阅读说明：本技术 通用预留阀和歧管 (Universal reservation valve and manifold ) 是由 H·C·李 W·皮奇 于 2020-04-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于通用预留阀的阀歧管,所述歧管包括：第一入口；第二入口；第一出口；第二出口；腔体,其接收流体混合阀；第一过渡部,其与所述腔体和所述第一入口流动连通；第二过渡部,其与所述腔体和所述第二入口流动连通；第一通道,其与所述腔体和所述第一出口流动连通；第二通道,其与所述腔体和所述第二出口流动连通；其中所述歧管包括从第二歧管出口朝向第一歧管出口延伸的文氏管；并且其中所述歧管被构造为可拆卸地设置在预留阀室中；并且所述歧管被构造为可拆卸地联接到所述流体混合阀。(A valve manifold for a universal reservation valve, the manifold comprising: a first inlet; a second inlet; a first outlet; a second outlet; a cavity receiving a fluid mixing valve; a first transition in flow communication with the cavity and the first inlet; a second transition in flow communication with the cavity and the second inlet; a first channel in flow communication with the cavity and the first outlet; a second channel in flow communication with the cavity and the second outlet; wherein the manifold comprises a venturi extending from the second manifold outlet towards the first manifold outlet; and wherein the manifold is configured to be removably disposed in the reserve valve chamber; and the manifold is configured to be removably coupled to the fluid mixing valve.)

1. A valve manifold for a universal reservation valve, the manifold comprising

A first manifold inlet; a second manifold inlet;

a first manifold outlet; a second manifold outlet;

a cavity configured to receive a fluid mixing valve;

a first transition in flow communication with the cavity and the first manifold inlet;

a second transition in flow communication with the cavity and the second manifold inlet;

a first channel in flow communication with the cavity and the first manifold outlet;

a second channel in flow communication with the cavity and the second manifold outlet;

wherein

The manifold includes a venturi including a first portion and a second portion;

said venturi first portion having a larger cross-sectional area than said second portion;

said venturi first portion is disposed in said second manifold outlet; and is

The venturi extends from the second manifold outlet toward the first manifold outlet; and is

Wherein

The manifold is configured to be detachably disposed in the reserve valve chamber; and is

The manifold is configured to be removably coupled to the fluid mixing valve.

2. The valve manifold of claim 1, wherein the first manifold outlet is a shower manifold outlet configured to be in flow communication with a shower head, and the second manifold outlet is a bathtub manifold outlet configured to be in flow communication with a bathtub outlet.

3. The valve manifold of claim 1, wherein the venturi is permanently fixed in the second manifold outlet.

4. The valve manifold of claim 3, wherein the venturi comprises an attachment element to permanently secure the venturi in the second manifold outlet.

5. The valve manifold of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the venturi first portion forms a seal with an inner surface of the second manifold outlet.

6. The valve manifold of claim 1, wherein the venturi first portion comprises a substantially frustoconical shape and the second portion comprises a substantially rectangular cross-section.

7. The valve manifold of claim 1, wherein the manifold is configured to be disposed in the reserve valve chamber in a fixed position.

8. The valve manifold of claim 1, wherein the manifold is substantially symmetrical about a plane bisecting the venturi.

9. The valve manifold of claim 1, wherein the manifold comprises a groove configured to receive a gasket configured to form a seal with an inner wall of the reserve valve chamber.

10. The valve manifold of claim 1, wherein the manifold is configured to be removably coupled to the fluid mixing valve at approximately 180 degree rotational intervals of the fluid mixing valve relative to the manifold.

11. The valve manifold of claim 1, wherein the manifold is configured to be removably coupled to the fluid mixing valve via an attachment element.

12. The valve manifold of claim 1, wherein the manifold is configured to be detachably coupled to the fluid mixing valve via an attachment element, wherein the attachment element comprises one or more of a notch/tab element, a pin/slot element, a pin/hole element, or a threaded element.

