensing is
done, using no power until it is activated again. A touch screen could also be
used for
control.
[0090] In a further illustrative embodiment, dials 256' 258' are
removable or separate
and wirelessly connected to metered dispense pot filler 510 and the remote is
run by a coin
cell (or various other power supplies) and metered dispense pot filler 510 is
run by a 9V
battery (or various other alternative supplies including possibly an energy
storage device and
hydrogenator. or other energy harvesting, wireless charging, or mains powered
supply).
[0091] In further illustrative embodiments, metered dispense input device
252' is
connected to smart phones. Smart home devices (such as a smart microwave or
stove) etc.,
using various protocols (Wi-Fi, zigbee, z-wave, Bluetooth, etc.). In further
embodiments
there is a manual input 532 in series with solenoid valve 22 that allows the
user to
activate/deactivate metered dispense pot filler 510 without input from metered
dispense
input device 252'. Infurther embodiments, there is a simple shut off valve in
series with
solenoid valve 22.
[0092] Button 262' actuates button switch 292' which activates metered
dispense
input device 252'. When activated, metered dispense input device 252' reads
the position of
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
24
quantity dial 256' and units dial 258' and opens solenoid valve 22. Metered
dispense input
device 252' then begins measuring the water being dispensed and shuts off
solenoid valve 22
automatically when the correct amount of water is dispensed.
[0093] Some illustrative embodiments are envisioned which include a
manual mode
in which one dial position could simply be for "ON". This "ON" position would
open
solenoid valve 22 but then turn off metered dispense input device 252' and
would simply
dispense water without regard to measurements. This embodiment does require
some form
on manual input such as manual valve 534. However, manual usage and input is
not required
for all envisioned embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0094] It is also envisioned that one position on units dial 258' could
also be
customizable and a special learning mode could be used to teach what each
"preset"
corresponds to (1. 2. 3, 4, etc. on quantity dial 256'). In this mode the user
would press
button 262' to start water and then press it again to stop the water and
metered dispense
input device 252' would record this value for that preset. This operation
could also be done
through an app etc. in a connected version. In a connected version also
dispense amounts
could be determined by recipe/ cooking apps such as any step-by-step cooking
guide.
[0095] To mitigate the risk of overflow, the illustrative embodiment has
a simple
"ON"/"OFF" manual valve 534 in series with metered dispense input device 252'
for
maintenance and/or emergencies. In other words, manual valve 534 may activate
and
deactivate water flow through fluid outlet 530 independent of metered dispense
input device
252'.
[0096] Furthermore, the illustrative metered dispense input device 252'
allows pot
filler 510 to only have one flow rate. More particularly, pot filler 510
including metered
dispense input device 252' is configured to learn the effective flow rate
(which may be
affected by the local water pressure, etc.) and then use this flow rate for a
fail-safe. More
particularly, flow sensor 456 measures the flow rate of water delivered to
fluid outlet 530.
The measured flow rates of successive uses is illustratively stored in a
memory of wireless
control module 200 and/or valve controller 24 (FIG. 1). Wireless control
module 200 and/or
valve controller 24 may also include a clock or timer.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
25
[0097] Using the average flow rate from the previous uses (the previous
five flow
rates, for example, with extreme outliers or very low values ignored) a
processor of wireless
control module 200 and/or valve controller 24 may calculate how long a given
dispense
should take. For example, if the requested amount is two gallons and the
calculated average
flow rate from the past five dispenses is four gallons per minute, then it
would set a fail safe
timer to shut off metered dispense pot filler 510 at forty seconds (calculated
time plus ten
seconds) in the case, for example, of a flow turbine assembly 457 malfunction.
In case of a
malfunction in solenoid valve 22 causing metered dispense pot filler 510 to
continue after
control module 200 signals a stop, an audible indicator 29 (e.g., a buzzer or
a siren) could
also be activated to alert the user to shut manual valve 534 and thereby
deactivate water
flow.
[0098] As shown in FIGS. 18-23, this illustrative embodiment may employ
no touch-
sensitive operation, and wireless control is not needed which allows battery
life to be greatly
improved. As described above, metered dispense input device 252' is integrated
into metered
dispense pot filler 510 because there is no under sink access, as is present
in a conventional
sink environment. Additionally, metered dispense pot filler 510 does not
include a mixing
valve, and in some embodiments, has no need for any manual valve, though some
embodiments, such as in FIGS. 18-23 do include manual input 532.
[0099] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference
to
certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the
spirit and
scope of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-11-10
