Anti-Scald Assembly with Thermal Disinfection

[0001]The disclosure relates to anti-scald assemblies, in particular to anti-scald assemblies for faucets configured to allow for disinfection by purging with hot water.

BACKGROUND

[0002]Conventional faucet assemblies do not have any control for preventing hot water at unsafe temperatures from being delivered to a person during use of a faucet assembly. A user of a conventional faucet assembly, when manipulating a temperature control (e.g. a handle or knob) to receive hot water, may unintentionally receive scalding hot water. Scalding hot water may cause serious injury. Accordingly, desired are faucet assemblies comprising an anti-scald feature or mechanism configured to prevent excessively hot water from being dispensed.

[0003]Water delivery lines, as well as faucets, may be disinfected by passing hot water there-through for a certain amount of time. Such “thermal disinfection” may be particularly important for health care settings, for example hospitals, nursing homes, etc., as well as food processing and/or restaurant settings. Thermal disinfection of faucet assemblies and associated water lines is effective towards killing pathogens and also towards preventing growth of pathogens.

[0004]Faucet assemblies comprising an anti-scald feature are not configured to be treated with hot water in order to perform thermal disinfection, as anti-scald features are designed to restrict or close off a faucet hot water inlet or flow path once water temperature reaches a certain set-point. For example, thermal disinfection should be performed at about 70° C. (about 160° F.), while a pre-set temperature at which an anti-scald device may be designed to restrict or close off hot water flow may be about 49° C. (about 120° F.). Currently, to conduct a disinfection procedure, one would have to remove an anti-scald device from a faucet or associated assembly, purge the system with high temperature water for a desired time period, then replace the anti-scald device after the disinfection cycle is complete. This is a time consuming and laborious process.

[0005]Desired is an anti-scald assembly for a faucet, wherein the anti-scald assembly is configured to be placed in a normal operating (anti-scald) mode, and also in a temporary disinfection mode, without having to remove or move the anti-scald assembly.

SUMMARY

[0006]According, disclosed manifold assembly, comprising a manifold having a mixing chamber and an anti-scald cavity; an anti-scald assembly positioned in the anti-scald cavity; and an adjustment mechanism, wherein the manifold is configured to receive hot source water from a hot source water line and cold source water from a cold source water line, and to direct mixed hot/cold water to a faucet, the adjustment mechanism is configured to be placed in a closed position and in an open position relative to the anti-scald cavity, when in the adjustment mechanism closed position, the manifold assembly is in a normal operating position, when in the adjustment mechanism open position, the manifold assembly is in a disinfection position, in the adjustment mechanism closed position, the anti-scald assembly, when subjected to water above a pre-set temperature, is configured to restrict hot source water flow to the mixing chamber, and in the adjustment mechanism open position, the anti-scald assembly, when subjected to water above the pre-set temperature, is configured to not restrict hot source water flow to the mixing chamber.

[0007]Also disclosed is a control box assembly comprising a housing and a manifold assembly according to any of the preceding claims positioned within the housing. In some embodiments, a control box assembly is configured to be positioned below a deck, and fluidly coupled to a faucet configured to be positioned on a deck upper surface. In some embodiments, a control box housing comprises a front housing and a rear housing. In some embodiments, a front housing must be removed for a technician to move an adjustment mechanism from the closed position to the open position to perform a disinfection cycle. In some embodiments, for a front housing to be coupled to a rear housing after a disinfection cycle is complete, the adjustment mechanism must be in the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, features illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

[0009]FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B provide an assembled view and an exploded view, respectively, of a manifold assembly with an adjustment apparatus, according to some embodiments.

[0010]FIG. 1C, FIG. 1D, and FIG. 1E provide a front view, a right side sectional view, and a bottom sectional view, respectively, of a control box containing a manifold assembly in a closed operating position, with a see-through front housing, according to some embodiments.

[0011]FIG. 1F, FIG. 1G, and FIG. 1H provide a front view, a right side view, and a bottom sectional view, respectively, of a control box containing a manifold assembly in a disinfection position with a front housing removed, according to some embodiments.

[0012]FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, and FIG. 2C provide a bottom sectional view, a right side sectional view, and a further bottom sectional view of a control box containing a manifold assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0013]FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show views of a manifold assembly with an adjustment apparatus, according to some embodiments.

