초록 ▼

A timer for monitoring the use of hot water in the home to conserve energy is shown. The entire timer apparatus is enclosed inside the hot water control knob so that when the control knob is rotated to turn ON the hot water, the timer is activated. After predetermined time intervals, various visual

A timer for monitoring the use of hot water in the home to conserve energy is shown. The entire timer apparatus is enclosed inside the hot water control knob so that when the control knob is rotated to turn ON the hot water, the timer is activated. After predetermined time intervals, various visual and audio alarms are given, the alarms thus encouraging the conservation of energy by using less hot water. Also, the timer monitors the number of times the hot water has been used during a given period of time, such as a month or year. The timer, in addition to its primary energy saving function, is ideally suited for use as the hot water control knob of a bathroom shower.

대표청구항 ▼

A control knob for connection to a shank that rotates to operate a hot water valve, said control knob comprising: housing means; means for removably connecting said housing means to said shank; tilt operable switch means inside said housing means, said switch means being actuated in response to rota

A control knob for connection to a shank that rotates to operate a hot water valve, said control knob comprising: housing means; means for removably connecting said housing means to said shank; tilt operable switch means inside said housing means, said switch means being actuated in response to rotation of said shank by said control knob; a source of power connected to said switch means; control circuitry inside said housing operable by said switch means and said source of power; warning means in said control knob and connected to said control circuitry; timing means in said control circuitry so that upon said control knob rotating said shank to turn ON said hot water valve said switch means is actuated to give a signal to said control circuitry which starts said timing means, said timing means having predetermined time intervals for operating said warning means after receipt of said signal to indicate to an individual passage of said predetermined time intervals until said hot water valve is closed thereby deactivating said switch means.