Patent Publication Number: US-2023151599-A1

Title: System and Method for Controlling an Operational Status of a Waste Disposer

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/065,137, filed Oct. 7, 2020, which claims the benefit of, and priority to, earlier-filed U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/912,418 filed on Oct. 8, 2019 and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN OPERATIONAL STATUS OF A WASTE DISPOSER.” The entire contents of the earlier-filed United States patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling waste disposers such as food waste disposers and, more particularly, to systems and methods for controlling the operational status, such as the activation (e.g., on or off) status, of such waste disposers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Food waste disposers are used to comminute food scraps into particles small enough to pass through household drain plumbing. When implemented in household environments, such waste disposers can be activated or deactivated (e.g., turned on or off) depending upon whether the waste disposers are coupled to a power supply. The activation status of such waste disposers can be governed for example by the status of a switch as actuated by a user. It is common in many such household environments, in which a waste disposer is mounted at or near the bottom of a sink, for such a switch to be positioned along a wall nearby the sink. 
     Although such conventional implementations are adequate to enable users to control the activation status of waste disposers in some circumstances, users still can find it inconvenient to control the activation status of waste disposers in other circumstances. For example, the switch governing the supply of power to a waste disposer, when located on a wall nearby a sink, can be inconvenient or even difficult for a user to actuate if the user is standing immediately in front of the sink, or if the user is actively engaged with washing items in the sink such that reaching over to a wall to flip a switch may be inconvenient. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable if a new or improved system or method for controlling the activation (e.g., on/off) status or other operational status of a waste disposer could be developed, so as to overcome the inconvenience associated with controlling such a status as can exist in relation to some conventional arrangements as discussed above, or to achieve one or more other additional advantages. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In at least some example embodiments, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling an operational status of a waste disposer are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment encompassed herein, a waste disposer assembly includes a waste disposer, a sprayer mechanism, and a switching system. The waste disposer is configured to be supported in relation to a sink. The sprayer mechanism is configured to be supportable in relation to the sink, is coupled at least indirectly to the sink by way of an extendable and retractable linkage, and includes an actuator mechanism that, upon being actuated, causes generation of a control signal. The switching system is supported in relation to the sink, is coupled at least indirectly to each of the sprayer mechanism and the waste disposer, and is configured to operate so that, upon receiving the control signal from the actuator mechanism, a related signal is provided to the waste disposer causing the waste disposer to change or take on an operational status. 
     In an additional example embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a sprayer apparatus configured to allow for controlling an operational status of a waste disposer. The sprayer mechanism includes a wand portion including a housing having a first end and a second end, where the first end of the wand is configured to fit into or in relation to a support element when the sprayer mechanism is in a resting state. The sprayer mechanism also includes a water port provided along the housing, a water hose connection at either the first end or the second end, at least one passage that extends substantially from the water hose connection to the water port, and a water control actuator configured to govern whether water received via the hose connection can proceed fully from the hose connection via the at least one passage to and out the water port. Further, the sprayer mechanism additionally includes an actuator mechanism configured to generate and send a control signal for receipt by at least one receiving device, where the control signal is configured to cause the at least one receiving device to operate to cause the operational status of the waste disposer to change. 
     In a further example embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of controlling an operational status of a waste disposer supported in relation to a sink. The method includes providing a sprayer mechanism configured to be supportable in relation to the sink, and coupled at least indirectly to the sink by way of an extendable and retractable linkage. The method additionally includes moving the sprayer mechanism in relation to the sink, as permitted by the extendable and retractable linkage, so that a water port of the sprayer mechanism is directed in a desired manner, and causing water to be dispensed from the water port of the sprayer mechanism in response to a first actuation of a water control actuator. The method also includes generating a control signal in response to a second actuation of an actuation mechanism, and sending either the control signal or an additional signal based at least indirectly upon the control signal for receipt by at least one receiving device, where the control signal or additional signal that is sent is configured to cause the at least one receiving device to operate to cause the operational status of the waste disposer to change. The method further includes receiving, at the sprayer mechanism, a feedback signal concerning the operational status of the waste disposer, and outputting a light signal from a lighting device on the sprayer mechanism at least indirectly in response to the feedback signal, the light signal being indicative of the operational status of the waste disposer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of food waste disposer assemblies (or other waste disposer assemblies) including waste disposers, sprayer mechanisms, and associated mechanisms or components for controlling the operational status of such waste disposers are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings and are for illustrative purposes only. The waste disposer assembly systems, apparatuses, and methods encompassed herein are not limited in their applications to the details of construction, arrangements of components, or other aspects or features illustrated in the drawings, but rather such systems, apparatuses and methods encompassed herein include other embodiments or are capable of being practiced or carried out in other various ways. Like reference numerals are used to indicate like components. In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a partly cross-sectional, partly front elevation view of an example improved food waste disposer assembly including a food waste disposer mounted in relation to a sink, a sprayer mechanism, and a disposer activation control mechanism associated with the sprayer mechanism, in accordance with an example embodiment encompassed herein; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a front elevation view of the sprayer mechanism of the food waste disposer assembly of  FIG.  1   , which in accordance with the present example embodiment includes a disposer activation button, in combination with a cutaway portion of a water hose assembly of the food waste disposer assembly; 
         FIG.  2 B  is a left side elevation view of the sprayer mechanism of the food waste disposer assembly of  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  2 A , again shown in combination with a cutaway portion of the water hose assembly of the food waste disposer assembly; 
         FIG.  3    is a top perspective view of the sprayer mechanism of  FIG.  1   ,  FIG.  2 A , and  FIG.  2 B  that particularly reveals the disposer activation button at a top end of the sprayer mechanism, again shown in combination with a cutaway portion of the water hose assembly of the food waste disposer assembly; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a cross-sectional view of the sprayer mechanism and cutaway portion of the water hose assembly of the food waste disposer assembly of  FIGS.  1 ,  2 A,  2 B, and  3   , taken along a line  4 A- 4 A of  FIG.  2 B  (with break lines indicating a portion removed for clarity); 
         FIG.  4 B  is a cross-sectional view of the sprayer mechanism and cutaway portion of the water hose assembly of the food waste disposer assembly of  FIGS.  1 ,  2 A,  2 B,  3  and  4 A , taken along a line  4 B- 4 B of  FIG.  2 A  (with break lines indicating a portion removed for clarity); 
         FIG.  5    is an electrical schematic diagram showing an electrical system within the food waste disposer assembly of  FIG.  1    that serves as a disposer activation control mechanism; 
         FIG.  6    is an additional electrical schematic diagram showing an alternate embodiment of an electrical system differing from that of  FIG.  5   , which also can serve as a disposer activation control mechanism; 
         FIG.  7    is a top perspective view of an additional example sprayer mechanism for an improved food waste disposer assembly, in accordance with an additional example embodiment encompassed herein; 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view of the sprayer mechanism of  FIG.  7   , taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG.  7     
         FIG.  9    is a front elevation view of a further example sprayer mechanism for an improved food waste disposer assembly, in accordance with a further example embodiment encompassed herein; and 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional view of the sprayer mechanism of  FIG.  9   , taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG.  9   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , an improved food waste disposer assembly  100  in accordance with an example embodiment encompassed herein includes a sink  102  and a food waste disposer  104  that is mounted to the sink  102  by way of a mounting (or sink flange) assembly  106 , which also can be considered part of the food waste disposer  104  itself. Additionally, the food waste disposer assembly  100  includes a faucet  108  and a sprayer mechanism  110 , which in this embodiment is positioned along a side edge  112  of the sink  102  and is supplied with water by way of a water hose assembly  113 . Although  FIG.  1    shows a front elevation view of the food waste disposer  104 , a cross-sectional view is provided of the sink  102 , so as to better illustrate how the food waste disposer is installed relative to the sink and particularly in relation to a bottom orifice  114  of the sink by way of which water, food, and other material can pass from an interior region  116  of the sink into the food waste disposer  104 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2 A ,  FIG.  2 B ,  FIG.  3   ,  FIG.  4 A , and  FIG.  4 B , respectively, the sprayer mechanism  110  of  FIG.  1    is shown in each of a front elevation view, a left side elevation view, a top perspective view, a cross-sectional view taken along a line  4 A- 4 A of  FIG.  2 B , and a cross-sectional view taken along a line  4 B- 4 B of  FIG.  2 A , respectively. As shown, the sprayer mechanism  110  includes an elongated tubular wand  200  and a sprayer base  202 . In the present embodiment, it is the base  202  that is directly supported upon the edge  112  of the sink  102 . When in a resting configuration, a bottom portion  204  of the wand  200  fits coaxially within, and is supported by, a complementary receiving orifice  206  of the sprayer base  202 . When the wand  200  is supported in this manner by the base  202 , the wand generally extends substantially vertically upward in a direction that is parallel or substantially parallel to a central axis of the orifice  206  (and also, in this embodiment, to a central axis of the orifice  114 ). 