13. The valve manifold of any of claims 1-12, wherein the manifold is configured to be removably coupled to the fluid mixing valve via a pin/slot attachment element, wherein the pin is substantially U-shaped.

14. The valve manifold of any of claims 1-12, wherein the manifold is configured to be removably coupled to the fluid mixing valve via an attachment element, and wherein the manifold comprises one or more retainer features configured to hold the attachment element in place.

15. A valve manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein

a) The first manifold inlet and the first transition are configured to be in flow communication with a first fluid mixing valve inlet, and the second manifold inlet and the second transition are configured to be in flow communication with a second fluid mixing valve inlet;

or

b) The first manifold inlet and the first transition are configured to be in flow communication with the second fluid mixing valve inlet, and the second manifold inlet and the second transition are configured to be in flow communication with the first fluid mixing valve inlet; and is

Wherein a) and b) are selected based on about 180 degree rotational spacing of the fluid mixing valve relative to the manifold.

16. A valve manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein

a) The first manifold inlet and the first transition are configured to be in flow communication with a hot water source, and the second manifold inlet, the second transition are configured to be in flow communication with a cold water source;

or

b) The first manifold inlet and the first transition are configured to be in flow communication with a cold water source, and the second manifold inlet, the second transition are configured to be in flow communication with a hot water source; and is

Wherein a) and b) are selected based on about 180 degree rotational spacing of the fluid mixing valve relative to the manifold.

17. A valve manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the manifold comprises an outlet passage extending from the first manifold outlet to the second manifold outlet.

18. The valve manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the manifold cavity comprises a sidewall defining the cavity, and wherein the first and second channels are at least partially defined by the sidewall.

19. The valve manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein said first and second transitions are located towards a center of said manifold and said first and second channels are located towards outer portions of said manifold.

20. A universal reservation valve comprising

A valve chamber configured to receive a valve manifold;

a first valve inlet configured to be in flow communication with a first fluid supply;

a second valve inlet configured to be in flow communication with a second fluid supply;

a first valve outlet configured to be in flow communication with the valve chamber and a first outlet line;

a second valve outlet configured to be in flow communication with the valve chamber and a second outlet line; and

a valve manifold according to any one of claims 1 to 12, removably disposed in the valve chamber.

21. A fluid mixing valve comprising

A mixing cylinder;

a first fluid mixing valve inlet;

a second fluid mixing valve inlet;

a first fluid mixing valve outlet; and

a second fluid mixing valve outlet;

wherein

The fluid mixing valve is configured to be removably coupled to the valve manifold of any of claims 1-12 at approximately 180 degree rotational intervals of the fluid mixing valve relative to the manifold.

Background

Large items including hotels, apartment blocks, etc. can be conveniently designed for bathrooms and bathroom fixtures that are positioned back-to-back. This provides economy with respect to plumbing for plumbing fixtures, power services, and the like. Having a universal reserve valve that is easy to install will save a lot of time for the plumber. For example, a reserve valve that can be placed back-to-back to service a back-to-back bathtub/shower combination would be highly desirable.

A valve adapted to deliver water to a bathtub/shower combination may include an asymmetric fluid outlet passage leading to the bathtub or shower. When one of the reservation valves is rotated about the Y-axis to be placed back-to-back with the other reservation valve, an asymmetric outlet passage along the Y-axis will remain. However, the hot/cold water inlet of the fluid mixing valve will be reversed.

