Abstract:
The present invention is a system that recycles shower water to promote water conservation. The system comprises a plurality water valves for opening and closing water lines, sensors for temperature and presence of soap/shampoo/conditioner in the water, a heater, a filter means, and a control center. This system has the capability to monitor when the water is clean and then channels water to be recycled and supplemented with heating, filtering, and a percentage of fresh hot and cold (ambient) water. The control center continuously monitors the water for cleanliness or contaminated with soap products and can switch between a recycle mode and a non-recycle mode. The temperature sensor monitors the recycle water temperature and activates a heater to increase the temperature if needed.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This apparatus relates to a water-recycling shower or bath and more particularly relates to a shower apparatus for the recirculation of water in homes, commercial facilities, exercise facilities and the like to effect a conservation of water wherein water, once used in the showering process, is recycled during a portion of the showering process in place of fresh water in order to effect a conservation of water which structure is especially useful under conditions of limited availability of water. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In many parts of the United States and other countries throughout the world, there are either persistent or periodic draught conditions which may last for one or more years. As a result, water becomes a precious commodity. Various governmental institutions, as a matter of necessity, impose restrictions on the quantity of water which may be used. These restrictions generally apply to commercial institutions such as hotels and industrial users, as well as to private users. 
         [0003]    Coupled with the problem of rationing is the fact that many municipalities have restrictions on the use of waste water or gray water and also have restrictions on the use of underground water sources since these sources may potentially be contaminated. As a result of these restrictions, and the rationing of water, one of the principal uses to which water conservation is directed is shower wash water. 
         [0004]    Governmental regulation, all homes in certain municipalities must be outfitted with flow-restricting shower nozzles which materially reduce the water flow rate and hence, the reduction in the quantity of water which issues from a shower head. 
         [0005]    One way to conserve water is to instruct individuals to use shower water only for purposes of rinsing off soap lather, and to cease all water flow during lathering and the like. 
         [0006]    The problem of water rationing is particularly pronounced in countries which do not have a large available source of fresh water. Many countries have resorted to the use of desalination plants for purposes of producing fresh water from sea water. However, with the present-day technology, the cost of desalinized water is quite substantial and while there may not be a supply restriction, the cost of the water is quite substantial and therefore, there is an effective economic restriction on the amount of water which can be used in any activity. 
         [0007]    Many people are accustomed to and particularly enjoy long showers with an abundance of available hot water. Not only does the flow restricting head reduce the amount of water delivered, but since the flow restrictor literally serves as a restriction in the line, water issues at a substantial pressure. As a result, there is not a soft water flow, but rather a high pressure stream of water which does not produce a pleasing sensation when striking upon a person&#39;s body in any significant quantity which users may desire. 
         [0008]    In many societies of the world, bathing is often a tradition or a ritual. Thus, even if sources of fresh water are readily available, there is still a cost associated with purification and delivery of water from a public source to private facilities. Thus, water conservation still has substantial cost benefits. Further, the bathing is oftentimes not only a traditional ritual, but does provide many aesthetic benefits, as well as therapeutic benefits. Thus, water recycling has a significant advantage in essentially all societies. 
         [0009]    When one replaces a government issued or government approved flow-restricting shower head with another high-flow rate conventional shower head, that person risks potential civil penalties, not to mention the substantial cost for exceeding a rationed limit of water. Hotels and similar institutions have a particularly pronounced problem in that there is no effective control on the quantity of shower water used by a temporary occupant. Nevertheless, hotels and similar institutions are almost always subjected to rationing of water on the same basis as the private population. Consequently, these institutions have a particular need for some mechanism to control the amount of water used or otherwise to provide a water-conserving shower bath system. 
         [0010]    In view of the foregoing, there is clearly a need of water rationing in those regions where only a limited amount of fresh water may be available, particularly in vehicles such as boats, planes, trains, submarines, space stations, recreational vehicles, mobile homes and the like. These vehicles in particular are uniquely limited in their ability to provide extended shower capacity, due to the finite capacity of water on board the vehicle, or otherwise the ability of the vehicle to create fresh water. Thus, a water recycling system in this type of environment would be particularly effective. 
         [0011]    Showers, bathtubs, and sinks are often equipped with single water outlets which blend hot and cold water. However, in arriving at the water blend of the desired temperature, often a substantial quantity of water flows out of the water outlet and down the drain. The water that flows down the drain is wasteful in a number of ways and clean water is wasted. 
         [0012]    The present invention obviates these and other problems in the provision of a water recycling apparatus and method which is highly effective for use in showers and which maintains both energy and water conservation, while greatly improving performance, capacity and satisfaction. 
         [0013]    Water conservation is becoming a major issue for many cities and a apparatus for monitoring water usage at a specific residential or corporate site could be useful in supporting water conservation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention is a system that recycles shower or bath water to promote water conservation. The system comprises a plurality water valves for opening and closing water lines, sensors for temperature and presence of soap/shampoo/detergent/conditioner in the water, a heater, a filter means, and a control center. This system has the capability to monitor when the water is clean and then channels water to be recycled and supplemented with heating, filtering, and a percentage of fresh hot and cold (ambient) water. The control center continuously monitors the water for cleanliness or contaminated with soap products and can switch between a recycle mode and a non-recycle mode. The temperature sensor monitors the recycle water temperature and activates a heater to increase the temperature if needed. The contamination sensor monitors for the presence of soap/shampoo/detergent/conditioners and is electronically coupled to one or more diverter valves for computer controlled division of contaminated water and relatively fresh water. The control center is programmable to provide various temperature settings. The control center can also have a LED/LCD/OLED or similar type display that provides shower duration, current time, set temperature, etc. When the shower is first turned on, the system can optional enter into a partial recycle mode or cycle saving water while the water temperature attains the desire comfort level Either prior to starting a shower, or after the shower is complete, or both, the control center activates a sterilization mode which ensures that the shower plumbing is free from bacterial and waste contaminants. This sterilization mode or cycle can be programmed with the control center to set the duration, include the cycle during initial shower warm up period. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a standard shower have shower head penetrating the shower wall, a water control valve, a drain and a typical P Trap and sewer line. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a first embodiment with the present invention apparatus in fluid communication with the standard plumbing pipe. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a second embodiment with the present invention apparatus in fluid communication with a recycled drain and associated plumbing pipe. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is an electrical schematic contained within control center having the main power supply, CPU or microprocessor/microcontroller, an analog or digital display means, a clock circuit, one or more temperature sensors and one or more flow sensors for the first embodiment with a single drain system. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is an electrical schematic contained within control center having the main power supply, CPU or microprocessor/microcontroller, an analog or digital display means, a clock circuit, one or more temperature sensors and one or more flow sensors for the second embodiment with a multiple drain system. 
       
    
    
       [0020]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    Referring now to the drawings and particularly to  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical shower enclosed in housing consisting of two to four walls  22  with a floor  24 . Generally, at the lowest point and usual near the center or one edge is the drain  16  that is connection to a P tray  18  that connects to the sewer line  20 . A water control valve  14 , generally has a hot and cold (ambient) water supply lines in fluid connection and the valve  14  controls the water pressure and the ratio of hot and cold water to the shower. A general shower head  12  exits the wall where the control valve  14  is located. When one begins the shower, generally the control valve  14  is turn on and wasted water is allowed to flow down the drain  16 , through the P trap  18 , and down the sewer  20 , until the water attains the desired temperature ranging in 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit. The duration of the shower is dependent on initial rinsing, body soap application, hair shampoo/conditioner application, various soap rinsing cycles and special occasions such as coloring hair. The entire period the water is on every milliliter goes down the drain and is wasted. A relaxing and long duration can provide traditional therapeutic benefits and general pleasurable feelings but this practice wastes precious water resources. 
         [0022]    Now referring to  FIG. 2  which shows a perspective view of a first embodiment  40  with the present invention apparatus in fluid communication with the standard plumbing pipe. The present shower recycle system is in fluid connection with the original shower drain  74 , P trap  72  and sewer line. The water plumbing pipes can be typical metallic piping materials such as brass, brass alloys, steel, galvanized steel, copper, copper allows or any combination thereof. The water plumbing pipes can be a number of polymeric materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polybutylene, acryaontirile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), rubber modified styrene, polypropylene, polyacetal, polyethylene, or nylon. 
         [0023]    On the bottom of the shower is a drain system  74  that includes a first diverter valve  54  and a contamination sensor  68  are positioned in close proximity to the drain  74 . The contamination sensor  68  is in wired or wireless electrical communication with the control center  56 . The contamination sensor  68  can consist of a turbidity type sensor, a total dissolved solids (TDS) sensor or an ultrasonic sensor or any other technology that can determine the presence of soap/shampoo/detergent/conditioner or hair color in the waste water entering the drain system  74 . Turbidity sensors measure suspended solids in water, typically by measuring the amount of light transmitted through the water. Turbidity sensors are commercial available from numerous companies. The TDS sensor is basically a conductivity meter and the meter measure the water&#39;s conductivity and the TDS is calculated by a fixed mathematical formula in the sensor/control center. TDS sensors are commercial available from numerous companies. Ultrasonic sensors use for fluid identification and contamination utilize time of flight (TOF) measurement techniques to monitor material purity/contamination levels and to differentiate materials non-invasively. Ultrasonic TOF sensors are commercial available from companies such as Texas Instruments (TDC1000-C200 EVM with test cell). 
         [0024]    When the contamination sensor  68  detects a specified level of determine the presence of soap/shampoo/detergent/conditioner or hair color in the waste water entering the drain system  74 , it sends a corresponding electrical signal to the command center that determines if the first diverter valve  54  will direct the water down the sewer side (when soap/shampoo/detergent/conditioner or hair color is detected) and alternately direct the clean waste water (when soap/shampoo/detergent/conditioner or hair color is absent) to the recycle plumbing and filter section. By diverting water with relatively large concentration of soap/shampoo/detergent/conditioner or hair color into sewer side functions to minimize the load and demands on the filter assembly. 
         [0025]    Also shown near the shower head  42  is a temperature sensor  49  and a flow sensor  51 . In general, a sensor is a type of transducer. A direct type indicating sensor, for example, a mercury thermometer, is human readable but not practical in real time use conditions. Other analog or digital sensors paired with an indicator or display, for instance, thermocouple sensor, are better suited for the requirements of the present invention. Most sensors are electrical or electronic, although other types exist. Technological progress allows for more and more to be manufactured on the microscopic scale as micro-sensors using MEMS technology. In most cases a micro-sensor reaches a significantly higher speed and sensitivity compared with macroscopic approaches. The temperature sensor technology is well known and can be consist of a thermocouple, thermistor, thermometers, bi-metal thermometers and thermostats, heat sensors such as bolometers and calorimeter, microchip temperature sensors, or any similar technology. The flow sensor technology is well known and can consists of an paddle, turbine or impeller type, or ball effect sensor, a pressure sensor, or a non-invasive technology such as ultrasonic (Doppler or time transit), magnetic and laser Doppler water flow sensors. 
         [0026]    Exiting the first diverter valve  54  is a water pump  66  which is in fluid communication with a water heater  62  and in electrical communication (wired or wireless) with the control center  56 . When the first diverter valve directs the clean waste water to the recycle plumbing side the control center  56  energizes the water pump  66 . A pressure valve or sensor (not shown) may be utilized to monitor the water pressures on the recycles side to pulsate or control the water pump  66  to attain a desired water pressure in the recycle plumbing. The pressure valve or sensor may be incorporated into the water pump  66  or exist independent of the water pump  66  in the downstream plumbing. The pressure valve or sensor will also be in wired or wireless communication with the control center  56 . The water heater  62  is also in electrical communication (wired or wireless) with the control center  56 . Fresh hot  58  and cold (ambient)  60  water enters and is in fluid communication with the control valve  53 . The temperature sensor  49  will electronically communicate, wired or wirelessly with the control center  56  to control the heater to attain a desire temperature. A heated supply line  52  exits the water beater  62  and enters a filter assembly  50 . 
         [0027]    The filter assembly  50  can have a number of treatment components and each treatment component (or treatment layer) can be either be individually or collectively removed for cleaning or removal and replacement. For example, a first treatment section can include a filter apparatus to remove hair, skin cells and relatively large particles and impurities from the recycled water. Any type of diatomaceous earth, sand, or cartridge or filter paper/screen may be used herein and includes felt filter papers, nylon filter paper, membrane filters, and other filter technology known to the skilled artisan. Some pieces of filter may be thicker or thinner, depending upon the flow rate required to achieve sufficient flow characteristics of the present invention. An optional second treatment section can be a halogen removal and pH neutralization section. The second optional treatment can have first layer of activated carbon layer that is designed to remove any soap or detergent, organic impurities and chemicals, and chloromethane which is a source or unpleasant odor in water. Activated carbon is a commercially available product from numerous companies. An optional second layer can include a layer of silver impregnated with activated carbon (silver carbon). The silver carbon primarily serves to remove chlorine and other halogens from water passing through the filter assembly  50 . In additional, the silver blocks the growth of bacteria within an optional activated carbon layer and can be installed before and after the optional activated carbon layer. If bacteria were to grow in the activated carbon layer, the filter apparatus  50  would function inefficiently. Silver carbon is a well-known and commercially available product that can be purchased by numerous companies. After the optional activation carbon and/or silver carbon layers a second filter paper could be disposed which aids in filters out any silver or carbon particulates which become entrained in the water. These layers also filter out any remaining chlorine or halogens in the water. After the optional layers of activated carbon and silver carbon is disposed, another optional filter that serves further to distribute to filter out any impurities that may have passed through the previous filter papers. Below this additional optional filter is an optional filter layer of redox alloy. Redox alloy is a well-known and commercially available product. The redox alloy will function to kill any microbiological contaminants (bacteria, viruses and organic materials in the water. Additional layers or 
