Patent Publication Number: US-7584906-B2

Title: Fluid dampening mechanism incorporated into a water delivery system for modifying a flow pattern

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/634,033, filed Dec. 7, 2004, and entitled “Shower Head Assembly Incorporating a Rotating Swivel Within an Interior Deflectable Bell Housing”. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to shower head assemblies. More specifically, the present invention discloses a shower head assembly and faucet assembly incorporating a rotating, motion dampened, and water deflecting component. The rotating component provides for visually attractive fluid jet streams, massaging jet streams exhibiting alternating patterns and intensity, as well as an interlacing outer flow pattern in the instance of a sink faucet to reduce undesirable spray. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     The prior art is well documented with varying types of showerhead or faucet assemblies. Common objectives of such assemblies include the creation of a water spray exhibiting a desired flow rate, pulse, direction and intensity for a given application. 
     A first example drawn from the prior art is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,699, issued to Greenberg et al., and which teaches a showerhead engine assembly providing different combinations and variations of continuous, deflected, and/or adjustable pulsating sprays. In pulsating spray mode, the assembly includes a stator, spinner and engager. Additional components include a pressure plate and faceplate, openings being formed in both components to enable fluid flow therefrom. Of note, deflecting surfaces on the faceplate enable a variety of different flow patterns. The spinner is selectively activated, via the stator, to create vortex or pulsating spray patterns. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0116063, to Wang, teaches a sprayer device incorporating a rotary control member within its housing. The rotary member includes a number of cavities and outlets communicating with each other and which are selectively aligned with the front opening and the inlet of the housing to allow water to selectively flow through the housing. The housing further includes a mouth communicating with the inlet, to selectively align with either of the cavities of the rotary member, and to prevent the users from contacting with the water or chemical materials flowing out of the sprayer device. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0045743, to Chen, discloses a spraying head assembly for a massaging tub and including a housing, cover, water outlet valve seat, water outlet valve cover, vortex roller, bushing, nozzle, impulse rotor and motor. The water flow is pressurized by rotation of helically shaped blades associated with the vortex rotor, associated helical shaped plates of the water outlet valve seat producing a strong water beam that is injected outward from the nozzle, and in order to create the desired massaging effect. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,998, issued to Heitzman, teaches a shower head assembly including a housing enclosing a rotary valve member driven by a water activated motor. A rotatable tubular valve member surrounds the housing and has an internal cartridge with circumferentially spaced internal passages for selectively directing continuous flow water, cycling flow water directly to nozzle orifices, or cycling water to inner/outer sets of drive jets associated with a water pulsating turbine wheel. The spray discharge orifices may be adjusted by a control ring which cooperates with the valve member to provide for selecting various spray functions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention discloses an assembly for converting a fluid inlet flow to an outlet flow pattern exhibiting any of a number of desired characteristics, including a specified flow velocity, dispersion pattern, and pulse rate. In particular, the present invention incorporates a rotatable, fluid dampening/regulated component for converting the input fluid flow to a regulated output pattern. 
     The assembly in each embodiment includes a housing having an inlet end for receiving the fluid flow and an outlet end for issuing a converted and output fluid flow. One or more rotatable components are supported within the housing, in a path contacting the inlet fluid flow. 
     A selected one of the rotatable components exhibits a plurality of arcuate and flow conducting surfaces, such as which are arranged about a circumference of the rotating component. The fluid dampening element is operatively connected to the rotating component, such including an oil or other viscous fluid based reservoir in communicating fashion with the rotating component, and restricts a rotational speed associated with the rotatable component in response to the rotational forces imparted by the inlet fluid flow, this in order to modify at least one of a flow and pulse rate of the fluid. The illustrated embodiments of the present assembly include applications as a shower head or a faucet, it being understood that other and additional variants and applications are possible within the ordinary skill of one in the relevant art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a perspective illustration of a shower head assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cutaway view of the shower head assembly of  FIG. 1  and illustrating its inner components, including stationary main shaft with water jet distributing chamber, as well as outer rotatable plate cover and attachable nozzle plate; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the shower head assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a further cutaway view, similar to that shown in  FIG. 2 , and illustrating in additional detail the features of the water jet distributing chambers and rotating nozzle plate; 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional exploded view of the features of the main shaft&#39;s lower water jet chamber and rotary propelled nozzle plate; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective illustration of a shower head assembly according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the shower head assembly of  FIG. 6  and illustrating the features of the rotating swivel and axially displaceable and slot shaped housing supported sliding ring disposed between a stationary top and bottom deflector; 
         FIG. 8  is a cutaway perspective illustration of the shower head assembly of  FIG. 6  and illustrating the manner in which water flow is dispersed; 
         FIGS. 9 and 9   a  are progressively rotated sectional perspectives of the swivel component in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an assembled view of a shower head assembly according to a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the shower head assembly of  FIG. 10  and illustrating the features of the rotatably supported deflector and inner supported fluid dispersion cone; 
         FIGS. 12 and 12   a  are progressively rotated sectional cutaways of shower head assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an underside perspective of the shower head assembly of  FIG. 10  and illustrating the configuration of the inner and downwardly disposed outlet grooves associated with the bell shaped rotating deflector; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective illustration of a faucet assembly according to a further preferred embodiment and incorporating a latticework of interlacing fluid streams which cooperate to create an enveloping outer curtain of a distributed water flow and in order to maximize the generation of fluid cleaning pulses, as well as preventing undesirable splash and spray; 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged sectional perspective of a faucet assembly according to a further variant and illustrating the feature of an aerator incorporated into the extending neck of the assembly; 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged sectional perspective of the faucet head of  FIG. 14  and illustrating the feature of a centrally disposed aerator about which is disposed the rotary driven nozzle plate; 
         FIG. 17  is a sectional illustration of the interior components of the faucet assembly and including the stationary main shaft, inner seal and annularly disposed oil chamber, and lower rotating nozzle plate; and 
         FIGS. 18 and 19  are cutaway diagrammatic views of the faucet assembly variant of  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , as well as each of the succeeding views of  FIGS. 2-5 , a series of illustrations are shown at  10  of a shower head assembly according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. As will be described in further detail throughout the following embodiments, the present invention discloses a shower head assembly incorporating fluid dampening characteristics. 
     In cooperation with a specific geometry associated with the components making up the assembly, the dampening mechanism facilitates a simplified and improved device for controlling an issued outlet flow pattern, rate of flow and direction, these in response to any range of inlet pressure flow. An advantage of the invention is the ability to provide consistent fluid flow output characteristics regardless of a wide range of inlet fluid pressures, this consistent with maintaining lower speeds of rotation associated with the rotating components of the shower assembly, and than would occur in the instance of a non-regulated dampening mechanism. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view is illustrated generally at  10  of a perspective illustration of a shower head assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As will be described in detail, the shower head assembly  10  according to this variant is particularly designed to create a somewhat slower rate of water pulsation, and as compared to overly fast and closely spaced water jet pulses attendant with prior art shower head designs, these further tending to generate an overall feel of impact, but without generating any significant massage effect. 
     Features of the design, as also referenced in  FIG. 2 , include an elongated main shaft  12 , through a threaded inlet of which is provided water, as well as an outer, annular shaped, and rotatable cover  14  extending upwardly from which is a collar portion  16  which surrounds the main shaft  12 . As will be discussed in further detail in the succeeding illustrations, a rotatable nozzle plate  18  is secured to the cover  14  and, in cooperation, defines a rotating outer component secured about the stationary main shaft  12 . 
     As further illustrated by the exploded view of  FIG. 3 , the inner working components of the shower head assembly are shown and include a more complete illustration of the main shaft  12 , this further illustrating an interior stem portion  20  bounded by first and second axially spaced collars  22  and  24 , between which is supported a fluid dampening (oil) reservoir  26  through the further assistance of a pair of upper  28  and lower  30  O-rings which seal the fluid reservoir  26  between the main shaft supported collars  22  and  24 . 
     The shaft  12  terminates at a bottom end in a further enlarged annular collar  32  and such that an interior fluid flow delivered through the interior of the main shaft  12 , see at  34  in  FIG. 2 , exits beneath the collar  32  see further at  36  in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 2  again further illustrates a cutaway view of the shower head assembly of  FIG. 1 , and which includes a water jet distributing chamber, see annular and 3D disk shaped element  38  upon which is seated the annular edges of the collar  32 , these defining therebetween an interior chamber surrounding the fluid location  36  referenced in  FIG. 2 . A plurality of angled water jet apertures are further illustrated at  40  (see also  FIG. 3 ), defined in circumferentially offset and angled fashion about the disk shaped element  38 . To assist in fluid dispersion, a central and conical shaped projection is positioned at  42  upon the upper interior surface of the disk shaped element  38  and in order to assist in equidistant and outer deflection of the fluid  36  collected within the water jet chamber. 
     The nozzle plate  18  is further configured so that it sandwichingly engages the water jet chamber (stem supported collar  32  and 3D disk element  38 ) upon the nozzle plate  18  being secured against the cover  14 . An outer and annular shaped open interior compartment, see at  44 , is further defined between the rotating nozzle plate  18  and cover  14  as illustrated in  FIG. 2  and, as will be further described, is designed to assist in pulsed distribution of water flow from the assembly. 
     As best shown in the enlarged and sectional exploded view of  FIG. 5 , the nozzle plate  18  further includes a raised projection  46  defined upon a central location of its inner base surface, upon which is supported the rotatable water jet chamber (or 3D disk element  38 ). Also defined in circumferential fashion around an intermediate interior of the nozzle plate base surface is a plurality of angled propelling blade portions  48 , see at best shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 . 
     The propelling blade portions  48  typically define an integral part of the rotating nozzle plate  18 , it being further understood that the portions  48  could be redesigned as a separate part, such as supported upon a separate disk, and which may exhibit some relative movement to the nozzle plate  18 . 
     Further communicating the outer annular interior compartment  44 , to which the outwardly propelled and redirected water is centrifugally forced to the bottom exterior of the rotating nozzle plate  18 , are a plurality of individual and downwardly angled nozzles  50 . Although illustrating individual nozzles  50  about the periphery of the nozzle plate  18 , it is also understood that each nozzle could be substituted by subset pluralities of nozzles (such as four apiece and as further indicated at  50 ′ in  FIG. 4 ), or that any other dispersal of outlet nozzles  50  can be provided at any location or angle/arcuate pattern of direction relative to the bottom face of the nozzle plate  18 . 
     In operation, a flow of water is supplied to the assembly through the upper inlet end of the main shaft  12  (and such as which may be further threadably connected to a suitable pipe or other fluid delivery conduit). The main shaft  12  and water jet chamber (i.e., shaft supported collar  32  and assembled 3D disk element  38 ) define a sealed chamber, through which the pressurized fluid is dispersed by the outwardly and radially/angularly directed jet holes  40 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the jet holes  40  are angled in a substantially perpendicular fashion relative to a radius defined by the 3D disk element  38 , however may be angularly adjusted in more than one axis. 
     The fluid thus dispersed then impinges upon the circumferential array of propelling blades  48 , at which point the water, upon being collected about the outer annular chamber  44  of the rotating nozzle plate  18 , achieves a lower degree of pressurization during which it is communicated out through the individually angled or sub-pluralities of angled nozzles  50 . 
     According to the embodiment illustrated, the nozzle plate  18  and associated cover  14  rotate as a result of the water jet interaction with the circumferential array of rotary propelling blades  48 . The rotation speed of the assembly is however reduced according to the dampening features provided by the oil reservoir  26  (further dependent upon the viscosity exhibited by the chosen reservoir fluid) and as applied between the shaft  12  and rotating cover  14 . 
     It is further contemplated that the fluid distribution nozzles  50  may either be arranged parallel or angled relative to the axial direction exhibited by the main shaft  12 , this adjusting the appearance and feel of the spray issued therefrom. It is further understood that the dimensions (e.g. height, inner diameter or outer diameter) of the fluid dampening chamber  26  (reservoir) can be adjusted to modify the rotation speed of the assembly, thereby accomplishing a variable speed shower mechanism. 
     It is also understood that the nozzle design (e.g.  50  or  50 ′) can incorporate any suitable focusing or redirecting component for further modulating the downward generated fluid patterns, according to any of flow velocity, pulse rate or the like. The water flow patterns issued through the angled or arcuately configured nozzles  50  may also exhibit a tangentially induced pressure, again depending upon the variables of the dampening fluid viscosity or geometry characteristics of the assembly. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6-8 , respective perspective, exploded and cutaway illustrations are shown, at  52 , of a shower head assembly according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. The variant  52 , as will be further described, provides a variable speed shower mechanism for issuing a fine mist spray. 
     Stationary components defining an outer housing of the assembly  52  include an assembleable top  54 , outer annular housing  56  and bottom deflector  58 , and such as exhibits a plurality of grooved inner surfaces as shown. A sliding ring component  60  is mounted in axially displaceable fashion within slots  62  defined in the annular housing  56 , and further such that a central circular portion  64  is interconnected to the outer ring  60  via radial stem portions  66  which fit into the respective slots  62  (see again  FIG. 7 ). As again is best shown in  FIG. 7 , an inner annular facing surface of the central circular portion  64  further exhibits a plurality of fine vertically extending grooves  68 . 
     A variably rotatable swivel  70  (see also progressively rotated perspective views of  FIGS. 9 and 9   a ) is supported within the central circular portion  64 , upon assembly, and such that a central shaft  72  is supported within a collar  74  defined in the deflector  58  at a lower end. See also upper end collar  76  ( FIG. 8 ) which rotatably supports the swivel  70  to water inlet tube  78 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a cutaway perspective illustrates the shower head assembly of  FIG. 6  and in particular the manner in which water flow is dispersed. In this illustration, water is supplied to the mechanism through the top disposed water inlet tube  78  extending through the top  54  of the assembly. 
     At this point, the water flows to the interiorly mounted and rotatable swivel member  70 , i.e., upon a cone shaped projection  80  (see again  FIG. 8 ) defined at a central receiving upper end of the swivel  70  located underneath the water inlet tube  78 , and whereupon the inlet water flow separates into three individual channels (see for example at  82 ,  84  and  86 ) without splashing and in order to generate three corresponding water jets. The cross section of the three channels in the swivel  70  are such that they flatten the water jets upon exiting the channels. 
     As further evidenced in the sectional perspective of the swivel  70  in  FIG. 9 , a rotated plan illustration of the water jets, shown at  82 ′,  84 ′ and  86 ′ respectively, illustrates the angled manner in which the jet passageways may adapt in extending fashion from its top to outwardly flared bottom ends. In this fashion, the configuration of the passageways is such that it facilitates an appropriate tangential or swirl pattern to the eventually distributed water spray, it being understood that an otherwise linear extending jet passageway may result only in an undisciplined outward spray of fluid jets, and without any significant tangential or pressurized effect. 
     The water jets exiting passageways  82 ,  84  and  86  then impact the sliding ring component  60 , causing the same to axially slide up and down relative to the bottom positioned deflector  58  on a user selected basis. When the sliding ring  60  is disposed in a first upper position relative to the swivel  70 , the three jets issuing therefrom impact the deflector  58  to establish a coarse spray, and by impacting the coarse grooves  88  arrayed about the inside circumference of the lower deflector  58 . Upon repositioning the sliding ring  60  in a second lower position, the impacting fluid jets  82 ,  84  and  86  separate into multiple fine sprays, further resulting from their outward/downward angle of impact against the fine grooves  68  (as opposed to the coarse grooves  88  of the lower deflector  58 ). 
     In either position, the swivel  70  (the only rotating component in this assembly) is caused to rotate more slowly due largely to the oil-dampening reservoir  90  (see  FIG. 8 ) established between the swivel lower extending shaft  72  and the central receiving chamber  74  of deflector  58 . This construction serves to provide a specified degree of resistance dependent upon the amount of downward force applied against the rotating swivel  70  by the introduced water jet streams and the vertical position of the sliding ring  60  within the slotted housing  56 . A single upper O-ring  92  (see again  FIG. 8 ) encloses the fluid dampening reservoir  90 , the lower end of the reservoir defining in combination an enclosed volume holding cavity. 
     As is also known, the height, inner diameter or outer diameter of the oil chamber  90  and swivel shaft  72  define the degree of dampening provided, as well as the viscosity exhibited by the selected fluid. These parameters can be modified, either singularly or in combination, and in order to change such as the rotation speed of the swivel and in order to provide the desired variable speed effect and dispersion of the water sprays issued through the bottom openings defined in the deflector  58 . As is also illustrated, a supported bridge of three members  94 ,  96  and  98  supports the central receiving chamber  74  of the lower deflector  58  in a minimally affecting fashion relative to the outlet spray flow issued from the swivel  70 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , an assembled view of a shower head assembly is illustrated at  100  according to a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the assembly  100  is a reversal to that illustrated at  52  in  FIG. 6 , in that the lower positioned deflector now defines the rotating part, and as opposed to being fixed. 
     Referring also to the exploded view of  FIG. 11 , an upper tripod shaped body (stationary) includes a threaded and fluid receiving upper end  102  from which extend in downward arcuate fashion three downward legs  104 ,  106  and  108 . The legs secure at bottom ends to respective locations  110 ,  112  and  114  corresponding to a stationary bridge  116 . The bridge further includes a central and upwardly extending inner channel  118 , supported by a plurality of radially directed stem supports  120 . 
     Centrally disposed and rotating components of the assembly  100  include an inverted bowl-shaped deflector  122 , as well as a rigidly mounted and concurrently rotating cone  124 . Pins  123  are illustrated inside deflector  122  and which mount to recessed locations of the cone  124  to position it proximate the top inner location of the deflector  122 . 
     As again best shown in  FIG. 11 , a nozzle  126  both supports at an upper end as well as communicates fluid flow with the interior of the deflector  122 , the cone and deflector being rotatably supported at a likewise lower end by a stem  128  which extends downwardly from the integral cone surface and which is rotatably seated within the upwardly extending inner channel  118 . As with previous embodiments, the provision of an oil chamber, oil and seal (not evident) may also be provided at the interface between the stem  128  and inner receiving channel  118  and in the manner previously described. 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 12   a , an enlarged and sectional cutaway of shower head assembly shows features of the cone shaped rotating dispersion element  124 , such including radially and arcuately extending channels  130 . Also referenced at  132  (see  FIG. 12   a ) are the arcuate and radial trajectories of the shoulder portions, these defining therebetween the channels  130  and which assist in delivering an increased spinning force to the water flow patterns. 
     Further shown in  FIG. 13  is an underside perspective of the shower head assembly of  FIG. 10 , and illustrating the configuration of the inner and downwardly disposed outlet grooves, see at  134 , associated with the bell shaped rotating deflector  122 . The individual inner bell grooves  134 , while not clearly shown, are understood to include non-conformingly extending passageways, extending between their upper joining ends in communication with the upper mounted cone  124 , to their lower and outwardly flared ends. It is also understood that the configuration of the passageways  130  (made possible by the arcuate shoulder configurations  132 ) of the rigidly mounted cone is similar to that of the inner bell grooves  134 . 
     As referenced by the cutaway of  FIG. 12 , the interface between the stationary inner nozzle  126  and rotating deflector  122  and interior supported and rotating fluid dispersing cone  124  is again shown. In particular, the nozzle  126  seats over a pointed upper center of the cone  124  and exhibits side apertures  136 , these located interior to the top end of the deflector and proximate the upper arcuate surfaces of the rigidly mounted and likewise spinning cone. 
     High speed rotation of the assembly results in the individual jets of fluid dispersed from the stationary nozzle  126 , through the arcuately and outwardly directed pathway apertures  136  formed through the nozzle as indicated. Upon being arcuately and outwardly deflected by the high speed rotating cone  124 , the individual jets of water, i.e. at  130 , are downwardly conveyed along the inner facing outlet grooves  134  extending downwardly within the bell shaped deflector  122 , and prior to being issued as a fine and equally distributed mist about the perimeter of the downwardly facing deflector. 
     The rotated perspective of  FIG. 12   a , with removal of the upper stationary nozzle  126 , further illustrates the particular geometry associated with the cone arcuate surfaces  130  and shoulder  132  and which, in matching configuration with the inner deflector grooves  134 , facilitate in the creation of the desired flow patterns. In this fashion, and upon an experienced fluid inlet pressure flow through threaded end  102 , the deflector  122  and inner cone  124 , the effect of the viscous oil dampening reservoir is causes the cone  124  and associated deflector  122  to rotate more slowly than it otherwise would, this in turn affecting the pressure and flow patterns of the downwardly and deflecting created spray. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , illustrated at  136  is a faucet assembly incorporating the concept of the present invention. In particular, the variant of  FIG. 14  discloses the creation of an intertwining latticework of fluid streams, these cooperating to create an enveloping outer curtain of a distributed water flow and in order to maximize the generation of fluid cleaning pulses, as well as preventing undesirable splash and spray. 
     As further referenced by the sectional illustration of the interior components of the faucet assembly, namely  FIG. 17 , as well as the cutaway diagrammatic views of  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the assembly includes a configured and assembly supporting housing  138 , within which is mounted a stationary and fluid delivery main shaft  140 , inner seals  142  and  144  enclosing an annularly disposed oil chamber  146  (see in particular  FIG. 17 ), and a lower rotating nozzle plate  148 . 
     Surrounding the nozzle plate  148  are a plurality of circumferentially arrayed spray apertures, see at  150  in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , each of which issuing a finer or softer spray. Further incorporated into the nozzle plate  148  are a plurality (typically six) of individual and rotating water jet passageways, see further at  152 . The water jet passageways each exhibit a downwardly and arcuately bent configuration and, further such as is shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , rotation of the same serves to create individual and arcuately woven fluid streams  154  issued from the rotating nozzle plate  148 . 
     As illustrated throughout the several illustrations of  FIGS. 14-19 , the water jets  154  are designed for the dual purposes of cleaning tough surfaces through continuous impact of the slow rotating jets  154  while the sprays  150  generate a non-rotating spray pattern acting as a splash guard curtain. The rotation speed of the nozzle plate  148  is again inhibited by the function of the fluid dampening chamber  146  (see  FIG. 19 ), and such that impact forces created by the arcuately woven water jets  154  are maximized. 
     As also illustrated in the enlarged sectional perspective of the faucet assembly of  FIG. 15 , the feature of an aerator  158  is incorporated into the extending neck of the assembly. Another variant, see in particular  FIG. 16 , illustrates an aerator  160  centrally and coaxially incorporated into the faucet assembly within the rotating nozzle plate  228 . 
     Having described my invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, without deviating from the scope of the appended claims. In particular, other and additional mechanisms for reconfiguring at least one of a pulse rate, flow rate, or flow direction can be incorporated into the invention. 
     Additionally, other types of dampening/restricting mechanisms can be employed into the assembly for restricting the rate of rotation of the selected fluid receiving/converting components. Other and additional functional applications may also be made possible by the present invention, and outside of the use as a shower head or faucet. Such additional applications may include any desired type of fluid distribution assembly, such as contemplating vehicle fuel injection assemblies or other desired fluid converting and injection assemblies, where it is desired to modify the flow/pulse rate of a fluid prior to a given application.