Abstract:
A fluid diaphragm valve and interconnected pilot valve apparatus for control flow of fluid discharge from a pressurized fluid distribution system. The apparatus has a primary valve with an inlet adapted to receive fluid under pressure, and an outlet adapted to discharge fluid to an outlet conduit. A diaphragm chamber is provided in the primary valve which is responsive to fluid pressure controlled by a pilot diaphragm valve. Upon release of fluid pressure in the pilot diaphragm valve, the primary valve allows passage of fluid to the outlet conduit. Bleed fluid from the pilot valve is also discharged into the outlet conduit and is thus saved for use. Upon closure of the pilot valve, a bleed port in the primary diaphragm in the primary valve allows repressurization and seating of the primary diaphragm, thus terminating fluid flow through the primary valve. A novel, retrograde motion actuator is also described for use in manual operation of the pilot valve from a fixed location such as cabinets below kitchen sinks.

Description:
This application claims benefit of No. 60/001,639 filed Jul. 28, 1995 and is a CIP of Ser. No. 09/687,660 filed Jul. 26, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,315, issued Sep. 26, 2000. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a novel valve apparatus and to a method for reducing water use, and more particularly, to hands free apparatus for controlling water discharge operations and to thereby reduce water usage at taps such as kitchen and bathroom sinks, whether residential or industrial. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As a result of either water costs or shortages, it is often desirable to reduce the amount of water consumed at a point of use, such as at a tap supplying water to a household kitchen sink. Typically, the actual amount of water required to accomplish the task at hand is relatively small compared to the amount of water that is inadvertently wasted while the user&#39;s attention is directed elsewhere. For example, it is often inconvenient to shut off the water flow between rinsing separate utensils, or while cutting a freshly rinsed vegetable. Or, handling faucets when cutting raw meat may inadvertently contaminate the controls with bacteria, such as virulent stains of ecoli, and is best avoided by leaving rinse water running during meat cutting operations, to avoid health code violations in institutional or commercial kitchen settings. While the economic cost of such wasteful practices has only begun to reach the pocketbooks of individual consumers, collectively, society has begun to encounter the cost of such practices in many ways. For example, it has become common in certain areas to hear of the denial of water availability certifications which are required before beginning construction of new homes. Also, consumptive water uses have reduced in-stream flows, have contributed to the decline of fish populations, and also have adversely impacted the recreational use of certain lakes and rivers that are used for water supply. 
     I am aware of various attempts in which an effort has been made to provide an apparatus for reducing water flow at a tap. Such attempts are largely characterized by designs which include some sort of repositionable valve that is controlled by a foot or hand actuated mechanism. For example, one such design is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,095, 941 issued Mar. 17, 1992 to J. Betz for METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACTUATING A FAUCET. In one embodiment, his invention provides a pressure switch which is mounted at or near the floor and is activated by the user&#39;s foot, and which allows flow for a predetermined amount of time after the foot valve is actuated. More recently, U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,600 was issued Feb. 7, 1995 to Gilbert, Sr. for LATCHING FOOT PEDAL ACTUATED TAP WATER FLOW CONTROLLER. That patent discloses a latch and release mechanism for regulating water flow through a tap with a foot actuated valve. 
     For the most part, the documents identified in the preceding paragraph or which are otherwise known to me disclose devices which require the supply of an extended mechanical or electrical linkage portion, and in some cases, additional various adjustable parts. Also, in so far as I am aware, although diaphragm type valves have long been known, the special design necessary to adapt such devices to regulate tap water flow has not been exploited heretofore by others. 
     Thus, the advantages offered by my simple, hydraulically actuated, unique diaphragm valve design, and its avoidance of electrical or mechanical linkages as a prerequisite to actuate a water flow valve, are important and self- evident. 
     OBJECTS, ADVANTAGES, AND NOVEL FEATURES 
     I have now invented, and disclose herein, a novel design for a pilot controlled water flow control valve and accompanying actuator bar which does not have the above-discussed drawbacks common to those somewhat similar products heretofore designed or used of which I am aware. Unlike the earlier designs that attempted to provide a mechanical or electrical linkage for use in opening and closing a valve, my design provides a simple means for opening and closing the valve, without resorting to either electrical or mechanical components. Further, it is simple to use, easy to install, and otherwise superior to those designs heretofore used or proposed. In addition, it provides significant reduction in water consumption in systems that utilize the device. 
     From the foregoing, it will be apparent to the reader that one important and primary object of the present invention resides in the provision of a novel pilot valve actuated water valve apparatus for reducing the consumption of water in regulated water taps, and which improves the reliability, simplicity and safety of such types of devices by reducing or eliminating reliance on electrical wiring or extensive mechanically linked parts. 
     Other important but more specific objects of the invention reside in (1) the provision of an apparatus for reducing the consumption of water at discharge taps, and (2) the provision of a method for reducing the flow of water at discharge taps, using the apparatus described herein which: 
     can easily and quickly installed by an unsophisticated user in existing, conventional, manually operated household kitchen and bathroom sinks; 
     which in a relatively inexpensive manner can reduce water consumption at such kitchen and bathroom sinks; 
     which can easily and quickly be installed in institutional or commercial kitchens to enable employees to engage in hands-off water faucet operation, thereby reducing cross-contamination between raw foods and finished products, and thus insuring that health codes can be easily complied with during normal operations. 
     Other important objects, features, and additional advantages of my invention will become apparent to the reader from the foregoing and from the appended claims and as the ensuing detailed description and discussion proceeds in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     I have now invented and disclose herein a novel pilot operated valve apparatus for controlling the discharge of fluids, and in particular for controlling the discharge of water from a pressurized water supply system. The valve apparatus is particularly useful for minimizing the amount of water used at industrial, commercial, and household kitchen sinks. 
     My novel valve apparatus is advantageously utilized for control flow of fluid discharge from a pressurized fluid distribution system, such as those systems configured with the valve apparatus being supplied with fluid via an incoming conduit that supplies the fluid under pressure. The valve apparatus includes a primary valve, a pilot valve, and an actuator that is linked to the pilot valve. The primary valve has an inlet adapted to receive fluid under pressure from an incoming conduit, an outlet adapted to discharge the fluid to an outlet conduit, a diaphragm chamber having a pilot portion and a working portion, and a fluid pressure controlled primary diaphragm. The primary diaphragm is located in the primary diaphragm chamber between the pilot portion and the working portion of the primary diaphragm chamber. The primary diaphragm has a pilot side and a working side. The working side of the primary diaphragm is configured to engage at least a portion of the inlet, as well as the outlet. The primary diaphragm is adapted to be responsive to fluid pressure to move between (a) an open position wherein fluid pressure from the inlet disengages the primary diaphragm from the outlet so that fluid is allowed from the inlet to the outlet and thence to the outlet conduit, and (b) a closed position, wherein fluid pressure on the pilot side of the primary diaphragm forces the primary diaphragm to sealingly engage the outlet so that fluid is not allowed from the inlet to the outlet. To release fluid pressure so as to operate the valve, a bleed inlet line from the primary valve is provided operatively connected to a pilot valve. The bleed inlet line has a first end and a second end, with the first end hydraulically connected to the pilot portion of the primary diaphragm chamber. The pilot valve has a bleed inlet which is hydraulically connected to the second end of the bleed inlet line from the pilot portion of the diaphragm chamber. Also, the pilot valve has a bleed outlet for discharge of the bleed fluid, and a pressurizable fluid reservoir located between the bleed inlet and the bleed outlet. The fluid reservoir is adapted to receive pressurized liquid from the bleed inlet line. The pilot valve is operated using a plunger to displace a repositionable pilot diaphragm between (a) a normally closed position wherein the repositionable pilot diaphragm sealingly engages the bleed outlet to block escape of said pressurized fluid through the pilot valve, and (b) an open position, wherein the repositionable pilot diaphragm is displaced from the bleed outlet so as to hydraulically open the bleed outlet for passage of fluid therethrough. In the open position, pressurized fluid from the pilot side of the primary diaphragm chamber is discharged through the pilot valve, relieving pressure on the diaphragm. An actuator, operatively linked to the pilot valve, is provided to enable the pilot valve to be opened and closed by manipulation of the actuator. The actuator has an open position and an inwardly directed normally closed position. The pilot valve is responsive to movement of the actuator, so that upon inwardly moving the actuator to the open position, the operating link causes the plunger of the pilot valve to reposition the pilot valve diaphragm from a normally closed position to an open position, thereby effecting the release of pressurized fluid out the bleed outlet and releasing fluid pressure on the pilot side of the primary diaphragm, to thereby allowing the primary diaphragm to move to the open position, and thus allowing the full fluid stream from the inlet conduit to flow through the primary valve. 
     My novel valve apparatus provides a simple device for minimizing water use in regulatable taps. This design provides a significant improvement in the art by reducing complexity compared to previous designs known to me for regulating or minimizing flow of liquid at point of use type devices such as institutional, commercial, and residential kitchen and bathroom sinks. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a kitchen sink and the front of a cabinet adjacent thereto, showing an actuation push bar without pinch point as utilized in one embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a view of my improved valve apparatus, showing a layout of the operational elements, including the use of a primary regulating valve on both hot and cold water lines, and a single housing for a dual pilot valve which is positioned adjacent to the front cabinet mounted actuation push bar, and coiled expandable flexible interconnecting lines for valve actuation. 
     FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of my improved valve, showing a mounting bar and a close fitting actuator push bar, and including smoothly radiused push bar ends having a snap-fit access cover which allows access to mounting screw locations, a front “lock-on” button, and also showing the centrally mounted moving pivot block, and pivot points for the pivot arms. 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a dual pilot valve as used in the present invention, showing the various elements of the pilot valve, including the main body, the diaphragm, the diaphragm seat, plunger, and outer housing with key lock for actuator pin. 
     FIG. 5 is a side elevation view, showing the dual pilot valve, and showing in hidden lines, the fluid inlet and outlet conduits; also illustrated are the snap-on retainers for protecting the barbed inlet and outlet conduit lines. 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the pilot valve used in the present invention, shown in the closed, no-flow position. 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the pilot valve used in the present invention, shown in the open, flow position. 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a main valve for controlling water flow, as used in the present invention, showing the various elements of the valve including the main body, the diaphragm, the diaphragm seat, upper housing, and inlet and outlet conduits to the pilot valve, and a snap-on protector for the barbed conduit connectors. 
     FIG. 9 is a top view of the diaphragm for a main valve, as utilized in the present invention, showing the integral weep holes, upper cushioning stop knobs, and the outer securing ring. 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of key operating elements of the present invention, showing a single primary valve and a dual pilot valve for regulating the discharge of water from at least one pressurized inlet conduit, with the pilot valve and the primary valve shown in the closed, no-flow position, so that no liquid flows through the primary valve. 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of the key operating elements of the present invention, showing a single primary valve and a dual pilot valve for regulating the discharge of water from at least one pressurized inlet conduit, with the pilot valve and the primary valve shown in the open, fluid-flow position, so that liquid flows through the primary valve to a discharge outlet; the view also shows the flexible primary diaphragm. 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a flush mount, no pinch point type actuation push bar of the present invention in its operative position, shown in the engaged, water flow position wherein the push bar is engaged toward the cabinet face. 
     FIGS. 13,  14 ,  15 , and  16  are four closely related views. FIGS. 13 and 14 shows a cross-sectional view of an actuator push bar, and including the internal assembly components of the actuator bar, showing the actuator bar, pivot pins, pivot bars, the pivot block, and pilot valve interconnection, as well as the lock-on button for the actuator and related components. 
     In FIG. 13, the actuator bar is shown in the closed, no-flow position. 
     In FIG. 14, the actuator bar is shown in the open, liquid-flow position. 
     In FIGS. 15 and 16, a partial cut-away cross-sectional view shows the internal assembly in an actuation bar, as well as the lock-on button. 
     In FIG. 15, the actuator bar is illustrated in the outward, closed, no-flow position. 
     In FIG. 16, the actuator bar is illustrated in the inward, open, liquid-flow position, with the lock-on tab engaged. 
    
    
     In the various figures, similar parts may be indicated by using the same reference numerals, or with a suffix of one or more prime symbols (′, or ″, for example), without further mention thereof, and it is to be understood that the latter described embodiments can be referred to with the same name as the initially described part which does not utilize such suffix. 
     DESCRIPTION 
     Attention is directed to FIG. 1 of the drawing, where a typical kitchen sink  20  with tap  22  having typical hot  24  and cold  26  manual control valves is depicted. At the front  28  of cabinet  30 , an actuator push bar  32  with mount housing  34  is shown. Also, a centrally located lock-on tab  35  is provided in the actuator push bar  32 . Basically, this FIG. 1 depicts the external appearance of my valve apparatus  36  when installed; the major components of which are illustrated in FIG.  2 . 
     Turning to FIG. 2, a hot water primary or main valve  40  is shown installed between hot water inlet conduit  42  and hot water outlet conduit  44 , to which it is preferably affixed by use of hot water line wingnut  45  on connector fitting  82 . Likewise, cold water primary or main valve  46  is shown installed between cold water inlet conduit  48  and cold water outlet conduit  50 , to which it is preferably affixed by use of cold water wingnut fitting  51 . A dual pilot valve  52  is mounted adjacent linkage  54  with actuator push bar  32 . The dual pilot valve  52  is configured to serve both the hot water primary valve  40  and the cold water primary valve  46 . The dual pilot valve  52  is connected to a hot water bleed inlet line  56  and a hot water bleed outlet line  58 , both of which are more easily seen at the hot water primary valve  40 , since, as illustrated in FIG. 2, one of these lines is hidden behind the other at the pilot valve  52 . Similarly, the dual pilot valve  52  is connected to a cold water bleed inlet line  60  and cold water bleed outlet line  62 , both of which are more easily seen at the cold water primary valve  46 , since, as illustrated in this FIG. 2, one of these lines is hidden behind the other at the pilot valve  52 . 
     Many important structural and functional details of my novel valve apparatus can be easily seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, where the operation of my valve apparatus is depicted using the dual pilot valve  52  and single primary valve, namely hot water primary valve  40  (operation with the other valve, cold primary valves  46  is similar). As shown in FIG. 10, the hot primary valve  40  and pilot valve  52  are in the closed position, so that no fluid from inlet conduit  42  is allowed to pass through valve  40  to the outlet conduit  44 . FIG. 11 shows the same primary valve  40  and pilot valve  52  in the open position, where fluid W from inlet conduit  42  is allowed to pass through valve  40  to the outlet conduit  44 . 
     The method via which the primary valve  40  is maintained in the closed position can be better understood by analysis of the key structural elements of my novel valve apparatus and the interrelationship as seen in these FIGS. 10 and 12. The primary valve  40  has an inlet space  78  that is adapted to receive incoming fluid as indicated by reference arrow  80  from the incoming conduit  42 . For convenience, an integrally provided threaded connector  82  may be utilized to join valve  40  with outgoing conduit  44 . An outlet space  84  is provided to discharge the fluid, as indicated by reference arrow  86 , to outlet conduit  44 . For convenience, a threaded connector  88  may be utilized to join incoming conduit  42  to primary valve  40 , however, this is optional. Diaphragm housing  90  and body  92  of primary valve  70  combine to form therebetween a diaphragm chamber  94 . The diaphragm chamber  94  houses a fluid pressure controlled primary diaphragm  96 . The primary diaphragm  96  has a pilot side  98  and a working side  100 , to divide the diaphragm chamber into a pilot portion  102  and a working portion  104 . The working side  100  of the primary diaphragm  96  has a protruding nipple portion  105  that is configured to sealingly engage a seat  106  at the upstream end  108  of outlet space  84 . The rounded, protruding shape of nipple portion  105  is important, since such a shape allows a gradual closing of the outlet seal at seat  106 , to thereby eliminate the “water hammer” phenomenon which would otherwise result from sudden stoppage of a fluid stream that is rushing towards the outlet  84  of valve  40 . In this regard, the exact surface shape  1   07 of seat  106  may be varied to work in concert with the shape of nipple portion  105  to achieve the desired smoothly closing effect. As provided, the inside surface  107  of seat  106  is substantially parallel to the sidewall  109  of nipple  105  when diaphragm  96  is at the closed position shown in FIG.  10 . Thus, as the diaphragm  96  closes, an increasingly thin annular outlet is provided for liquid to escape to outlet  84  of valve  40 . This decreasing cross-sectional flow area allows a smooth water cut-off to be achieved. 
     Also, the primary diaphragm  96  engages and interacts with fluid (as indicated by reference arrows  110 ) from at least a portion of inlet  78 . The primary diaphragm  96  is made of a long lasting flexible material, such as a rubber composition, and is suitable to be responsive to fluid pressure to move between (a) a closed position, wherein fluid pressure on the pilot side  98  of the primary diaphragm  96  forces the primary diaphragm to sealingly engage the seat  106  of outlet  84  so that fluid  80  is not allowed from the inlet space  78  to the outlet  84 , and (b) an open position, as shown in FIG. 11, wherein fluid pressure from inlet space  78  disengages the primary diaphragm  96  from seat  106  of the outlet  84  so that fluid  80  is allowed from the inlet space  78  to the outlet  84  and thence to outlet conduit  44  as indicated by reference numeral  86 . 
     To operate the flexible primary diaphragm  96 , a bleed inlet line  56  is provided to hydraulically connect a pressurizable fluid reservoir  112  in pilot valve  52  with the diaphragm chamber  94  in the primary valve  40 . The bleed inlet line  56  has a first end  114  hydraulically connected via outlet port  116  to the pilot portion  102  of diaphragm chamber  94 , and a second end  118  hydraulically connected to bleed inlet  120  of the fluid reservoir  114  in pilot valve  72 . The pressurizable fluid reservoir  114  is adapted to receive pressurized liquid, via way of bleed inlet line  56 . 
     As may also be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, a repositionable pilot diaphragm  122  is provided to sealingly engage the seat  124  of bleed outlet  126  from the fluid reservoir  114 . The pilot diaphragm  122  is displaceable by a plunger  128  between (a) a normally closed position, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, wherein the repositionable pilot diaphragm  122  sealingly engages the seat  124  to block escape of fluid through outlet conduit  130  of pilot valve  52 , and (b) an open position, wherein the repositionable pilot diaphragm  122  is displaced from the seat  124  so as to hydraulically open the pilot valve to allow passage of fluid through outlet  126  thereof, so that pressurized fluid from the pilot side  102  of the primary diaphragm chamber  94  is discharged through outlet conduit  130  of pilot valve  52 . Normally, and preferably, pilot valve  52  is provided with a bleed outlet line  58 , connected at a first end  127  with outlet conduit  130  and at a second end  129  to the outlet side  84  of primary valve  40 , so that fluid is routed to outlet conduit  44  for use, rather than being wasted. 
     To operate pilot valve  52 , an actuator push bar  32  is provided, preferably at the front  28  of wall  29  of cabinet  30 , particularly when the valve apparatus is used in a kitchen or bathroom sink. The actuator  32  is preferably biased by spring  132  in the normally closed position, as shown in FIGS. 10,  13 , and  15 , and is manually depressed in the direction of reference arrow  134 , as indicated in FIGS. 10 and 13, to reach an open position as depicted in FIGS.  11 , 12 , 14 , and  16 . Actuator  32  components include linkage  136 , which further includes pivot block  137  and first pivot arm  138  and second pivot arm  140  (further seen in FIGS. 13,  14 , 15 , and  16  below). The first  137  and second  138  pivot arms react about pivot points  143  and  146  in response to outward movement of pivot block  137 , which occurs in response to inward movement of actuator  32  (which relieves the tension exerted on pivot block  137  by spring  132 ). In this “reverse action” arrangement, the pivot arms  138  and  140  react at pivot pins  143 P and  146 P against pivot points  143 PP and  146 PP, respectively (as better seen in FIGS. 3 and 3A above, where it is also noted that pivot pins  146 P and  143 P are preferably provided having upper  146 P-U and lower  146 P-L elements, and  143 P-U and  143 P-L elements, respectively, which extend above and below pivot arms  140  and  138 , respectively) to interfit in matching upper pivot points  146 PP-U and lower  146 PP-L pivot points, located in pivot point ears  146 PPE-U and  146 PPE-L, etc.) to resultingly manipulate linkage  136  and pin  148  outwardly, so as to move plunger  128  of pilot valve  52  outwardly in the direction of reference arrow  150  in FIG. 4, to open pilot valve  52 . The linkage  136  is adapted to be moveable to the open position in response to movement of the actuator  32 , so that upon repositioning of the actuator  32  to the open position, the operating linkage  136  causes the plunger  128  of the pilot valve  52  to reposition the pilot valve diaphragm  122  from a normally closed position to an open position. When that happens, pressurized fluid contained by diaphragm  122  is released from the pilot side  102  of the primary diaphragm  96 , causing the primary diaphragm  96  to move to the open position as shown in FIG. 11 
     When the pilot valve  52  is returned to the closed position as set forth in FIGS. 6 and 12, a small portion of pressurized fluid from supply conduit  80  enters inlet space  78  and then passes through at least one weep passageway  152  in primary diaphragm  96  (see FIG.  9 ), as indicated by reference arrow  154  in FIG.  10 . The weep passageway  152  is provided with sufficient size so that at least a small volume of pressurized fluid, adequate to exert sufficient pressure on the pilot side  98  of the primary diaphragm  96  to force the diaphragm  96  to sealingly contact seat  106  and thus close valve  40 , is able to enter the pilot side  102  of the diaphragm chamber  94 . 
     Structural details of the dual pilot valve  52  may be may be better seen in FIGS. 4,  5 ,  6 , and  7 . A main body  160  of dual pilot valve  52  is provided in a generally oval bathtub shape to accommodate two pilot valves  71  and  72 . At the rear wall (or bottom)  162  of the body  160 , a pair of preferably annular shaped recessed fluid receiving chambers  164  and  165  are provided. Protruding from the base B of chambers  164  and  165  are bleed exits  164 B and  165 B, respectively. Bleed outlet seal face raised ledges  166  and  167 , preferably circular in shape, are provided in rear wall  162  with peripheral groves  168   a  and  168   b  around each of pilot valves  71  and  72  to receive a complementary raised edge seal  170   a  and  170   b  of the flexible dual pilot diaphragm  122 . The preferably oval shaped dual pilot diaphragm  122  ideally fits snugly against the raised ledges  166  and  167  and extends laterally to the inner oval shaped wall  172  of dual pilot valve  72 . Two recessed, preferably smooth, cymbal shaped recessed concave diaphragm seats  180  and  181  are provided in retainer  182  to accommodate individual pilot valve sections  183  and  184  of the dual pilot diaphragm  122 . Individual posts  186  and  188  of plunger  128  fit snugly through apertures  190  and  192  of retainer  182  with sufficient length L (see FIG. 7) forward of the inside surface  194  of plunger  128 ′ that posts  186  and  188  may each impinge upon the outside surface  196  of dual pilot diaphragm  122  so as to depress the inside surface  198  of pilot diaphragm  122  sealingly against the bleed inlet seals  124  and  125 . As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, plunger  128  is moved from its forward, normally closed position to a rearward, open position (as depicted in FIG. 7) via pin  148 . Pin  148  is adapted for tight fitting sliding engagement in and being secured by hollow cylinder  200  which has a generally U-shaped circumferential groove  201  that is snap-fitted in complementary snap fit opening  202  in cap  204  of dual pilot valve  52 . Preferably, pin  148  includes a reaction pad  205  of greater surface area than that of pin  148  itself, in order to minimize stress on the outer side  128   o  of plunger  128 . The interior end  2001  of cylinder  200  may include a shaped hollowed end (here, cone shaped) to accommodate the shape of the body of pin  148  behind reaction pad  205 . 
     At the outer end  200   O  of cylinder  200 , threads  200 T are provided to connect the operably connected cylinder to complementary threads  34 T in mounting plate  34  (see FIG.  10 , 11 , and  12 ). Pin  148  is located within a cylindrical threaded tube  200 , which is secured at one end at the cap  204  of the dual pilot diaphragm valve  52 , and at the other end at mounting plate  34  affixed to front  28  of cabinet wall  29 . 
     By comparison of FIGS. 10 and 11, or between  13  and  14 , or between  15  and  16 , the movement of actuator  32  can be appreciated. When actuator  32  is pushed inward toward the front  28  of cabinet  30 , linkage  136  (as described above) allows pin  148  to move outward, toward actuator  32 ′. Via way of pivot arms  138  and  140 , acting against pivot pins  143 P and  146 P, respectively, and release of force of spring  132 , this retrograde motion configuration is achieved for operation of my novel valve apparatus. Moreover, the action achieved by this apparatus is such that even if pressure is applied unevenly to actuator  32 , such as at either end of the same, by way of the forces distributed by the pivot arms  138  and  140 , the actuator  32  is able to move relatively evenly toward the wall  28  of the cabinet  30 . As seen in FIGS. 10 or  13 , when in a no-flow configuration, actuator  32  extends outward a distance DN from mounting housing  34 . When in a flow configuration, actuator push bar  32  extends outward a distance D F  from housing  34 . As may be more evident by comparing FIGS. 5 and 6, I prefer a configuration where D F  where shroud  33  portion of mounting housing  34  completely spans the gap D N . In this fashion, fingers F (see FIG. 10) of a user&#39;s hand (shown in phantom lines) will not fall into a gap G between the inner end  34   I  of actuator push bar  34  and the outer end  33   O  of shroud  33  of the mounting housing  34 . 
     Further evident in the just mentioned FIGS. 10 and 12 is a manual tab  220  which can be utilized to maintain a “locked-on” flow condition, by locking the actuator  32  inward. To accomplish this function, spring  222  is provided for complementary mounting engagement about the upper and lower portions of pivot block  137 , in an overall sideways and outwardly directed U-shaped configuration, where opposing upwardly directed tines  224  and downwardly directed tines  226  are situated for interfering engagement with upward and downward wedges  220   W  of tab  220 . In this manner, as can be seen by comparing FIG.  10  and FIG. 11, tines  224  and  226  are directed to catchment lands  230  and  232  in the upper inner  34   U  and lower inner  34   L  walls of actuator bar  34 . When tab  220  is pressed inward, as shown in FIG. 12, then actuator bar  34  is secured in a stable state, on or liquid flow configuration. This configuration is secured by tab spring  240 . When actuator bar  34  is returned to its normally off position (see FIG.  10 ), the wedge portions  220 W of tab  220  do not spread the tines  224  and  226  of spring  222  outward, and thus the tab  220  is not longer caught in a stable, locked flow position. 
     Preferably, mounting housing  34  is provided in an elongate hollow open front configuration, in a size adapted to accept an elongated bar type actuator  32  at the front in using a shrouded, non-pinch configuration as earlier described. I prefer to utilize a generally rectangular shape for mounting housing  34 , however, any convenient complementary shapes may be utilized for actuator bar  32  and housing  34 . Ideally, any gap G between the inner edge of actuator bar  32  and the outer stop surface  34   s  of housing  34  is shrouded by a close fitting shroud  33  adapted to flush fit the interior periphery of actuator bar  32 . 
     As can readily be appreciated by reference to FIGS. 4 and 10.  13 , the use of a circumferential groove or notch  201  distal end of the cylinder  200  holding pin  148  allows the pilot valve  52  to be quickly and easily mounted into an operating position. This is particularly true where external threads  200 T are provided on the proximal end of the pin housing cylinder  200 , so that the threads  200 T can be interfitted in firm meshing engagement with internal threads  34 T which define a through passageway aperture in mounting plate  34 . In this fashion, pin housing cylinder  200  allows caged, sliding, reversible passage of pin  148  therethough, and between the interior side  137 I of pivot block  137  and the exterior side  1288 O of plunger  128 . Ideally, as in the embodiment just described, the effective length of actuating pin  148  is carefully sized so that it provides a firm, repositionable, reliable device to operatively connect the actuator  32  with the plunger  128  of the pilot valve  52 . However, other linking devices may be used to accomplish the same function and to achieve the same result, and so long as the linkage between manipulating an actuator is coupled with repositioning a pilot valve. 
     Further details of my primary or diaphragm valve is also illustrated in FIG.  8 . Valve  40  has leading thereto a fluid supply portion  380 . A threads  400  on valve  40  are provided for connection to inlet line  42  (to provide a pressurized fluid supply line). A monolithic block main body  402  is provided. Diaphragm seat  106  is provided, against which primary diaphragm  96  sealingly engages. Diaphragm housing  90  and monolithic block main body  402  of primary valve  40  combine to form therebetween a diaphragm chamber  94 , as described herein above with regard to valve  40 . Preferably, diaphragm housing  90  and main body  402  are sonic welded for leakless construction. A bleed nipple  408  is provided in main body  402 . A bleed discharge nipple  410  is provided on the outlet line  412  of valve, so that bleed fluid can be discharged into outlet line  412 . Wingnuts  45  are provide on the threaded outlet coupling  82 . Importantly, an oval shaped, protective ring  420  with interior protruding bead  422  for snap-fit to exterior circumferential groove  424  in order to provide a protective cover for the inlet and outlet bleed fittings  408  and  410 . 
     It is to be appreciated that the novel valve apparatus and method for regulating the flow of water from a tap which is provided by the present invention is a significant improvement in the state of the art of water saving devices for use in pressurized water supply systems such as industrial, commercial, and household kitchen and bathroom sinks. My novel valve apparatus is relatively simple, and it substantially decreases the cost and complexity involved in installing water saving valves in existing home sink applications. 
     It is thus clear from the heretofore provided description that my novel valve apparatus is an appreciable improvement in the state of the art of devices for reducing water use in sinks and other applications. Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that my novel valve apparatus and method of employing the same may be modified from those embodiments provided herein without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages provided by this invention, and may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Also, it is to be noted that while only one (the hot primary valve) of the pair of primary valves was described in detail, the virtually identical operation of the second (cold primary valve) will be easily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art and to which this disclosure is directed. Therefore, the embodiments presented herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. As such, the claims are intended to cover the structures described herein, and not only structural equivalents thereof, but also equivalent structures. Thus, the scope of the invention, as indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, is intended to include variations from the embodiments provided which are nevertheless described by the broad meaning and range properly afforded to the language of the claims, or to the equivalents thereof.