A valve manifold for a universal reservation valve is desired, wherein the manifold is configured to receive a fluid mixing valve, and wherein a position of the fluid mixing valve can be adjusted relative to the manifold. This may allow the reservation valve and manifold to rotate about the Y axis approximately 180 degrees to be placed back-to-back with the other reservation valve/manifold and have both receive hot water from the same side and cold water from the same side. This may be accomplished by a valve manifold having removably coupled fluid mixing valves.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, there is disclosed a valve manifold for a universal reservation valve, the manifold comprising: a first manifold inlet; a second manifold inlet; a first manifold outlet; a second manifold outlet; a cavity configured to receive a fluid mixing valve; a first transition in flow communication with the cavity and the first manifold inlet; a second transition in flow communication with the cavity and the second manifold inlet; a first channel in flow communication with the cavity and the first manifold outlet; a second channel in flow communication with the cavity and the second manifold outlet; wherein the manifold comprises a venturi comprising a first portion and a second portion; said venturi first portion having a larger cross-sectional area than said second portion; said venturi first portion is disposed in said second manifold outlet; and the venturi extends from the second manifold outlet towards the first manifold outlet; and wherein the manifold is configured to be removably disposed in the reserve valve chamber; and the manifold is configured to be removably coupled to the fluid mixing valve.

Also disclosed is a universal reservation valve comprising: a valve chamber configured to receive a valve manifold; a first valve inlet configured to be in flow communication with a first fluid supply; a second valve inlet configured to be in flow communication with a second fluid supply; a first valve outlet configured to be in flow communication with the valve chamber and a first outlet line; a second valve outlet configured to be in flow communication with the valve chamber and a second outlet line; and a valve manifold of the present invention, which is detachably disposed in the valve chamber.

Also disclosed is a fluid mixing valve comprising: a mixing cylinder; a first fluid mixing valve inlet; a second fluid mixing valve inlet; a first fluid mixing valve outlet; and a second fluid mixing valve outlet; wherein the fluid mixing valve is configured to be removably coupled to the valve manifold of the present invention at about 180 degree rotational intervals of the fluid mixing valve relative to the manifold.

Drawings

The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, features shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

Fig. 1 depicts a valve manifold according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2A depicts a separate valve manifold and venturi according to one embodiment.

Figure 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a valve manifold/venturi assembly according to one embodiment.

Fig. 3A shows a separate valve manifold, attachment pin, and fluid mixing valve according to one embodiment.

Fig. 3B illustrates a valve manifold and a fluid mixing valve coupled via an attachment pin, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 3C illustrates a valve manifold and a fluid mixing valve coupled via an attachment pin, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 4 shows a universal reservation valve according to one embodiment.

Fig. 5 depicts a universal reservation valve assembly including a valve manifold and a fluid mixing valve according to one embodiment.

Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a fluid mixing valve and manifold, according to one embodiment.

Detailed Description

A reservation valve is a valve used in a piping system to connect one or more fluid inlets to one or more fluid outlets. It would be very convenient for plumbers to be able to place the reserve valves back-to-back in adjacent bathrooms in large projects like hotels and the like and to have the valves able to receive hot water from the same side and cold water from the same side.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reservation valve comprises a manifold/fluid mixing valve assembly. The fluid mixing valve may be, for example, a pressure balanced valve or a thermostatic valve. The fluid mixing valve may include an adjustable restrictor designed to limit the amount (e.g., percentage) of hot water allowed to flow through the valve. The fluid mixing valve may have an inlet dedicated to hot water and an inlet dedicated to cold water.

In one embodiment, the valve manifold includes first and second inlets and first and second outlets. The manifold inlet is in flow communication with the fluid mixing valve inlet via a manifold transition. In one embodiment, the manifold outlet comprises a passageway extending from the first outlet to the second outlet. In one embodiment, the manifold outlet passage may comprise a venturi. A venturi ("venturi") may have a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion has a larger cross-sectional area than the second portion. In some embodiments, the venturi first portion may have a substantially frustoconical shape. In some embodiments, the venturi second portion may have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape.

In some embodiments, the venturi first portion is disposed in the manifold second outlet. In certain embodiments, the venturi first portion may be permanently disposed in the manifold outlet. In some embodiments, the venturi first portion outer surface may form a seal with the manifold outlet inner surface. In one embodiment, the venturi may include an attachment element configured to permanently secure the venturi in the second manifold outlet. In one embodiment, the venturi may be permanently secured in the manifold outlet via one or more tab/notch elements. In a certain embodiment, the venturi may include one or more "locking tabs" on an outer surface of the first portion. Upon insertion of the venturi into the outlet passage, one or more locking tabs located on the exterior of the first portion of the venturi may be forced into the outlet passage and locked in a space or recess inside the manifold.