         [0028]    Disposed below the first treatment section, is an optional second treatment section. The second treatment section optionally starts with a filter that serves to further filter out any impurities that may have passed through the previous filter. After the filter is an optional layer of iodine particles or resin. The iodine particles or resin, which may be of the trivalent, pentavalent, or septivalent variety or a combination of these, serves to kill microbiological contaminants in the water, such as viruses and bacteria. Iodine particles or resin with an odd valence are used because the intramolecular bonds of the bacteria and viruses are weaker than those of iodine molecules, and the weaker bonds will allow the iodine to attack microorganisms more quickly. Odd-valence iodine is a well-known and commercially available product. This section of the filter can include a hybrid of odd-valence and even-valence iodine may also be used. After the layer of iodine particles or resin is disposed an optional remaining filter. The remaining filter paper serves further to filter out any impurities that may have passed through the previous filter. An optional ion-exchange treatment can be included within the filter assembly  50  to further treat the water removing metallic compounds. 
         [0029]    From the filter assembly  50  is the water output line  44  which supplies water at a comfortable temperature to shower head  42 . It is anticipated by the Applicants that the different treatments of the filter can be used at different times. For example, the halogen removal and pH neutralization section can be used when the sterilization components or agents are used. Also, certain filter stages can by bypassed when the monitored water is relatively clean and a large recycle flow is necessary. The Applicant understands that it will be necessary to replace the used filter assembly  50  with an new filter assembly  50  or that methods will be used to clean the filter assembly  50 . An opening door or other means will be available to access the one or more of the filter assemblies for the removal/replacement or cleaning process. 
         [0030]    The filter assembly  50  is required to have a high flow rate to properly function with the system and it is generally used to remove non-soluble particulates, such as hair, skin cells, etc. One or multiple filter and sterilization technology can be utilized with the present invention. Water output line  44  supplies water at a comfortable temperature to shower head  42 . 
         [0031]    A water supply line  48  leaves the filter assembly  50  and connects to a controllable and adjustable three-way valve  46 . Also in fluid communication with this supply line  48  is a temperature sensor  49  and an optional flow sensor  51 . The temperature sensor  49  and the optional flow sensor  51  are in electronic communication, either wired or wireless, the command center  56 . Also in fluid communication with this supply line  48  is a sterilization or bio-resistance method storage tank  45  with activation valve  47 . The sterilization, disinfection or bio-resistance method storage tank can contain compounds or combinations of chlorine, bromine, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, use UV and ultra UV lighting, steam or very hot water, hydrogen generation from irradiated semiconductor-liquid interfaces or the water can have a salinity that allows chlorine electrical generation. It is anticipated by the Applicants that other forms or sterilization, disinfection or bio-resistance methods could be used such other methods such as high and extreme heating condition either directly (heaters) or indirectly applied by liquid or gaseous (steam), ultraviolet light techniques and other known sterilization or bio-resistance methods. This storage tank  45  is utilized to supply certain components to the filter assembly  50  and/or used to provide the final cleaning step whereby after the shower, the control center initiates one or more steps that automatically runs a cycle with the sole purpose of cleaning and sterilization the system. It is anticipated by the Applicants that the drain system  74  prior to the “P” trap  72  can be filed with a sterilization solution and allowed to remain for a period of time by closing the first valve  50 . The temperature sensor  49 , the flow sensor  51 , the first diverter valve  54 , a controllable and adjustable three-way valve  46 , the pump  66 , the heater  62  and the activation valve  47  are in electrical communication with the control center  56 . The three-way valve  46  connects the original water supply lines  58 ,  60 , the recycled water supply line  48 , and the output water supply line  44 . The second valve  46  can have the capability to bleed partial hot  58  and cold water  60  with recycled water  48  as controlled by the control center  56 . Also shown is the standard control valve  53 . 
         [0032]    The control center  56  is programmable to provide various temperature settings flow rates and timing parameters. The material for fabricating the control center housing  56  is not particularly important except has waterproofing and be of sufficient size and weight to contain the electrical and power components housing. The size of the display means will generally determine the size of the housing but it does not have to be substantially rectangular as shown, any number of geometric configurations could be used in the present invention. The control center  56  has a display, monitoring and control functionality and includes characteristics other than displaying and monitoring time, temperature and water flow (e.g., passwords, language, alarms, acoustic loudness, display brightness, sensor calibration, etc.) for any of a variety of different water conservation systems. The electronic display of the control center  56  may dynamically display a digital numerical value representative of the identified parameter values. 
         [0033]    The control center  56  can have adaptable remote display, monitor and/or control apparatus with a touch-screen display in a round, square, rectangle or other configuration utilizing LED, LCD, OMLED or other display technology and including a housing that cooperates with the valves, pumps, heaters, sterilization tanks with one or more microprocessors/microcontrollers, housing, and rear surface attachment means designed to communicate by wired or wireless technology to a remotely located valves, pumps, heaters, sterilization tanks water and may include flow sensor, temperature sensor and timing circuit attached to or in close proximity to a water supply. 
         [0034]    The optional display (not shown) utilizes one or more illuminating technologies, such as LCD, LED OLED, gas plasma, fluorescence, incandescent, halogen, halide, or other lighting technologies but must able to provide sufficient lighting for observing the data in shower conditions. The display means mounted in the control center housing  56  must be able to sustain capability in moist wet conditions. The present invention can include one or more than one display parameter. For example, a unit with only the temperature display can be manufactured to reduce overall costs. Furthermore, the orientation of the parameters resented can be changed, for example, the flow parameter can be on top with the time parameter on the bottom and with the temperature parameter sandwiched between. The displays can have a background light that is used for various purposes, for example, for providing better lighting conditions or changing color e.g. from green to red, to display an alarming condition. Displaying of all water parameters can utilize a gang multiple LCD, LED, gas plasma, fluorescence, incandescent, halogen, halide, or other lighting technologies separate displays, custom displays, graphic displays or a single line display which sufficient digits that sequences the presentation of the water parameters  42 ,  44 , and  46  one at a time with a specific delay and sequencing. An example of a LCD unit that can be used with the present invention is the color graphic 128×128 LCD-00569 marketed by Sparkfun Electronics in Boulder, Colo. It is anticipated by the Applicants that there are other variants and other LCD, LED, gas plasma, fluorescence, incandescent, halogen, halide, or other lighting technologies that can be utilized with the present invention. 
         [0035]    It is anticipated by the Applicant the present invention can be fabricated and marketed with one, two or more display means. For example, a lower cost display assembly can be fabricated and sold that only has a temperature sensor and temperature display means. A more expensive display assembly can be fabricated and sold that has temperature, flow, timing and other sensors with various programmed methods and a shut off mechanism. 
         [0036]    One or more ergonomically placed buttons or activators can be incorporated into the control center  56  housing to allow the modification of certain parameter units (e.g. metric to US), set alarm conditions (e.g. temperature over-set point), or to program certain settings, e.g. total shower time before shutdown or alarm, monitor continuous leakage (valve not complete shut off). The buttons will electrically communicate with the electronic circuit board contained with the housing and respond to programmed instructions integrated within the CPU or microprocessor and associated circuitry of the electronic circuit board. The buttons or activators (not shown) should be mounted with the display means housing with the capability to protect the buttons and electronic circuitry with the housing for exposure to moist and wet conditions. 
         [0037]    A visual alarm can be incorporated into the present invention whereby a preset alarm or programmed alarm, changes the screen display, for example, blinking a parameter, or changing the color of a parameter (green to red). A preset alarm might include visual reference, for example, if the system is in the standard mode or in the recycle mode, or for example, an in-operative condition, broken sensor, low power source and some default limits. The visual alarm can also be used to indicate the sterilization, disinfection or bio-resistance method is on. 
         [0038]    In addition, an auditory alarm can be incorporated into the present invention whereby a preset alarm or programmed alarm, changes the screen display, for example, using sound or pulsing a specific noise, or changing the color of a parameter. For example, the temperature display can change from green to red when a preset temperature is crossed. A preset alarm might include visual reference if the system is in the standard mode or the recycle mode, or for example, an in-operative condition, broken sensor, low power source and some default limits. The auditory alarm can also be used to indicate the sterilization, disinfection or bio-resistance method is on. 
         [0039]    The control center  56  may include a housing designed to be mounted on various surfaces such as glass surface, a wall surface, a mirror surface, wood beam, a metal surface, a plastic surface, a ceramic surface, a tile surface, a panel surface, a wall paper surface. The housing can be fabricated from a metallic material such as brass, brass alloys, steel, galvanized steel, copper, copper allows or any combination thereof. The housing can be fabricated from a number of polymeric materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polybutylene, acryaontirile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), rubber modified styrene, polypropylene, polyacetal, polyethylene, or nylon. The base material can be painted white or colored finishes or coated with various brass, silver and gold type materials to an appealing finish. It is anticipated by the Applicants that an adhesive connection frame will be the more permanently mounted whereby the housing be designed to engaged this connection frame. 
         [0040]    It is to be appreciated that while one or more embodiments is detailed herein are designed for use within a residential home, such as a single-family house, the scope of the present teachings is not so limited, the present teachings being likewise applicable, without limitation, to duplexes, townhomes, multi-unit apartment buildings, hotels, retail stores, office buildings, industrial buildings, and more generally any living space or work space having one or more water conservation systems. It is to be further appreciated that while the terms user, customer, installer, homeowner, occupant, guest, tenant, landlord, repair person, and the like may be used to refer to the person or persons who interacting with the present invention apparatus in the context of some particularly advantageous situations described herein, these references are by no means to be considered as limiting the scope of the present teachings with respect to the person or persons who are performing such actions. Thus, for example, the terms user, customer, purchaser, installer, subscriber, and homeowner may often refer to the same person in the case of a single-family residential dwelling, because the head of the household is often the person who makes the purchasing decision, buys the unit, and installs and configures the unit, However, in other scenarios, such as a landlord-tenant environment, the customer may be the landlord with respect to purchasing the unit, the installer may be a local apartment supervisor, a first user may be the tenant, and a second user may again be the landlord with respect to remote control functionality. 
         [0041]    The control center  56  can be programmed to display one or more parameters in a visual means that can be either an analog, character or digital display, or combination of display means. Information obtained from the appropriate sensor monitoring or measuring the water parameters such as temperature, shower time (water on), and flow rate can be displayed in an appropriate format on the display means. For example, when a sensor is monitoring the shower temperature of water flowing through the shower head, the display means could show any temperature between 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius), and within a reasonable range of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10.0 degrees Celsius) and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65.5 degrees Celsius). For example, when a sensor is monitoring or measuring the rate of water flowing from a water source or through the shower head, the display means could show any flow between 0 gal/min (0 liters/hr) and 100 gal/min, within a reasonable range of 0.2 gal/min (liter/min) to 20 gal/min (liters/min). In additional, when a sensor is monitoring or measuring the rate of water flowing from a water source or through the shower head, the display means could show the total volume of water that has been used, e.g. 23 gallons. Furthermore, the display can be programmed to display calendar information, such as the date and current time (12 hr. or 24 hr. format). 
         [0042]    The mode of operation focuses around the control center  56 . The control center  56  includes a CPU, microprocessor or microcontroller with software instructions and associated circuitry mounted on one or more electronic circuit boards to communicate and/or control the display means, communicate with the sensors, pumps, beaters and control valves and perform the operations defined herein. The electronic communication between the control center  56  and the various sensors, pumps, valves and pumps can be hard wired or utilize wireless technology. Kinds of wireless protocols to be used with the present invention include WiFi, Bluetooth and Zigbee and other protocols are possible. For example, there is the ISM (industrial, scientific and medical) bands. The ISM bands are defined by the ITU-R in 5.138, 5.150, and 5.280 of the Radio Regulations. Individual countries&#39; use of the bands designated in these sections may differ due to variations in national radio regulations. Because communication devices using the ISM bands must tolerate any interference from ISM equipment, these bands are typically given over to uses intended for unlicensed operation, since unlicensed operation typically needs to be tolerant of interference from other devices anyway. In the United States of America, ISM uses of the ISM bands are governed by Part 18 of the FCC rules, while Part 15 Subpart B contains the rules for unlicensed communication devices, even those that use the ISM frequencies. Part 18 ISM rules prohibit using ISM for communications. 
         [0043]    The ISM bands defined by the ITU-R are: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Center  
                   
               
               
                 Frequency range [Hz]  
                 frequency [Hz] 
                 Availability 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 6.765-6.795  
                 MHz 
                  6.780 MHz 
                 Subject to local acceptance 
               
               
                 13.553-13.567  
                 MHz 
                 13.560 MHz 
                   
               
               
                 26.957-27.283  
                 MHz 
                 27.120 MHz 
                   
               
               
                 40.66-40.70  
                 MHz 
                  40.68 MHz 
                   
               
               
                 433.05-434.79  
                 MHz 
                 433.92 MHz 
                 Region 1 only 
               
               
                 902-928  
                 MHz 
                   915 MHz 
                 Region 2 only 
               
               
                 2.400-2.500  
                 GHz 
                  2.450 GHz 
                   
               
               
                 5.725-5.875  
                 GHz 
                  5.800 GHz 
                   
               
               
                 24-24.25  
                 GHz 
                 24.125 GHz 
                   
               
               
                 61-61.5  
                 GHz 
                  61.25 GHz 
                 Subject to local acceptance 
               
               
                 122-123  
                 GHz 
                  122.5 GHz 
                 Subject to local acceptance 
               
               
                 244-246  
                 GHz 
                   245 GHz 
                 Subject to local acceptance 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0044]    While currently the 430 MHz and 900 MHz frequencies, WiFi, Bluetooth and Zigbee are commonly used in the US, it is anticipated by the Applicants that the other frequencies could be used for water parameter transfers. 
         [0045]    Another protocol known as CAN or CAN-bus (ISO 11898-1) that was originally designed for automotive applications, but now moving into industrial applications is another type of network that could be used to transfer water parameter data. Devices that are connected by a CAN network are typically sensors, actuators and control devices. A CAN message never reaches these devices directly, but instead a host-processor and a CAN Controller is needed between these devices and the bus. 
         [0046]    The CPU or microprocessor and associated circuitry mounted on an electronic circuit board has programmed instruction for controlling the operations of monitoring sensor, operating control valves and performing sterilization operations. The control center  56  senses that the water is turned on (by monitoring one the soap sensor  49  and/or flow sensor  51  and if programmed accordingly, performs a number of operations. First, to conserve water, the control center  46  regulates the first valve  54  and pump  66  to recycle a portion of the water. Second, an initial optional sterilization cycle or mode can be activated which, by way of controlling second activation valve  46 , can bleed the sterilization components which can be controllably released into the water (or turn on UV lights to expose portions of the piping) to create a sterilization solution that encounters the drain and association plumbing to minimize contamination that can be introduced during the recycle mode or cycle. Once the water attains the desired temperature programmed in the control center  46 , a full recycle mode or cycle is activated and the activation valve  46  is closed. An alarm, visual or auditory, in the control center  46  can signal when the desired temperature is attained. 
         [0047]    During the full recycle mode or cycle, the control center  56  is continuously monitoring the soap/detergent/shampoo/conditioner sensor  68  and adjusting first diverter valve  54  and water pressure pump  66  as necessary. When soap/shampoo/detergent/conditioner is sensed by the sensor  68  that is overloading the designed filter apparatus  50  or be too much volume or concentration, the first diverter valve  54  is closed and all the contaminate water flows freely down the original drain  74 , P trap  72  and sewer line. The control center  56  can be simultaneously monitoring the water temperature with the temperature sensor  49 , and the flow sensor  51  and display the temperature and flow rate on a LED, LCD, OLED or similar display apparatus. When soap, shampoo or conditioner is absent and not sensed by the soap/detergent/shampoo/conditioner sensor  68 , then the control center  56  automatically open diverter valve  54  to direct recycled water to pump  66 , which feeds water to water line  64  and to the heater  62 . The full recycle mode can be programmed in the control center to be delayed for a period of time such that only fresh water is provide during this period. The control center  56 , constantly monitors the water temperature through sensor  49 , controls the heater  62  to achieve the desire temperature setting. The control center  56 , constantly monitors the pressure (using a pressure sensor, pump back voltage or other method) and maintains the pressure with pressure pump  66  to maintain adequate pressure for the shower. Non-fresh recycled water is then optionally transfer through the filter  50  and to second control valve  46 . Second control valve  46  is automatically opened during the full recycle mode by the control center  56  or can bleed in fresh water with the recycled water as determined by the control center  56 . During the shower duration, soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair color or other contaminates may be introduced into the system. The control center will immediately recognize this condition and stop the recycle mode by closing first diverter valve  54  and adjust the controllable and adjustable three-way valve  46  to select the source hot  58  and cold  60  water, and turn off pump  66  and heater  62 . Once the water is free of contaminates, the control center can revert back to recycle mode. This changing operation can occur numerous times during the shower duration. 
         [0048]    When the shower duration if over, and the water supply is turn off by the control valve  54 , an optional programmable hold over period will wait until the optional sterilization cycle is begun. If the sterilization cycle is selected, the control valve  54  is activated by the control center and the first diverter valve  54  and second control valve  46  are opened. Pump  66  and heater  62  may be energized and the controllable and adjustable three-way valve  46  will be opened for a programmable period of time to cycle sterilizing components into the water steam, or exposed all or part of the system to a sterilizing UV light source, to minimize bacterial and other contaminates from the drain  74 , and the recycle plumbing system. 
         [0049]    Now referring to  FIG. 3  which shows a perspective view of a second embodiment  80  with the present invention apparatus in fluid communication with the standard plumbing pipe. The second embodiment includes a separate drain  114  and its own P trap  116 , and sewer line  120  will function normally when the first diverter valve  118  is open. The water plumbing pipes can be typical metallic piping materials such as brass, brass alloys, steel, galvanized steel, copper, copper allows or any combination thereof. The water plumbing pipes can be a number of polymeric materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polybutylene, acryaontirile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), rubber modified styrene, polypropylene, polyacetal, polyethylene, or nylon. A first diverter valve  118  and a soap/detergent/shampoo/conditioner sensor  117  are positioned in close proximity to the drain  114 . The soap/shampoo/detergent/conditioner sensor  117  is in electrical communication with the control center  94 . The soap/detergent/shampoo/conditioner sensor can consist of a turbidity type sensor, a total dissolved solids (TDS) sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. Turbidity sensors measure suspended solids in water, typically by measuring the amount of light transmitted through the water. Turbidity sensors are commercial available from numerous companies. The TDS sensor is basically a conductivity meter and the meter measure the water&#39;s conductivity and the TDS is calculated by a fixed mathematical formula in the sensor/control center. TDS sensors are commercial available from numerous companies. Ultrasonic sensors use for fluid identification and contamination utilize time of flight (TOF) measurement techniques to monitor material purity/contamination levels and to differentiate materials non-invasively. Ultrasonic TOF sensors are commercial available from companies such as Texas Instruments (TDC1000-C200 EVM with test cell). 
         [0050]    The recycle drain  112  includes a second diverter valve  108  and a pneumatic or other type pump  106  which is in fluid communication with a water heater  102  and in electrical communication (wired or wireless) with the control center  94 . The water heater  102  is also in electrical communication (wired or wireless) with the control center  94 . Fresh hot  98  and cold (ambient)  100  water enters and is in fluid communication with the control valve  87 . A heated supply line  92  exits the water heater  102  and enters a filter assembly  90 . 
         [0051]    The filter assembly  90  can have a number of treatment components. For example, a first treatment section can include a filter apparatus to remove hair, skin cells and relatively large particles and impurities from the recycled water. Any type of filter or filter paper may be used herein and includes felt filter papers nylon filter paper, membrane filters and other filter technology known to the skilled artisan. Some pieces of filter may be thicker or thinner, depending upon the flow rate required to achieve sufficient flow characteristics of the present invention. An optional second treatment section can be a halogen removal and pH neutralization section. The second filter can include a layer of silver impregnated with activated carbon (silver carbon). The silver carbon primarily serves to remove chlorine and other halogens from water passing through the filter assembly  50 . In additional, the silver blocks the growth of bacteria within an optional activated carbon layer (described below). If bacteria were to grow in the activated carbon layer, the filter apparatus  90  would function inefficiently. Silver carbon is a well-known and commercially available product that can be purchased by numerous companies. After the optional silver carbon layer, a second filter could be disposed which aids in filters out any silver or carbon particulates which become entrained in the water. These layers also filter out any remaining chlorine or halogens in the water. The next optional layer is an activated carbon layer that is designed to remove any soap or detergent, organic impurities and chemicals, and chloromethane which is a source or unpleasant odor in water. Activated carbon is, also, a commercially available product from numerous companies. After the optional layer of activated carbon is disposed a fourth filter that serves further to distribute to filter out any impurities that may have passed through the previous filter papers. Below the fourth filter is an optional filter layer of redox alloy. Redox alloy is a well-known and commercially available product. The redox alloy will function to kill any microbiological contaminants (bacteria, viruses and organic materials in the water. 
         [0052]    Disposed below the first treatment section, is an optional second more specific microbiological treatment section. The second treatment section starts with an optional sixth filter that serves to further filter out any impurities that may have passed through the previous filter. After the sixth filter is an optional layer of iodine particles or resin. The iodine particles or resin, which may be of the trivalent, pentavalent, or septivalent variety or a combination of these, serves to kill microbiological contaminants in the water, such as viruses and bacteria. Iodine particles or resin with an odd valence are used because the intramolecular bonds of the bacteria and viruses are weaker than those of iodine molecules, and the weaker bonds will allow the iodine to attack microorganisms more quickly. Odd-valence iodine is a well-known and commercially available product. This section of the filter can include a hybrid of odd-valence and even-valence iodine may also be used. After the layer of iodine particles or resin is disposed an optional seventh filter. The seventh filter paper serves further to filter out any impurities that may have passed through the previous filter. An optional ion exchange treatment can be included within the filter assembly  50  to further treat the water removing metallic compounds. 
         [0053]    From the filter assembly  90  is the water output line  84  which supplies water at a comfortable temperature to shower head  82 . It is anticipated by the Applicants that the different treatments of the filter can be used at different times. For example, the halogen removal and pH neutralization section can be used when the sterilization components or agents are used. Also, certain filter stages can by bypassed when the monitored water is relatively clean and a large recycle flow is necessary. The Applicant understands that it will be necessary to replace the used filter assembly  90  with a new filter assembly  90  or that methods will be used to clean the filter assembly  90 . An opening door or other means will be available to access the filter assembly for the replacement or cleaning process. 
         [0054]    The filter assembly  90  is required to have a high flow rate to properly function with the system and it is generally used to remove non-soluble particulates, such as hair, skin cells, etc. One or multiple filter and sterilization technology can be utilized with the present invention. Water output line  84  supplies water at a comfortable temperature to shower head  82 . 
         [0055]    A water supply line  88  leaves the filter assembly  90  and connects to a second valve  86 . Also in fluid communication with this supply line  88  is a temperature sensor  89  and a flow sensor  87 . Also in fluid communication with this supply line  88  is a sterilization or bio-resistance method storage tank  125  with activation valve  96 . The sterilization, disinfection or bio-resistance method storage tank  125  can contain compounds or combinations of chlorine, bromine, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, use UV and ultra UV lighting, steam or very hot water, hydrogen generation from irradiated semiconductor-liquid interfaces or the water can have a salinity that allows chlorine electrical generation. It is anticipated by the Applicants that other forms or sterilization, disinfection or bio-resistance methods could be used such other methods such as high and extreme heating condition either directly (heaters) or indirectly applied by liquid or gaseous (steam), ultraviolet light techniques and other known sterilization or bio-resistance methods. This storage tank  125  is utilized to supply certain components to the filter assembly  90  and/or used to provide the final cleaning step whereby after the shower, the control center initiates one or more steps that automatically runs a cycle with the sole purpose of cleaning and sterilization the system. It is anticipated by the Applicants that the recycle drain system  112  and piping  104  can be filed with a sterilization solution and allowed to remain for a period of time by closing the second diverter valve  108  (and potentially also the first diverter valve  118 ). The temperature sensor  89 , the flow sensor  87 , the first diverter valve  108 , the second divert valve  118 , the controllable and adjustable three-way valve  86 , the pump  106 , the heater  102  and the activation valve  96  are in electrical communication with the control center  94 . The controllable and adjustable three-way valve  86  connects the original water supply lines  98 ,  100 , the recycled water supply line  88 , and the output water supply line  84 . The controllable and adjustable three-way valve  86  can have the capability to bleed partial hot  98  and cold water  100  with recycled water  88  as controlled by the control center  94 . Also shown is the standard control valve  87 . 
         [0056]    The control center  94  is programmable to provide various temperature settings flow rates and timing parameters. The material for fabricating the control center housing  94  is not particularly important except has waterproofing and be of sufficient size and weight to contain the electrical and power components housing. The size of the display means will generally determine the size of the housing but it does not have to be substantially rectangular as shown, any number of geometric configurations could be used in the present invention. The control center  94  has a display, monitoring and control functionality and includes characteristics other than displaying and monitoring time, temperature and water flow (e.g., passwords, language, alarms, acoustic loudness, display brightness, sensor calibration, etc.) for any of a variety of different water conservation systems. The electronic display of the control center  56  may dynamically display a digital numerical value representative of the identified parameter values. 
         [0057]    The control center  94  can have adaptable remote display, monitor and/or control apparatus with a touch-screen display in a round, square, rectangle or other configuration utilizing LED, LCD, OMLED or other display technology and including a housing that cooperates with the valves, pumps, heaters, sterilization tanks with one or more microprocessors/microcontrollers, housing, and rear surface attachment means designed to communicate by wired or wireless technology to a remotely located valves, pumps, beaters, sterilization tanks water and may include flow sensor, temperature sensor and timing circuit attached to or in close proximity to a water supply. 
         [0058]    The optional display (not shown) utilizes one or more illuminating technologies, such as LCD, LED OLED, gas plasma, fluorescence, incandescent, halogen, halide, or other lighting technologies but must able to provide sufficient lighting for observing the data in shower conditions. The display means mounted in the control center housing  56  must be able to sustain capability in moist wet conditions. The present invention can include one or more than one display parameter. For example, a unit with only the temperature display can be manufactured to reduce overall costs. Furthermore, the orientation of the parameters resented can be changed, for example, the flow parameter can be on top with the time parameter on the bottom and with the temperature parameter sandwiched between. The displays can have a background light that is used for various purposes, for example, for providing better lighting conditions or changing color e.g. from green to red, to display an alarming condition. Displaying of all water parameters can utilize a gang multiple LCD, LED, gas plasma, fluorescence, incandescent, halogen, halide, or other lighting technologies separate displays, custom displays, graphic displays or a single line display which sufficient digits that sequences the presentation of the water parameters one at a time with a specific delay and sequencing. An example of a LCD unit that can be used with the present invention is the color graphic 128×128 LCD-00569 marketed by Sparkfun Electronics in Boulder, Colo. It is anticipated by the Applicants that there are other variants and other LCD, LED, gas plasma, fluorescence, incandescent, halogen, halide, or other lighting technologies that can be utilized with the present invention. 
         [0059]    It is anticipated by the Applicant the present invention can be fabricated and marketed with one, two or more display means. For example, a lower cost display assembly can be fabricated and sold that only has a temperature sensor and temperature display means. A more expensive display assembly can be fabricated and sold that has temperature, flow, timing and other sensors with various programmed methods and a shut off mechanism. 
         [0060]    One or more ergonomically placed buttons or activators can be incorporated into the control center  94  housing to allow the modification of certain parameter units (e.g. metric to US), set alarm conditions (e.g. temperature over-set point), or to program certain settings, e.g. total shower time before shutdown or alarm, monitor continuous leakage (valve not complete shut off). The buttons will electrically communicate with the electronic circuit board contained with the housing  20  and respond to programmed instructions integrated within the CPU or microprocessor and associated circuitry of the electronic circuit board. The buttons or activators (not shown) should be mounted with the capability to protect the buttons and electronic circuitry with the housing for exposure to moist and wet conditions. 
         [0061]    A visual alarm can be incorporated into the present invention whereby a preset alarm or programmed alarm, changes the screen display, for example, blinking a parameter, or changing the color of a parameter (green to red). A preset alarm might include visual reference, for example, if the system is in the standard mode or in the recycle mode, or for example, an in-operative condition, broken sensor, low power source and some default limits. The visual alarm can also be used to indicate the sterilization, disinfection or bio-resistance method is on. 
         [0062]    In addition, an auditory alarm can be incorporated into the present invention whereby a preset alarm or programmed alarm, changes the screen display, for example, using sound or pulsing a specific noise, or changing the color of a parameter. For example, the temperature display can change from green to red when a preset temperature is crossed. A preset alarm might include visual reference if the system is in the standard mode or the recycle mode, or for example, an in-operative condition, broken sensor, low power source and some default limits. The auditory alarm can also be used to indicate the sterilization, disinfection or bio-resistance method is on. 
         [0063]    The control center  94  may include a housing designed to be mounted on various surfaces such as glass surface, a wall surface, a mirror surface, wood beam, a metal surface, a plastic surface, a ceramic surface, a tile surface, a panel surface, a wall paper surface. The housing can be fabricated from a metallic material such as brass, brass alloys, steel, galvanized steel, copper, copper allows or any combination thereof. The housing can be fabricated from a number of polymeric materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polybutylene, acryaontirile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), rubber modified styrene, polypropylene, polyacetal, polyethylene, or nylon. The base material can be painted white or colored finishes or coated with various brass, silver and gold type materials to an appealing finish. It is anticipated by the Applicants that an adhesive connection frame will be the more permanently mounted whereby the housing be designed to engaged this connection frame. 
         [0064]    It is to be appreciated that while one or more embodiments is detailed herein are designed for use within a residential home, such as a single-family house, the scope of the present teachings is not so limited, the present teachings being likewise applicable, without limitation, to duplexes, townhomes, multi-unit apartment buildings, hotels, retail stores, office buildings, industrial buildings, and more generally any living space or work space having one or more water conservation systems. It is to be further appreciated that while the terms user, customer, installer, homeowner, occupant, guest, tenant, landlord, repair person, and the like may be used to refer to the person or persons who interacting with the present invention apparatus in the context of some particularly advantageous situations described herein, these references are by no means to be considered as limiting the scope of the present teachings with respect to the person or persons who are performing such actions. Thus, for example, the terms user, customer, purchaser, installer, subscriber, and homeowner may often refer to the same person in the case of a single-family residential dwelling, because the head of the household is often the person who makes the purchasing decision, buys the unit, and installs and configures the unit, However, in other scenarios, such as a landlord-tenant environment, the customer may be the landlord with respect to purchasing the unit, the installer may be a local apartment supervisor, a first user may be the tenant, and a second user may again be the landlord with respect to remote control functionality. 
         [0065]    The control center  94  can be programmed to display one or more parameters in a visual means that can be either an analog, character or digital display, or combination of display means. Information obtained from the appropriate sensor monitoring or measuring the water parameters such as temperature, shower time (water on), and flow rate can be displayed in an appropriate format on the display means. For example, when a sensor is monitoring the shower temperature of water flowing through the shower head, the display means could show any temperature between 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius), and within a reasonable range of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10.0 degrees Celsius) and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65.5 degrees Celsius). For example, when a sensor is monitoring or measuring the rate of water flowing from a water source or through the shower head, the display means could show any flow between 0 gal/min (0 liters/hr) and 100 gal/min, within a reasonable range of 0.2 gal/min (liter/min) to 20 gal/min (liters/min). In additional, when a sensor is monitoring or measuring the rate of water flowing from a water source or through the shower head, the display means could show the total volume of water that has been used, e.g. 23 gallons. Furthermore, the display can be programmed to display calendar information, such as the date and current time (12 hr. or 24 hr. format). 
         [0066]    The mode of operation focuses around the control center  94 . The control center  94  includes a CPU, microprocessor or microcontroller with software instructions and associated circuitry mounted on one or more electronic circuit boards to communicate and/or control the display means, communicate with the sensors, pumps, heaters and control valves and perform the operations defined herein. The electronic communication between the control center  94  and the various sensors, pumps, valves and pumps can be hard wired or utilize wireless technology. Kinds of wireless protocols to be used with the present invention include WiFi, Bluetooth and Zigbee and other protocols are possible. For example, there is the ISM (industrial, scientific and medical) bands. The ISM bands are defined by the ITU-R in 5.138, 5.150, and 5.280 of the Radio Regulations. Individual countries&#39; use of the bands designated in these sections may differ due to variations in national radio regulations. Because communication devices using the ISM bands must tolerate any interference from ISM equipment, these bands are typically given over to uses intended for unlicensed operation, since unlicensed operation typically needs to be tolerant of interference from other devices anyway. In the United States of America, ISM uses of the ISM bands are governed by Part 18 of the FCC rules, while Part 15 Subpart B contains the rules for unlicensed communication devices, even those that use the ISM frequencies. Part 18 ISM rules prohibit using ISM for communications. 
         [0067]    The ISM bands defined by the ITU-R are: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Center  
                   
               
               
                 Frequency range [Hz] 
                 frequency [Hz] 
                 Availability 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 6.765-6.795 
                 MHz 
                  6.780 MHz 
                 Subject to local acceptance 
               
               
                 13.553-13.567 
                 MHz 
                 13.560 MHz 
                   
               
               
                 26.957-27.283 
                 MHz 
                 27.120 MHz 
                   
               
               
                 40.66-40.70 
                 MHz 
                  40.68 MHz 
                   
               
               
                 433.05-434.79  
                 MHz 
                 433.92 MHz 
                 Region 1 only 
               
               
                 902-928 
                 MHz 
                   915 MHz 
                 Region 2 only 
               
               
                 2.400-2.500 
                 GHz 
                  2.450 GHz 
                   
               
               
                 5.725-5.875 
                 GHz 
                  5.800 GHz 
                   
               
               
                 24-24.25 
                 GHz 
                 24.125 GHz 
                   
               
               
                 61-61.5 
                 GHz 
                  61.25 GHz 
                 Subject to local acceptance 
               
               
                 122-423 
                 GHz 
                  122.5 GHz 
                 Subject to local acceptance 
               
               
                 244-246 
                 GHz 
                   245 GHz 
                 Subject to local acceptance 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0068]    While currently the 430 MHz and 900 MHz frequencies, WiFi, Bluetooth and Zigbee are commonly used in the US, it is anticipated by the Applicants that the other frequencies could be used for water parameter transfers. 
         [0069]    Another protocol known as CAN or CAN-bus (ISO 11898-1) that was originally designed for automotive applications, but now moving into industrial applications is another type of network that could be used to transfer water parameter data. Devices that are connected by a CAN network are typically sensors, actuators and control devices. A CAN message never reaches these devices directly, but instead a host-processor and a CAN Controller is needed between these devices and the bus. 
         [0070]    The CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller and associated circuitry mounted on an electronic circuit board has programmed instruction for controlling the operations of monitoring sensor, operating control valves and performing sterilization operations. The control center  95  senses that the water is turned on (by monitoring the soap sensors  107  and  117  and/or flow sensor  51  and if programmed accordingly, performs a number of operations. First, to conserve water, the control center  94  regulates the first valve  118  and pump  106  to recycle a portion of the water. Second, an initial optional sterilization cycle or mode can be activated which, by way of controlling second activation valve  96 , can bleed the sterilization components which can be controllably released into the water (or turn on UV lights to expose portions of the piping) to create a sterilization solution that encounters the drain and association plumbing to minimize contamination that can be introduced during the recycle mode or cycle. Once the water attains the desired temperature programmed in the control center  94 , a fall recycle mode or cycle is activated and the activation valve  96  is closed. An alarm, visual or auditory, in the control center  94  can signal when the desired temperature is attained. 
         [0071]    During the full recycle mode or cycle, the control center  94  is continuously monitoring the soap/detergent/shampoo/conditioner sensors  107 ,  117  and adjusting first diverter valve  118  and water pressure pump  106  as necessary. When soap/shampoo/detergent/conditioner is sensed by the sensor  107 ,  117  that is overloading the designed filter apparatus  90  or be too much volume or concentration, the second diverter valve  108  is closed and second diverter valve  118  is opened, and all the contaminate water flows freely down the original drain  114 , P trap  116  and sewer line  120 . The control center  94  can be simultaneously monitoring the water temperature with the temperature sensor  89 , and the flow sensor  87  and display the temperature and flow rate on a LED, LCD, OLED or similar display apparatus. When soap, shampoo or conditioner is absent and not sensed by the soap/detergent/shampoo/conditioner sensors  107 ,  117 , then the control center automatically engages second diverter valve  108  to direct recycled water to pump  106 , through pump  106  and into water line to the heater  102 . The full recycle mode can be programmed in the control center to be delayed for a period of time such that only fresh water is provide during this period. The control center  94 , constantly monitors the water temperature through sensor  89 , controls the heater  102  to achieve the desire temperature setting. The control center  94 , constantly monitors the pressure (using a pressure sensor, pump back voltage or other method) and maintains the pressure with pressure pump  106  to maintain adequate pressure for the shower. Non-fresh recycled water is then optionally transfer through the filter  90  and to controllable and adjustable three-way valve  86 . The controllable and adjustable three-way valve  86  is automatically opened during the full recycle mode by the control center  94  or can bleed in fresh water with the recycled water as determined by the control center  94 . During the shower duration, soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair color or other contaminates may be introduced into the system. The control center will immediately recognize this condition and stop the recycle mode by closing the second diverter valve  108  and open the diverter valve  118 , and turn the controllable and adjustable three-way valve  86  to select the source hot  98  and cold  100  water, and turn off pump  66  and heater  62 . Once the water is free of contaminates, the control center can revert back to recycle mode. This changing operation can occur numerous times during the shower duration. 
         [0072]    When the shower duration if over, and the water supply is turn off by the control valve  87 , an optional programmable hold over period will wait until the optional sterilization cycle is begun. If the sterilization cycle is selected, the first divert valve  118  is closed by the control center and the second diverter valve  108  and controllable and adjustable three-way valve  86  are opened. Pump  66  and heater  62  may be energized and the activation valve  96  will be opened for a programmable period of time to cycle sterilizing components into the water steam, or exposed all or part of the system to a sterilizing UV light source, to minimize bacterial and other contaminates from the drain  112  (and  114 ), and the recycle plumbing system. 
         [0073]      FIG. 4  shows, for the first embodiment with a single drain system, an electrical schematic, for the first embodiment, depicting the main power  137 , power supply line  136  and the ground line  138  for CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller  126 , the CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller  126  and the analog or digital display means  124  with a data transfer means  140  and with a power line  132  and a ground line  134 . 
         [0074]    Also shown in  FIG. 4  is a timing clock integrated circuit  122  with data transfer means  142  for communicating with the CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller  126  and having a power line  128  and ground line  130 , a temperature sensor  49  with a data transfer means  152  for communicating with the CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller  126  and having a power line  154  and ground  156 , and the flow sensor (pressure) sensor  51  with a data transfer means  150  for communicating with the CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller  126  with a power line  158  and ground line  160 . The integrated circuits for the timing clock  122 , temperature sensor  49  and flow sensor  51  can include circuitry to convert analog data to a digital format. 
         [0075]    The CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller  126  that processes the information supplied by the temperature sensor  49 , flow sensor  51  and timing circuit  122  uses internal instructions to control the information projected on the display  124  and for processing alarm states. The microprocessor can include an EEPROM or any type of memory section that allows for specific programming to be incorporated as processing instructions. Furthermore, the microprocessor may have the capability to convert analog signals into digital information for decoding and processing. An example of a microprocessor that could be used for the CPU or microprocessor is the PIC16F876 28-pin 8-Bin CMOS FLASH micro-controllers manufactured by Microchip Technology, Inc. This particular microprocessor has a 128K EEPROM Data memory bank for flash memory of specific instructions and utilizes a 35-word instruction set. It also has five 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Inputs that can provide the means for converting the information obtained from the temperature sensor  49 , flow sensor  51 , and/or timing circuit  122  from its analog format into a digitized form for processing by the instruction sets of the CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller  126 . Another example of a microprocessor that could be used for the CPU or microprocessor is the MSP430 family of processors from Texas Instruments in Dallas, Tex. There are hundreds of variants but for an example, the MSP430F436IPN (80 pin package) or MSP430F436IPZ (100 pin package) could be utilized in the present invention. There are many other variants or other microprocessors, whether commercially marketed or privately fabricated, that can be used with the present invention. 
         [0076]    As shown in this  FIG. 4  is a first wired or wireless communication  125  having a data or signal transfer means  144  that controls the first diverter valve  54 , adjustable three-way valve  46 , and activation valve  47 . A second wired or wireless communication  127  having a data or signal transfer means  146  that control the pump  66 . And a third wired or wireless communication  129  having a data or signal transfer means  148  that controls the heater  62 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 5  shows an electrical schematic, for the second embodiment, depicting the main power  137 , power supply line  136  and ground line  138  for CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller  126 , the CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller  126  and the analog or digital display means  124  with a data transfer means  140  and with a power line  132  and a ground line  134 . 
         [0078]    Also shown in  FIG. 5 , for the second embodiment with a multiple drain system, is a timing clock integrated circuit  122  with data transfer means  142  for communicating with the CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller  126  and having a power line  128  and ground line  130 , a temperature sensor  89  with a data transfer means  152  for communicating with the CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller  126  and having a power line  154  and ground  156 , and the flow sensor (pressure) sensor  87  with a data transfer means  150  for communicating with the CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller  126  with a power line  158  and ground line  160 . The integrated circuits for the timing clock  122 , temperature sensor  89  and flow sensor  87  can include circuitry to convert analog data to a digital format. 
         [0079]    The CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller  126  that processes the information supplied by the temperature sensor  89 , flow sensor  87  and timing circuit  122  uses internal instructions to control the information projected on the display  124  and for processing alarm states. The microprocessor can include an EEPROM or any type of memory section that allows for specific programming to be incorporated as processing instructions. Furthermore, the microprocessor may have the capability to convert analog signals into digital information for decoding and processing. An example of a microprocessor that could be used for the CPU or microprocessor is the PIC16F876 28-pin 8-Bin CMOS FLASH micro-controllers manufactured by Microchip Technology, Inc. This particular microprocessor has a 128K EEPROM Data memory bank for flash memory of specific instructions and utilizes a 35-word instruction set. It also has five 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Inputs that can provide the means for converting the information obtained from the temperature sensor  89 , flow sensor  87 , and/or timing circuit  122  from its analog format into a digitized form for processing by the instruction sets of the CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller  126 . Another example of a microprocessor that could be used for the CPU or microprocessor is the MSP430 family of processors from Texas Instruments in Dallas, Tex. There are hundreds of variants but for an example, the MSP430F436IPN (80 pin package) or MSP430F436IPZ (100 pin package) could be utilized in the present invention. There are many other variants or other microprocessors, whether commercially marketed or privately fabricated, that can be used with the present invention. 
         [0080]    As shown in this  FIG. 5  is a first wired or wireless communication  125  having a data or signal transfer means  144  that controls the first diverter valve  118 , a second diverter valve  108 , adjustable three-way valve  86 , and activation valve  96 . A second wired or wireless communication  127  having a data or signal transfer means  146  that control the pump  106 . And a third wired or wireless communication  129  having a data or signal transfer means  148  that controls the heater  102 . 
         [0081]    While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice and the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.