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 that 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:
RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This non-provisional patent application, is a continuation-in-part (CIP2) of application Ser. No. 09/452,754 filed on Dec. 1, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,872 issued on Oct. 9, 2001, which application was a continuation-in-part (CIP) and claimed the benefit under 35 USC §120 of Ser. No. 08/687,660 filed Jul. 26, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,315, issued on Sep. 26, 2000, which claimed priority under 35 USC §119 (e) from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/001,639 filed Jul. 28, 1995. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The apparatus disclosed relates to a hands free apparatus for controlling water discharge operations which is adapted to minimize water usage at taps such as kitchen and bathroom sinks, whether residential or industrial, and more particularly, to optimum design features for such apparatus. 
     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  E. coli , 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 that 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. 
     Nevertheless, 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 the disclosed 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. 
     KEY ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSED APPARATUS AND METHOD 
     A novel pilot controlled water flow control valve and accompanying actuator bar is disclosed which does not have the drawbacks common to those somewhat similar products heretofore designed or used. Unlike the earlier designs that attempted to provide a mechanical or electrical linkage for use in opening and closing a valve, an exemplary design is provided that includes 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 the apparatus disclosed 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 apparatus disclosed 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 the disclosed apparatus 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 
     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, is provided. The valve apparatus is particularly useful for minimizing the amount of water used at industrial, commercial, and household kitchen sinks. 
     The 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. 
     The 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 disclosed embodiment. 
     FIG. 2 is a view of the 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 the 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, 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 in the closed, no-flow position. 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a pilot in the open, flow position. 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a main valve for controlling water flow, 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, 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 an exemplary apparatus, 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 an exemplary embodiment, 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 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 1, a partial cut-away cross-sectional view shows the internal assembly in an actuation bar, as well as the manual lock-on button tab, 
     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 manual lock-on tab engaged in the on, liquid flow-position. 
     FIG. 17 is a view of the improved valve apparatus, similar to FIG.  2  and likewise showing one 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 cabin et mounted actuation push bar, and coiled expandable flexible interconnecting lines for valve actuation, and showing the use snap on type barb shrouds for protection of hose fitting points. 
     FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a removable barb shroud having a compressive lip for affixing the shroud to a base on a valve body. 
     FIG. 19 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a valve body, taken across line  19 — 19  of FIG. 18, showing the lower compressive lip used to affix the barb shroud to a base. 
     FIG. 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a retainer within an actuator valve, taken across line  20 — 20  of FIG. 21, showing cymbal shaped recesses for accepting a diaphram during valve operation. 
     FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a dual pilot valve, similar to the valve first shown in FIG. 4, showing internal components and assembly details of the pilot valve, including the main body, the diaphragm seat, the diaphragm with sealing lip, retainer, plunger, and outer housing cover with key lock for an actuator pin, as well as secure closure devices, including fasteners and/or pins. 
     FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a main valve for controlling water flow, showing the various elements of the valve including the main body with fastener accepting apertures, a diaphragm seat, a diaphragm seat, upper housing with guide ears having an aperture therethrough for accepting a fastener, a pilot inlet portion with base having a slot recess portion, and a pilot outlet portion with base having a slot recess portion, and a snap-on barb shroud or protector with side slot and lower lip for protecting the barbed pilot inlet and outlet conduit connectors. 
     FIG. 23 is a top view of a diaphragm for the main valve just illustrated in FIG. 22, showing the integral weep holes, upper cushioning stop knobs, flexible ring expansion portion, and an outer securing ring used to affix the diaphragm in the main valve. 
     FIG. 24 is a partial perspective view similar to FIG. 3 above, showing a mounting bar and a close fitting actuator push bar, a front “lock-on” button, showing a centrally mounted moving pivot block with improved spring mechanism, as well as pivot point ears of the pivot arms which fit into, and are moved by, the pivot block. 
     FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a flush mount, no pinch point type actuation push bar in its operative position, similar to FIG. 12 above, shown in the engaged, water flow position wherein the push bar is engaged toward the cabinet face, and showing the improved spring mechanism securing the manual tab in an on, water flow position. 
     FIGS. 26,  27 , and  28  are closely related views, similar to the views shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 above, now showing another embodiment for the spring used in the manual tab switch mechanism. In these figures, an internal view of an actuator push bar is provided, showing the internal assembly components of an actuator bar, including the pivot bars, the pivot block, and the linkage to the pilot, as well as the manual lock-on button switch tab for the actuator and related spring mechanism components. 
