US6044501A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Temperature confirmation mechanism for use with water supply equipment
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1998-05-22
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Granted: 2000-04-04
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Expires: 2018-05-22
Abstract
Abstract A temperature confirmation mechanism is disclosed for use with water supply equipment. The temperature confirmation mechanism allows a user to confirm the temperature of the water before causing water to spout from the water supply equipment. The temperature confirmation mechanism includes a conduit having a shallow portion formed around a conduit. A water supply communicates with the conduit to supply water to the water supply equipment. An enclosing member creates a chamber by enclosing the shallow portion around the conduit. Further, the enclosing member is rotatable around said shallow portion. A communication hole fluidly connects the conduit and the chamber. A temperature confirmation hole is provided in said enclosing member. As such, water exiting the temperature confirmation hole may be tested before the user spout water from the water supply equipment. In one embodiment, the diameter of the temperature confirmation hole is larger than the diameter of the communication hole.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenji Mihara
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 20:54
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03D; E03D9/00; E03D9/08; E03D9/085
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A temperature confirmation mechanism comprising: an enclosing member; a temperature confirmation hole having a first diameter, said temperature confirmation hole located in said enclosing member; a fluid conduit connected to a water supply wherein at least a portion of said fluid conduit is located within said enclosing member to form a chamber in communication with said temperature confirmation hole, wherein said conduit comprises: a longitudinal axis, a first end connected to said water supply, a second end having an outlet opening in a plane perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said outlet opening connected to a branch pipe, and a communication hole having a second diameter located in said fluid conduit, wherein said communication hole is in communication with said chamber, and wherein said first diameter is larger than said second diameter, and wherein said enclosing member is rotatably mounted around said fluid conduit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A temperature confirmation mechanism comprising: an enclosing member; a temperature confirmation hole having a first diameter, said temperature confirmation hole located in said enclosing member; a fluid conduit connected to a water supply wherein at least a portion of said fluid conduit is located within said enclosing member to form a chamber in communication with said temperature confirmation hole, wherein said conduit comprises: a longitudinal axis, a first end connected to said water supply, a second end having an outlet opening in a plane perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said outlet opening connected to a branch pipe, and a communication hole having a second diameter located in said fluid conduit, wherein said communication hole is in communication with said chamber, and wherein said first diameter is larger than said second diameter, and wherein said enclosing member is rotatably mounted around said fluid conduit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The temperature confirmation mechanism, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said temperature confirmation hole communicates with a spout pipe.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The temperature confirmation mechanism, as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a seal located between said enclosing member and said fluid conduit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The temperature confirmation mechanism, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said temperature confirmation hole further comprises: a connector for threadibly attaching a hose to said temperature confirmation hole.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The temperature confirmation mechanism, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid conduit further comprises: a valve connected between said first end and said water supply.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The temperature confirmation mechanism, as claimed in claim 5, wherein said valve is connected to a branch of said water supply.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
180 words
A temperature confirmation mechanism for confirming the temperature of a fluid in a conduit which communicates with a water supply, said temperature confirmation mechanism comprising: a conduit having an inner diameter and a first outer diameter wherein said conduit has a central portion having a second outer diameter and a longitudinal axis, wherein said second outer diameter is less than said first outer diameter, wherein a first end of said conduit is in communication with said water supply and a second end of said conduit has an outlet opening in a plane perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and delivers the fluid to at least one of a spout, a faucet, a bidet and a shower head connected thereto; an enclosing member for enclosing said central portion to create a chamber wherein said enclosing member is rotatable around said central portion; a communication hole for fluidly communicating between said conduit and said chamber; and a temperature confirmation hole in said enclosing member, wherein a flow of water from said temperature confirmation hole to an exterior of said enclosing member is enabled.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
180 words
A temperature confirmation mechanism for confirming the temperature of a fluid in a conduit which communicates with a water supply, said temperature confirmation mechanism comprising: a conduit having an inner diameter and a first outer diameter wherein said conduit has a central portion having a second outer diameter and a longitudinal axis, wherein said second outer diameter is less than said first outer diameter, wherein a first end of said conduit is in communication with said water supply and a second end of said conduit has an outlet opening in a plane perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and delivers the fluid to at least one of a spout, a faucet, a bidet and a shower head connected thereto; an enclosing member for enclosing said central portion to create a chamber wherein said enclosing member is rotatable around said central portion; a communication hole for fluidly communicating between said conduit and said chamber; and a temperature confirmation hole in said enclosing member, wherein a flow of water from said temperature confirmation hole to an exterior of said enclosing member is enabled.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The temperature confirmation mechanism, as claimed in claim 7, wherein a diameter of said communication hole is smaller than a diameter of said temperature confirmation hole.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The temperature confirmation mechanism, as claimed in claim 7, wherein said second end of said conduit comprises a spout.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The temperature confirmation mechanism, as claimed in claim 7, wherein said second end of said conduit is threaded for attaching a branch pipe to said conduit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
38 words
The temperature confirmation mechanism, as claimed in claim 7, wherein a valve is interposed between said first end of said conduit and said second end of said conduit for controlling a flow of the fluid through said conduit.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-04-04 | 2003-10-04 | 2004-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-04-04 | 2007-10-04 | 2008-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-04-04 | 2011-10-04 | 2012-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |