U.S. patent application number 11/568857 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-20 for self-powered non-contact water appliance.
This patent application is currently assigned to HYDRO-INDUSTRIES TYNAT LTD.. Invention is credited to Ehud Nagler.
Application Number | 20080284175 11/568857 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37900174 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080284175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nagler; Ehud |
November 20, 2008 |
Self-Powered Non-Contact Water Appliance
Abstract
The self-powered non-contact water outlet appliance of the
present invention is configured so as to be deployed at a point of
use as a unitary housing that encases a power supply unit and a
flow control system. The power supply unit includes a
pipeline-deployed electric generator deployed in a fluid flow
passage configured in the outlet appliance and a power storage
device that is charged by the electric generator. The generator is
operatively responsive to a flow of fluid through the fluid flow
passage. The flow control system includes an electronically
actuated fluid flow control valve configured to control a flow of
fluid through the outlet appliance, at least one sensor configured
to sense a necessity to actuate the flow control valve, and a
management system configured to manage operation of the flow
control valve conditional to output received from the at least one
sensor. Therefore, the water outlet appliance of the present
invention may be connected to substantially any suitable water
system supply pipeline at the point of use by performing a single
connection action.
Inventors: |
Nagler; Ehud; (Kiryat Tivon,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DR. MARK M. FRIEDMAN;C/O BILL POLKINGHORN - DISCOVERY DISPATCH
9003 FLORIN WAY
UPPER MARLBORO
MD
20772
US
|
Assignee: |
HYDRO-INDUSTRIES TYNAT LTD.
Rosh Haayin
IL
|
Family ID: |
37900174 |
Appl. No.: |
11/568857 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
October 3, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL06/01146 |
371 Date: |
November 9, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60721985 |
Sep 30, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
290/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 10/22 20130101;
Y02E 10/20 20130101; F05B 2220/7066 20130101; H02K 7/1823 20130101;
F03B 13/105 20130101; F03B 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
290/54 |
International
Class: |
F03B 13/00 20060101
F03B013/00 |
Claims
1. A self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance,
comprising: (a) an electronically actuated flow control system: and
(b) a power supply unit including: (i) a pipeline-deployed electric
generator deployed in a fluid flow passage configured in the outlet
appliance, said pipeline-deployed electric generator operatively
responsive to a flow of fluid through said fluid flow passage; and
(ii) a power storage device charged by said electric generator;
wherein said flow control system is powered by said power supply
unit, and said flow control system, and said power supply unit are
mounted within at least one casing element that is deployable at a
point of use as a unitary housing.
2. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance of
claim 1, wherein said flow control system includes an
electronically actuated fluid flow control valve configured to
control a flow of fluid through the outlet appliance.
3. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance of
claim 2, wherein said flow control system includes at least one
sensor configured to sense a necessity to actuate said flow control
valve.
4. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance of
claim 3, wherein said flow control system includes a management
system configured to manage operation of said flow control valve
conditional to output received from said at least one sensor.
5. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance of
claim 4, wherein said at least one sensor is configured to detect
the presence and absence of a user.
6. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance of
claim 5, wherein said management system is configured to open said
flow control valve when said sensor detects the presence of said
user and to close said flow control valve when said sensor does not
detect the presence of said user.
7. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance of
claim 5, wherein said sensor is a proximity sensor.
8. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance of
claim 1, wherein said unitary housing includes a faucet
9. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance of
claim 1, wherein said power storage device is a rechargeable
battery.
10. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance of
claim 1, wherein said electric generator includes: (a) a rotor
having rotor blades extending outwardly from a central axle, said
rotor being deployed within said fluid flow passage so as to be in
a fluid flow path of said fluid flow passage such that a flow of
fluid through said fluid flow passage effects rotation of said
rotor, and at least a portion of at least one rotor blade of said
rotor is configured with magnetic properties; and (b) an induction
coil deployed so as to circumscribe an exterior of said fluid flow
passage in proximity to said rotor such that a change in magnetic
field caused by rotation of said rotor within said supply pipeline
generates a flow of electric current in said induction coil.
11. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance of
claim 10, wherein an inside diameter of said fluid flow passage is
substantially unchanged throughout a length of said electric
generator.
12. The self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance of
claim 1, wherein said at least one casing element is configured as
two casing elements such that upon installation said two casing
elements are interconnected so as to form said unitary housing.
13. A pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance comprising: (a) an
electronically actuated flow control system; and (b) a power supply
unit including: (i) a pipeline-deployed electric generator deployed
in a fluid flow passage configured in the outlet appliance, said
pipeline-deployed electric generator operatively responsive to a
flow of fluid through said fluid flow passage; and (ii) a power
storage device charged by said electric generator; wherein said
flow control system is powered by said power supply unit, and said
flow control system and said power supply unit are pre-assembled
within at least one casing element that is deployable at a point of
use as a unitary housing, and a sole connection action by which
said unitary housing is connected to a fluid supply renders the
pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance ready for use.
14. The pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance of claim 13,
wherein said flow control system includes an electronically
actuated fluid flow control valve configured to control a flow of
fluid through the outlet appliance.
15. The pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance of claim 14,
wherein said flow control system includes at least one sensor
configured to sense a necessity to actuate said flow control
valve.
16. The pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance of claim 13,
wherein said unitary housing includes a faucet
17. The pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance of claim 13,
wherein said at least one casing element is configured as two
casing elements such that upon installation said two casing
elements are interconnected so as to form said unitary housing.
18. The pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance of claim 13,
wherein said unitary housing provides access to an inlet port of
said fluid flow passage and said sole connection action is the
interconnection of said inlet port to a fluid supply outlet.
19. A method for providing non-contact control of a flow of fluid
from a fluid flow outlet appliance, comprising: (a) providing
pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance having: (i) an
electronically actuated flow control system; (b) providing a power
supply unit including: (i) a pipeline-deployed electric generator
deployed in a fluid flow passage configured in the outlet
appliance, said pipeline-deployed electric generator operatively
responsive to a flow of fluid through said fluid flow passage; and
(ii) a power storage device charged by said electric generator;
wherein said flow control system is powered by said power supply
unit, and said flow control system and said power supply unit are
mounted within at least one casing element that is deployable at a
point of use as a unitary housing; (c) deploying said at least one
casing element at said point of use as said unitary housing; (d)
performing a sole connection action by which said pre-assembled
fluid flow outlet appliance is connected to a fluid supply and
rendered ready for use; and (e) operating said pre-assembled fluid
flow outlet appliance.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein said flow control system is
implemented with an electronically actuated fluid flow control
valve configured to control a flow of fluid through the outlet
appliance.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein said flow control system is
implemented with at least one sensor configured to sense a
necessity to actuate said flow control valve.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein said flow control system is
implemented with a management system deployed in said casing and
configured to manage operation of said flow control valve
conditional to output received from said at least one sensor.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein said at least one sensor is
configured to detect the presence and absence of a user.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein said management system is
implemented so as to open said flow control valve when said sensor
detects the presence of said user and to close said flow control
valve when said sensor does not detect the presence of said
user.
25. The method of claim 21, wherein said sensor is implemented as a
proximity sensor.
26. The method of claim 19, wherein said unitary housing is
implemented so as to include a faucet.
27. The method of claim 19, wherein said power storage device is
implemented as a rechargeable battery.
28. The method of claim 19, wherein said electric generator is
implemented so as to have: (a) a rotor having rotor blades
extending outwardly from a central axle, said rotor being deployed
within said fluid flow passage so as to be in a fluid flow path of
said fluid flow passage such that a flow of fluid through said
fluid flow passage effects rotation of said rotor, and at least a
portion of at least one rotor blade of said rotor is configured
with magnetic properties; and (b) an induction coil deployed so as
to circumscribe an exterior of said fluid flow passage in proximity
to said rotor such that a change in magnetic field caused by
rotation of said rotor within said supply pipeline generates a flow
of electric current in said induction coil.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein said electric generator is
implemented such that an inside diameter of said fluid flow passage
is substantially unchanged throughout a length of said electric
generator.
30. The method of claim 19, wherein said at least one casing
element is configured as two casing elements such that upon
installation said two casing elements are interconnected so as to
form said unitary housing.
31. The method of claim 19, wherein said sole connection action is
performed as the interconnecting of an inlet port of said fluid
flow passage to a fluid supply outlet.
Description
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to non-contact flow control
systems and, in particular, it concerns a self-powered non-contact
water outlet appliance having a flow control system that is powered
by a power supply unit, and the flow control system and the power
supply unit are mounted within at least one casing element that is
deployable at a point of use as a unitary housing.
[0002] It is known to provide non-contact flow control systems,
especially in public restrooms for hygienic reasons. Such systems
usually include proximity sensors so as to control the flushing of
a toilet or the flow of water through a faucet into a sink
dependent on the presence of a user.
[0003] The systems of prior art are generally powered by
electricity provided either by the regular electrical system or by
batteries. Both of these systems suffer from a number of
disadvantages.
[0004] Systems powered by the regular electrical system suffer from
the extra costs of running the necessary wiring to the location at
which the system will be installed. This is an even bigger problem
with regard to retrofit systems since wires are generally routed
away from areas that contain water pipes so as to avoid shorting
problems. Therefore, installation of retrofit systems usually
requires the expenses associated with opening walls, installing the
required wiring and then closing and finishing the walls. This is
over and above the installation of the flow control system
itself.
[0005] Battery powered flow control systems suffer from the
frequent need to change batteries. This, therefore, requires that
the system be installed in such a manner as to allow easy access to
the battery compartment. Such a requirement can complicate the
installation of the system. Further, an accessible battery
compartment may be undesirable in a public facility.
[0006] An attempt to provide a solution to the above-mentioned
problems is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,876,100 to Yumita. The
Yumita device includes a water tap with a spout with a sensor for
detecting a hand. The water tap is deployed above the counter top.
Deployed below the counter top and connected water supply pipe
extending from the wall is a solenoid valve for controlling water
flow. A small generator that supplies power to the valve system and
sensor is attached to the outlet of the valve assembly. A hose or
pipe provides water flow from the valve assembly and generator to
the water tap. A wire is used to connect the sensor to the valve
controller. The Yumita device is complex and would seem to require
professional installation.
[0007] There is therefore a need for a self-powered non-contact
water outlet appliance having a flow control system that is powered
by a power supply unit, and the flow control system and the power
supply unit are mounted within at least one casing element that is
deployable at a point of use as a unitary housing. It would be of
benefit if the water outlet appliance did not require professional
installation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is a self-powered non-contact water
outlet appliance having a flow control system that is powered by a
power supply unit, and the flow control system and the power supply
unit are mounted within at least one casing element that is
deployable at a point of use as a unitary housing.
[0009] According to the teachings of the present invention there is
provided, a self-powered non-contact fluid flow outlet appliance,
comprising: a) an electronically actuated flow control system; and
b) a power supply unit including: i) a pipeline-deployed electric
generator deployed in a fluid flow passage configured in the outlet
appliance, the pipeline-deployed electric generator operatively
responsive to a flow of fluid through the fluid flow passage; and
ii) a power storage device charged by the electric generator;
wherein the flow control system is powered by the power supply
unit, and the flow control system, and the power supply unit are
mounted within at least one casing element that is deployable at a
point of use as a unitary housing.
[0010] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the flow control system includes an electronically actuated fluid
flow control valve configured to control a flow of fluid through
the outlet appliance.
[0011] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the flow control system includes at least one sensor configured to
sense a necessity to actuate the flow control valve.
[0012] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the flow control system includes a management system configured to
manage operation of the flow control valve conditional to output
received from the at least one sensor.
[0013] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the at least one sensor is configured to detect the presence and
absence of a user.
[0014] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the management system is configured to open the flow control valve
when the sensor detects the presence of the user and to close the
flow control valve when the sensor does not detect the presence of
the user.
[0015] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the sensor is a proximity sensor.
[0016] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the unitary housing includes a faucet
[0017] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the power storage device is a rechargeable battery.
[0018] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the electric generator includes: a) a rotor having rotor blades
extending outwardly from a central axle, the rotor being deployed
within the fluid flow passage so as to be in a fluid flow path of
the fluid flow passage such that a flow of fluid through the fluid
flow passage effects rotation of the rotor, and at least a portion
of at least one rotor blade of the rotor is configured with
magnetic properties; and b) an induction coil deployed so as to
circumscribe an exterior of the fluid flow passage in proximity to
the rotor such that a change in magnetic field caused by rotation
of the rotor within the supply pipeline generates a flow of
electric current in the induction coil.
[0019] According to a further teaching of the present invention, an
inside diameter of the fluid flow passage is substantially
unchanged throughout a length of the electric generator.
[0020] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the at least one casing element is configured as two casing
elements such that upon installation the two casing elements are
interconnected so as to form the unitary housing.
[0021] There is also provided according to the teachings of the
present invention, a pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance
comprising: a) an electronically actuated flow control system; and
b) a power supply unit including: i) a pipeline-deployed electric
generator deployed in a fluid flow passage configured in the outlet
appliance, the pipeline-deployed electric generator operatively
responsive to a flow of fluid through the fluid flow passage; and
ii) a power storage device charged by the electric generator;
wherein the flow control system is powered by the power supply
unit, and the flow control system and the power supply unit are
pre-assembled within at least one casing element that is deployable
at a point of use as a unitary housing, and a sole connection
action by which the unitary housing is connected to a fluid supply
renders the pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance ready for
use.
[0022] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the flow control system includes an electronically actuated fluid
flow control valve configured to control a flow of fluid through
the outlet appliance.
[0023] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the flow control system includes at least one sensor configured to
sense a necessity to actuate the flow control valve.
[0024] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the unitary housing includes a faucet
[0025] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the at least one casing element is configured as two casing
elements such that upon installation the two casing elements are
interconnected so as to form the unitary housing.
[0026] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the unitary housing provides access to an inlet port of the fluid
flow passage and the sole connection action is the interconnection
of the inlet port to a fluid supply outlet.
[0027] There is also provided according to the teachings of the
present invention, a method for providing non-contact control of a
flow of fluid from a fluid flow outlet appliance, comprising: a)
providing pre-assembled fluid flow outlet appliance having: i) an
electronically actuated flow control system; b) providing a power
supply unit including: i) a pipeline-deployed electric generator
deployed in a fluid flow passage configured in the outlet
appliance, the pipeline-deployed electric generator operatively
responsive to a flow of fluid through the fluid flow passage; and
ii) a power storage device charged by the electric generator;
wherein the flow control system is powered by the power supply
unit, and the flow control system and the power supply unit are
mounted within at least one casing element that is deployable at a
point of use as a unitary housing; c) deploying the at least one
casing element at the point of use as the unitary housing; d)
performing a sole connection action by which the pre-assembled
fluid flow outlet appliance is connected to a fluid supply and
rendered ready for use; and e) operating the pre-assembled fluid
flow outlet appliance.
[0028] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the flow control system is implemented with an electronically
actuated fluid flow control valve configured to control a flow of
fluid through the outlet appliance.
[0029] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the flow control system is implemented with at least one sensor
configured to sense a necessity to actuate the flow control
valve.
[0030] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the flow control system is implemented with a management system
deployed in the casing and configured to manage operation of the
flow control valve conditional to output received from the at least
one sensor.
[0031] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the at least one sensor is configured to detect the presence and
absence of a user.
[0032] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the management system is implemented so as to open the flow control
valve when the sensor detects the presence of the user and to close
the flow control valve when the sensor does not detect the presence
of the user.
[0033] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the sensor is implemented as a proximity sensor.
[0034] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the unitary housing is implemented so as to include a faucet.
[0035] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the power storage device is implemented as a rechargeable
battery.
[0036] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the electric generator is implemented so as to have: a) a rotor
having rotor blades extending outwardly from a central axle, the
rotor being deployed within the fluid flow passage so as to be in a
fluid flow path of the fluid flow passage such that a flow of fluid
through the fluid flow passage effects rotation of the rotor, and
at least a portion of at least one rotor blade of the rotor is
configured with magnetic properties; and b) an induction coil
deployed so as to circumscribe an exterior of the fluid flow
passage in proximity to the rotor such that a change in magnetic
field caused by rotation of the rotor within the supply pipeline
generates a flow of electric current in the induction coil.
[0037] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the electric generator is implemented such that an inside diameter
of the fluid flow passage is substantially unchanged throughout a
length of the electric generator.
[0038] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the at least one casing element is configured as two casing
elements such that upon installation the two casing elements are
interconnected so as to form the unitary housing.
[0039] According to a further teaching of the present invention,
the sole connection action is performed as the interconnecting of
an inlet port of the fluid flow passage to a fluid supply
outlet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] The invention is herein described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0041] FIG. 1 is a cutaway isometric view of a first preferred
embodiment of the hydroelectric generator of the present invention
seen from an upstream angle;
[0042] FIG. 2 is a schematic cutaway side elevation of a first
preferred embodiment of a water outlet appliance constructed and
operative according to the teachings of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 3 is a schematic cutaway side elevation of a second
preferred embodiment of a water outlet appliance constructed and
operative according to the teachings of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a preferred implementation of
a combination generator and flow control system constructed and
operative according to the teachings of the present invention;
and
[0045] FIG. 5 is an isometric cross section of FIG. 4.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] The present invention is a self-powered non-contact water
outlet appliance having a flow control system that is powered by a
power supply unit, and the flow control system and the power supply
unit are mounted within at least one casing element that is
deployable at a point of use as a unitary housing.
[0047] The principles and operation of a self-powered non-contact
water outlet appliance according to the present invention may be
better understood with reference to the drawings and the
accompanying description.
[0048] By way of introduction, for the purpose of example only, the
water outlet appliance described herein is a water faucet
configured for deployment at a point of use such as, by
non-limiting example, a sink. However, the principles of the
present invention may be applied with equal benefit to numerous
water outlet appliances such as, but not limited to, drinking
fountains, showers, toilets and urinals configured for connection
to an existing water supply pipe and an appropriate point of use.
Further, it will be appreciated that the principles of the present
invention may be applied with equal benefit to outlet appliances
associated with flow systems other than water such as, but not
limited to compressed air systems, vacuum systems and fluid flow
systems carrying fluids other than water. Therefore, for ease of
understanding the principles of the present invention in relation
to the drawings, the phrase "water outlet appliance" is used herein
to relate to a larger generic phrase of "fluid flow outlet
appliances," and the term "water" is used in lieu of the more
generic term "fluid."
[0049] The water outlet appliance of the present invention includes
a hydroelectric generator that is deployed as part of the fluid
flow passage of the water outlet appliance through which the water
flows. The hydroelectric generator has the feature of being
minimally invasive to the flow of fluid through the fluid flow
passage. It should be noted that the term "hydroelectric" as used
herein is not intended to limit the present invention to the
generation of electricity by the flow of water only. It is used
herein loosely to refer to the generation of electricity by the
flow of substantially any fluid, and especially the flow of fluid
through a pipeline. Herein, the terms "hydroelectric generator" and
"generator" may be used interchangeably.
[0050] The hydroelectric generator of the present invention
provides a pre-sealed, watertight device in which the rotor that
includes the induction magnets is deployed within the main flow
passage of the water outlet appliance and thereby sealed within the
flow passage, and the induction coils are deployed outside of the
flow passage such that the water is sealed within the flow passage
away from the induction coils.
[0051] The hydroelectric generator of the present invention has low
flow resistance and low pressure-drop between the upstream and
downstream ports. The flow of the water through the flow passage
causes rotation of the rotor, which is deployed within the flow
passage so as to be in the flow path of the water. The rotor has an
axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to the central axis
of the generator housing and therefore, to the water flow vector
and the central axis of the flow passage, at that point. It should
be noted that the term "flow passage" as used herein refers to the
conduit configured in the water outlet appliance from the point of
connection to the water supply system through the appliance to the
water outlet opening of the appliance. The rotor blades are
configured with a low angle of attack. That is, the angle of the
rotor blades to the vector of water flow is relatively low in
keeping with the feature of providing low flow impedance and a low
pressure-drop across the flow region of the generator.
[0052] The rotor, which is deployed within the water flow passage
of the generator housing in the flow path of the water flowing
through the pipeline, may be configured from magnetic material, or
the rotor may be configured to carry magnets. The induction coils
of the generator are deployed on the outside of the flow passage.
The change in magnetic field caused by the rotation of the rotor
within the generator housing generates the flow of electric current
in the induction coils.
[0053] The self-powered non-contact water outlet appliance of the
present invention is configured so as to be deployed at a point of
use as a unitary housing that encases a power supply unit and a
flow control system. The power supply unit includes a
pipeline-deployed electric generator deployed in a fluid flow
passage configured in the outlet appliance, the pipeline-deployed
electric generator operatively responsive to a flow of fluid
through the fluid flow passage; and a power storage device that is
charged by the electric generator. The flow control system includes
an electronically actuated fluid flow control valve configured to
control a flow of fluid through the outlet appliance, at least one
sensor configured to sense a necessity to actuate the flow control
valve, and a management system configured to manage operation of
the flow control valve conditional to output received from the at
least one sensor.
[0054] Therefore, the water outlet appliance of the present
invention may be connected to substantially any suitable water
system supply pipeline at the point of use by performing a single
connection action. As used herein, the phrase "single connection
action" refers to the act necessary to connect the water outlet
appliance of the present invention to the water supply system. That
action may be, but is not limited to, rotating the water outlet
appliance so as to thread it on to a pipe extending from a wall or
countertop for example, connecting a pipe fitting configured on the
end of a supply hose to a corresponding fitting configured on the
water outlet appliance, and tightening a hose clamp so as to secure
a supply hose to a corresponding connection configured on the water
outlet appliance.
[0055] The water outlet appliance of the present invention is,
therefore, particularly well suited for "do-it-yourself"
installations and easy retrofit installations of such water outlet
appliances as, but not limited to, faucets, drinking fountains,
showers, toilets and urinals, as mentioned above.
[0056] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 offers a view of
exemplar embodiments of the components of the generator 2. The
generator housing 10 is preferably formed as a unitary molded
housing. The exterior of the generator housing 10 is configured
with flanges 12 that extend substantially perpendicularly from the
surface of the generator housing 10. The flanges serve to hold the
induction coils 14 on the generator housing 20 and in alignment
with the rotor 20 deployed inside the generator housing 10. The
rotor 20 is held in place by its axle 20a that engages the axle
support bearings 34a and 34 configured in fixed downstream axle
support 16 and the upstream axle support 30. The downstream axle
support 16 may be integrally formed with the generator housing 10.
Alternatively, the downstream axle support 16 may be formed
separately and fixedly, or removably, attached to the generator
housing 10.
[0057] The upstream axle support 30 is configured to slide into the
upstream port 60 of the generator 2 until it abuts shoulder 36, and
to engage ribs 18 that correspond to grooves 18a so as to restrict
rotational movement of the upstream axle support 30. The upstream
axle support 30 may be held in place by, but not limited to,
friction fit, a snap lock configuration, a snap ring, ultrasonic
welding, the pressure of the water flow against it, and in the case
of a generator housing 10 with female threads, the abutment of the
adjacent length of pipe. It should be noted that the inside
diameter of the upstream axle support 30 is substantially the same
as the inside diameter of the rest of the flow passage of the
generator 2, which is substantially the same as the inside diameter
of the pipeline. Therefore, the cross-sectional flow area of the
generator flow passage, at substantially any point along the length
of the generator, is substantially the same as the cross-sectional
flow area of the pipeline. This is in keeping with the feature of
being minimally invasive to the flow of water through the pipeline.
The support fins 32 converge at the axle support bearing 34. The
support fins 32 may be configured to direct water flow and/or
reduce water turbulence within the generator 2.
[0058] The upstream 60 and downstream 62 ports of the generator
housing 10 are configured with attachment pipe threads 64 as
mentioned above.
[0059] The rotor 20 may be configured from material with magnetic
properties, therefore, the entire rotor 20 may be magnetized as
illustrated herein. The rotor may be configured from, but not
limited to, metallic substances, ceramic substances or
substantially any other suitable substance. Ceramic powder
compression technology may be well suited for manufacturing the
rotor 20 when a rotor with magnetic-ceramic properties is desired.
Alternatively, rotor 20 may be configured to carry magnets or each
individual rotor blade 22 may be configured as a separate magnet.
In a further alternative embodiment, the rotor may include a
circumferentially encasing cylinder that may include magnets, or
the cylinder itself may be magnetized.
[0060] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a first preferred
embodiment of a water outlet appliance according to the present
invention, a faucet 100. The one-piece faucet housing 102 has a
fluid flow passage 104 that extends from the inlet port 106 to the
outlet port 110. Therefore, the one-piece faucet housing 102 is a
unitary housing in which the various components of the present
invention are mounted.
[0061] It will be understood that the inlet port 106 may be
configured for connection to substantially any fluid supply
pipeline known in the art. As illustrated here, the inlet port 106
is configured with inside threads for connection to pipe 108, which
has exterior threads. Therefore, the faucet of embodiment 100 is
supplied to the end user ready for installation as a unitary
faucet. In this embodiment, the single connection action required
to attach the faucet to the water supply system is to rotate the
faucet housing 102 so as to engage the threads on pipe 108 and
continue rotating the faucet housing 102 until it is securely
attached and a watertight connection is made.
[0062] Both the generator 2 and the flow control system 120 which
includes a flow control valve (not shown) are deployed within the
faucet housing 102 such that the fluid flow passage 104 passes
through the generator 2 and the flow control system 120. The flow
of water through the generator 2, therefore, provides the
electricity necessary to power the flow control system 120. At
least one power storage device (not shown), such as but not limited
to, a rechargeable battery or other electronic component, may be
associated with the generator, thereby providing a power supply
unit. The power storage device is capable of providing initial
power to open the flow control valve so as initiate the flow of
water through the generator 2.
[0063] The flow control system 120 receives input from, and is
responsive to, at least one sensor 122, which may be, but should
not be limited to, a proximity sensor for example, configured to
sense the necessity to open or close the flow control valve. The
sensor may be remotely near the faucet outlet 110 as is illustrated
by sensor 122a. Alternatively, the sensor may be integral to the
flow control system circuitry which in turn abuts the faucet
housing 102 in which is provided a sensor opening as is illustrated
by sensor 122b.
[0064] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a second preferred
embodiment of a faucet 200 according to the present invention. The
faucet 200 has a fluid flow passage 204 that extends from the inlet
port 206 to the outlet port 210. As illustrated here, the inlet
port 206 is configured with inside threads for connection to a pipe
or coupling having inside threads. The two-piece faucet includes a
faucet housing 202a for deployment above the counter top 250, and
includes the outlet port 210, and a control system housing 202b
configured for deployment below the counter top 250. The control
system housing 202b houses a flow control system 220 and a
generator 2 that are similar to the flow control system and
generator described above with regard to FIG. 2. Therefore, the
faucet of embodiment 200 is supplied to the end user ready for
installation as two pieces that are connected upon installation and
once installed form a unitary housing.
[0065] As a non-limiting example of an installation procedure the
embodiment illustrated here is configured such that the portion of
the fluid flow passage 204 configured in the faucet housing 202a is
configured with pipe threads that correspond to pipe threads
configured in the flow control valve (not shown) that is included
in the flow control system 220. Once installed, the fluid flow
passage 204 passes from the inlet port 206 through generator 2 and
flow control system 220 to the outlet port 210. As described above,
the flow of water through the generator 2, therefore, provides the
electricity necessary to power the flow control system 220. Here
too, the generator may be associated with at least one power
storage device such that the generator and power storage device
provide a power supply unit.
[0066] The flow control system 220 receives input from, and is
responsive to, at least one sensor 222, which may be a proximity
sensor for example, configured to sense the necessity to open or
close the flow control valve. As illustrated here, the sensor may
be remotely near the faucet outlet 210. In this embodiment, wire
222a that provides communication between sensor 222 and the flow
control system 220 is connected as part of the installation
process.
[0067] Alternately, although not illustrated herein, the flow
control system 220 may be mounted in the faucet housing 202a and
the sensor may be configured integrally to the flow control system
circuitry which in turn abuts the faucet housing 202a in which
would be provided a sensor opening as similar to that illustrated
by sensor 122b of FIG. 2.
[0068] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a preferred implementation of the
generator 2 and the flow control system 120 according to the
teachings of the present invention. As illustrated, the generator 2
and the flow control system 120 share a common generator housing
250. The flow control system 120 is configured to operate the flow
control valve 252 that is deployed in this length of the fluid flow
passage 104. It should be noted that flow control valve 250 may be
configured on either the upstream side or the downstream side of
generator 2. Power is supplied from generator 2 to the flow control
system 120 by wire 254. It will be appreciated that flow control
valve 252 may be configured as substantially any valve know in the
art such as, but not limited to, a flap valve, a ball valve, a gate
valve and a diaphragm valve.
[0069] It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are
intended only to serve as examples and that many other embodiments
are possible within the spirit and the scope of the present
invention.
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