     In FIG. 26, a cross-sectional view is provided that illustrates the actuator in the closed, no-flow position. 
     In FIG. 27, a cross-sectional view is provided that shows the actuator in the inward, fluid flow position. 
     In FIG. 28, a perspective view is provided, showing the relative size of a user&#39;s fingers and one embodiment of a suitable manual lock-on switch tab for the actuator, and also showing the embodiment of the spring mechanism that was just shown in FIGS.  26  and  27 . 
    
    
     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. 
     The foregoing figures, being merely exemplary, contain various elements that may be present or omitted from actual implementations depending upon the circumstances. An attempt has been made to draw the figures in a way that illustrates at least those elements that are significant for an understanding of the various embodiments and aspects of the invention. However, various other elements of the water conservation valve and actuator apparatus are also shown and briefly described to enable the reader to understand how various optional features may be utilized in order to provide an efficient, actuator and pilot operated water conservation valve. 
     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 manual lock-on tab switch  35  is provided in the actuator push bar  32 . Basically, this FIG. 1 depicts the external appearance of the 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 an exemplary valve apparatus can be easily seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, where the operation of the valve apparatus is depicted using the dual pilot valve  52  a and single primary valve, namely hot water primary valve  40  (operation with the other valve, cold primary valve  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 the 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  40  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  107  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  (see FIG. 11) 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 or other suitable flexible elastomeric 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 on the pilot side  98  is comparatively reduced to allow fluid pressure from the inlet space  78  to disengage 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  114  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  (see FIG. 4 or  5 ) 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 . Important internal actuator  32  components include pivot block  137 , 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   P  and  146   P  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 in cylindrical elements 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 pivot block  137  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 pivot block  137  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 pivot block  137  causes pin  148  to move outward, which 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. Collectively, this just mentioned mechanism is called linkage  136 . When movement occurs to the open position, 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 10, 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  is 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  200 , 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 FIGS. 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 the 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 FIG. 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 DF from housing  34 . As may be more evident by comparing FIGS. 10 and 11, I prefer a configuration where distance DF is small, and even approaching zero. Further, it is preferable that shroud  33  portion of mounting housing  34  completely spans the gap DN. 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  32   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 lock-on tab button  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 mechanism  222 . 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. 
     An alternate embodiment of the just described manual tab locking mechanism is provided in FIGS. 24,  26 ,  27 , and  28 . Here, an alternate spring mechanism  222 ′ is shown attached to pivot block  137 . The pivot block  137  captures pivot lever  138   L  of the pivot arm  138 , and the pivot lever  140   L  of the pivot arm  140 , for urging each of the just mentioned pivot levers in response to movement of the actuator bar  32 , in the retrograde manner already described. Spring mechanism  222 ′ includes a transverse portion  222   T  that acts against catchment lands  230  in the upper inner  34   U  wall 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 mechanism  222 ′. 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 transverse portion  222 T of spring mechanism  222 ′ outward, and thus the tab  220  is no longer caught in a stable, locked-on fluid flow position. Of course, the spring mechanism  222 ′ could also be turned over and the lower lands  232  as earlier mentioned utilized, with the equivalent structure and same result. 
     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, 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 and preferably nest-fitting type 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, the use of a circumferential groove or notch  201  near the distal end of the cylinder  200  holding the pin  148  allows the pilot valve  52  to be quickly and easily mounted into keyhole  202  shaped operating in cover  204  of the pilot valve  52 , and thus secured in 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  128   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 the primary or diaphragm valve is also illustrated in FIG.  8 . Valve  40  has leading thereto a fluid supply portion  380 . 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 . Although the diaphragm housing  90  and main body  402  are may be permanently secured together for leakless construction, an alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 22, where the use of fasteners  600  is shown fitting through apertures  601  in ears  602  and into threaded receivers  604  integrally provided with the diaphagm chamber  90 ′. In both FIG.  22  and FIG. 8, a bleed nipple  408  is shown 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 barb shroud  420  with interior protruding bead  422  for snap-fit to exterior circumferential groove  424  (including groove portions  424   A  and  424   B , as shown) in order to provide a protective cover for the inlet and outlet bleed fitting barbs  408  and  410 . An alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 22, where the use of one or more slots,  620 , preferably axially extending for a height  620   H  at least a portion of the total height  420   H  of the barb shroud  420 . In FIG. 22, the use of opposing slots  620  at first and second ends of barb shroud are provided. Importantly, the slots allow flexibility in the walls of shroud  420 , so that an effective amount of inward compression can be exerted at inward protruding bead  422  to secure the barb shroud at grooves  424 . By reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, this embodiment can be seen, and reference arrows  624  shown how the barb shroud housing is outwardly displaced when the split barb type housing is affixed to an interference fit groove for firm mating engagement. 
     Turning now to FIG. 17 another embodiment of a workable pilot operated water regulating valve apparatus is provided. Here, as seen looking up from below the valves when installed in conventional US fashion with hot water on the left hand side of the user, a primary regulating valve  500  is used on the hot water line, and a primary valve  502  is used on the cold water line. A single housing is provided for a dual pilot valve  52  that is positioned adjacent to, and just inside the back  520  of cabinet wall  522 . On the front  524  of cabinet wall  522  is mounted an actuator mount housing base  34 . An actuator push bar  32  is provided to actuate the dual pilot valve  52  via linkage mechanism  54 . Coiled expandable flexible interconnecting lines  530  and  532  are provided for hot water valve  500  and cold-water valve  502  actuation, respectively. And, the alternate embodiment of removable, snap on barb protectors (also called barb shrouds)  420 ′ is provided. A small barb protector  420 ′ is provided to protect inlet and outlet barbs 
     In FIG. 20 a vertical cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a retainer  182 ′ as illustrated in FIG. 21 is provided, taken across line  20 — 20  of FIG.  21 . This view illustrates the cymbal shaped recesses  181  for accepting a diaphragm  198  during valve operation. 
     FIG. 21 provides an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a dual pilot valve, similar to the valve first shown in FIG. 4, showing internal components and assembly details of the pilot valve  52 , including the main body, the diaphragm seat, the shaped (here, roughly FIG. 8 shaped) diaphragm  198 ′ with sealing lip  199 , and having an edge contour to avoid interference with fasteners  640 . Also illustrated are a U-bar shaped metallic (or other stiff, resilient material) plunger, a retainer without central plunger clearance passageway (compare FIGS.  21  and  4 ). Also, an outer housing cover is shown with key way passage lock  202  for slot  210  of cylinder  200  holding the actuator pin  148 . Additionally, when necessary, closure devices, including fasteners  640  with matching threaded insert receivers  642  are provided. Also, the use of pins  644  that use interference fit into apertures  648 , or which can be thermally secured thereto, may be utilized. 
     In FIG. 23 is a top view of a diaphragm  96  for the main valve just illustrated in FIG. 22, showing the use of four integral weep holes  152 , and upper cushioning stop knobs  650 , flexible ring expansion portion  652 , and an outer securing ring  654  used to affix the diaphragm in the main valve. 
     FIG. 24 is a partial perspective view similar to FIG. 3 above, showing a mounting bar  34  and a close fitting actuator push bar  32 . The front manual “lock-on” button is shown interfacing with a centrally mounted moving pivot block  137  with improved spring mechanism  222 ′, as well as pivot point ears  138 L and  140 L of the pivot arms  138  and  140  which fit into, and are moved by, the pivot block  137 . 
     It is to be appreciated that the novel valve apparatus and method for regulating the flow of water from a tap which is provided 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. The novel valve apparatus disclosed herein is relatively simple, and it substantially decreases the cost and complexity involved in installing water saving valves in existing home sinks. Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the 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, 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. Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail, various details are sufficiently set forth in the drawings and in the specification provided herein to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention(s), which need not be further described by additional writing in this detailed description. Importantly, the aspects and embodiments described and claimed herein may be modified from those shown 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. Therefore, the embodiments presented herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. As such, this disclosure is intended to cover the structures described herein and not only structural equivalents thereof, but also equivalent structures. Numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention(s) may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Thus, the scope of the invention(s), as set forth in the appended claims, and as indicated by the drawing and by the foregoing description, is intended to include variations from the embodiments provided which are nevertheless described by the broad interpretation and range properly afforded to the plain meaning of the claims set forth below.