[0014]FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D show a front view and a side view of a control box containing a manifold assembly with an adjustment apparatus, according to some embodiments.

[0015]FIG. 3E shows an exploded view of a manifold assembly with an adjustment apparatus, according to an embodiment.

[0016]FIG. 3F shows an adjustment apparatus in an open, disinfection position (left) and in a closed, operating position (right).

[0017]FIG. 4 provides a view of a faucet, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018]FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B provide assembled and exploded views of manifold assembly 100, respectively, according to some embodiments. Manifold assembly 100 comprises thermoplastic manifold 101, having anti-scald cavity 103, mixing chamber 104, and actuating cavity 105. Manifold 101 is configured to receive hot source water and cold source water from a hot source water line and cold source water line (not shown). Manifold 101 is also configured to mix hot source water and cold source water in mixing chamber 104, and to deliver mixed hot/cold water at a set temperature to a faucet. Manifold 101 is configured to deliver mixed hot/cold water upon activation of an actuator (not shown) positioned in actuating cavity 105.

[0019]Manifold assembly 100 comprises anti-scald adjustment mechanism 102. Adjustment mechanism 102 is configured to be placed in a closed position wherein assembly 100 will be in a normal operating mode such that mixed hot/cold water is prevented from exceeding a set-point (safety) temperature. Adjustment mechanism 102 is also configured to be placed in an open position, wherein manifold assembly 100 will be in a disinfection mode so that very hot water may be passed through manifold 101 and through an associated faucet. Adjustment mechanism 102 comprises adjustment wedge 106, stop 107, cover plate 108, and shoulder bolts 109. Stop 107 is coupled to O-rings 110 configured to form a seal with an inner surface of anti-scald cavity 103. Stop 107 contains hole 107h configured to receive pin 111. Stop pin 111 is configured to slide in adjustment wedge track 106t. Stop 107 is configured to slide along shoulder bolts 109 to place mechanism 102 and assembly 100 in either a closed or an open position. Stop 107 comprises top cap portion 107c.

[0020]FIG. 1C provides a front view of control box assembly 120 having manifold assembly 100 positioned therein, according to some embodiments. Control box assembly 120 is shown in a closed, operating position, with front housing 125f “see-through” and rear housing 125r visible. Manifold assembly 100 is coupled to hot source water line 113 and cold source water line 114, which are configured to direct hot source water and cold source water to mixing chamber 104. Temperature control 112 is positioned in mixing chamber 104 and is configured to be manipulated to adjust a desired mixed water temperature to be directed from mixing chamber 104 through manifold outlet 116 and to a faucet. In some embodiments, control box assembly 120 may be positioned below a deck (countertop) on which a faucet is positioned. Visible is adjustment wedge 106, stop 107, cover plate 108, and shoulder bolts 109. Solenoid actuator 115 is positioned in actuating cavity 105. Solenoid 115 is electrically coupled to wires 117. Wires 117 may be electrically coupled to a power source, e.g. a battery, and a sensor associated with a faucet (not shown).

[0021]FIG. 1D provides a right side sectional view of control box assembly 120, according to an embodiment. Visible are front housing 125f coupled to rear housing 125r, manifold 101, hot source water line 113, cold source water line 114, mixed hot/cold water outlet 116, electric wires 117 coupled to solenoid 115, adjustment wedge 106, cover plate 108, shoulder bolts 109, and mixed water temperature control 112. Also shown is boss 118, which is a continuous extension of front housing 125f and comprises an annular shape to abut wedge 106 in a closed position. Boss 118 is a “fail-safe” feature, configured such that adjustment wedge 106 must be placed in a closed, normal operating position for front housing 125f to be replaced onto rear housing 125r (as shown).

[0022]FIG. 1E provides a bottom sectional view of control box assembly 120, according to an embodiment. Front housing 125f is shown coupled to rear housing 125r. Also shown is manifold assembly 100 in cross-section, showing stop 107 having O-rings 110 positioned in anti-scald cavity 103. Also visible in cross-section is anti-scald assembly 130 positioned in anti-scald cavity 103. Anti-scald assembly 130 comprises thermal actuator (wax element) 131 and plunger 133. Plunger 133 is associated with spring 132 and is coupled to O-ring 134. Spring 132 is positioned against annular abutment surface 135 of anti-scald cavity 103. In a closed, operating position as shown, spring 132 provides a constant force to hold stop pin 111 against adjustment wedge track 106t. Stop pin 111 rests on adjustment wedge notch 106n at an end point of wedge track 106t in a closed position. Stop 107 is positioned adjacent wax element 131 and stop cap 107c is positioned adjacent manifold 101. Mixed hot/cold water is configured to pass from mixing chamber 104 and contact anti-scald assembly 130 before passing through mixed hot/cold water outlet 116. If mixed hot/cold water reaches a pre-set temperature, wax element 131 will expand, pushing plunger 133 to the left to partially or fully close off hot water flow path 136. Cold water will continue to flow to mixing chamber 104, anti-scald cavity 103, and outlet 116. As wax element 131 contracts due to contact with cold(er) water, hot water flow path 136 will eventually partially or fully re-open.

[0023]FIG. 1F provides a front view of control box assembly 120 having manifold assembly 100 positioned therein, according to some embodiments. Control box assembly 120 is shown in an open, disinfection position with front housing 125f removed, and rear housing 125r visible. Adjustment wedge 106 has been pulled out, which moves stop 107 towards the right, away from anti-scald cavity 103.

[0024]FIG. 1G provides a side view of control box assembly 120 with front housing 125f removed, according to some embodiments. With front housing 125f removed, adjustment wedge 106 may be pulled out as shown, to place manifold assembly 100 in an open, disinfection position. In order for front housing 125f to be replaced after disinfection has been performed, adjustment wedge 106 must be pushed in, as discussed above, as front housing 125f comprises boss 118 configured to abut adjustment wedge 106 in a closed, operating position.

[0025]FIG. 1H provides a bottom, sectional view of control box assembly in an open, disinfection position, according to an embodiment. Front housing 125f has been removed and adjustment wedge 106 has been pulled out. Upon pulling adjustment wedge 106 out, stop pin 111 slides in angled adjustment wedge track 106t, which pulls stop 107 out and away from anti-scald cavity 103. Stop 107 is configured to slide along shoulder bolts 109 as it is moved towards and away from anti-scald cavity 103 to place adjustment mechanism 102 in a closed and open position, respectively. In an open position as shown, expansion space 137 is provided, which is not present with assemblies 100 and 120 in a closed, operating position. Stop 107 is positioned a distance away from wax element 131, and stop cap 107c is positioned a distance away from manifold 101. As a technician initiates a disinfection process, front housing 125f is removed, adjustment wedge 106 is pulled out, and temperature control 112 is moved to a “full hot” position. Full hot water, for example at about 160° F.-170° F., is passed through assembly 100 and an associated faucet for a desired amount of time, for example about 30 minutes, to perform a disinfection cycle. Full hot water passing through anti-scald cavity 103 and contacting anti-scald assembly 130 will now not close off hot water flow path 136, as wax element 131 may now expand into space 137 due to force of spring 132. A size of hot water passage 136 is not regulated by plunger 133 when assembly 102 is in an open position. In some embodiments, expansion space 137 may provide about an additional 5 mm longitudinal distance for wax element 131 to expand.

[0026]FIG. 2A shows a bottom sectional view of control box assembly 220 in a closed, operating position, according to an embodiment. Front housing 125f is removed from rear housing 125r. Adjustment mechanism 202 comprises adjustment wedge 206 comprises extension 206e, configured to receive tool 245 to aid in pulling wedge 206 out to place manifold assembly 200 in an open, disinfection position. Wedge extension 206e is configured to fit within an inner space of annular boss 118.

[0027]FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C show a side sectional view and a bottom sectional view of control box assembly 220 in an open, disinfection position, respectively, according to some embodiments. Adjustment wedge 206 has been pulled out, moving stop away from anti-scald assembly 130, providing for expansion space 137. Adjustment wedge extension 206e comprises opening 2060, configured to receive tool 245.

[0028]FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B provide views of manifold assembly 300 comprising anti-scald adjustment mechanism 302, in a closed, operating position, according to some embodiments. Manifold 101 is configured to receive hot source water and cold source water from hot water line 113 and cold water line 114, respectively. Manifold 101 is configured to mix hot source water and cold source water and to direct mixed hot/cold water through outlet 116 to a faucet. Adjustment mechanism 302 comprises stop 307, cover plate 308, and shoulder bolts 109. Cover plate 308 comprises opening 3080, configured to receive a tool, e.g. an Allen wrench, screw driver, etc., so that a technician can turn a set screw to place assemblies 300/302 in a closed, operating position or in an open, disinfection position.

[0029]FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D show a front view and a right side view of control box assembly 320, respectively, according to some embodiments. A front housing is not present, with rear housing 325r shown. Adjustment mechanism 302 is shown in a closed, operating position, with stop 307 positioned at manifold 101. Rear housing 325r contains opening 325o, to allow for a technician to insert an appropriate tool to mate with a set screw and to turn it in order to move stop 307 away from manifold 101 to place assemblies 300/302 in an open, disinfection position.

[0030]FIG. 3E shows an exploded view of manifold assembly 300 comprising manifold 101 and anti-scald adjustment mechanism 302, according to an embodiment. Manifold 101 is configured to receive stop 307 in anti-scald cavity 103. Stop 307 is fitted with a pair of O-rings 110 configured to form a seal with an interior of anti-scald cavity 103. Anti-scald adjustment mechanism 302 comprises stop 307, set screw 355, set screw clip 356, shoulder bolts 109, and cover plate 308. Set screw 355 is configured to be affixed within stop opening 307o with clip 356. Upon turning set screw 355 with a suitable tool, stop 307 is configured to slide along shoulder bolts 109 to place assemblies 300/302 in a closed, operating position or in an open, disinfection position.

[0031]FIG. 3F shows adjustment mechanism 302 in an open, disinfection position (left), and in a closed, normal operating position (right). In an open position, stop cap 307c is adjacent cover plate 308 and is positioned a distance away from manifold 101. In a closed position, stop cap 307c is adjacent manifold 101. In an open position, an expansion space is provided for a thermal actuator to expand into when exposed to scalding hot water during a disinfection cycle. As a thermal actuator is allowed to expand into an expansion space provided, it is configured to not push a plunger to restrict a hot water flow path within manifold 101.

[0032]FIG. 4 provides a view of faucet 465, according to an embodiment. Faucet 465 comprises inlet line 466 configured to be fluidly coupled to and receive mixed hot/cold water from a manifold assembly outlet. Faucet 465 comprises faucet body 467 having presence sensor 468 positioned therein. Presence sensor 468 may be an IR sensor. Upon presence sensor 468 being activated by a user, faucet 465 is configured to automatically dispense mixed hot/cold water from spout 469. Presence sensor 468 may be in wired electronic communication with a solenoid coupled to a manifold, and configured to activate a solenoid upon detecting the presence of a user.

[0033]In some embodiments, a present manifold may comprise a thermoplastic. In other embodiments, a manifold may comprise a metal, for example brass, zinc, or stainless steel. Thermoplastics may include a polypropylene, a polyethylene, a polyester, a polyamide, a polystyrene, mixtures thereof, or copolymers thereof. Thermoplastics may include engineering thermoplastics., Engineering thermoplastics include for example polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polysulfones (PSU), polyethersulfones (PESU), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA), polyphenylene oxides (PPO), polyphenylene sulfides (PPS), polyphenylenesulfones (PPSU), polyether ether ketones (PEEK), polyethylenimine (PEI), polyphthalamides (PPA), polyacetals, copolymers thereof, and blends thereof. Polyamides include nylon and polyphthalamide (PPA). Polyacetals include polyoxymethylene (POM). In some embodiments, a thermoplastic polymer may comprise a glass-filled thermoplastic, for example a glass-filled polyamide. Parts comprising a thermoplastic may be prepared via a molding process, for example injection molding.

[0034]A manifold may comprise a mixing chamber and an anti-scald cavity. A manifold mixing chamber is configured to receive hot source water and cold source water from a hot source water line and a cold source water line, respectively, and to deliver mixed hot/cold water through a manifold outlet to a faucet. Mixed hot/cold water is configured to contact an anti-scald assembly. An anti-scald assembly is configured to restrict or fully close off a hot source water flow path to a mixing chamber when mixed hot/cold water reaches a set-point temperature, for example about 120° F.

[0035]A manifold assembly comprises a manifold and an adjustment mechanism, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to be placed in a closed, operating position wherein an anti-scald assembly is configured to restrict hot water flow to a mixing chamber if necessary so that an associated faucet is configured for safe use.

[0036]An adjustment mechanism is configured to be placed in an open, disinfection position, such that an anti-scald assembly is not configured to restrict hot water flow to a mixing chamber, so that hot water at a temperature above a set-point temperature may be passed through a manifold assembly and an associated faucet in order to disinfect water pathways. In some embodiments, a disinfection cycle may comprise passing hot water at a temperature of from about 160° F. to about 170° F. for about 30 minutes.

[0037]In some embodiments, an anti-scald assembly comprises a thermal actuator, a plunger, and a spring. A thermal actuator may comprise a wax element. When a present assembly is in a normal, operating position, when subjected to hot water above a pre-set temperature, a thermal actuator is configured to expand and to move a plunger in a first direction such that it will restrict hot source water flow to a mixing chamber. When a present assembly is in an open, disinfection position, when subjected to hot water above the pre-set temperature, a thermal actuator is configured to expand into an expansion space in a second direction, such that a plunger is configured to not move in the first direction and to not substantially restrict hot source water flow to a mixing chamber. Upon cooling, a thermal actuator is configured to contract and to revert to an original position.

[0038]In some embodiments, a manifold may comprise an actuating cavity configured to receive an actuator, for instance an electronic solenoid. A solenoid may be in wired electronic communication with a power source, for example a battery. A battery may be positioned at a control box housing interior. In some embodiments, a solenoid may be in wired electronic communication with a sensor positioned in or on a faucet body. In some embodiments, an associated faucet may be an automatic “hands-free” faucet, such that when a presence sensor positioned at or in a faucet body detects a user, the sensor is configured to instruct a solenoid to open to direct mixed hot/cold water from a manifold mixing chamber to the faucet. A presence sensor may comprise built-in electronic circuitry which is programmable for sensing detection distance and for controlling a duration of a solenoid open time period. A temperature of mixed hot/cold water may be set with a temperature control (e.g. a handle, knob, or dial) coupled to a manifold. A presence sensor may be an IR (infrared) sensor, capacitive sensor, motion sensor, ultrasonic sensor, etc.

[0039]An adjustment mechanism may be positioned at a manifold and aligned with an anti-scald cavity. An adjustment mechanism may comprise a stop, wherein in a closed, operating position, the stop is configured to be adjacent a thermal actuator, such that when a thermal actuator expands, a plunger is forced in a first direction to restrict hot source water flow to a mixing chamber. An adjustment mechanism stop may be configured to be placed in an open, disinfecting position, in order to provide an expansion space for a thermal actuator to expand in a second direction, so that a plunger will not be moved in the first direction and a disinfection cycle may be performed without cutting off hot source water flow to a manifold mixing chamber and an associated faucet. In some embodiments, in an open position, an adjustment mechanism stop may be positioned a shortest distance away from a thermal actuator of from any of about 2 mm, about 3 mm, or about 4 mm, to any of about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, or more.

[0040]An adjustment mechanism stop may comprise a cap, wherein in an assembly closed, operating position, the cap is positioned adjacent a manifold. In an assembly open, disinfection position, a stop cap may be positioned a distance away from the manifold. This distance may correspond to an expansion space distance, i.e. a shortest distance a stop is positioned away from a thermal actuator.

[0041]An adjustment mechanism may comprise one or more shoulder bolts, configured to couple an adjustment mechanism stop to a manifold and for the stop to “slide along” between a closed and an open position. One or more shoulder bolts may also be coupled to a cover plate positioned at an outside of an adjustment mechanism. A cover plate may comprise an opening for a technician to insert a tool, e.g. an Allen wrench or screw driver, in order to turn a set screw configured to move a stop between a closed and open position. In other embodiments, a cover plate may have no opening.

[0042]In some embodiments, an adjustment mechanism may comprise an adjustment wedge, which may comprise a shape not unlike a bolt or a plunger, that is, having a head and a cylindrical body. An adjustment wedge may be configured to be pulled outward, in order to move a stop from a closed position to an open position. An adjustment wedge “outward” direction may be substantially perpendicular to a direction of stop movement. An adjustment wedge may be configured to be pushed in order to move a stop from an open position to a closed position. In some embodiments, a stop may comprise a pin (stop pin) configured to slide within an angled track of an adjustment wedge in order to move a stop from a closed to an open position (and back to a closed position). An adjustment wedge may comprise a notch for a stop pin to rest in in an assembly closed position.

[0043]In some embodiments, an adjustment wedge may have an extension positioned at an outward facing surface (adjustment wedge head). An adjustment wedge extension may be configured for a technician to grab onto in order to move outward and inward. In other embodiments, an adjustment wedge extension may comprise an opening or slot configured to receive a tool, e.g. a screw driver, in order to move an adjustment wedge outward and inward.

[0044]In some embodiments, a control box comprises a manifold assembly is configured to be positioned at an interior of a housing. A control box may be configured to be positioned below a deck (e.g. countertop) on which an associated faucet is installed. A housing may comprise a front housing and a rear housing, configured to be coupled together for form the housing. In some embodiments, a housing may comprising an opening configured for a technician to insert a tool to move an adjustment assembly between a closed and an open position. In some embodiments, a tool may comprise an Allen wrench configured to turn a set screw to move an adjustment assembly between a closed and an open position.

[0045]In other embodiments, a control box may configured such that a technician is required to remove a front housing in order to move an adjustment mechanism between a closed and an open position. This may be the case where an adjustment mechanism comprises an adjustment wedge configured to be pulled out to open a manifold assembly and to be pushed in to close the manifold assembly. In some embodiments, a present manifold assembly and/or control box assembly may comprise a safety feature configured to remind or require a technician to place an adjustment mechanism back in a closed, operating position at completion of a disinfection cycle. For example, a front housing may comprise a boss feature, e.g. an annular boss, configured to abut an adjustment wedge in a closed position, so that when a technician replaces a front housing after completion of a disinfection cycle, the adjustment wedge must be in a closed, operating position.

[0046]Following are some non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure.

[0047]In a first embodiment, disclosed is a manifold assembly, comprising a manifold having a mixing chamber and an anti-scald cavity; an anti-scald assembly positioned in the anti-scald cavity; and an adjustment mechanism, wherein the manifold is configured to receive hot source water from a hot source water line and cold source water from a cold source water line, and to direct mixed hot/cold water to a faucet, the adjustment mechanism is configured to be placed in a closed position and in an open position relative to the anti-scald cavity, when in the adjustment mechanism closed position, the manifold assembly is in a normal operating position, when in the adjustment mechanism open position, the manifold assembly is in a disinfection position, in the adjustment mechanism closed position, the anti-scald assembly, when subjected to water above a pre-set temperature, is configured to restrict hot source water flow to the mixing chamber, and in the adjustment mechanism open position, the anti-scald assembly, when subjected to water above the pre-set temperature, is configured to not restrict hot source water flow to the mixing chamber.

[0048]In a second embodiment, disclosed is a manifold assembly according to the first embodiment, wherein the manifold comprises an actuating cavity configured to receive a solenoid, and the manifold is configured to direct the mixed hot/cold water from the mixing chamber to the faucet upon actuation of the solenoid. In a third embodiment, disclosed is a manifold assembly according to embodiment 2, wherein faucet comprises a presence sensor, and when the presence sensor detects a user, the presence sensor actuates the solenoid to direct the mixed hot/cold water to the faucet.

[0049]In a fourth embodiment, disclosed is a manifold assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the anti-scald assembly comprises a thermal actuator and a plunger, the adjustment mechanism comprises a stop, in the adjustment mechanism closed position, the stop is positioned adjacent the thermal actuator, and when the anti-scald assembly is subjected to water above the pre-set temperature, the thermal actuator is configured to expand to move the plunger in a first direction to restrict hot source water flow to the mixing chamber.

[0050]In a fifth embodiment, disclosed is a manifold assembly according to embodiment 4, wherein in the adjustment mechanism open position, the stop is positioned a distance away from the thermal actuator to provide an expansion space, when the anti-scald assembly is subjected to water above the pre-set temperature, the thermal actuator is configured to expand into the expansion space in a second direction, and the plunger is configured to not move in the first direction and to not restrict hot source water flow to the mixing chamber. In a sixth embodiment, disclosed is a manifold assembly according to embodiment 5, wherein the expansion space comprises a shortest distance between the thermal actuator and the stop of from about 2 mm to about 10 mm.

[0051]In a seventh embodiment, disclosed is a manifold assembly according to any of embodiments 4 to 6, wherein the stop comprises a stop cap, in the adjustment mechanism closed position, the stop cap is positioned adjacent the manifold, and in the adjustment mechanism open position, the stop cap is positioned a distance away from the manifold. In an eighth embodiment, disclosed is a manifold assembly according to any of embodiments 4 to 7, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises one or more shoulder bolts, and the stop is configured to slide along the one or more shoulder bolts to place it adjacent to the thermal actuator or to place it a distance away from the thermal actuator. In a ninth embodiment, disclosed is a manifold assembly according to embodiment 8, wherein the one or more shoulder bolts are coupled to the manifold and to a cover plate.

[0052]In a tenth embodiment, disclosed is a manifold assembly according to any of embodiments 4 to 9, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises an adjustment wedge, and pulling or pushing the adjustment wedge is configured to place the adjustment mechanism in the closed and open position, respectively. In an eleventh embodiment, disclosed is a manifold assembly according to embodiment 10, wherein the adjustment wedge comprises an angled track, the stop comprises a stop pin, and the stop pin is configured to slide within the angled track upon pulling and pushing the adjustment wedge. In a twelfth embodiment, disclosed is a manifold assembly according to embodiments 10 or 11, wherein the adjustment wedge comprises an extension configured to mate with a tool to aid in pushing or pulling the adjustment wedge.

[0053]In a thirteenth embodiment, disclosed is a manifold assembly according to any of embodiments 4 to 9, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a set screw, and rotating the set screw is configured to place the adjustment mechanism in the closed and open position.

[0054]In a fourteenth embodiment, disclosed is a control box assembly comprising a housing and a manifold assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments positioned within the housing. In a fifteenth embodiment, disclosed is a control box assembly according to embodiment 14, wherein the control box assembly is configured to be positioned below a deck, and the faucet is configured to be positioned on a deck upper surface.

[0055]In a sixteenth embodiment, disclosed is a control box assembly according to embodiments 14 or 15, wherein the housing comprises a front housing and a rear housing. In a seventeenth embodiment, disclosed is a control box assembly according to embodiment 16, wherein the front housing must be removed for a technician to move the adjustment mechanism from the closed position to the open position to perform a disinfection cycle.

[0056]In an eighteenth embodiment, disclosed is a control box assembly according to embodiment 17, wherein for the front housing to be coupled to the rear housing after the disinfection cycle is complete, the adjustment mechanism must be in the closed position. In a nineteenth embodiment, disclosed is a control box assembly according to embodiment 18, wherein the front housing comprises a boss configured to abut the adjustment wedge when the front housing is coupled to the rear housing. In a twentieth embodiment, disclosed is a control box assembly according to any of embodiments 14 to 16, wherein the housing comprises an opening configured for a tool to be inserted to adjust the adjustment mechanism.

[0057]The term “flow communication” or “fluid communication” means for example configured for liquid or gas flow there-through and may be synonymous with “fluidly coupled”. Similarly, “electrical communication” may be synonymous with “electrically coupled”. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” indicate a direction of gas or fluid flow, that is, gas or fluid will flow from upstream to downstream.

[0058]The terms “coupled” or “connected” may mean that an element is “attached to” or “associated with” another element. Coupled or connected may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more other elements. Coupled or connected may also mean permanently coupled or removably coupled. An element may be coupled to an element through two or more other elements in a sequential manner or a non-sequential manner. The term “via” in reference to “via an element” may mean “through” or “by” an element. Coupled or connected or “associated with” may also mean elements not directly or indirectly attached, but that they “go together” in that one may function together with the other.

[0059]The term “towards” in reference to a of point of attachment, may mean at exactly that location or point or, alternatively, may mean closer to that point than to another distinct point, for example “towards a center” means closer to a center than to an edge.

[0060]The term “like” means similar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance “ring-like” means generally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.

[0061]The articles “a” and “an” herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g. at least one) of the grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term “about” used throughout is used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For instance, “about” may mean the numeric value may be modified by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, or ±10%. All numeric values are modified by the term “about” whether or not explicitly indicated. Numeric values modified by the term “about” include the specific identified value. For example “about 5.0” includes 5.0.

[0062]The term “substantially” is similar to “about” in that the defined term may vary from for example by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, or ±10% of the definition; for example the term “substantially perpendicular” may mean the 90° perpendicular angle may mean “about 90°”. The term “generally” may be equivalent to “substantially”.

[0063]Features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated.

[0064]Embodiments of the disclosure include any and all parts and/or portions of the embodiments, claims, description and figures. Embodiments of the disclosure also include any and all combinations and/or sub-combinations of embodiments.