US 11,984,768 B2
Hydroelectric generator for faucet and flush valve
Chadwick Williams, Milwaukee, WI (US); Jack Salay, Milwaukee, WI (US); Cesar Leon, Milwaukee, WI (US); Matt Gjertson, Milwaukee, WI (US); Dan Danowski, Milwaukee, WI (US); Glen Trickle, Milwaukee, WI (US); Karthik Sundaramoorthy, Milwaukee, WI (US); Keith Mercer, Milwaukee, WI (US); Long Le, Milwaukee, WI (US); Jon Huddle, Milwaukee, WI (US); Robert Weaver, Milwaukee, WI (US); Robert Saadi, Milwaukee, WI (US); Vipresh Jain, Milwaukee, WI (US); Keith Boucher, Milwaukee, WI (US); and Brandon Feil, Milwaukee, WI (US)
Assigned to ZURN WATER, LLC, Milwaukee, WI (US)
Filed by Zurn Industries, LLC, Milwaukee, WI (US)
Filed on Apr. 19, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/234,588.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/011,915, filed on Apr. 17, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2021/0324828 A1, Oct. 21, 2021
Int. Cl. H02K 11/00 (2016.01); E03C 1/04 (2006.01); E03C 1/05 (2006.01); E03D 1/30 (2006.01)
CPC H02K 11/0094 (2013.01) [E03C 1/057 (2013.01); E03C 1/04 (2013.01); E03D 1/30 (2013.01); Y10T 137/9464 (2015.04)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A plumbing system for generating electrical energy, the plumbing system comprising:
a hydroelectric generator assembly configured to generate electrical energy; a power source arranged in a parallel circuit with the hydroelectric generator assembly;
an interconnecting power harness in communication with the hydroelectric generator assembly and the power source, the interconnecting power harness including at least one diode that allows current to flow into the interconnecting power harness and prevents current from flowing out of the interconnecting power harness; and
a plumbing fixture in communication with the interconnecting power harness, wherein the plumbing fixture includes a valve and a sensor configured to detect the presence of a user;
wherein the hydroelectric generator assembly is configured to provide power to the valve.