     Also, the bottom portion  204  of the wand  200  of the sprayer mechanism  110  includes a sprayer hose connection  215  by which the wand  200  typically (e.g., when the sprayer mechanism  110  is implemented as part of the improved food waste disposer assembly  100 ) is coupled to the water hose assembly  113  of  FIG.  1   , by way of which water is provided to the wand  200  of the sprayer mechanism  110 . More particularly, as illustrated in each of  FIG.  2 A ,  FIG.  2 B ,  FIG.  3   ,  FIG.  4 A , and  FIG.  4 B , the water hose assembly  113  to which the wand  200  is coupled in the present example embodiment includes a flexible water hose  290  that is coaxially or substantially coaxially surrounded by and extends through a wire/hose jacket  292  (the water hose and wire/hose jacket are shown in cutaway). The flexible water hose  200  can extend to a location upstream of the wand  200  (in terms of direction of normal water flow through the hose, toward the wand) at which the hose can be coupled to a water source (not shown). It should be appreciated that, although the water hose assembly  113  is a part of the overall food waste disposer assembly  100  of  FIG.  1    and is shown in  FIG.  2 A ,  FIG.  2 B ,  FIG.  3   ,  FIG.  4 A , and  FIG.  4 B  as being coupled to the sprayer mechanism  110 /wand  200 , the water hose assembly  113  need not be considered to be a part of the sprayer mechanism (or wand); rather, the sprayer mechanism  110  (and wand  200 ) can be considered to be distinct from the water hose assembly (albeit, in some cases, the water hose assembly or portions thereof can alternatively be considered to constitute part of the sprayer mechanism or wand). 
     Additionally in the present embodiment, as particularly illustrated by  FIG.  2 B  and  FIG.  4 B , electrical communication signals and power can also be sent between the wand  200  of the sprayer mechanism  110  and location(s) separate or remote from the sprayer mechanism by way a power/LED wire  294  (also shown in cutaway) of the water hose assembly  113 . As shown, the power/LED wire  294  extends from within the wand  200  and into and through an annular chamber between the outer circumference of the flexible water hose  290  and the wire/hose jacket  292 . Within the wire/hose jacket  292 , the power/LED wire  294  is able to run alongside the flexible water hose  290  up to a location upstream (in terms of direction of normal water flow through the flexible water hose) of the wand  200  at which the power/LED wire can exit the wire/hose jacket  292  and be coupled to a power source and/or other device(s), for example as described in more detail with respect to  FIG.  5    and  FIG.  6   . Thus, by virtue of the flexible water hose  290  and the power/LED wire  294  extending within the wire/hose jacket  292 , respectively, water and electric signals (for power or communication) respectively can be communicated between the wand  200  and location(s) separate or remote from the wand  200 . 
     It will be appreciated that a primary purpose of the sprayer mechanism  110  is to provide a user with the capability of directing water from the sprayer mechanism toward or at one or more target objects, such as dishware, that may be positioned within the interior region  116  of the sink  102 , or at regions of the sink itself that require cleaning. To achieve this purpose, the sprayer mechanism  110  includes several components/features. More particularly, the wand  200  of the sprayer mechanism  110  includes a sprayer outlet  210 , which in the present embodiment can be a rubber or other flexible material component. As illustrated, the sprayer outlet  210  can be situated at a first location along an outer tubular sprayer housing  212  of the wand  200  that is positioned near, but not at, an upper end  214  of the wand that is generally opposite the location of the bottom portion  204 . The sprayer outlet  210  can include any of a variety of nozzle features or other orifices by which water can exit from the wand  200  of the sprayer mechanism  110 . Additionally, the wand  200  of the sprayer mechanism  110  also includes a water activation button  216 . In the present example embodiment, the water activation button  216  is a bulbous structure that protrudes outward from the sprayer housing  212  at a middle location  218  along that housing between the upper end  214  and the bottom portion  204  (and also between the sprayer outlet  210  and the bottom portion  204  as shown). The water activation button  216  is made from rubber or other flexible material so that a user pressing on the button can deform the button inwardly so as to actuate an internal valve arrangement and cause the sprayer mechanism  110  to dispense water from the sprayer outlet  210  as described further below. 
     Further as shown, in the present embodiment the wand  200  of the sprayer mechanism  110  also includes a disposer activation button  220 , which is shown in  FIG.  3    in particular (but is not visible in  FIG.  2 A  or  FIG.  2 B ). As will be described further below, a user, by pressing or actuating the disposer activation button  220 , can control the activation/deactivation status of the food waste disposer  104 , e.g., switch on or switch off the food waste disposer. In the present example embodiment, the disposer activation button  220  is located at the upper end  214  of the wand  200  of the sprayer mechanism  110 , effectively at the upper tip of the sprayer mechanism. Such positioning of the disposer activation button  220  allows a user to conveniently see and access the disposer activation button  220  even when the sprayer mechanism  110  is not being used, when the wand  200  is resting in the base  202 . Also, in at least some versions of the present embodiment, the disposer activation button  220  includes one or more lighting devices (such as light emitting diode(s)  560  shown in  FIG.  5   ) implemented therein or in association therewith, which serve to indicate that the food waste disposer  104  is switched on or switched off based upon whether light is being emitted by those devices or not. 
     Referring particularly to  FIG.  4 B , it can be seen that the power/LED wire  294  extends within the interior of the wand  200 , within the outer tubular sprayer housing  212  from the bottom portion  204  to the disposer activation button  220  at the upper end  214  of the wand  200 . As will be described in further detail below in relation to  FIG.  5    and  FIG.  6   , the power/LED wire  294  allows for electrical signals (e.g., electrical control signals) to be communicated from (and/or to) the disposer activation button  220  to the water hose assembly  113  and thereby to (and/or from) a location outside of the sprayer mechanism  110 /wand  200 , such as to (and/or from) an electrical circuit located outside of and apart from the sprayer mechanism/wand (e.g., a control printed circuit board at or associated with the food waste disposer  104 ). Also, the power/LED wire  294  allows for electrical power to be communicated from a location separate or remote from the sprayer mechanism  110 /wand  200  to the disposer activation button  220  and/or the one or more lighting devices associated with the disposer activation button within the sprayer mechanism/wand. As mentioned further below, the power/LED wire  294  is intended to be representative of one or more discrete wires or connections, and in some cases can take the form of a bus. Because in the present example embodiment the power/LED wire  294  both runs within the wire/hose jacket  292  of the water hose assembly  113  and also runs within the interior of the wand  200 , the power/LED wire  294  and/or portion(s) thereof can be considered to be part of the sprayer mechanism  110  (and/or wand  200 ), or alternatively considered to be part of the water hose assembly  113  (but not the sprayer mechanism or wand), or alternatively considered to be part(s) of each of the sprayer mechanism (and/or wand) and the water hose assembly. 
     Additionally, referring particularly to  FIG.  4 A , several features of the sprayer mechanism  110  are evident from the cross-sectional views that are provided, especially in terms of the manner in which the sprayer mechanism  110  operates to dispense water out of the sprayer outlet  210 . As shown in  FIG.  4 A , a sprayer body conduit  222  is formed within the main sprayer body, within the sprayer housing  212  of the wand  200 . When the wand  200  is in the resting position as illustrated in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 A,  2 B,  3 ,  4 A and  4 B , the sprayer body conduit  222  extends upward from the sprayer hose connection  215  to a vertical level corresponding to the middle location  218  of the water activation button  216 . 
     Further as shown in  FIG.  4 A , at the vertical level of the water activation button  216 , the wand  200  of the sprayer mechanism  110  includes, in addition to the water activation button, each of a water path plunger  224 , a plunger cap  226 , and a spring (not shown). The water activation button  216  covers over and encloses an outermost tip  228  of the water path plunger  224 . Although the aforementioned spring is not shown, it should be appreciated that the spring will rest at a spring location  230  between the plunger cap  226  and a receiving location  232  of the water path plunger  224 , where the receiving location  232  is positioned between the plunger cap  226  and the water activation button  216 . By virtue of this arrangement, the water path plunger  224  is biased by the spring to take on an outward position as shown in  FIG.  4 A . 
     Notwithstanding the biasing force provided by the spring, however, when a user presses the water activation button  216  inwardly, the force of the spring is overcome and the water path plunger  224  moves inward relative to the plunger cap  226 . In this manner, the water path plunger  224  and plunger cap  226  can be operated as a valve mechanism that is actuated by the water activation button  216 . 
     More particularly, as additionally shown in  FIG.  4 A , the wand  200  not only includes the sprayer body conduit  222  but also includes a sprayer outlet channel  234  positioned above the location of the water path plunger  224  and linking that location with the sprayer outlet  210  (see also  FIG.  4 B ). Given this arrangement, when the water path plunger  224  is moved (e.g., by the spring) to its outermost position as shown in  FIG.  4 A , the water path plunger tends to prevent water from flowing from the sprayer body conduit  222  vertically upward past the water path plunger into the sprayer outlet channel  234  and ultimately to and out of the sprayer outlet  210 . However, when the water path plunger  224  is moved inwardly due to actuation of the water activation button  216 , water is able to proceed from the sprayer hose connection  215  through the sprayer body conduit  222  to the water path plunger as indicated by a first arrow  236 , past the water path plunger, into and through the sprayer outlet channel  234  as indicated by a second arrow  238 , and ultimately to and out of the sprayer outlet  210  as indicated by third arrows  240 . 
     Although not evident from  FIGS.  1 ,  2 A,  2 B,  3 ,  4 A, and  4 B , it should be appreciated that the sprayer mechanism  110  particularly is designed to allow for a user to move the wand  200  away from its resting position relative to the base  202  as illustrated in  FIG.  1   , upward and outward away from the base  202 , as well as around to different locations within and about the sink  102 . The movement of the wand  200  can entail each of vertical movements, horizontal movements, and rotational movements so as to adjust the location of the sprayer outlet  210  as well as adjust the orientation of the sprayer outlet so as to vary the direction of water flow toward the sink  102  and/or towards other structures that may be within or about the sink (including locations outside of the sink). 
     To facilitate such movement of the wand  200  and still allow for water to be provided to the wand from another location associated with the sink (e.g., a location under the sink from which water can be sourced for purposes of the sprayer mechanism  110  and the faucet  108 ), the sprayer hose connection  215  shown in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  is coupled not to a fixed location on the base  202  but rather is coupled to an end of the water hose assembly  113  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 A,  2 B, and  3   ) and particularly the flexible water hose  290  thereof. Depending upon the embodiment, each of the flexible water hose  290  and the wire/hose jacket  292  of the water hose assembly  113  can be made of a rubber or other flexible material, and will extend some length (e.g., several feet) beneath the base  202  and beneath the edge  112  of the sink  102  on which the base  202  is positioned. Likewise, the power/LED wire  294  can be made of flexible material(s) and extend some length (e.g., several feet) beneath the base  202  and beneath the edge  112  of the sink  102 . It should be appreciated that, when the wand  200  is raised out of the base  202 , away from the resting position illustrated by  FIG.  1   , then the bottom portion  204  continues to be coupled to a water source because the sprayer hose connection  215  links the wand with that water source by way of the water hose assembly  113 , which typically will be arranged so as to extend out of the base  202  to greater distances as the wand  200  is moved farther from the base, and to retract back through the base when the wand is moved closer to the base or returned to its resting position. 
     As already mentioned, in the present embodiment, the sprayer mechanism  110  not only allows a user to control the dispensing of water out of the sprayer mechanism by way of the sprayer outlet  210 , but also affords a user an ability to control the activation/deactivation (e.g., on/off) status of the food waste disposer  104 , by way of actuating the disposer activation button  220  on the sprayer mechanism. By virtue of the disposer activation button  220 , a user can effectively remotely control the activation/deactivation status of the food waste disposer  104  by way of a switch that is readily accessible to the user and readily visible to the user when the wand  200  of the sprayer mechanism  110  is in its resting position as shown in  FIG.  1   . Further, the disposer activation button  220  also permits a user to effectively remotely control the activation/deactivation status of the food waste disposer  104  even when the user is utilizing the sprayer mechanism  110 , in a convenient manner when the user is holding the wand  200  of the sprayer mechanism. 
     In order for the disposer activation button  220  to permit user control in relation to the food waste disposer  104 , the food waste disposer assembly  100  includes an electrical system  500  as shown by an electrical block (or schematic) diagram in  FIG.  5   . The electrical system  500  includes multiple electrical components and interconnections that enable the system to serve as a disposer activation control mechanism allowing for the activation/deactivation status of the food waste disposer  104  to be controlled by the disposer activation button  220 . As illustrated, the electrical system  500  includes a food waste disposer electrical component  502 , which can be representative of an electric motor embedded within the food waste disposer  104 , as well as a power outlet  504 , control circuitry provided on a control printed circuit board (PCB)  506 , an alternating current (AC) power source or input  508 , and an actuator circuit  510 . Although for simplicity the AC power source  508  is treated as being part of the electrical system  500 , it can also be considered to be a component (or system) with respect to which the electrical system  500  is electrically coupled, but that is properly viewed as external or independent from the electrical system  500 . 
     Further as illustrated, the electrical system  500  particularly is arranged so that the control PCB  506  is coupled to each of the AC power source  508 , the power outlet  504 , and the actuator circuit  510  at first, second, and third ports  511 ,  513 , and  515 , respectively. More particularly, the control PCB  506  includes a first link (or connection or wire)  512  and a second link (or connection or wire)  514  that are respectively coupled, via the port  511 , with a line (L) lead and a neutral (N) lead of the AC power source  508 . Each of the first link  512  and second link  514  in turn is coupled to an isolated AC to DC (Direct Current) power supply  516  within the control PCB  506 . As shown, the power supply  516  is coupled to a positive voltage (+VDC) port  518 , a ground port  520  and an earth ground port  522 . In addition, the second link  514  is also coupled to a neutral (N) lead of the power outlet  504  by way of the port  513 . Thus, the voltage at the neutral (N) lead of the AC power source  508  is directly made available at the power outlet  504 . 
     Additionally, the first link  512  is also coupled internally within the control PCB  506  to a relay  524 . The relay  524  includes a normally open (NO) switch  526  having a first terminal  528  and a second terminal  530 , where it is the first terminal  528  that is particularly coupled to the first link  512 . By contrast, the second terminal  530  is coupled by way of a third link  532  to the second port  513  and thereby coupled to the line (L) lead of the power outlet  504 . Thus, if the NO switch  526  takes on a closed (short-circuit) status, the AC power from the AC power source  508  is provided via the links  512 ,  532 , and  514  to the second port  513  and thus to the power outlet  504 . However if the NO switch  526  has an open status, the AC power from the AC power source  508  cannot reach the second port  513  or the power outlet  504 . 
     Further as shown, the power outlet  504  has an earth ground port  534 , and also a single outlet  536  that is coupled to the line (L) and neutral (N) leads of the power outlet  504 , and thereby coupled via the second port  513  to the third link  532  and the second link  514 . The single outlet  536  is configured to receive a plug of a (grounded 3-wire) power cord  538  of the food waste disposer electrical component  502  so as to couple that power cord to the outlet. When the power cord  538  is coupled to the single outlet  536  in this manner, the food waste disposer electrical component  502  is coupled to the single outlet  536  of the power outlet  504 , and thus is electrically coupled to the third link  532  and the second link  514  via the second port  513 . Assuming such an arrangement, when the NO switch  526  takes on the closed status, the AC power from the AC power source  508  is provided not only to the power outlet  504  but also to the food waste disposer electrical component  502 , such that the food waste disposer  104  is activated/turned on. However, when the NO switch  526  has an open status, then the food waste disposer electrical component  502  does not receive AC power and thus the food waste disposer is deactivated/turned off. 
     From the above discussion, it should be evident that the food waste disposer electrical component  502  receives or does not receive power, and that the food waste disposer  104  is turned on or off, depending upon the closed or open status of the NO switch  526 . In the present embodiment, the status of the NO switch  526  is governed by additional components of the control PCB  506 , which operate in response to actuation signals from the actuator circuit  510  corresponding to the disposer activation button  220 . More particularly, whether the NO switch  526  is opened or closed depends upon whether voltage is communicated to the relay  524  by way of a fourth link  540 . When a non-zero voltage is provided by the fourth link  540  to the relay  524 , then the NO switch  526  takes on a closed status, but otherwise, in the absence of such a voltage being provided, the NO switch takes on an open status. 
     Further as shown in  FIG.  5   , the providing of any voltage by way of the fourth link  540  is determined based upon several additional circuit components within the control PCB  506 , which in turn operate based upon the actuation signals received from the actuator circuit  510  via the third port  515 . More particularly, in the present embodiment, the actuator circuit  510  includes a switch  542  having first, second, and third terminals  544 ,  546 , and  548 , respectively. The first terminal  544  of the switch  542  is coupled to a fifth link  550  of the control PCB  506  by way of the third port  515 , the second terminal  546  of the switch  542  is coupled to a sixth link  552  of the control PCB  506  by way of the third port  515 , and the third terminal  548  is a floating terminal. Pressing of the disposer activation button  220  causes the switch  542  to take on a closed position such that the first and second terminals  544  and  546  are directly coupled (short-circuited) relative to one another. However, when the disposer activation button  220  is not pressed, then the first and second terminals  544  and  546  are no longer coupled (in such case, it can be assumed that the first and third terminals  544  and  548  are short-circuited together). 
     Additionally as shown, the control PCB  506  additionally includes a relay and LED (light emitting diode) driver circuit  554  and a control circuit  556 , which can for example take the form of a MCU (microcontroller unit) or a digital logic circuit (although in other embodiments the control circuit can take other forms, such as a microprocessor). The control circuit  556  is coupled to the driver circuit  554  by way of a seventh link  558 , by way of which the control circuit is able to provide control signals to the driver circuit  554 , and additionally the fourth link  540  is coupled to the driver circuit  554 . Further, the fifth link  550  is coupled to the control circuit  556 , and the sixth link  552  is coupled to each of the control circuit  556 , the driver circuit  554 , and to the positive DC voltage (+VDC) port  518 , and each of the control circuit  556  and driver circuit  554  is also coupled to the ground port  520 . 
     Given this arrangement, actuation (e.g., pressing) of the disposer activation button  220  governs the closed or open status of the NO switch as follows. The control circuit  556  can operate as a toggling mechanism such that it will provide a non-zero control signal (e.g., a non-zero voltage signal) to the driver circuit  554  via the seventh link  558  up until such time as it receives an actuation signal (e.g., a positive voltage pulse signal) via the fifth link  550 , and then will switch to providing no control signal (e.g., a zero voltage signal) to the driver circuit via the seventh link up until such time as it receives another actuation signal via the fifth link, and vice-versa. The driver circuit  554  in turn can provide voltage signals to the fourth link  540  for communication to the relay  524  based directly upon the control signals received from the control circuit  556 . (Also, it will be appreciated that the control circuit  556  can be set to have an initial output state, e.g., the control circuit can be set to provide no control signal via the seventh link  558  when the control circuit first begins operating.) 
     Assuming that the control circuit  556  and driver circuit  554  do operate as described above, it can be appreciated that a user can control the activation/deactivation status of the food waste disposer  104  simply by pressing the disposer activation button  220  to switch the disposer on when it is currently off, as well as by pressing the button to switch the disposer off when it is currently on. For example, if one supposes that the food waste disposer  104  is initially off, this would correspond to an initial state of the relay  524  in which the NO switch  526  is open, such that power is not being provided to the food waste disposer electrical component  502 . Such a circumstance would correspond to an initial state of the control PCB  506  in which the control circuit  556  is providing no control signal to the driver circuit  554 , such that no voltage is being provided by the driver circuit via the fourth link  540  to the relay  524 . 
     Given such an initial state, a user could cause the food waste disposer  104  to be activated by pressing the disposer activation button  220 . The pressing of the disposer activation button  220  in this circumstance would cause a coupling of the first and second terminals  544  and  546  and consequent providing of an actuation signal via the fifth link  550  to the control circuit  556 . The control circuit  556  in turn would cause a non-zero control signal to be provided to the driver circuit  554  by way of the seventh link  558 , which would provide a voltage to the relay  524  via the fourth link  540 . The providing of this voltage to the relay  524  would in turn cause the NO switch  526  to become closed, thus causing power to be delivered to the food waste disposer electrical component  502  and thereby activating the food waste disposer  104 . 
     Alternatively for example, if one supposes that the food waste disposer  104  is initially on (or has been turned on, as discussed above), this would correspond to an initial state of the relay  524  in which the NO switch  526  is closed, such that power is being provided to the food waste disposer electrical component  502 , as well as to an initial state in which the control circuit  556  is providing a non-zero control signal to the driver circuit  554 , such that voltage is being provided by the driver circuit to the relay  524 . Given such an initial state, a user could cause the food waste disposer  104  to be deactivated by pressing the disposer activation button  220 . The pressing of the disposer activation button  220  in this circumstance would cause a coupling of the first and second terminals  544  and  546  and consequent providing of an actuation signal via the fifth link  550  to the control circuit  556 . The control circuit  556  in turn would toggle in its state and stop providing any control signal to the driver circuit  554  by way of the seventh link  558 . Correspondingly, the driver circuit  554  would cease to provide any voltage to the relay  524 , the NO switch  526  would become opened, and power would cease to be available to the food waste disposer electrical component  502 , such that the food waste disposer  104  would be deactivated. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  5   , it should further be appreciated that in the present embodiment the actuator circuit  510  also is configured to provide a food waste disposer activation status indication to a user by way of a light display on or near the location of the disposer activation button  220 . More particularly as shown, the actuator circuit  510  corresponding to the disposer activation button  220  includes not only the switch  542  but also the one or more LED(s) (light emitting diode(s))  560  that are coupled between the ground port  520  and the third port  515 , by way of which the LED(s) are coupled to the fourth link  540 . Given this arrangement, when the driver circuit  554  is operating to provide a voltage to the relay  524  such that the NO switch  526  is closed and power is supplied to the food waste disposer electrical component  502 , such that the food waste disposer  104  is on, voltage is also provided by way of the fourth link to the LED(s)  560  causing those LED(s) to emit light, which can be recognized by the user as an indication that the food waste disposer  104  is activated. Alternatively, when the driver circuit  554  is not operating to provide any voltage to the relay  524  and consequently power is not being supplied to the food waste disposer electrical component  502 , no voltage is provided to the LED(s)  560  and the user is not provided any indication that the food waste disposer  104  is on. 
     The electrical system  500  shown in  FIG.  5    is indicative of one example electrical system that can be implemented in relation to or as part of a waste disposer assembly such as the waste disposer assembly  100  of  FIG.  1    (e.g., outside of the food waste disposer  104 ). Nevertheless, it should be appreciated that the electrical components and interconnections that allow for the food waste disposer  104  activation/deactivation status to be controlled via the disposer activation button  220  can take a variety of forms depending upon the embodiment, and that any of a variety of other components and connections differing from those shown in  FIG.  5    can also be implemented. For example, the switch  542  within the actuator circuit  510  can take any of a variety of forms depending upon the embodiment. Further for example, in one embodiment, the switch  542  can take the form of a piezoelectric switch. Also for example, in alternate embodiments, the switch  542  can take the form of (or employ) any of a pushbutton with or without LEDs, a rocker, or a tactile/snap dome. 
     Additionally, even though all of the links/connections shown in  FIG.  5    are intended to be wired (e.g., hardwired) connections, it is possible in other embodiments that one or more of these links/connections can be wirelessly achieved. For example, in some other embodiments encompassed herein, a food waste disposer assembly can be configured so that an activation switch on a sprayer mechanism (e.g., corresponding to the switch  542  on the sprayer mechanism  110 ) can wirelessly activate a food waste disposer of the food waste disposer assembly. Further for example, in some such embodiments, such wireless activation of the food waste disposer by a switch on a sprayer mechanism can be achieved by way of a receiver embedded in the food waste disposer. Additionally, in some such embodiments, such wireless activation can be achieved without any controller (such as that afforded by the control circuitry of the control printed circuit board (PCB)  506  of  FIG.  5   ), or without any controller being provided in addition to (or outside of) the food waste disposer. 
     More particularly, with respect to the embodiment of  FIG.  5   , it is intended that the actuator circuit  510  is provided on the wand  200  of the sprayer mechanism  110 , that the control PCB  506  is located somewhere on, under, or near the sink  102  (e.g., under the edge  112 ), and that the actuator circuit  510  is coupled to the third port  515  of the control PCB by way of wired connections. Indeed, as additionally illustrated by  FIG.  5   , the respective connections between the third port  515  and each of the first terminal  544 , the second terminal  546 , and the LED(s)  560 , and more particularly between the respective fifth link  550 , sixth link  552 , and fourth link  540  and each of the first terminal  544 , the second terminal  546 , and the LED(s)  560 , can respectively be achieved via a first, second, and third wired connections  562 ,  564 , and  566 , respectively. Further, each of the first, second, and third wired connections  562 ,  564 , and  566  can be run together in the form of a bus  568  between the actuator circuit  510  and the control PCB  506  that can run along (and potentially be encased within or as part of) the sprayer housing  212  between the upper end  214  and bottom portion  204 , and further along the water hose assembly  113  linking the sprayer hose connection  215  with a water source location. The bus  568  in the present embodiment can be provided as, or as part of, the power/LED wire  294  of the water hose assembly  113  already described above in relation to  FIGS.  1 ,  2 A,  2 B,  3 ,  4 A, and  4 B . 
     Notwithstanding the above description relating to  FIG.  5   , it should be appreciated that in other example embodiments the actuator circuit  510  can be coupled to the control PCB  506  by way of wireless connections. In some such embodiments, the water hose assembly by which water is provided to the wand  200  of the sprayer mechanism  110  (e.g., by way of the flexible water hose  290 ) need not include any power/LED wire such as the power/LED wire  294 . Also, in other embodiments, one or more portions of the control PCB  506 , such as the control circuit  556 , can be provided on the sprayer mechanism  110  rather than at a location under the sink  102  or otherwise apart from the sprayer mechanism. Further, in other embodiments, one or more portions of the control PCB  506 , such as the relay  524 , can be provided on the waste disposer  502  rather than at another location physically separate from the waste disposer. 
     Further with respect to alternate embodiments employing wireless connections, in one example embodiment of the electrical system  500 , the actuator circuit  510  additionally includes a wireless transceiver  570  (shown in phantom in  FIG.  5   ) and the control PCB  506  also includes a wireless transceiver  572  (also shown in phantom in  FIG.  5   ) to permit wireless communications between the actuation circuit  510  and the control PCB  506 , particularly the control circuit  556  and driver circuit  554  thereof. By virtue of such an arrangement, wireless actuation/control signals can be sent by the wireless transceiver  570  in response to the pressing of the disposer activation button  220  and, upon receipt by the wireless transceiver  572 , can in turn cause the control circuit  556  and driver circuit  554  to change a state of the relay  524  so as to determine whether AC power is provided to the waste disposer  502  and thereby cause the waste disposer to be switched on or off. Also in such an arrangement, in response to signals from the driver circuit  554 , additional wireless signals can be sent by the wireless transceiver  572  to the wireless transceiver  570  so as to control whether the LED(s)  560  of the actuator circuit  510  emit light as an indication of operational status of the waste disposer  502 . 
     Additionally, notwithstanding the presence of the control PCB  506  in  FIG.  5   , in still another alternate embodiment the waste disposer  502  itself includes a wireless transceiver  574  (also shown in phantom), or a control circuit including such a transceiver, by which the transceiver  570  is capable of communicating with the waste disposer without the control PCB  506  acting therebetween. In such an alternate embodiment, the waste disposer  502  can itself be equipped with switching circuitry that can cause the waste disposer to be switched on or off depending upon control signals received wirelessly from the actuation circuit  510 , via the wireless transceivers  570  and  574 . Also, in such an embodiment, the waste disposer  502  can provide feedback signals wirelessly to the actuation circuit  510 , via the wireless transceivers, governing whether the LED(s)  560  emit light as an indication of operational status of the waste disposer. 
     Additionally with respect to such alternate embodiments in which the sprayer mechanism  110  (e.g., the actuation circuit  510  thereof) communicates with intermediate control circuitry such as the PCB  506  and/or the waste disposer  502  (or circuitry or portions thereof) and/or displays an operational status indication by way of lighting device(s) (e.g., the LED(s)  560 ), it should be appreciated that the sprayer mechanism  110  can receive power to perform such operation in any of a variety of manners. In some such embodiments, the sprayer mechanism includes a battery therein (not shown) for supplying power. Such a battery can be, for example, a disposable/replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery. Additionally, in some such embodiments in which a rechargeable battery is employed, the sprayer mechanism can include a port to which a power cord can be coupled for a short period of time to provide power to the sprayer mechanism for recharging of the battery, or the battery can be charged/recharged by way of a wireless or cordless charging mechanism (e.g., employing inductive coupling). 
     Further with respect to alternate embodiments employing wireless communications between or among the sprayer mechanism  110  (e.g., the actuation circuit  510  associated therewith), intermediate control circuitry such as the control PCB  506  (or circuitry or portions thereof), and/or the waste disposer  502  (or circuitry or portions thereof), it should be recognized that the present disclosure is intended to encompass any of a variety of embodiments employing any of a variety of different components, devices, communications technologies, protocols, or methodologies so as to achieve such wireless communications. Although the above description mentions the use of the wireless transceivers  570 ,  572 , and/or  574 , in some embodiments encompassed herein one or more of these transceivers can merely be transmitters or receivers (e.g., the actuation circuit  510  can employ a transmitter and the control PCB  506  can employ a receiver). Also for example, in some embodiments of the sprayer mechanism, the wireless transceiver  570  can include one or more of the components employed for wireless communications described below in regard to  FIG.  10   . 
     In some embodiments encompassed herein, one or more of the wireless transceivers  570 ,  572 , and/or  574  can for example be non-cellular transceivers or Wi-Fi transceivers, or even cellular transceivers. Further for example, if one or more of the transceivers are non-cellular transceivers, such transceivers can employ technologies such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, HomeRF (radio frequency), Home Node B (3G femtocell), or even infrared technology. Additionally for example, if Wi-Fi transceivers are employed, such transceivers can be wireless local area network (WLAN) transceivers that operate in accordance with standards such as IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g or n). Also for example, such Wi-Fi transceivers can operate in an ad hoc or peer-to-peer manner (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct). Further for example, in some embodiments the wireless transceivers can achieve any of wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), or personal area network (PAN) connections. Additionally for example, if one or more of the transceivers are cellular transceivers, such transceivers can employ any of a variety of cellular-based communications technologies such as, for example, 3G, 4G, 5G, GSM, CDMA, TDMA, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, WCDMA, CDMA2000, LTE, iDEN, etc.), including both digital and analog communications (e.g., AMPS) technologies, or modified versions thereof. 
     Further, although the control or communications signals within the electrical system  500  and particularly between the actuation circuit  510  and control PCB  506  can take the form of analog or digital signals, such as high or low (or zero) voltage or current signals (e.g., as described above in regard to  FIG.  5   ), it should also be recognized that in other embodiments the control or communications signals can take other forms. For example, in embodiments employing wireless transceivers such as the wireless transceivers  570 ,  572 , and/or  574 , the wireless communications can entail wireless internet communications. Also, in some such embodiments encompassed herein, one or more of the transceivers can be implemented as (or as components of) Internet of Things (IoT) devices that are in wireless communications with one another. Additionally, in some alternate embodiments encompassed herein, including embodiments employing one or more wired or wireless connections between or among the actuation circuit  510  of the sprayer mechanism  110 , the control PCB  506  (or other intermediate control circuitry), or the waste disposer  502  (or associated circuitry), such communications can occur by way of the internet or by way of any of a variety of other communication links, such as Ethernet links. 
     Turning to  FIG.  6   , in an alternate embodiment, a modified electrical system  600  can be employed in a waste disposer assembly instead of the electrical system  600 . As illustrated, the modified electrical system  600  is particularly suited for implementation as part of a modified waste disposer assembly differing from the waste disposer assembly  100  of  FIG.  1    in that the modified waste disposer assembly also includes an instant hot water tank in addition to the food waste disposer  104 . In this regard, it can particularly be seen that the modified electrical system  600  of  FIG.  6    includes a dual or duplex power outlet  604  instead of the power outlet  504  of  FIG.  5    (which takes a single outlet form), and thus accommodates the presence of both the waste disposer assembly electrical component  502  (e.g., the same electric motor discussed in relation to  FIG.  5   ) and a hot water tank electrical component  662  (e.g., a heating unit for a hot water tank). 
     Further in regard to  FIG.  6   , it can be appreciated that many of the components and interconnections of the modified electrical system  600  can be identical or substantially similar to the corresponding components and interconnections of the electrical system  500 . Indeed, it can be noted that each of the following components or links shown in  FIG.  5    are also present in  FIG.  6    and can be considered to take the same form and serve the same purpose as discussed above in regard to  FIGS.  5   :  502 ,  508 ,  510 ,  511 ,  512 ,  514 ,  515 ,  516 ,  518 ,  520 ,  522 ,  528 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 ,  542 ,  544 ,  546 ,  548 ,  550 ,  552 ,  558 ,  560 ,  562 ,  564 ,  566 , and  568 . 
     However, in contrast in the embodiment of  FIG.  5   , in the embodiment of  FIG.  6   , the power outlet  604  (as already noted) is a duplex outlet that additionally includes (in addition to the single or primary outlet  536 ) a secondary outlet  670 , to which the hot water tank electrical component  662  is coupled by way of a power cord  667 . Further, to accommodate the providing of power to each of the single outlet  536  and the secondary outlet  670 , the modified electrical system  600  includes a modified control PCB  606  that, although the same as the control PCB  506  in many respects (e.g., in terms of the components and links mentioned above), nevertheless differs from the control PCB  506  in some respects. 
     More particularly in this regard, the control PCB  606  includes a modified relay  624  that differs from the relay  524  of the control PCB  506 . As shown, although both of the relays  524  and  624  include the first terminal  528  coupled to the link  512 , the modified relay  624  includes both a second, normally-open (NO) terminal  630  and a third, normally-closed (NC) terminal  631 , as well as a switch  626  that can switch between coupling the first terminals  528  with either of the terminals  630  or  631 . Further, although the single outlet  536  again includes neutral (N) and line (L) ports that are respectively coupled to the link  514  and to the normally-open terminal  630 , by way of a link  632 , the secondary outlet  670  further includes neutral (N) and line (L) ports that are respectively coupled to the link  514  and to the normally-closed terminal  631 , by way of a link  633 . Accordingly, the control PCB  606  includes second ports  613  by way of which the neutral and line ports of the single outlet  536  and secondary outlet  670  are coupled to the link  514 , the link  632  (and thus the normally-open terminal  630 ), and the link  633  (and thus normally-closed terminal  631 ). 
     Additionally, to accommodate appropriate control of the switch  626  of the relay  624  by way of a voltage provided thereto via a link  640 , the driver circuit  554  and control circuit  556  of  FIG.  5    are respectively replaced by a driver circuit  654  and control circuit  656 . The driver circuit  654  and control circuit  656  can respectively take any of the forms mentioned above with respect to the driver circuit  554  and control circuit  556 , but also can be configured to accommodate desired control over the signals provided via the link  640 , between the driver circuit  654  and the relay  624 . 
     Thus, in this embodiment of  FIG.  6   , depending upon the actuation of the disposal activation button  220 , one or both of the operational statuses of the food waste disposer and the instant hot water tank can be controlled. Due to the particular configuration of the system, particularly in terms of the coupling of the outlets  536 ,  670  with respect to the normally-open and normally-closed terminals  630  and  631  of the relay  624 , it will be appreciated that this embodiment particularly is configured to activate the hot water tank when the waste disposer assembly is deactivated, or vice-versa. However, in other embodiments, other manners of operation can be achieved. 
     It should be appreciated that in other example embodiments of the electrical system  600  of  FIG.  6   , the actuator circuit  510  can be coupled to the control PCB  606  by way of wireless connections. Also, in other embodiments, one or more portions of the control PCB  606 , such as the control circuit  656 , can be provided on the sprayer mechanism  110  rather than at a location under the sink  102  or otherwise apart from the sprayer mechanism. Further, in other embodiments, one or more portions of the control PCB  606 , such as the relay  624 , can be provided on the waste disposer  502  (and/or on the hot water tank electrical component  662 ) rather than at another location physically separate from the waste disposer (and/or the hot water tank electrical component). 
     Further with respect to alternate embodiments of the electrical system  600  employing wireless connections, in one such example embodiment the actuator circuit  510  can take the same form as was described above as an alternate embodiment in relation to  FIG.  5   . Again, in such an embodiment, the actuator circuit  510  additionally includes the wireless transceiver  570  (shown in phantom in  FIG.  6   ). In such an alternate embodiment, the control PCB  606  also includes a wireless transceiver  672  (also shown in phantom in  FIG.  6   ) to permit wireless communications between the actuation circuit  510  and the control PCB  606 , particularly the control circuit  656  and driver circuit  654  thereof. By virtue of such an arrangement, wireless actuation/control signals can be sent by the wireless transceiver  570  in response to the pressing of the disposer activation button  220  and, upon receipt by the wireless transceiver  672 , can in turn cause the control circuit  656  and driver circuit  654  to change a state of the relay  624  so as to change (or otherwise determine) the operational status of the waste disposer  502  and the hot water tank electrical component  662 . Also in such an arrangement, in response to signals from the driver circuit  654 , additional wireless signals can be sent by the wireless transceiver  672  to the wireless transceiver  570  so as to control whether the LED(s)  560  of the actuator circuit  510  emit light as an indication of operational status of the waste disposer  502 . 
     Additionally, notwithstanding the presence of the control PCB  606  in  FIG.  6   , in still another alternate embodiment the waste disposer  502  itself includes the wireless transceiver  574  (also shown in phantom in  FIG.  6   ), or a control circuit including such a transceiver, by which the transceiver  570  is capable of communicating with the waste disposer without the control PCB  606  acting therebetween. Likewise, in such an embodiment, the hot water tank electrical component  662  also includes a further wireless transceiver  676  (shown in phantom in  FIG.  6   ), or a control circuit including such a transceiver, by which the transceiver  570  is capable of communicating with that electrical component. In some such cases, the transceiver  570  can also take a modified form to especially accommodate communications with the further wireless transceiver  676 . 
     Further, in such an alternate embodiment, the waste disposer  502  and/or the hot water tank electrical component  662  can each be equipped with respective switching circuitry that can cause the waste disposer and/or hot water tank electrical component to be switched on or off depending upon control signals received wirelessly from the actuation circuit  510 , via the wireless transceivers  570 ,  574 , and  676 . Also, in such an embodiment, the waste disposer  502  can provide feedback signals wirelessly to the actuation circuit  510 , via the wireless transceivers, governing whether the LED(s)  560  emit light as an indication of operational status of the waste disposer. In some such cases, the hot water tank electrical component  662  also can provide feedback signals wirelessly to the actuation circuit  510  (or a modified version thereof) indicative of the operational status of the hot water tank electrical component or associated hot water tank, and allowing a light indication (or other user indication) to be output regarding that status. 
     Additionally with respect to such alternate embodiments of the electrical system  600  employing wireless communications, it should be appreciated that the sprayer mechanism  110  again can receive power to perform such operation in any of a variety of manners, including those described above concerning alternate embodiments of the electrical system of  FIG.  5    involving the use of batteries. Further with respect to alternate embodiments employing wireless communications between or among the sprayer mechanism  110  (e.g., the actuation circuit  510  associated therewith), intermediate control circuitry such as the control PCB  606  (or circuitry or portions thereof), and/or the waste disposer  502  and/or hot water tank electrical component  662  (or circuitry or portions thereof), it should be recognized that the present disclosure is intended to encompass any of a variety of embodiments employing any of a variety of different components, devices, communications technologies, protocols, or methodologies so as to achieve such wireless communications, including any of those described above concerning alternate embodiments of the electrical system of  FIG.  5   . Therefore, among other things, one or more of the transceivers  570 ,  672 ,  574 , and  676  can merely be transmitters or receivers. Also, one or more of the wireless transceivers  570 ,  672 ,  574  and/or  676  can for example be non-cellular transceivers or Wi-Fi transceivers, or even cellular transceivers, and the control or communications signals within the electrical system can take the form of analog or digital signals, or other forms such as internet-based or Ethernet communication signals. 
     The present disclosure is intended to encompass numerous different mechanisms and processes for controlling the actuation/operation of food waste disposers and/or hot water tanks. In at least some embodiments, control over the operations of a food waste disposer and instant hot water tank, either by wired or wireless communications, can be understood to proceed as follows. First, AC power connects to a SPDT (single-pole, double-throw) relay. The single-pole connects to the AC power, the normally open relay contact connects to the food waste disposer hot/line input and the normally closed contact connects to the instant hot water tank hot/line input. When the control button is pressed (e.g., the disposer activation button  220 ), the instant hot water tank is disconnected from AC power, and the food waste disposer is connected to AC power. The food waste disposer then remains connected to AC power, and the instant hot water tank remains disconnected from AC power, even after the control button no longer is pressed (or after it is “let go”), until the control button is pressed again. When the control button is pressed again, the instant hot water tank is again connected to AC power, and the food waste disposer is again disconnected from AC power. The instant hot water tank then remains connected to AC power, and the food waste disposer remains disconnected from AC power, even after the control button no longer is pressed (or after it is “let go”), until the control button is pressed again so as to cause the AC power to be connected again to the food waste disposer and disconnected again from the hot water tank. 
     In this manner, actuation of the switch by way of the control button causes AC power to toggle between the food waste disposer and hot water tank, in a manner that entails a latching action instead of a momentary action. This allows both the food waste disposer and the hot water tank to run off of a single branch circuit and power receptacle having a single circuit interrupter without overloading that branch circuit. Given this arrangement, the hot water tank typically is powered most of the time (and the hot water tank has its own water temperature control within it that does its own controlling while powered). The hot water can be dispensed manually via a control lever and faucet tap that is separate from the main faucet. However, when the food waste disposer is running, the instant hot water tank is turned off. This is acceptable because the food waste disposer only runs for short periods of time. 
     It should further be appreciated that the present disclosure is intended to encompass numerous different arrangements in which the control button or actuator takes any of a variety of forms, including disposer activation buttons such as the disposer activation button  220  described above (or disposer activation buttons  320  and  920  described in regard to  FIGS.  7 ,  8 ,  9 , and  10    below) on sprayers/sprayer mechanisms/sprayer heads, or sinktop switch buttons or wireless remote buttons. The present disclosure among other things is also intended to encompass embodiments in which power is controlled, by way of a single button or other actuator, to be provided either to a food waste disposer or alternatively to a hot water tank at any given time based upon the status or most recent actuation of the button or actuator, regardless of the location or type of button or actuator that is actuated (e.g., even if the button or actuator is not positioned on a sprayer as described elsewhere herein). 
     While  FIG.  1    shows an improved food waste disposer assembly  100  having the sink  102  with the non-extendable faucet  108  and separate sprayer mechanism  110 , in accordance with other example embodiments, a sink may utilize a single fixture as both a faucet and a sprayer mechanism. As shown in  FIG.  7    and  FIG.  8   , a combination faucet and sprayer mechanism  300  includes a sprayer head  302  with a sprayer head housing  312  and sprayer outlet  310  at a bottom portion  304  of the sprayer head  302 . The upper end  314  of the sprayer head  302  includes a hose connection  315  by which the sprayer head  302  is typically coupled to a water hose (which is not shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , but can for example take a form such as that of the hose  113  of  FIG.  1   ) running through the combination faucet and sprayer mechanism  300 , by way of which water is provided to the sprayer head  302  of the combination faucet and sprayer mechanism  300 . 
     It will be appreciated that the combination faucet and sprayer mechanism  300  can be used as a standard faucet, with the sprayer head  302  mounted to the faucet. However, the sprayer head  302  can also be removed from the faucet (not shown) to provide a user with the capability of directing water from the sprayer head  302  toward or at one or more target objects, such as dishware, that may be positioned within the interior region  116  of a sink  102  (with reference to  FIG.  1   ), or at regions of the sink itself that require cleaning. 
     The sprayer head  302  also includes a water activation button  316 . In the present example embodiment, the water activation button  316  is a bulbous structure that protrudes outward from the sprayer head housing  312  at a middle location  318  along the housing between the upper end  314  and bottom portion  304 . The water activation button  316  is made from rubber or other flexible material so that a user pressing on the button can deform the button inwardly, so as to actuate in internal valve arrangement. In the present embodiment, the water activation button  316  is configured to cause adjustments in the manner in which water is dispensed from (out of) the sprayer head  302  of the combination faucet and sprayer mechanism  300 . More particularly, in the present embodiment, the water activation button  316  governs whether water that is dispensed from the sprayer head  302  has a standard aerated flow or a spray type flow, depending upon whether the button is pressed, or the position of the button. 
     In other embodiments encompassed herein, a water activation button such as the water activation button  316 , and/or one or more additional water activation buttons, on the sprayer head or possibly located elsewhere, can instead or additionally determine other aspects of the operation of the combination faucet and sprayer mechanism  300 . For example, in some other embodiments, one or more additional water activation button(s) on the sprayer head can determine whether water is able to flow out of the sprayer head or whether water flow from the sprayer head is completely shut off. Also, in some additional embodiments, a water activation button such as the water activation button  316  can, depending upon its actuation status, change the spraying pattern of the sprayer head  302  (e.g., from a wide spray pattern to a narrow spray pattern). Additionally, in further embodiments encompassed herein, the water flow through the sprayer head  302  may be activated by a different structure (e.g., a button or other structure on the base of the faucet) and the water activation button  316  positioned on the sprayer head  302  may be configured to adjust the manner of water flow (again, for example, between standard aerated flow or spray type flow). In still further embodiments, the water activation button  316  may be a toggle-style switch or lever button. 
     Further, as shown in the present embodiment, the sprayer head  302  of the combination faucet and sprayer mechanism  300  also includes a disposer activation button  320 . As described previously in relation to the disposer activation button  220 , a user, by pressing or actuating the disposer activation button  302  can control the activation/deactivation status of the food waste disposer  104  (see  FIG.  1   ), e.g., switch on or switch off the food waste disposer. In the present example embodiment, the disposer activation button  320  is located at a middle location  318  along the housing adjacent to the water activation button  316 . Such positioning of the disposer activation button  320  allows a user to conveniently see, feel and access the disposer activation button  320  even when the sprayer head  302  is coupled to the faucet component (not shown). 
     Referring to  FIG.  8    in particular, several features of the sprayer head  302  are evident from the cross-sectional view that is provided, especially in terms of the manner in which the sprayer head  302  operates to dispense water. A sprayer head conduit  322  is formed within the sprayer head housing  312  and connects the hose connection  315  with the sprayer outlet  310 . The sprayer head body conduit  322  includes a valve lever  324  and a valve (not shown). The free end  328  of the lever  324  engages with the water activation button  316 . It should be appreciated that the lever  324  is so configured to take on an outwardly-projecting position as shown in  FIG.  8   . When a user presses the water activation button  316  inwardly, the lever  324  is also pushed inward and the valve (not shown) is actuated. In the present example embodiment, depending upon the lever position (and associated valve position), a manner of water flow out of the sprayer head  302  can be adjusted, for example, between standard aerated flow or spray type flow (although in other embodiments one or other operational aspects can be controlled, including for example whether water is at all able to flow out of the sprayer head). 
     Although perhaps not immediately evident from  FIG.  7    and  FIG.  8   , it should be appreciated that the combination faucet and sprayer mechanism  300 , and particularly the sprayer head  302 , is designed to allow for a user to move the sprayer head  302  away from its resting position coupled with the faucet portion (not shown), downward and outward away from the faucet portion (not shown), as well as around to different locations within and about the sink  102  (with reference to  FIG.  1   ). The movement of the sprayer head  302  can entail each of vertical movements, horizontal movements, and rotational movements, so as to adjust the location of the sprayer outlet  310 , as well as adjust the orientation of the sprayer outlet  310 , so as to vary the direction of water flow toward the sink  102  (not shown) and/or towards other structures that may be within or about the sink (including locations outside of the sink). 
     To facilitate such movement of the sprayer head  302  and still allow for water to be provided to the sprayer head  302  from another location associated with the sink (e.g., a location under the sink), the sprayer hose connection  315  is coupled not to a fixed location but rather is coupled to an end of a hose (which again is not shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , but can for example take a form such as that of the hose  113  of  FIG.  1   ). Depending on the embodiment, the hose can be made of rubber of another flexible material, and will extend some length (e.g., several feet) from the faucet portion (not shown) of the combination faucet and sprayer mechanism  300 . It should be appreciated that, when the sprayer head  302  is disengaged from the faucet portion of the combination faucet and sprayer mechanism  300 , then the upper end  314  continues to be coupled to a water source because the sprayer hose connection  315  links the sprayer head  302  with that water source by way of the hose, which typically will be arranged so as to extend from the faucet portion (not shown) to greater distances as the sprayer head  302  is moved further from the faucet portion, and to retract back through the faucet portion when the sprayer head  302  is moved closer to the faucet portion or returned to its position coupled with the faucet. 
     As further mentioned previously, in the present embodiment, the sprayer head  302  not only allows a user to control the dispensing of water out of the sprayer head by way of the sprayer outlet  310 , but also affords a user the ability to control the activation/deactivation (e.g., on/off) status of the food waste disposer  104  (see  FIG.  1   ) by way of actuating the disposer activation button  320  on the sprayer head  302 . By virtue of the disposer activation button  320 , a user can effectively remotely control the activation/deactivation status of the food waste disposer  104  (not shown) by way of a switch that is readily accessible to the user and readily visible to the user when the sprayer head  302  is coupled to the faucet portion of the faucet and sprayer mechanism  300 . Further, the disposer activation button  320  also permits a user to effectively remotely control the activation/deactivation status of the food waste disposer  104  (not shown) even when the user is utilizing the sprayer head  302  in a convenient manner when the user is holding the sprayer head  302 . 
     In order for the disposer activation button  320  to permit a user control in relation to the food waste disposer  104  (not shown), the food waste disposer assembly  100  (not shown) includes an electrical system, such as any of the example electrical systems described with respect to  FIG.  5    and  FIG.  6    (including any of the alternate embodiments of those systems described above such as those employing wireless communications). In the example embodiment shown in  FIG.  7   , at least a portion of the electrical system (e.g., an actuator circuit) is provided on the sprayer head  302  and the remaining components of the electrical system are provided elsewhere on, under, or near the sink. While communication between the components of the electrical system on the sprayer head  302  and components of the electrical system located elsewhere may be accomplished by wireless means such as described below in regard to  FIG.  9    and  FIG.  10   , it is anticipated that the electrical system will likely use wired connections. Such wired connections  380  run along (and potentially be encased within or as part of) the sprayer head housing  312 , and further along the hose (not shown) linking the sprayer hose connection  315  with a water source location. 
     Notwithstanding the above description relating to  FIG.  7    and  FIG.  8   , the present disclosure is also intended to encompass an additional embodiment of a wireless combination faucet and sprayer mechanism  900 , a front elevation view of which is shown in  FIG.  9    and a cross-sectional view of which (taken along a line  10 - 10  of  FIG.  9   ) is shown in  FIG.  10   . It should be appreciated from comparisons of  FIG.  9    with  FIG.  7   , and of  FIG.  10    with  FIG.  8   , that a sprayer head  902  of the mechanism  900  is identical to a sprayer head  302  of the mechanism  300 , except insofar that the sprayer head  902  includes certain structural differences to allow for wireless communications. Thus, it should be appreciated that the sprayer head  902  includes a bottom portion  904 , sprayer outlet  910 , sprayer head housing  912 , upper end  914 , hose connection  915 , water activation button  916 , middle location  918 , disposer activation button  920 , sprayer head body conduit  922 , valve lever  924 , and free end  928  of the valve lever that are respectively identical or substantially identical to the bottom portion  304 , sprayer outlet  310 , sprayer head housing  312 , upper end  314 , hose connection  315 , water activation button  316 , middle location  318 , disposer activation button  320 , sprayer head body conduit  322 , valve lever  324 , and free end  328 , respectively, of the sprayer head  302 . However, in contrast to sprayer head  302 , the sprayer head  902  lacks the wired connections  380 . Instead, the sprayer head  902  has several components that allow for wireless communications that include a wireless printed circuit board (PCB)  952 , coin cell battery  954 , radio frequency (RF) module  956 , and an antenna  958  supported within the interior of the sprayer head housing  912 , as well as a disposer activation button to PCB wire  950  linking the disposer activation button  920  to the PCB  952  so that electrical signals indicative of the position/movement of the disposer activation button are received by the PCB  952 . By virtue of the PCB  952 , battery  954 , RF module  956 , and antenna  958 , wireless signals can be communicated between the sprayer head  902  and an external circuit such as one of the PCBs  506  or  606  described above. 
     In at least some embodiments encompassed herein (including, for example, certain example embodiments corresponding to those described above in regard to any of  FIG.  5   ,  FIG.  6   ,  FIG.  9   , and  FIG.  10   ), wireless communications (and associated wireless switching) can be achieved by way Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless technology. In some such embodiments, the disposer activation button (e.g., the disposer activation button  220  or  920 ) on the sprayer head or sprayer mechanism will have a dual function—activation initiation and Bluetooth pairing initiation. In such embodiments, a first step will be to pair the sprayer (sprayer head or sprayer mechanism) with the wireless control box or with the wireless PCB inside the food waste disposer (e.g., with one of the PCBs  506  and  606  of  FIG.  5    and  FIG.  6   ). Bluetooth pairing is a form of information registration for linking devices. By registering device information (pairing) between devices, the devices can connect (to use a Bluetooth device relative to another Bluetooth device, the devices should first be paired). For example, to pair devices, starting from the “disposer off” state, the button on the sprayer would be depressed and held for 5 seconds to enter pairing mode. Pairing mode would be indicated by a flashing lighting device (e.g., LED) on the disposer activation button of the sprayer. Then, a corresponding pairing button on the wireless control box or food waste disposer (e.g., wireless PCB associated therewith) would be pressed for 5 seconds to enter pairing mode for that device. This pairing activation would also be indicated by a flashing LED (e.g., at the wireless control box or food waste disposer). When the two paired devices (or sides) are successfully linked/connected (that is, when the sprayer is successfully linked/connected with the control box or food waste disposer), then the LEDs on both paired devices would illuminate continuously without flashing for 3 seconds. Further, after the two sides are paired, the button on the sprayer will operate as an activation button for the food waste disposer. That is, as a second step of operation (following the first, pairing step), when the sprayer button pressed for less than 5 seconds, the food waste disposer is activated. When the sprayer button is pressed again, the food waste disposer is deactivated. 
     Further, the present disclosure is intended to encompass still additional embodiments other than or in addition to those described above. For example, the present disclosure is intended to encompass embodiments relating to any of a variety of waste disposers and waste disposer assemblies, including, but not limited to, food waste disposers or food waste disposer assemblies (as well as mechanisms such as pulpers). Also for example, the present disclosure is intended to encompass embodiments in which other types of mechanisms other than waste disposers and/or hot water tanks are controlled. Additionally, the present disclosure is intended to encompass other embodiments in which the control is achieved by way of other mechanisms or actuators than or in addition to a push button, and/or that are located at or on other structures in or around waste disposers. Further, the present disclosure is intended to encompass additional embodiments in which other types of operational status are controlled or influenced, including for example other statuses of the waste disposers such as the speed of rotation of motors in such disposers. 
     Accordingly, it is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modified forms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims.