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  Systems and methods providing hands free water faucet controlThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070267074. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
APPLICATION PRIORITY [0001] This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/456,085, filed Jun. 6, 2003, entitled "Systems and Methods Providing Hands Free Water Faucet Control", which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/461,922, filed Apr. 10, 2003, entitled "Systems and Methods Providing Hands Free Water Faucet Control", and the specifications and claims thereof are hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The field of the present invention generally relates to systems and methods for controlling and regulating water flow and temperature mix using "hands free" devices in conjunction with conventional water faucets. The present invention more particularly relates to the integration of an adjustable foot operated device with conventional hand operated water faucets. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Traditional sinks and basins typically are equipped with "hand operated" faucets to provide a means of controlling flow rate and temperature mix of water used in a vast number of situations and applications. Flow rate and temperature mix adjustments require the use of the user's hands to manipulate faucet valves, or other mechanisms such as levers, or joysticks to control any desired output settings. In the use of conventional hand operated faucets, the single user must free, at minimum, one hand in order to manipulate the faucet control mechanism. This conventional use restricts the single user, in certain situations, full use of both hands to perform secondary operations while simultaneously controlling the faucet output. [0004] In applications that require full use of both hands, the single user is subject to an initial presetting of the faucet output controls to the desired setting. Meanwhile, during the adjustment phase, water is flowing continuously and for a period while the user prepares and engages in the secondary operation. For example, in initial conditions where both hands are contaminated and is undesirable to spread the contamination to the faucet controls, the single user must rely on secondary measures to manipulate conventional faucet valves and mechanisms to initiate the desired output. Similarly, in post conditions where both hands have been thoroughly scrubbed and free of contamination and is undesirable to contract any contamination by direct hand contact with the faucet controls, the single user must rely on secondary measures to shut off the faucet output. [0005] For the examples cited above, along with a vast number of similar applications, there is an increased interest in a "hands free" faucet control system. Currently, a number of "hands free" devices exist that are capable of being configured in-line or in series with existing supply lines to conventional faucets. Typically, "hands free" devices feature remote mechanical or electrical linkage control of activating the supply lines to conventional faucets. Some known methods of activation of "hands free" devices include direct foot pressure; body leaning against a plate or bar; use of proximity electronic sensor; voice activation system; and timer devices. [0006] The common control feature of known activation methods, however, is their dependence on a fixed preset condition of the conventional faucet for the delivery of the desired flow rate and temperature mix. As a result, the user must initially configure a conventional faucet to a predetermined flow rate and temperature mix setting, then assert the "hands free" activation device to deliver the output. Any adjustments to the flow rate and temperature mix, before or during operation, are manual and require use of hands to manipulate the conventional faucet controls, as before. [0007] The inconvenience of setting flow rates and temperature mixes prior, during, and possibly after an operation increase when requirements of an operation demand sequentially setting of different rates and mixes. Further complications arise when two or more users have access to the same delivery system and an individual assumes the status of the systems' presets to be in accordance to their particular setting. An incorrect assumption, on the part of an individual on the present state of that system, may result in personnel or product safety issues. Furthermore, waste of clean water during the normal set-up of the initial conditions, plus the energy expended in the heating and possible conditioning of the water should also be a concern. Furthermore, the waste of clean water and energy resources only increases in a multi-user scenario. [0008] What is needed are effective means or methods to resolve the problem explained above so that a single user of a conventional faucet can readily configure a system to deliver a desired variable water rate and temperature mix via normal conventional "hand operated" controls and/or via a remote "hands free" control device. In conjunction with the selection of either mode of operation, the present state of the system output controls are always visible and accessible by the user throughout system operation. The present inventor has recognized that it would be advantageous to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies in the prior art, and to facilitate the operation and production of a "hands free" control device by introducing and conforming to standard known methods and features used in existing water valves systems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] The following summary of the invention is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention, and is not intended to be a full description. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the recess or cavity for the installation of the mixing ball valve is in a fixed chamber component of the remote device and attached to the enclosure of the "hands free" device. The heart of the adjustment feature of the "hands free" control mechanism is the relationship and operation of the mixing ball valve with respect to a fixed chamber body. The mixing ball valve rotates in relation to the fixed body of the chamber and pivots about a keyed slot on the mixing ball valve and limited in rotation by a corresponding fixed orientation pin within the cavity of the chamber. [0010] Flow rate and temperature mixture is a function of the orientation of delivery and exit ports of the mixing ball valve relative to the chamber ports. Preferably, the "hands free" device employs a mixing ball valve of the open type, offering lateral delivery ports. That component in which the orientation for the mixing ball valve is predetermined features a peripheral area into which the delivery ports of the mixing ball valve and the exit ports of the chamber body communicate directly with an internal passage of the output channel. [0011] In accordance with a feature of the present, the flow of water in the operational mode is via standard plumbing interconnections. Using standard interconnections, cold and hot water supplies enter the mixing ball valve via the internal passages and ports within the chamber body and enter the ball valve via entrance ports on the ball valve, directly. To facilitate control and regulation of the rotating mixing ball valve, an extension to a fixed lever attached to the ball valve extends to the user in the form of a foot pedal. Delivery of the output mixture exits the mixing ball valve via an output port and through a corresponding internal passage within the chamber body. The chamber output channel features standard plumbing connections that interface to existing plumbing fixtures connecting the conventional faucet that presents the output mixture. [0012] In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the "hands free" device features a "BYPASS" state, which places the mixing ball valve's orientation in the maximum flow rate of hot water, only. Since the output channel of the chamber body assembly and mixing ball valve is in an in-line supply or series arrangement with the conventional faucet's corresponding "hot water" control valve, assertion of the "hands free" device in the "BYPASS" state provides a single source of supply of hot water to the conventional faucet. The cold water is in a constant supply or parallel arrangement to both the "cold water" input channel of the chamber body and to the conventional faucet's corresponding "cold water" control valve. The purpose of the "BYPASS" state, is to allow the user full "hand operated" control of the output via the conventional faucet control valves. [0013] In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, to engage the "hands free" device, while in the "BYPASS" state, the user must manually adjust the conventional faucet's "hot water" valve to the desired maximum flow rate. Upon the manually setting of the desired flow rate, the user engages the "hands free" device by switching from the "BYPASS" state to any of the four states, "OFF", "ON", "HOT", or "COLD", by use of the foot pedal. The definition of the "OFF" state is the "hands free" device is in an operational mode and water output is shut-off. Similarly, in the "ON", "HOT", and "COLD" variable states, the "hands free" device is an operational mode and by use of the foot pedal, the user may vary the flow rate and temperature mix, accordingly. [0014] Also in accordance with addressing the limitations of the prior art, presented are new and improved methods of asserting and controlling the "hands free" device to regulate the flow rate and temperature mix. The present invention features a systematic and a straightforward approach to presetting the "hands free" device that are both ergonomic and economic. In addition to the benefits of the convenience of the "hands free" feature of the device, the ease of operation and cost of ownership are prime factors in the solution of reducing the waste of clean water and associated energy resources. [0015] In a preferred embodiment, a hands free system provides user control and regulation of water flow and temperature mix using "foot actuated" devices. The hands free system is preferably adaptable to pre-existing water faucets and conventional plumbing, enabling full integration of an adjustable foot operated device with conventional hand operated water faucets. The hand free water system can include a control state module for providing a user with BYPASS, ON, OFF, HOT and COLD modes of operation. Hardware can include a sealed chamber body adapted for containing a mixing ball valve and having chamber ports further serving as internal passages to channels adapted to said sealed chamber body for connection to water line tubing. The mixing ball can include delivery and exit ports through which water can enter and exit and is adapted for rotation in relation to the fixed chamber body for selective alignment with said chamber ports. A foot controllable actuator in operational connection with said mixing ball valve, wherein rotation of said mixing ball valve with said foot controllable actuator offer user over control water flow rate and temperature. Other aspects and features of the present invention will be appreciated by those skilled in the art after full review of the detailed descriptions, associated drawings, and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016] The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and incorporation within and from part of the specification, further illustrate the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. [0017] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary external view of a form of embodiment of a "two valve" conventional faucet configured with service shut-off valves, in accordance with prior art; [0018] FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic representation of an interconnection of a "two valve" conventional faucet with service shut-off valves, in accordance with prior art; [0019] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary external view of a form of embodiment of a "single lever" conventional faucet configured with service shut-off valves, in accordance with prior art; Continue reading... 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