In certain embodiments, a check valve may be installed in the first manifold inlet and/or in the second manifold inlet. The check valve may prevent "cross talk" between the hot and cold water sources that may occur due to pressure differentials.

In some embodiments, the manifold is configured to be disposed in the reservation valve in a fixed position. The manifold attachment location may provide for the venturi first portion to be directed "downward" along the Y-axis. In some embodiments, the venturi first portion will be directed downwardly along the Y-axis toward the bathtub water supply line and the bathtub water outlet. In some embodiments, the venturi second portion will be directed "up" along the Y-axis to the shower water supply line leading to the shower head.

Thus, to place the two reservation valves back-to-back, the entire valve assembly may be rotated about the Y-axis to maintain the venturi position. To place the hot/cold water fluid mixing valve inlet in the correct position, the fluid mixing valve may be removed from the manifold, rotated approximately 180 degrees, and reinserted into the manifold. The back-to-back reservation valves can now receive hot water from the same side and cold water from the same side.

In certain embodiments, the fluid mixing valve is configured to be inserted into a manifold cavity. The manifold cavity may have a sidewall defining the cavity. The manifold sidewall and/or the fluid mixing valve may include certain features designed to provide reversible attachment of the manifold and the fluid mixing valve. For example, certain accessory features may include notch/tab elements, pin/slot elements, pin/hole elements, threaded elements, and the like. In a certain embodiment, the attachment feature includes a substantially U-shaped pin and slot element.

In some embodiments, the manifold may include one or more retainer features to hold the attachment elements in place after assembly to hold the manifold/fluid mixing valve assembly together. The retainer features may be one or more of notches, tabs, grooves, dimples, and the like. The manifold may include a plurality of retainer features.

In some embodiments, the exterior of the manifold may include one or more grooves configured to receive one or more gaskets. The gasket may be configured to form a seal with an interior chamber surface of the reservation valve. In a certain embodiment, the gasket may comprise annular portions connected via strut portions.

In certain embodiments, the valve manifold cavity may include a shape configured to couple to a shape of the fluid mixing valve so as to only allow the fluid mixing valve to be properly positioned at approximately 180 degree rotational intervals relative to the manifold.

In some embodiments, the valve manifold includes a transition in flow communication with the manifold inlet. The transition may be transverse to the manifold inlet and may be located towards the centre of the manifold. The transition portion is configured to be in flow communication with the fluid mixing valve inlet. The manifold includes an outlet in flow communication with the fluid mixing valve outlet via a manifold channel. The manifold channel may be located towards an outer portion of the manifold, for example towards the sidewall.

In some embodiments, a manifold including a venturi may be substantially symmetrical about a plane bisecting the outlet and the venturi.

In some embodiments, the length of the reservation valve from inlet to inlet is from any of about 100mm, about 105mm, about 110mm, about 120mm, or about 130mm to any of about 140mm, about 150mm, about 155mm, about 160mm, about 170mm, about 180mm, or more.

In some embodiments, the height of the reservation valve from outlet to outlet is from any of about 85mm, about 90mm, about 95mm, about 100mm, or about 105mm to any of about 110mm, about 115mm, about 120mm, about 125mm, about 130mm, about 135mm, or more.

Fig. 1 shows a valve manifold 100 according to one embodiment. Manifold inlet 101 and manifold outlet 102 are visible. The outlet and inlet comprise grooves 103 configured to receive gaskets configured to form a seal with the inner walls of the reserve valve chamber. The manifold includes a sidewall 104 defining a cavity configured to receive the fluid mixing valve. The upper portion of the manifold 100 includes a plurality of retainer features 110 (see fig. 3C) that hold the attachment elements in place.

Fig. 2A depicts an assembly 200 according to one embodiment, including a separate manifold 100 and venturi 201. The venturi includes a tapered first portion 202 and a rectangular second portion 203. The first portion 202 has a larger cross-sectional area than the second portion 203. The second portion 203 faces the second manifold outlet (not visible) and when inserted the venturi will extend from the second manifold outlet to the first manifold outlet 102. The locking tabs 204 may be found on the outer surface of the venturi first portion 202.

Fig. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an assembly 200 of the valve manifold 100 including a venturi 201, according to one embodiment. A venturi first portion 202 is disposed in the second manifold outlet 105. The venturi 201 extends from the second manifold outlet 105 towards the first manifold outlet 102. The venturi 201 may be permanently fixed in the manifold outlet 105. The manifold chamber 106, which is configured to receive the fluid mixing valve, is visible. Transition 107 is also visible, which is in flow communication with cavity 106 and the manifold inlet (not visible).

Fig. 3A shows an assembly 300 according to one embodiment, including a separate fluid mixing valve 301, attachment pin 302, and valve manifold/venturi assembly 200. The fluid mixing valve 301 is configured to be coupled to the manifold cavity 106 and removably fitted therein. Manifold transition 107 is visible, which is in flow communication with cavity 106 and manifold inlet 101 (not visible/opposite inlet 109). Manifold channel 108 is also visible, which is in flow communication with cavity 106, first manifold outlet 102, and second manifold outlet 105 (not visible/opposite to 102). The fluid mixing valve 301 includes a curved portion 303 and a flat portion 304 in its base that are configured to couple with corresponding curved and flat portions in the manifold chamber 106. The fluid mixing valve 301 is configured to be coupled to the manifold assembly 200 at approximately 180 degree rotational intervals. A groove 305 in the base of the fluid mixing valve 301 is configured to receive a substantially U-shaped pin 302. This is an example of a pin/slot attachment element.

Fig. 3B and 3C depict a fluid mixing valve/manifold assembly 300 including a fluid mixing valve 301 coupled to a manifold/venturi arrangement 200, according to an embodiment. Portions of the substantially U-shaped attachment pin 302 are visible, while other portions are visible in the "see-through" view. The fluid mixing valve outlet 306 is visible, which will be aligned with the manifold channel (not visible) and in flow communication with the manifold outlet 102. In this embodiment, the manifold 100 includes one or more slots 307 configured to allow insertion/removal of the pins 302. Manifold inlet 101 is visible, which will be opposite manifold inlet 109 (not visible). The retainer feature 110 is visible.

Fig. 4 shows a universal reservation valve 400 having a valve chamber 401 configured to receive a valve manifold according to one embodiment. The reserver valve 400 includes a first inlet 402 and a second inlet 403 configured to be in flow communication with a hot water source and a cold water source. The reservation valve 400 includes a first outlet 404 configured to be in flow communication with a first outlet line (e.g., a shower outlet line). The reservation valve 400 includes a second outlet 405 configured to be in flow communication with a second outlet line (e.g., a bathtub outlet line). The inlet passage 406 and the outlet passage 407 are visible.

Fig. 5 shows an assembly 500 comprising a valve manifold disposed in a reserve valve chamber (not visible) and a fluid mixing valve 301 disposed in the manifold cavity. Axis 501 is the Y-axis and axis 502 is the X-axis. Manifold outlet 102 (not visible) would be positioned "up" and manifold outlet 105 (not visible) would be directed "down". To place another assembled universal reservation valve 500 back-to-back with this assembly, the rotation of the assembly about the Y-axis 501 maintains the position of the manifold outlets 102 and 105 and the venturi disposed therein. To properly orient the fluid mixing valves to receive hot and cold water, the manifold/fluid mixing valve assembly 300 is removed from the reserve valve. The fluid mixing valve is removed from the manifold, rotated approximately 180 degrees, and placed back in the manifold and reassembled. The manifold/fluid mixing valve assembly 300 is then placed back into the reserve valve. The back-to-back reservation valve assembly may then receive hot water from the same side and cold water from the same side.

Fig. 6 shows an assembly 600 according to another embodiment comprising a separate fluid mixing valve 601, manifold 650 and venturi 201. The venturi 201 is positioned to enter the manifold second outlet 605. Check valve 606 is positioned for insertion into the manifold inlet. Gasket 604 is positioned to mate with groove 603 on the exterior of manifold 650 and is configured to form a seal with the interior wall of the reserve valve chamber. The fluid mixing valve 601 includes liquid valve inlets 610 and 611. The fluid mixing valve includes a notch 612 configured to couple to a tab located on the interior of the manifold.

For example, some reservation valves are disclosed in U.S. application No. PCT/US18/57014, published as WO2019083942a1, filed on 23/10/2018.

The following are some non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure.

In a first embodiment, a valve manifold for a universal reservation valve is disclosed, the manifold comprising: a first manifold inlet; a second manifold inlet; a first manifold outlet; a second manifold outlet; a cavity configured to receive a fluid mixing valve; a first transition in flow communication with the cavity and the first manifold inlet; a second transition in flow communication with the cavity and the second manifold inlet; a first channel in flow communication with the cavity and the first manifold outlet; a second channel in flow communication with the cavity and the second manifold outlet; wherein the manifold comprises a venturi comprising a first portion and a second portion; said venturi first portion having a larger cross-sectional area than said second portion; said venturi first portion is disposed in said second manifold outlet; and the venturi extends from the second manifold outlet towards the first manifold outlet; and wherein the manifold is configured to be removably disposed in the reserve valve chamber; and the manifold is configured to be removably coupled to the fluid mixing valve.

In a second embodiment, a valve manifold according to embodiment 1 is disclosed, wherein the first manifold outlet is a shower manifold outlet configured to be in flow communication with a shower head, and the second manifold outlet is a bathtub manifold outlet configured to be in flow communication with a bathtub outlet.

In a third embodiment, a valve manifold according to embodiment 1 or 2 is disclosed, wherein the venturi is permanently fixed in the second manifold outlet. In a fourth embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the venturi comprises an attachment element configured to permanently secure the venturi in the second manifold outlet.

In a fifth embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the first manifold inlet and/or the second manifold inlet comprises a check valve.

In a sixth embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the manifold is configured to be disposed in the reserve valve chamber in a fixed position.

In a seventh embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the first transition is transverse to the first manifold inlet and the second transition is transverse to the second manifold inlet.

In an eighth embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the manifold is configured to be removably coupled to the fluid mixing valve at about 180 degree rotational intervals of the fluid mixing valve relative to the manifold. In a ninth embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the manifold is configured to be detachably coupled to the fluid mixing valve via an attachment element.

In a tenth embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the manifold is configured to be detachably coupled to the fluid mixing valve via an attachment element, wherein the attachment element comprises one or more of a notch/tab element, a pin/slot element, a pin/hole element, or a threaded element. In an eleventh embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the manifold is configured to be detachably coupled to the fluid mixing valve via a pin/slot attachment element, wherein the pin is substantially U-shaped. In a twelfth embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the manifold is configured to be detachably coupled to the fluid mixing valve via an attachment element, and wherein the manifold comprises one or more retainer features configured to hold the attachment element in place.

In a thirteenth embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein a) the first manifold inlet and the first transition are configured to be in flow communication with a first fluid mixing valve inlet, and the second manifold inlet and the second transition are configured to be in flow communication with a second fluid mixing valve inlet; or b) the first manifold inlet and the first transition are configured to be in flow communication with the second fluid mixing valve inlet, and the second manifold inlet and the second transition are configured to be in flow communication with the first fluid mixing valve inlet; and wherein a) and b) are selected based on about 180 degree rotational spacing of the fluid mixing valve relative to the manifold.

In a fourteenth embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein a) the first manifold inlet and the first transition are configured to be in flow communication with a hot water source, and the second manifold inlet, the second transition are configured to be in flow communication with a cold water source; or b) the first manifold inlet and the first transition are configured to be in flow communication with a cold water source, and the second manifold inlet, the second transition are configured to be in flow communication with a hot water source; and wherein a) and b) are selected based on about 180 degree rotational spacing of the fluid mixing valve relative to the manifold.

In a fifteenth embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the manifold comprises a groove configured to receive a gasket configured to form a seal with an inner wall of the reserve valve chamber.

In a sixteenth embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein an outer surface of the venturi first portion forms a seal with an inner surface of the second manifold outlet.

In a seventeenth embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the manifold comprises an outlet passage extending from the first manifold outlet to the second manifold outlet.

In an eighteenth embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the manifold cavity comprises a sidewall defining the cavity. In a nineteenth embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the manifold cavity comprises a sidewall defining the cavity, and wherein the first channel and the second channel are at least partially defined by the sidewall.

In a twentieth embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the first and second transitions are located toward a center of the manifold and the first and second channels are located toward outer portions of the manifold.

In a twenty-first embodiment, a valve manifold according to any one of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the manifold is substantially symmetrical about a plane bisecting the venturi. In a twenty-second embodiment, a valve manifold according to any one of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the venturi first portion comprises a substantially frustoconical shape. In a twenty-third embodiment, a valve manifold according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the venturi second portion comprises a substantially rectangular cross-section.

The following is another set of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure.

In a first embodiment, a universal reservation valve is disclosed, comprising: a valve chamber configured to receive a valve manifold; a first valve inlet configured to be in flow communication with a first fluid supply; a second valve inlet configured to be in flow communication with a second fluid supply; a first valve outlet configured to be in flow communication with the valve chamber and a first outlet line; a second valve outlet configured to be in flow communication with the valve chamber and a second outlet line; and a valve manifold according to any one of the preceding embodiments 1 to 23, which is detachably provided in the valve chamber.

In a second embodiment, a universal reservation valve according to the first embodiment is disclosed that includes a fluid mixing valve removably coupled to the valve manifold. In a third embodiment, a universal reservation valve according to embodiment 1 or 2 is disclosed, wherein the fluid mixing valve is a pressure balanced valve or a thermostatic valve.

In a fourth embodiment, a universal reservation valve according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein a first manifold inlet is in flow communication with the first valve inlet; a second manifold inlet in flow communication with the second valve inlet; a first manifold outlet in flow communication with the first valve outlet; and a second manifold outlet is in flow communication with the second valve outlet.

In a fifth embodiment, a universal reservation valve according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the first valve outlet is a shower valve outlet configured to be in flow communication with a shower head and the second valve outlet is a bath valve outlet configured to be in flow communication with a bath outlet.

In a sixth embodiment, a universal reservation valve according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the valve manifold is configured to be removably disposed in the valve chamber in a fixed position.

In a seventh embodiment, a universal reservation valve according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein a) the first valve inlet is configured to be in flow communication with a first fluid mixing valve inlet and the second valve inlet is configured to be in flow communication with a second fluid mixing valve inlet; or b) the first valve inlet is configured to be in flow communication with the second fluid mixing valve inlet and the second valve inlet is configured to be in flow communication with the first fluid mixing valve inlet; and is

Wherein a) and b) are selected based on approximately 180 degree rotational spacing of the fluid mixing valve relative to the manifold and the reserve valve.

In an eighth embodiment, a universal reservation valve according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein a) the first valve inlet is configured to be in flow communication with a hot water source and the second valve inlet is configured to be in flow communication with a cold water source; or b) the first valve inlet is configured to be in flow communication with a cold water source and the second valve inlet is configured to be in flow communication with a hot water source; and wherein a) and b) are selected based on approximately 180 degree rotational spacing of the fluid mixing valve relative to the manifold and the reserve valve.

The following are more non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure.

In a first embodiment, a fluid mixing valve is disclosed, comprising: a mixing cylinder; a first fluid mixing valve inlet; a second fluid mixing valve inlet; a first fluid mixing valve outlet; and a second fluid mixing valve outlet; wherein the fluid mixing valve is configured to be removably coupled to the valve manifold according to any one of the first set of embodiments at about 180 degree rotational intervals of the fluid mixing valve relative to the manifold.

In a second embodiment, a fluid mixing valve according to embodiment 1 is disclosed, wherein a) the first fluid mixing valve outlet is configured to be in flow communication with a valve manifold first passage and the second fluid mixing valve outlet is configured to be in flow communication with a valve manifold second passage; or b) the first fluid mixing valve outlet is configured to be in flow communication with the valve manifold second passage and the second fluid mixing valve outlet is configured to be in flow communication with the valve manifold first passage; wherein a) and b) are selected based on about 180 degree rotational spacing of the fluid mixing valve relative to the manifold.

In a third embodiment, a fluid mixing valve according to embodiment 1 or 2 is disclosed, wherein the mixing valve is configured to be detachably coupled to the valve manifold via an attachment element.

In a fourth embodiment, a fluid mixing valve according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the mixing valve is configured to be detachably coupled to the valve manifold via a pin/slot attachment element, and wherein the mixing valve comprises one or more grooves configured to receive a pin of the pin/slot attachment element.

In a fifth embodiment, a fluid mixing valve according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the first fluid mixing valve inlet is configured to receive hot water and the second fluid mixing valve is configured to receive cold water. In a sixth embodiment, a fluid mixing valve according to any of the preceding embodiments is disclosed, wherein the fluid mixing valve comprises a restrictor configured to determine a maximum percentage of hot water allowed to flow through the mixing barrel.

The term "coupled" means that one element is "attached to" or "associated with" another element. "coupled" may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more other elements. An element may be coupled to an element by two or more other elements, in a sequential or non-sequential manner. The term "via" with respect to "via an element" may mean "through" the element or "by" the element. Coupled or "associated with" may also mean that elements are not directly or indirectly attached, but are "joined" together in that one may function with the other.

The term "in flow communication" means, for example, configured for a liquid or gas to flow therethrough. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" indicate the direction of gas or fluid flow, i.e. the gas or fluid will flow from upstream to downstream.

The term "towards" with respect to an attachment point may mean exactly at that location or point, or alternatively may mean closer to that point than to a different point, e.g., "towards the center" means closer to the center than to the edge. The term "like" means similar and not necessarily identical. For example, "annular" means substantially shaped like a ring, but not necessarily a perfect circle.

The articles "a" and "an" herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g., to at least one) of the grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term "about" is used throughout to describe and account for small fluctuations. For example, "about" may mean that the numerical values may be modified by 0.05%, ± 0.1%, ± 0.2%, ± 0.3%, ± 0.4%, ± 0.5%, ± 1%, ± 2%, ± 3%, ± 4%, ± 5%, ± 6%, ± 7%, ± 8%, ± 9%, ± 10% or more. All numerical values are modified by the term "about," whether or not explicitly indicated. A numerical value modified by the term "about" includes the particular stated value. For example, "about 5.0" includes 5.0.

The term "substantially" is similar to "about" in that defined terms may differ by, for example, ± 0.05%, ± 0.1%, ± 0.2%, ± 0.3%, ± 0.4%, ± 0.5%, ± 1%, ± 2%, ± 3%, ± 4%, ± 5%, ± 6%, ± 7%, ± 8%, ± 9%, ± 10% or more of the definitions; for example, the term "substantially perpendicular" may mean 90 °, and a perpendicular angle may mean "about 90 °. The term "substantially" may be equivalent to "substantially".

Embodiments of the present disclosure include any and all parts and/or portions of the embodiments, claims, descriptions and figures. Embodiments of the present disclosure also include any and all combinations and/or subcombinations of embodiments.

All U.S. patent applications, published patent applications and patents referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference.