US4258444A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bath water level control system
Assignee: Grohe Water Technology AG and Co KG
•
Filing: 1979-05-09
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Granted: 1981-03-31
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Expires: 1999-05-09
Abstract
Abstract A water level control system for use with bath tubs includes a capacitive proximity switch disposed external to one wall of the bath tub. The vertical position of the switch is adjustable. The switch generates a signal when the water level is approximately that of the switch. The signal is used to control a water supply solenoid and/or an alarm indication.
Inventors
- 👤 Willy Orszullok
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 21:17
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03C; E03C1/00; E03C1/12; E03C1/24; E03C1/242; G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/22; G01F23/26; G01F23/263; G01F23/265; G05; G05D; G05D9/00; G05D9/12; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/7287; Y10T137/7306
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
A water level control system for a bath tub comprising: vertically adjustable detecting means disposed exterior to one wall of said tub for generating a signal when the water in said tub reaches a level at approximately the level of said detecting means; means for vertically positioning said detecting means, said positioning means including means for holding said detecting means and for translating movement of said level selecting means into a corresponding vertical movement of said detecting means, said holding means comprising a threaded spindle rotatably mounted adjacent said one wall of said tub and a nut supported on said spindle, said nut being nonrotatably connected to said detecting means; said bathtub including an overflow aperture and a cover rosette; said system further comprising: level selecting means comprising a knob movable on said rosette, gearing means coupling said knob to said spindle, means for mounting said spindle to permit rotational movement thereof; and means responsive to said generated signal for shutting off the inflowing water supply.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
A water level control system for a bath tub comprising: vertically adjustable detecting means disposed exterior to one wall of said tub for generating a signal when the water in said tub reaches a level at approximately the level of said detecting means; means for vertically positioning said detecting means, said positioning means including means for holding said detecting means and for translating movement of said level selecting means into a corresponding vertical movement of said detecting means, said holding means comprising a threaded spindle rotatably mounted adjacent said one wall of said tub and a nut supported on said spindle, said nut being nonrotatably connected to said detecting means; said bathtub including an overflow aperture and a cover rosette; said system further comprising: level selecting means comprising a knob movable on said rosette, gearing means coupling said knob to said spindle, means for mounting said spindle to permit rotational movement thereof; and means responsive to said generated signal for shutting off the inflowing water supply.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A water level control system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means responsive to said generated signal includes means for producing an alarm indication.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
164 words
A water level control system for a bath tub comprising: vertically adjustable detecting means disposed exterior to one wall of said tub for generating a signal when the water in said tub reaches a level at approximately the level of said detecting means; means for vertically positioning said detecting means, said positioning means including means for holding said detecting means and for translating movement of said level selecting means into a corresponding vertical movement of said detecting means, said holding means comprising a threaded spindle rotatably mounted adjacent said one wall of said tub and a nut supported on said spindle, said nut being nonrotatably connected to said detecting means; said bathtub including an overflow aperture and a cover rosette; said system further comprising: level selecting means comprising a knob movable on said rosette, gearing means coupling said knob to said spindle, means for mounting said spindle to permit rotational movement thereof; and means responsive to said generated signal for producing an alarm indication.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
164 words
A water level control system for a bath tub comprising: vertically adjustable detecting means disposed exterior to one wall of said tub for generating a signal when the water in said tub reaches a level at approximately the level of said detecting means; means for vertically positioning said detecting means, said positioning means including means for holding said detecting means and for translating movement of said level selecting means into a corresponding vertical movement of said detecting means, said holding means comprising a threaded spindle rotatably mounted adjacent said one wall of said tub and a nut supported on said spindle, said nut being nonrotatably connected to said detecting means; said bathtub including an overflow aperture and a cover rosette; said system further comprising: level selecting means comprising a knob movable on said rosette, gearing means coupling said knob to said spindle, means for mounting said spindle to permit rotational movement thereof; and means responsive to said generated signal for producing an alarm indication.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
A water level control system in accordance with claim 1 or 3, wherein at least said one wall comprises a portion of non-conductive material; said detecting means comprises a capacitive proximity switch; and said responsive means comprises a solenoid valve for controlling the flow of water.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-03-30 | 1984-09-29 | 1985-03-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-03-30 | 1988-09-29 | 1989-03-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-03-30 | 1992-09-29 | 1993-03-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |