WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WITH WATER SAVING DIFFUSERS

Abstract: A water-saving diffuser (1) for which a user perceives a relatively higher flow rate than the actual flow rate includes a lower chamber portion (10) housing a distributor disk (40) therein, and an accelerator portion (20) attached to the lower chamber portion (10), the accelerator portion (20) having a plurality of apertures for producing a multiple-stream output from the water-saving diffuser (1). A central aperture (42) of the distributor disk (40) can be custom-tailored to produce a specific flow rate for a given water supply pressure. The water-saving diffuser (1) may be used in a water distribution system to provide a predetermined uniform flow rate to all regions of a single or multi-story building.

Description: WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WITH WATER SAVING DIFFUSERS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is based on U.S. Application Serial No. 08/745,614 filed November 7, 1996 and U.S. Application Serial No. 08/819,743 filed March 18, 1997. BACKGROUND The present invention relates generally to a water-saving diffuser that attaches to a water fixture, such as a faucet or a shower supply pipe, and a water distribution system that utilizes water-saving diffusers to produce a uniform flow rate of water for a multi-story building. More specifically, the present invention relates to water-saving diffusers for which a user perceives a relatively higher flow rate than the actual flow rate. The water-saving diffusers may be adapted to produce a predetermined flow rate so that a water distribution system using these water-saving diffusers can provide each outlet of each floor of a multi-story building with the same flow rate . The availability of fresh water is a major concern in many parts of the world, especially in regions that have a limited natural supply of fresh water and, therefore, must purchase fresh water at great cost. Some communities have resorted to imposing severe restrictions on non-essential uses of water, such as for washing cars or watering lawns. In addition, ecological concerns have prompted an interest in water conservation as a means to reduce the amount of energy expended in water treatment plants that ensure that the water supplied to a community meets a minimum standard of quality. In general, a water conservation device conserves water by limiting the flow rate of water from a faucet or shower head. This is usually accomplished by reducing the cross-sectional area through which the water must flow. For example, flow can be restricted by using a disk having one or more small perforations to limit the flow rate of water downstream of the disk. Typical flow restricting devices provide a downstream flow rate of about 1.5 to 2.5 gallons per minute at a 60 psi water supply pressure. However, conventional flow reducing devices reduce the perceived flow velocity as well as the flow rate. This results in a user perceiving the water to trickle out of the faucet or shower head, which is unsatisfactory for rinsing greasy dishes or removing shampoo from the user's hair. A typical water distribution system, such as one for an multi-story apartment building, utilizes conventional flow reducing devices to conserve water. Therefore, such a typical water distribution system indiscriminately reduces water flow to all apartments regardless of the floor of a particular apartment. However, gravity effects will cause apartments located on an upper floor to have a pressure loss and a comparatively lower flow rate of water than ground floor apartments. Also, for expansive apartment complexes, distance effects will cause apartments located at a relatively farther distance from the main water supply to have a comparatively lower flow than apartments located at a relatively short distance away from the main water supply. These effects result in an inequitable distribution of water in typical water distribution systems. In addition, conventional water distribution systems generally will provide an oversupply of water in order to ensure that locations farthest from the main water supply will at least meet minimum flow standards, such as a minimum flow rate. OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the aforementioned shortcomings of conventional flow reducing devices and water distribution systems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a water- saving diffuser that attaches to a faucet or shower supply pipe and reduces the flow rate of water while actually increasing the perceived flow velocity of water exiting the diffuser. It is another object of the present invention to provide a water-saving diffuser that is easily adapted to produce a predetermined flow rate. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a water distribution system that produces a uniform flow rate of water for a single- or multi-story building. According to an aspect of the present invention, a water-saving diffuser includes a hollow barrel having an upstream end adapted for attaching to a faucet or a shower supply pipe. In faucet diffusers, the barrel is adapted to receive an accelerator disk having a plurality of apertures, a distributor disk having a central aperture of a predetermined size, and a chamber ring interposed between the distributor disk and the accelerator disk to define a chamber region therebetween. A ledge at the downstream end of the barrel serves to retain the accelerator disk, the chamber ring, and the distributor disk within the barrel. The distributor disk is removable and the central aperture can be custom-tailored to produce a specific flow rate for a given water supply pressure. Alternatively, the distributor disk may be fixed within the diffuser to prevent tampering therewith. According to another aspect of the present invention, a water distribution system includes water-saving diffusers having distributor disks with central apertures custom-tailored to produce a uniform flow rate throughout a multi-story building. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for conserving water and producing a uniform water distribution throughout a multi-story building includes the steps of determining the water supply pressure and flow characteristics for various floors at various locations of the multi-story building, and determining an appropriate central aperture size for a distributor disk of a water-saving diffuser for a selected location on a selected floor based on the water supply pressure and flow characteristics determined for that location and that floor. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a water-saving diffuser for a shower head or a faucet includes a universal coupler for connecting the water-saving diffuser with a water supply pipe, the universal coupler having an axial water conduit, an upper chamber portion movably attached to the universal coupler, an intermediate chamber portion attached to the upper chamber, a lower chamber portion having a narrow upstream end attached to the intermediate chamber portion and a wide downstream end, the narrow end of the lower chamber portion housing a washer and a distributor disk with a central aperture of a predetermined size therein, and an accelerator portion attached to the wide end of the lower chamber portion, the accelerator portion having a plurality of apertures for producing a multiple-stream output from the water-saving shower head diffuser. The water-saving diffuser of the present invention is a device for reducing water flow for which a user perceives a relatively higher flow than the actual flow. The primary advantage of such a device is that the user reduces water consumption without being made consciously aware of doing so by the perceived slow flow of water coming through the faucet or shower head, which is a common disadvantage of many existing flow restricting devices. The perceived high flow of the water-saving diffuser of the present invention probably is a result of its dimensions, particularly the dimensions of the distributor disk, the accelerator portion, and the region separating the distributor and accelerator portion. The perceived high flow probably is also influenced by how the plurality of apertures in the accelerator portion are arranged. However, the exact mechanism responsible for the perceived high flow is not yet clearly understood. At one extreme, a certain choice of dimensions and arrangement of apertures may produce a laminar flow, such as the flow typically found in water fountains where the stream of water produces little splashing. Laminar flow is likely to be perceived as being a slow flow. At the other extreme, a certain choice of dimensions and arrangement of apertures may produce a turbulent flow, such as that produced when a garden hose is pinched off to produce a high-velocity jet of water. Turbulent flow is likely to be perceived as being a fast flow. The water-saving diffuser device of the present invention most likely produces a flow somewhere between these two extremes. The water distribution system of the present invention provides a uniform flow rate of water to all locations in a multi-story building by custom-tailoring the water-saving diffusers used in different parts of the building to balance the water flow in the building. By incorporating the water-saving diffuser of the present invention in the water distribution system of the present invention, the water consumption in a multi-story building can be significantly reduced without reducing the water velocity to an unacceptable trickle and without having an inequitably lower flow rate at higher floors than at lower floors, while improving the perceived flow velocity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a water-saving diffuser according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figs. 2A and 2B show a plan view and a side view, respectively, of a barrel according to the embodiment of Fig. 1; Figs. 3A and 3B show a plan view and a side view, respectively, of an accelerator disk according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 ; Figs. 4A and 4B show a plan view and a side view, respectively, of a chamber ring according to the embodiment of Fig. 1; Figs. 5A and 5B show a plan view and a side view, respectively, of a distributor disk with a central aperture according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 6 is a chart showing a relationship between central aperture diameter, water supply pressure, and water flow rate for a water-saving faucet diffuser according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 schematically shows a typical building with isometric floors; Fig. 8 is a graph comparing a water distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention with a typical water distribution system; Fig. 9 is a flow chart describing a method for providing a uniform flow rate to all regions of a multistory building according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 is a chart showing flow characteristics of a multi-story building utilizing a water distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 is a composite view of a water-saving diffuser according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the diffuser according to the embodiment of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a cut-away side view of the diffuser according to the embodiment of Fig. 11; Figs. 14A and 14B show a side view and a cut-away side view, respectively, of the universal coupler according to the embodiment of Fig. 11; Figs. 15A and 15B show a side view and a cut-away side view, respectively, of the intermediate chamber portion according to the embodiment of Fig. 11; Figs. 16A and 16B show a side view and a cut-away side view, respectively, of the intermediate chamber portion according to the embodiment of Fig. 11; Figs. 17A and 17B show a side view and a cut-away side view, respectively, of the lower chamber portion according to the embodiment of Fig. 11; Figs. 18A and 18B show a plan view and a cut-away side view, respectively, of a distributor disk with a central aperture according to the embodiment of Fig. 11; Fig. 19 is a chart showing a relationship between the central aperture of the distributor disk, water supply pressure, and water flow rate for the water-saving diffuser according to the embodiment of Fig. 11; Fig. 20 is a cut-away side view of a washer according to the embodiment of Fig. 11; and Figs. 21A, 21B, and 21C show a plan view, a side view, and a cut-away side view, respectively, of an accelerator portion according to the embodiment of Fig. 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent the same or similar elements. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, a water-saving diffuser 1 is comprised of a hollow barrel 10, an accelerator disk 20, a chamber ring 30, and a distributor disk 40. The barrel 10 is adapted to house the accelerator disk 20, the chamber ring 30, and the distributor disk 40 therein. The chamber ring is interposed between the accelerator disk 20 and the distributor disk 40 and defines a chamber region 50 therebetween. The accelerator disk 20 is positioned downstream of the distributor disk 40. The water-saving diffuser 1 of this embodiment reduces the water flow rate by at least 35%. Figs. 2A and 2B show a plan view and a side view, respectively, of the barrel 10 of Fig. 1. The barrel 10 has an upstream end 12 provided with threads 14 for attaching to a faucet or a shower supply pipe, a main body portion 16, and a downstream end 18 that has a smaller inner diameter (ID) than the ID of the main body portion 16 of the barrel 10. In Fig. 2B, the threads 14 are shown as external threads for mating with a faucet or shower supply pipe having corresponding internal threads. However, the barrel 10 may instead be provided with internal threads (not shown) for mating with a faucet or shower supply pipe having corresponding external threads. The downstream end 18 of the barrel 10 may be formed to have a rounded profile, as shown in Fig. 2A, or it may include an inwardly extending ledge (not shown) . The smaller ID of the downstream end 18 relative to the ID of the main body portion 16 of the barrel 10 serves to retain the accelerator disk 20, chamber ring 30, and distributor disk 40 within the barrel 10. According to a preferred embodiment for use with a standard-sized water faucet, the barrel 10 has a height of about 0.65 inch, an outer diameter (OD) of about 0.93 inch at the main body portion 16, an ID of about 0.83 inch at the main body portion 16, and an ID of about 0.81 inch at the downstream end 18. Of course, other dimensions are necessary for non-standard-sized water faucets and shower supply pipes . Figs. 3A and 3B show a plan view and a side view, respectively, of the accelerator disk 20 according to the embodiment of Fig. 1. The accelerator disk 20 contains a plurality of apertures 22 formed therein for producing a spray of water downstream of the water-saving diffuser 1. According to a preferred embodiment, the accelerator disk 20 has a diameter of about 0.82 inch and a thickness, h a , of about 0.08 inch. Each of the apertures 22 has a diameter of about 0.03 inch, a total number of apertures 22 is approximately 28, and the apertures 22 are arranged such that none of the apertures 22 is located in a central portion of the accelerator disk 20. Figs. 4A and 4B show a plan view and a side view, respectively, of the chamber ring 30 according to the embodiment of Fig. 1. The chamber ring 30 has an annular shape and may be formed as a discrete ring or as a physical extension of the accelerator disk 20. According to a preferred embodiment, the chamber ring 30 has a height, h c , of about 0.25 inch, an OD of about 0.83 inch, and an ID of about 0.605 inch. Figs. 5A and 5B show a plan view and a side view, respectively, of the distributor disk 40 according to the embodiment of Fig. 1. The distributor disk 40 has a central aperture 42 formed therein for restricting water flow in the water-saving diffuser 1. The distributor disk 40 reduces the water flow rate by at least 35%. The distributor disk 40 is removable from the water saving diffuser 1, and can be specially adapted or custom-tailored to produce a predetermined flow rate for a known water supply pressure. Fig. 6 is a chart showing a relationship between central aperture diameter of the distributor disk 40, water supply pressure, and water flow rate (gpm) for the water- saving diffuser 1 according to the embodiment of Fig. 1. The top row of figures represents the water supply pressure (in psi) upstream of the water-saving diffuser 1. The first column of figures on the left represents various diameters (in inches) for the central aperture 42 of the distributor disk 40. The array of values below the top row and to the right of the first column on the left represent water flow rates (in gallons per minute or gpm) downstream of the water-saving diffuser 1. For example, according to Fig. 6, for a given water supply pressure of 50 psi, a water-saving diffuser 1 having a distributor disk 40 with a 0.052 inch- diameter central aperture 42 will provide a flow rate of 0.5 gpm. Likewise, for a given water supply pressure of 35 psi, a water-saving diffuser 1 having a distributor disk 40 with a 0.063 inch-diameter central aperture 42 will provide the same flow rate of 0.5 gpm. By way of comparison, a standard diffuser may have a flow rate of 2.0 gpm at the same water supply pressure. However, a user will not perceive the difference in flow rate. Note that for water supply pressures above 60 psi (not shown in Fig. 6) , the flow rate is correspondingly higher for each central aperture diameter shown in the first column on the left, and for water supply pressures below 35 psi (not shown in Fig. 6), the flow rate is correspondingly lower for each central aperture diameter shown in the first column on the left. In other words, in order to maintain a constant flow rate for pressures that are higher or lower than what is shown in Fig. 6, the corresponding central aperture diameter is smaller for higher pressures and larger for lower pressures . According to a preferred embodiment, the distributor disk has a thickness, h d , of about 0.08 inch and an OD of about 0.82 inch. The central aperture 42 has a diameter that ranges from about 0.025 inch to 0.125 inch. Additionally, the water-saving diffuser 1 may include a washer 60 and a spacer 70 positioned upstream of the distributor disk 40, as shown in Fig. 1. A conventional filter screen (not shown) may also be included to filter any debris present in the water. According to a preferred embodiment, the water- saving diffuser 1 is used as a faucet diffuser. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a water distribution system that produces a uniform flow rate throughout a multi -story building is provided. The water distribution system takes into account a natural pressure drop in the water supply due to gravity effects and distance effects, which cause regions of the building farthest from the main water supply to have a comparatively lower flow rate than regions closer to the main water supply. Fig. 7 schematically shows a typical multi-story building 80 with isometric floors for which the water supply pressure varies from floor to floor due to gravity effects. The water distribution system of the present invention compensates for these naturally-occurring effects by utilizing water-saving diffusers 1 with distributor disks 40 having various central aperture diameters . The central aperture diameter selected for a specific location in the building is dependent on the water supply pressure determined for that location. Fig. 8 is a graph comparing the water distribution system of the present invention with a typical water distribution system that uses conventional water-saving diffusers for a six-story building. Curve c represents the water supply pressure (psi) for each floor of the building, curve a represents the flow rate (gpm) when the water distribution system of the present invention is used, and curve b represents the flow rate (gpm) when a typical water distribution system with conventional water-saving devices is used. As shown in Fig. 8, the typical water distribution system provides a flow rate that varies with floor while the water distribution system of the present invention provides a uniform flow rate for all floors of the building. In addition, the water distribution system of the present invention conserves more water than the typical water distribution system. Fig. 9 is a flow chart describing a method for producing a predetermined uniform flow rate to all regions of a multi-story building according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, the water supply pressure for various locations in the building is determined under static conditions at step S2. Static conditions are conditions in which no water is used in the building. Next, at step S4 , the water supply pressure for the various locations is determined under residual conditions, which are normal or typical daily water use conditions. Then, the appropriate central aperture diameter for the distributor disk 40 of the water-saving diffuser 1 for producing the predetermined flow rate is determined for each of the various locations at step S6. The appropriate water-saving diffuser 1 is determined based upon the static and residual water supply pressures determined for the various locations. The appropriate water-saving diffuser 1 is then installed at the various locations at step S8. By way of example, Fig. 10 is a chart for a 6- story building indicating a gravity-induced water-supply pressure drop that increases with elevation. A main supply pressure of 60 psi on the first floor decreases to only about 38 psi on the sixth floor. By choosing the central aperture diameters of the water-saving diffusers according to a chart similar to that of Fig. 6, all the floors of the 6-story building can be provided with a flow rate of 0.5 gpm. Fig. 11 is a composite view of another embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, a water-saving diffuser 100 is comprised of a universal coupler 110 for attaching the diffuser 100 to a water supply pipe (not shown) , an upper chamber portion 120 movably attached to the universal coupler 110, an intermediate chamber portion 130 attached to the upper chamber portion 120, a lower chamber portion 140 attached to the intermediate chamber portion 130, and an accelerator portion 180 attached to the lower chamber portion 140. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view and Fig. 13 is a cut-away side of the diffuser 100 of Fig. 11. The diffuser 100 includes a distributor disk 160 and a washer 170 housed within the lower chamber portion 140 of the diffuser 100. Figs. 14A and 14B show a side view and a cut-away side view, respectively, of the universal coupler 110. The universal coupler 110 has an upstream end 112 that attaches to the water supply pipe (not shown) . The upstream end 112 may be provided with threads 114 or other means for attaching the universal coupler 110 to the water supply pipe so that a user may adjust the direction of water output from the diffuser 100. The universal coupler 110 has a downstream end shaped as a ball 116, which serves as a pivoting joint that enables the diffuser 100 to pivot in different directions with respect to the water supply pipe. The universal coupler 110 has a hollow interior 118 for allowing water to flow therethrough. According to a preferred embodiment, the upstream end 112 of the universal coupler 110 has an ID of about 0.70 inch and an OD of about 1.10 inch, a downstream end of the universal coupler 110 has an ID of about 0.40 inch, and the ball 116 has a diameter D of about 1 . 18 inch . Figs. 15A and 15B show a side view and a cut-away side view, respectively, of the upper chamber portion 120. The upper chamber portion 120 has a tapered upstream end 122 for movably receiving the ball 116 of the universal coupler 110 therein. The tapered upstream end 122 allows the upper chamber portion 120 to pivot about the ball 116 of the universal coupler 110 while remaining securely attached to the upper chamber portion 120. A downstream end 124 of the upper chamber portion 120 may be provided with threads 126 for attaching the upper chamber portion 120 to the intermediate chamber portion 130. The upper chamber portion 120 has a hollow interior 128 for allowing water to pass therethrough. According to a preferred embodiment, the upstream end 122 has an ID of about 0.80 inch and the downstream end has an ID of about 1.20 inch. Figs. 16A and 16B show a side view and a cut-away side view, respectively, of the intermediate chamber portion 130. The intermediate chamber portion 130 has an upstream end 132 attached to the downstream end 124 of the upper chamber portion 120, and a downstream end 134 attached to the lower chamber portion 140. The upstream end 132 and the downstream end 134 of the intermediate chamber portion may be provided with threads 136, 138 for attaching to the upper chamber portion 120 and the lower chamber portion 140, respectively. The intermediate portion 130 has a hollow interior 135 for allowing water to pass therethrough. According to a preferred embodiment, the intermediate portion 130 has an ID of about 0.95 inch. Figs. 17A and 17B show a side view and a cut-away side view of the lower chamber portion 140. The lower chamber portion 140 has an upstream end 142 attached to the downstream end 134 of the intermediate chamber 130 (see Figs. 16A and 16B) . The upstream end 142 may be provided with threads 146 for attaching to the intermediate chamber 130. A downstream end 144 of the lower chamber portion 140 is attached to the accelerator portion 180. The lower chamber portion 140 has a hollow interior 150 for allowing water to pass therethrough. The hollow interior 150 includes an upper section 152, a middle section 154, and a lower section 156, with the middle section 154 having a relatively smaller diameter than a diameter of the upper section 152 such that a ledge 158 is formed therebetween. The lower section 156 has a relatively larger diameter than that of the middle section 154. According to a preferred embodiment, the lower chamber portion 140 has an overall height H of about 1.70 inch, the upper section 152 has a diameter of about 1.20 inch and a height h υ of about 0.80 inch, the middle section 154 has a diameter of about 0.95 inch and a height h M of about 0.30 inch, and the lower section 156 has a diameter of about 2.15 inch and a height h L of about 0.60 inch. The downstream end 144 may be provided with threads 148 for attaching to the accelerator portion 180. Figs. 18A and 18B show a plan view and a cut-away side view of the distributor disk 160. The distributor disk 160 is substantially ring shaped and has a central aperture 162 of a predetermined size formed therein for restricting water flow in the diffuser 100 to a desired level. The distributor disk 160 may be removable from the diffuser 100, and can be specially adapted or custom-tailored to produce a predetermined flow rate for a known water supply pressure. Alternatively, the distributor disk 160 may be fixed to prevent tampering with the diffuser 100. According to a preferred embodiment, the distributor disk has an OD of about 1.2 inch and a height h d of about 0.20 inch, and the diameter d of the central aperture 162 ranges from about 0.08 inch to 0.10 inch, although smaller and larger apertures may be appropriate depending on the water supply pressure . Fig. 19 is a chart showing a relationship between the diameter of the central aperture 162 of the distributor disk 160, water supply pressure, and water flow rate for the diffuser 100 according to the embodiment of Fig. 11. The top row of figures represents the water supply pressure (in psi) upstream of the diffuser 100. The first column of figures on the left represents various diameters (in inches) for the central aperture 162 of the distributor disk 160. The array of values below the top row and to the right of the first column on the left represent water flow rates (in gpm) downstream of the diffuser 100. Fig. 20 is a cut-away side view of the washer 170. The washer 170 has a downstream end 174 with a substantially arcuate surface profile with a peripheral shoulder portion 176, and a central passageway 178 for allowing water to pass therethrough. According to a preferred embodiment, the washer 170 has an overall height of about 0.50 inch, and the passageway 178 is tapered to have a diameter of about 0.155 inch at an upstream end 172 of the washer 170 and a diameter of about 0.195 inch at the downstream end 174 thereof. The distributor disk 160 and the washer 170 are positioned within the lower chamber portion 140 such that the peripheral shoulder portion 176 of the downstream end 174 of the washer 170 rests against the ledge 158 of the lower chamber portion 140, an upstream surface 172 of the washer 170 abuts the distributor disk 160, and the distributor disk 160 and the washer 170 are held in place within the lower chamber portion 140 by the downstream end 134 of the intermediate chamber portion 130, as shown in Fig. 13. Optionally, a retaining ring 200 may be positioned upstream of the distributor disk 160. Figs. 21A, 21B, and 21C show a plan view, a side view, and a cut-away side view, respectively, of the accelerator portion 180. The accelerator portion has an upstream end 182 that attaches to the downstream end 144 of the lower chamber portion 140. The upstream end 182 may be provided with threads 194 for attaching to the lower chamber portion 140. A central face 186 of the accelerator portion 180 has a plurality of apertures 192 formed therein for producing a multiple-stream output from the diffuser 100. The apertures 192 are arranged such that none of the apertures is located along a central axis of the diffuser 100. According to a preferred embodiment, arc-shaped recesses 188 are formed on a downstream side 190 of the central face 186 of the accelerator portion 180, and each of the plurality of apertures 192 for a respective central section of the arc-shaped recesses 188. The arc-shaped recesses have a radius of about 0.15 inch and have a width of about 0.05 inch. Preferably, each of the apertures 192 has an area of about 0.005 square inch. According to a preferred embodiment, the water- saving diffuser 100 is used as a shower head diffuser. By combining the water-saving faucet and shower head diffusers of the present invention with the water distribution system of the present invention, water consumption can be significantly decreased while providing users with an improved perceived water flow velocity so that users can rinse away shampoo or grease from dishes without perceiving that the water is trickling out of the shower head or faucet . The cost savings achieved by the present invention can be significant. In a large apartment complex of 260 apartments using 50,000 to 75,000 gallons of water per day, or as much as 27,375,000 gallons per year, the savings can be as much as 3,000,000 to 12,000,000 gallons per year, or as much as $14,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the cost of supplied water. The embodiments described above are illustrative examples of the present invention and it should not be construed that the present invention is limited to these particular embodiments. Various changes and modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the specific dimensions stated above are for standard-sized water faucets and shower supply pipes, and these dimensions may be modified to accommodate non-standard-sized water faucets and shower supply pipes without departing from the scope of this invention.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A water-saving diffuser, comprising: a hollow barrel having an upstream end for attachment to a water supply, a main body portion, and a downstream end with a smaller inner diameter than an inner diameter of the main body portion of the barrel; an accelerator disk having a plurality of apertures formed therein for producing a spray of water; a distributor disk having a central aperture formed therein for reducing a water flow rate; and a chamber ring interposed between the accelerator disk and the distributor disk to form a chamber region therebetween, the chamber ring having a height that is smaller than its diameter; the accelerator disk, distributor disk, and chamber ring being housed within the hollow barrel such that the accelerator disk is positioned downstream from the distributor disk and being retained in the barrel by the smaller inner diameter of the downstream end of the barrel relative to the main body portion of the barrel . 2. A water-saving diffuser according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures in the accelerator disk are arranged such that none of the apertures is located in a central region of the accelerator disk opposing the central aperture of the distributor disk. 3. A water-saving diffuser according to claim 1, wherein the chamber ring has a height of about 0.15 to 0.35 inch, an outer diameter of about 0.75 to 0.95 inch, and an inner diameter of about 0.50 to 0.70 inch. 4. A water-saving diffuser according to claim 1, wherein the chamber ring is attached to the accelerator disk. 5. A water-saving diffuser according to claim 1, wherein the central aperture of the distributor disk has a diameter that ranges from about 0.025 to 0.125 inch. 6. A water-saving diffuser according to claim 1, wherein the distributor disk has a thickness of about 0.07 to 0 . 09 inch . 7. A water-saving diffuser according to claim 1, wherein the accelerator disk has a thickness of about 0.07 to 0.09 inch and the plurality of apertures in the accelerator disk each have a diameter of about 0.02 to 0.04 inch. 8. A water distribution system for providing a multi-story building with a predetermined uniform water flow rate, the system comprising: a plurality of faucets and shower supply pipes located at various parts of a multi-story building, each of the faucets and shower supply pipes for supplying water at a known water supply pressure; a plurality of water-saving diffusers for attaching to the plurality of faucets and shower supply pipes, each of the water-saving diffusers having a distributor disk with a central aperture for significantly reducing a flow rate of the water; wherein each water-saving diffuser selected for use at one of the various parts of the multi-story building has a central aperture diameter that depends on the known water supply pressure for that part of the multi-story building. 9. A water distribution system according to claim 8, wherein each of the water-saving diffusers further comprise : a barrel, an accelerator disk with a plurality of apertures formed therein, and a chamber ring interposed between the accelerator disk and the distributor disk to form a chamber region therebetween, the chamber ring having a height that is smaller than its diameter. 10. A method of providing a predetermined uniform water flow rate to a multi-story building, the method comprising the steps of: determining a water supply pressure for each of various locations in a multi-story building; determining a diameter for a water-restricting aperture of a water-saving diffuser for each of the various locations based on the water supply pressure determined for each respective location; and assembling a water-saving diffuser for each of the various locations by inserting a disk having a central water-restricting aperture into the water-saving diffuser, the diameter of the water-restricting aperture being determined based on the water supply pressure for each respective location. 11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the step of determining the water supply pressure for each of the various locations in the multi-story building includes determining the water supply pressure under static conditions and under residual conditions. 12. A water-saving diffuser, comprising: a chamber portion having a hollow conduit for allowing water to pass therethrough, the hollow conduit including an upper hollow section and a middle hollow section having a relatively smaller diameter than a diameter of the upper hollow section; a distributor disk having a central aperture for restricting water flow, the distributor disk being positioned within the upper hollow section of the chamber portion; and an accelerator portion having a plurality of apertures therein for producing a multiple-stream water output, the accelerator portion attached to the chamber portion, wherein the distributor disk and the accelerator portion delineate a chamber region within the chamber portion, the chamber region having a height that is smaller than its diameter. 13. A water-saving diffuser according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of apertures in the accelerator portion are arranged such that none of the apertures is aligned with the central aperture of the distributor disk. 14. A water-saving diffuser according to claim 12, further comprising a washer with a central conduit therein for allowing water to pass therethrough, the washer being positioned within the upper hollow section of the lower chamber portion such that an upstream surface of the washer abuts the distributor disk. 15. A water-saving diffuser according to claim 12, wherein the central aperture of the distributor disk has a diameter of about 0.08 inch to 0.10 inch, and the distributor disk is removable from the diffuser so that the diffuser may be assembled with a selected distributor disk having a particular central aperture diameter that produces a desired water flow rate. 16. A water-saving shower head diffuser comprising : an upper chamber portion having a hollow conduit for allowing water to pass therethrough; a lower chamber portion having a hollow conduit for allowing water to pass therethrough in communication with the hollow conduit of the upper chamber portion, the hollow conduit of the lower chamber portion including a first hollow section and a second hollow section having a relatively smaller diameter than a diameter of the first hollow section; a distributor disk having a central aperture for restricting water flow, the distributor disk positioned within the first hollow section of the lower chamber portion; and an accelerator portion having a plurality of apertures therein for producing a multiple-stream water output, the accelerator portion attached to the lower chamber portion, wherein the distributor disk and the accelerator portion delineate a chamber region within the lower chamber portion, the chamber region having a height that is smaller than its diameter. 17. A water-saving shower head diffuser according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of apertures in the accelerator portion are arranged such that none of the apertures is aligned with the central aperture of the distributor disk. 18. A water-saving shower head diffuser according to claim 16, further comprising a washer with a central conduit therein for allowing water to pass therethrough, the washer being positioned within the first hollow section of the lower chamber portion such that an upstream surface of the washer abuts the distributor disk. 19. A water-saving shower head diffuser according to claim 16, wherein the central aperture of the distributor disk has a diameter of about 0.08 inch to 0.10 inch, and the distributor disk is removable from the shower head diffuser so that the shower head diffuser may be assembled with a selected distributor disk having a particular central aperture diameter that produces a desired water flow rate. 20. A water-saving shower head diffuser comprising : a universal coupler for connecting the diffuser to a water supply pipe, the universal coupler having a ball- shaped portion at a downstream end thereof and a hollow conduit for allowing water to pass therethrough; an upper chamber portion movably attached to the ball-shaped portion of the universal coupler, the upper chamber portion having a hollow conduit for allowing water to pass therethrough; an intermediate chamber portion attached to the upper chamber portion, the intermediate chamber portion having a hollow conduit for allowing water to pass therethrough; a lower chamber portion attached to the intermediate chamber portion, the lower chamber portion having a hollow conduit for allowing water to pass therethrough, the hollow conduit of the lower chamber portion including an upper hollow section and a middle hollow section having a relatively smaller diameter than a diameter of the upper hollow section such that a ledge is formed therebetween; a distributor disk having a central aperture for restricting water flow, the distributor disk held within the upper hollow section of the lower chamber portion by the ledge of the lower chamber portion and the intermediate chamber portion; and an accelerator portion having a plurality of apertures therein for producing a multiple-stream water output, the accelerator portion attached to the lower chamber portion, wherein the distributor disk and the accelerator portion delineate a chamber region within the lower chamber portion, the chamber region having a height that is smaller than its diameter. 21. A water-saving shower head diffuser according to claim 20, further comprising a washer with a central conduit therein for allowing water to pass therethrough, the washer being positioned within the upper hollow section of the lower chamber portion such that an upstream surface of the washer abuts the distributor disk and a peripheral shoulder portion of a downstream surface of the washer rests against the ledge of the lower chamber portion. 22. A water-saving shower head diffuser according to claim 20, wherein the upper chamber portion has a tapered upstream portion for movably receiving the ball -shaped portion of the universal coupler therein such that the upper chamber portion pivots about the ball -shaped portion while being securely and movably attached to the universal coupler. 23. A water-saving shower head diffuser according to claim 20, wherein the intermediate chamber portion has an inner diameter of about 0.95 inch. 24. A water-saving shower head diffuser according to claim 20, wherein the lower chamber portion has an overall height of about 1.70 inch, the upper hollow section has a diameter of about 1.20 inch and a height of about 0.80 inch, the middle hollow section has a diameter of about 0.95 inch and a height of about 0.30 inch, and a lower hollow section of the lower chamber portion has a diameter of about 2.15 inch and a height of about 0 . 60 inch . 25. A water-saving shower head diffuser according to claim 20, wherein the distributor disk has an outer diameter of about 1.20 inch, the central aperture of the distributor disk has a diameter of about 0.08 inch to 0.10 inch, and the distributor disk is removable from the shower head diffuser so that the shower head diffuser may be assembled with a selected distributor disk having a particular central aperture diameter that produces a desired water flow rate. 26. A water-saving shower head diffuser according to claim 20, wherein the plurality of apertures in the accelerator portion are arranged such that none of the apertures is aligned with the central aperture of the distributor disk. 27. A water-saving shower head diffuser according to claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of apertures in the accelerator portion have an area of about 0.005 square inch. 28. A water-saving shower head diffuser according to claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of apertures in the accelerator portion comprise a central region of respective arc-shaped recessed formed on a downstream side of the accelerator portion. 29. A water-saving shower head diffuser according to claim 28, wherein each of the arch-shaped recesses has a radius of about 0.15 inch. 30. A water-saving shower head diffuser according to claim 21, wherein the washer has a downstream end with a substantially arcuate surface profile and the central conduit of the washer is tapered to have a diameter of about 0.155 inch at an upstream end and about 0.195 inch at a downstream end thereof . 31. A water distribution system for providing a building with a predetermined uniform water flow rate, the system comprising: a plurality of faucets and shower supply pipes located at various parts of a building, each of the faucets and shower supply pipes supplying water at a known water supply pressure; a plurality of water-saving faucet diffusers for attaching to the plurality of faucets, each of the water- saving faucet diffusers having a faucet distributor disk with a central aperture for significantly reducing a flow rate of the water; a plurality of water-saving shower head diffusers for attaching to the plurality of shower supply pipes, each of the water-saving shower head diffusers having a shower head distributor disk with a central aperture for significantly reducing a flow rate of the water; wherein each water-saving faucet diffuser and shower head diffuser selected for use at one of the various parts of the building has a central aperture diameter that depends on the known water supply pressure for that part of the building. 32. A method of providing a predetermined uniform water flow rate to a multi-story building, the method comprising the steps of: determining a water supply pressure for each of various locations in a multi-story building; determining a diameter for a water-restricting aperture of a water-saving diffuser for each of the various locations based on the water supply pressure determined for each respective location; and assembling a water-saving diffuser for each of the various locations by inserting a disk having a central water-restricting aperture into the water-saving diffuser, the diameter of the water-restricting aperture being determined based on the water supply pressure for each respective location.

Inventors: LEON DAVID, LEON ERIC, LEON STEPHEN, LEON, DAVID, LEON, ERIC, LEON, STEPHEN
Applicants: LEON DAVID, LEON ERIC, LEON STEPHEN, WATER MANAGEMENT EQUIPMENT LTD, LEON, DAVID, LEON, ERIC, LEON, STEPHEN, WATER MANAGEMENT EQUIPMENT LTD.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: B05B15
IPC codes: B05B1, E03C1