MULTI TAP ARRANGEMENT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to taps and in particular to a multi tap arrangement adapted to allow a user to independently dispense a number of different fluids.

The invention has been developed primarily for use in kitchens and bathrooms and will be described hereinafter with reference to these applications. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to these particular fields of use. For example, the invention can also be used in a commercial or industrial setting.

Background of the Invention In its simplest form, a tap is a valve that controls the release of a fluid (e.g. a liquid or gas). In most domestic and commercial settings, a tap controls the flow of water from a water source such as a mains water supply or a water tank to a bathtub or sink.

Point-of-use filters, such as granular activated carbon filters used to cleanse water for drinking are often installed at, under or adjacent to sinks, for example, kitchen sinks, to filter water as it is supplied from the mains. This allows a faucet or tap for dispensing the filtered water to be installed adjacent to the main tap(s). Some of these filter units include a built-in water cooler and/or heater for cooling or heating the filtered water before it is dispensed to use. For such devices, a faucet or tap having two separate controls, spouts and outlets leading from the cooler and heater individually dispense the cold and hot water, respectively. In commercial settings, it is often desirable to have fluids other than water available at a point-of-use. For example, it may be desirable to have a mouth rinsing agent available in a dentist's room. These alternative fluids are usually dispensed at a separate tap or faucet at the point-of-use.

The present invention seeks to provide a multi tap arrangement which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a multi tap arrangement is provided, comprising:

- a tap body having one or more tap fluid passages,

- a spout mounted on the tap body and having one or more spout outlet passages, and - a selector mounted on the spout and adapted to allow a user to selectively communicate one or more fluids from the one or more tap fluid passages to the one or more spout outlet passages at any one time.

Advantageously, the selector is configurable to different positions. The selector controls the supply of the one or more fluids from the one or more tap fluid passages to the one or more spout outlet passages at any one time.

Preferably, the one or more spout outlet passages are four or more spout outlet passages, the one or more tap fluid passages are four or more tap fluid passages, and the selector comprises three or more selector fluid passages and is adapted to provide fluid communication between one or more of the four or more tap fluid passages and a single corresponding spout outlet passage at any one time.

Preferably the one or more fluids comprise a primary fluid, two or more mix tap fluids, and one or more secondary fluids.

Advantageously, more than one type of fluid can be compactly and conveniently dispensed at a single tap and spout. In one example, the primary fluid is water from a mains water supply, a first of the two or more mix tap fluids is cold filtered water and a second of the two or more mix tap fluids is hot filtered water, and one of the one or more secondary fluids is a soft drink.

Preferably, the one or more tap fluid passages comprise a primary tap fluid passage for the primary fluid, two or more mix tap fluid passages for the two or more mix tap fluids, and one or more secondary tap fluid passages for the one or more secondary fluids.

Advantageously, the primary fluid, the two or more mix tap fluids, and the one or more secondary fluids are conveyed through completely independent tap fluid passages. This is advantageous if mixing of the primary fluid, the two or more mix tap fluids, and the one or more secondary fluids is undesirable as it reduces or eliminates the possibility of cross- contamination.

Preferably, the tap body comprises a primary control adapted to control the supply of the primary fluid to the primary tap fluid passage.

Advantageously, the supply of primary fluid, which may be a mains water supply, is independently controlled with respect to the two or more mix tap fluids and the one or more secondary fluids.

Preferably, the primary control is a mixer tap.

Advantageously, the mixer tap is an accurate and convenient method of controlling the supply and temperature of water from a mains water supply.

Preferably the tap body is adapted to be secured to a surface.

Advantageously, the multi tap arrangement is adapted to be installed at a convenient location, such as a kitchen sink. Preferably, fluid communication occurs between the primary tap fluid passage and a corresponding spout outlet passage when the selector is in a first position.

Advantageously, the primary fluid supplied from the primary tap fluid passage to the corresponding spout outlet passage can be dispensed independently of the two or more mix tap fluids and the one or more secondary fluids. Advantageously, the primary fluid is conveyed to a spout outlet passage dedicated to dispensing only the primary fluid to avoid mixing of the primary fluid with the two or more mix tap fluids or the one or more secondary fluids.

Preferably, fluid communication occurs between a first of the two or more mix tap fluid passages and a corresponding spout outlet passage when the selector is in a second position.

Advantageously, a first of the two or more mix tap fluids supplied from the two or more mix tap fluid passages to the corresponding spout outlet passage can be dispensed independently of the second of the two or more mix tap fluids, and independently of the primary fluid and the one or more secondary fluids. Advantageously, the two or more mix tap fluids can be conveyed to a spout outlet passage dedicated to dispensing only the two or more mix tap fluids to avoid mixing of the two or more mix tap fluids with the primary fluid or the one or more secondary fluids.

Preferably, fluid communication occurs between a second of the two or more mix tap fluid passages and a corresponding spout outlet passage when the selector is in a third position.

Advantageously, a second of the two or more mix tap fluids supplied from the two or more mix tap fluid passages to the corresponding spout outlet passage can be dispensed independently of the first of the two or more mix tap fluids, and independently of the primary fluid and the one or more secondary fluids. Advantageously, the two or more mix tap fluids can be conveyed to a spout outlet passage dedicated to dispensing only the two or more mix tap fluids to avoid mixing of the two or more mix tap fluids with the primary fluid or the one or more secondary fluids.

Preferably, fluid communication occurs between the first and second of the two or more mix tap fluid passages and a corresponding spout outlet passage when the selector is in a mix region.

Advantageously, when the selector is in the mix region, a user is able to mix desired proportions of the first and second of the two or more mix tap fluids to generate a mixture of the first and second mix tap fluids and dispense the mixture from the spout outlet passage. Advantageously, mixtures of the first and second mix tap fluids may be useful to adjust, for example, the concentration of a fluid, the temperature of a fluid, or to generate a mixed drink. For example, when the first of the two or more mix tap fluid is cold filtered water and the second of the two or more mix tap fluid is hot filtered water, the mixture of the first mix tap fluid and the second mix tap fluid will be warm filtered water. Preferably, fluid communication occurs between one of the one or more secondary tap fluid passages and a corresponding spout outlet passage when the selector is in a fourth position.

Advantageously, the primary fluid and the one or more secondary fluids are conveyed through completely independent tap fluid passages and spout outlet passages. This is advantageous if mixing of the primary fluid or mixing of the different one or more secondary fluids is undesirable as it reduces or eliminates the possibility of cross-contamination.

Preferably, the multi tap arrangement further comprises a support tube aligned with a longitudinal axis of the spout.

Preferably, the selector is adapted to be rotatable about the support tube for adjustment between at least the first, second, third, mix region, and fourth positions.

Preferably, the selector is manually rotatable.

Advantageously, the position of the selector can be changed simply by rotating the selector to the desired position.

Preferably, the multi tap arrangement comprises a biasing arrangement for automatically biasing the selector to the first position.

Preferably, the biasing arrangement comprises one or more torsional springs interconnecting the selector and the support tube.

Advantageously, the biasing arrangement automatically returns the selector to a default position. For example, the biasing arrangement automatically returns the selector to the first position, namely, the position for selecting and dispensing the primary fluid, which in a domestic or commercial setting, would be desirable.

Preferably, the tap body further comprises a surface having an arcuate groove formed therein and the selector further comprises a surface having a pin depending therefrom, the pin being adapted to cooperate with the arcuate groove, such that in use, rotation of the selector is limited by the range of motion of the pin within the groove.

Advantageously, the mechanical limitation provided by the cooperation of the pin within the groove allows convenient and accurate user control of the dispensing of the primary fluid, the two or more mix tap fluids, or the one or more secondary fluids.

Preferably, the multi tap arrangement further comprises a rotational actuator for rotating the selector and an electronic controller for controlling the actuator.

Advantageously, the primary fluid, the two or more mix tap fluids, or the one or more secondary fluids, may be automatically selected and dispensed simply by sending an instruction to an electronic controller to control a rotational actuator to rotate the selector.

Preferably, the electronic controller and rotational actuator are powered by a low voltage power supply.

Advantageously, the use of a low voltage supply to power the electronic controller and rotational actuator reduces the risk of, for example, electric shock. Preferably, the multi tap arrangement further comprises one or more lighting devices, the electronic controller being adapted to control the one or more lighting devices to identify the one or more fluids being dispensed from the spout.

Advantageously, the one or more lighting devices may be used to identify the different fluids being dispensed. The one or more lighting devices may be coloured differently, with each colour indicating a different fluid. For example, the dispensing of the primary fluid may be indicated by a blue light, while the dispensing of one of the one or more secondary fluids may be indicated by a red light.

Preferably, at least one of the one or more lighting devices is located on an underside of the spout to illuminate the one or more fluids being dispensed from the spout.

Advantageously, the one or more lighting devices may be used to provide illumination in poorly lit environments, for example, in a night club or bar, to enable a user to see the type of fluid selected and/or being dispensed.

Preferably, the multi tap arrangement further comprises one or more sensors controlled by the electronic controller.

Preferably, at least one of the one or more sensors is a touch sensor located on the spout.

Preferably, the electronic controller comprises a processor adapted to receive and process the touch sensor data and to activate any of the one or more lighting devices in response to the touch sensor data.

Preferably, the touch sensor enables a user to selectively rotate the selector to the first, second, third, mix region, or fourth position and to dispense the corresponding primary fluid, two or more mix tap fluids, or one or more secondary fluids, respectively.

Advantageously, the primary fluid, the two or more mix tap fluids, or the one or more secondary fluids, may be automatically selected and dispensed through the use of a touch sensor. For example, when a user wants to select the primary fluid, the position of the selector can be automatically rotated to the first position simply by pressing the touch sensor, which then sends a corresponding instruction to the electronic controller to control the rotational actuator to rotate the selector to the first position.

Preferably, the touch sensor further enables a user to lock the multi tap arrangement to prevent one or more of the one or more fluids from being dispensed from the spout.

Advantageously, the multi tap arrangement may be locked to prevent the one or more fluids from being dispensed. For example, the touch sensor may be a finger print scanner, which may have particular relevance in commercial settings, such as a research laboratory, or a hospital setting, where the dispensing of certain fluids may be restricted to one or more authorized users.

Preferably, at least another of the one or more sensors is a proximity sensor located on the spout, the proximity sensor being adapted to send corresponding proximity sensor data to the electronic controller. Preferably, the electronic controller comprises a processor adapted to receive and process the proximity sensor data and to activate the one or more lighting devices in response to the proximity data.

Advantageously, the proximity sensor may be used in poorly lit environments to activate the one or more lighting devices when a possible user is in close proximity to the multi tap arrangement.

Preferably, at least another of the one or more sensors is a temperature sensor adapted to sense the temperature of the primary fluid, the two or more mix tap fluids, and the one or more secondary fluids leaving the spout outlet passage and to send corresponding temperature sensor data to the electronic controller.

Preferably, the processor is adapted to receive and process the temperature sensor data and to control the rotational actuator to rotate the selector to a position within the mix region to generate a mixture of the first and second of the two or more mix tap fluids at a predefined temperature.

Advantageously, the temperature sensor may be beneficial when it is important to know the temperature of the primary fluid, the two or more mix tap fluids, or the one or more secondary fluids being dispensed at the spout. Advantageously, the temperature sensor will enable a user to generate a mixture of the first and second of the two or more mix tap fluids at a predefined temperature.

Preferably, the multi tap arrangement further comprises a wireless communications interface operatively connected to the electronic controller and a remote control, the wireless communications interface and the remote control being adapted to send and receive data to and from each other to control the actuator.

Advantageously, the multi tap arrangement may be remotely operated through the use of a wireless communications interface operatively connected to the electronic controller and a remote control.

Preferably, the electronic controller is adapted for connection to a home automation system, such that the electronic controller can be controlled by the home automation system.

Advantageously, the home automation system may be used to monitor the temperature of the one or more fluids, and adjust the temperature to a desired temperature if required. The home automation system may be programmed to adjust the temperature of the one or more fluids according to the time of the day. Advantageously, the electronic controller and home automation system may be interconnected by a wired connection, such as, an optical fiber or a cable (coaxial and twisted pair), or by a wireless connection such as a radio frequency connection or an infra red wireless connection.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a liquid dispensing system is provided, the system comprising:

the multi tap arrangement of any of claims 1 to 33; and one or more reservoirs adapted for storing the one or more fluids and being in fluid communication with the corresponding one or more tap fluid passages.

Advantageously, the liquid dispensing system provides a liquid dispensing system to enable the one or more fluids to be dispensed at the multi tap arrangement.

Preferably, the one or more reservoirs are adapted for removable mounting to a base.

Advantageously, reservoirs that are removably mounted to the base has benefits in, for example, when one or more of the one or more reservoirs are empty or nearly empty, the empty or part empty reservoir may be easily removed and replaced with a full reservoir.

Preferably, the base is operatively connected to the electronic controller.

Preferably, the base comprises a level sensor for each of the one or more reservoirs, the level sensor being adapted to monitor the level of fluid in the one or more reservoirs and to send corresponding level sensor data to the electronic controller.

Preferably, the processor is adapted to receive and process the level sensor data and to warn a user of a low fluid level in any of the one or more reservoirs.

Advantageously, the level sensor provides a means to monitor the level of fluid remaining in the one or more reservoirs, and provide a warning to a user when the level in one or more of the reservoirs is of a low fluid level such that the reservoir may need to be replaced.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a multi tap arrangement in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional side view of the multi tap arrangement of Fig 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a sectional side view of a lower portion of a tap body of Fig 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional side view of a spigot for location in the lower portion of the tap body of Fig 3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional side view of a selector of the multi tap arrangement of Fig 1 ;

Fig. 6 is a side view of (a) a fixed disc and a rotational disc, both the fixed disc and rotational disc being (i) adapted to be substantially aligned and interposed between the lower portion of the tap body and a proximal end of the selector, and (ii) adapted to be substantially aligned and interposed between a distal end of the selector and a spout outlet; (b) different operating positions of the rotational disc with respect to the fixed disc in Fig. 6a; Fig. 7 shows bottom views and corresponding sectional side views of the spout outlet of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the multi tap arrangement of Fig. 1 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 9 is a schematic view of a liquid dispensing system incorporating the multi tap arrangement of Fig. 1 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a side view of the multi tap arrangement of Fig. 1 in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the multi tap arrangement comprising a tap, a spout mounted on the tap body, and a selector mounted on the spout;

Fig. 1 1 is a (i) top view, (ii) side view, (iii) bottom view, (iv) cross-sectional view of line A-A, (v) cross-sectional view of line B-B and (vi) cross-sectional view of line C-C of a spigot for location in a lower portion of the tap body of Fig 10;

Fig. 12 is a (i) side view and (ii) front view of the lower portion of Fig. 1 1 ;

Fig. 13 is a (i) front view, (ii) side view and (iii) bottom view of a spout outlet of the spout of Fig. 10;

Fig. 14 is a (i) side view and (ii) cross sectional view of a support tube aligned with a longitudinal axis of the spout and connecting the spout outlet of Fig. 13 and tap body of Fig. 10;

Fig. 15 is a (i) side view, (ii) cross sectional view and (iii) close up view of a cylindrical housing of the selector of Fig. 10;

Fig. 16 is a (i) top view, (ii) side view and (iii) bottom view of a fixed barrel of the selector of Fig. 10, the top view and bottom view corresponding to the distal end and proximal end, respectively, of the fixed barrel;

Fig. 17 is a (i) bottom view and (ii) cross sectional view of a fixed disc of the selector of Fig. 10;

Fig. 18 is a (i) bottom view, (ii) side view and (iii) top view of a rotatable barrel of the selector of Fig. 10, the bottom view and top view corresponding to a proximal end and distal end, respectively, of the rotatable barrel; and

Fig. 19 is a schematic representation showing the distal end of the fixed barrel of Fig. 16 (i) and the distal end of the rotatable barrel of Fig. 18, respectively, and an overlay of the distal ends of the fixed barrel and the rotatable barrel shown in a (i) first position, (ii) second position, (iii) third position, (iv) fourth position and (v) fifth position.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. Referring to Figs 1 to 8, a multi tap arrangement 10 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The multi tap arrangement 10 is adapted to allow a user to dispense a primary fluid 40, two or more mix tap fluids 45, 50, and one or more secondary fluids 55.

Referring specifically to Fig 1 , the multi tap arrangement 10 comprises a generally cylindrical tap body 15 having one or more tap fluid passages, preferably four or more tap fluid passages 20, 25, 30, 35, a spout 60 mounted on the tap body 15 and having one or more spout outlet passages, preferably four or more spout outlet passages 65, 70, 75, 80, and a selector 85 mounted on the spout 60 and adapted to allow a user to selectively communicate the primary fluid 40, two or more mix tap fluids 45, 50, and one of the one or more secondary fluids 55 from the four or more tap fluid passages 20, 25, 30, 35, to the four or more spout outlet passages, 65, 70, 75, 80, at any one time.

The spout 60 comprises at its distal end a spout outlet 62 adapted to direct the flow of the primary fluid 40, two or more mix tap fluids 45, 50, and one of the one or more secondary fluids 55 dispensed from the spout 60 in a generally downward direction.

The four or more tap fluid passages 20, 25, 30, 35 correspond to a primary tap fluid passage 20 for the primary fluid 40, two or more mix tap fluid passages 25, 30 for the two or more mix tap fluids 45, 50, and one or more secondary tap fluid passages 35 for the one of the one or more secondary fluids 55. The primary fluid 40, two or more mix tap fluids 45, 50, and the one of the one or more secondary fluids 55 are supplied to the corresponding primary tap fluid passage 20, two or more mix tap fluid passages 25, 30, and one of the one or more secondary tap fluid passages 35 via one or more fluid lines (not shown) connected to the multi tap arrangement 10.

The tap body 15, which is adapted to be secured to a surface (not shown) via a base portion 16, comprises a primary control adapted to control the supply of the primary fluid 40 to the primary tap fluid passage 20. In this embodiment, the primary control is a mixer tap 105 adapted to control the supply of the primary fluid 40 through the spout 60. In this embodiment, the lower portion 17 of the tap body 15 is adapted to rotate in either a left or a right direction with respect to the surface to which the base portion 16 is secured such that the lower portion 17 and the spout 60 can rotate about a longitudinal axis of the tap body 15 by 360 ° relative to the surface. It will be appreciated that this has benefits in either a commercial or domestic setting where the multi tap arrangement 10 is located substantially between two or more sinks (not shown) such that the spout 60 can be rotated or swiveled about the longitudinal axis of the tap body 15 in either left or right so that a user can dispense any of the one or more fluids, for example, the primary fluid 40, in to any of the two or more sinks.

Referring to Figs 3 and 4, the tap body 15 comprises a spigot 1 10 fixedly mounted within a lower portion 17 of the tap body 15. In this embodiment, the spigot 1 10 is adapted to allow fluid communication between the one or more fluid lines, preferably four or more fluid lines, and the four or more tap fluid passages 20, 25, 30, 35. The spigot 1 10 comprises one or more primary spigot fluid passages 1 15, 120 for fluid communicating the primary fluid 40 to the mixer tap 105, two or more mix tap spigot fluid passages 125, 130 for fluidly communicating the two or more mix tap fluids 45, 50 to the corresponding mix tap fluid passages 25, 30, and one or more secondary spigot fluid passages 135 for fluidly communicating the one or more secondary fluids 55 to the corresponding secondary tap fluid passage 35.

The primary fluid 40 may be a cold primary fluid, a hot primary fluid, or a mixture of the cold primary fluid and the hot primary fluid. For example, in a domestic or commercial setting, the cold water fluid and hot water fluid may derive from a mains water supply (not shown). In this embodiment, the spigot 1 10 fluidly communicates the cold primary fluid and hot primary fluid from the corresponding one or more lines to the mixer tap 105 via primary spigot fluid passages 1 15, 120, for example, the primary spigot fluid passage 1 15 is adapted for fluidly communicating the cold primary fluid and spigot fluid passage 120 is adapted for fluidly communicating the hot primary fluid from the one or more fluid lines to the mixer tap 105. As shown in Fig 1 , an upper portion 18 of the tap body 15 comprises a cartridge system (generally outlined in phantom lines) adapted for mixing the cold primary fluid and hot primary fluid. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that a description of the cartridge system and the mechanism by which mixing of the cold primary fluid and the hot primary fluid may be achieved using the mixer tap 105 is beyond the scope of the present invention, and persons skilled in the art are thus referred to the relevant prior art in which such arrangements are described. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the mixer tap 105 may be used to mix the cold primary fluid and hot primary fluid to generate a mixture of the two fluids in any reasonable proportion. In this embodiment, mixing of the cold primary fluid and hot primary fluid using the mixer tap 105 generates the primary fluid 40. It will be understood that in this embodiment, mixing of the cold primary fluid and hot primary fluid is achieved by rotating the mixer tap 105 in a generally left or right direction with respect to the surface (not shown) to which the base portion 16 of the tap body 15 is secured, for example, to a position where the primary fluid 40 produced following mixing has a desired temperature.

Referring to Fig 3, the lower portion 17 of the tap body 15 comprises a spout facing end 145 adapted to substantially align with the proximal end 170 of the selector 85. In this embodiment, the spout facing end 145 of the lower portion 17 of the tap body 15 comprises four apertures 150, 155, 160, 165 corresponding to tap fluid passages 20, 25, 30, 35, respectively.

Referring specifically to Fig 4, the spigot portion 1 10 further comprises a primary fluid receiving passage 140 having an L-shaped elbow, the primary fluid receiving passage 140 being disposed at an upper end of the spigot 1 10. A first end of the primary fluid receiving passage 140 opens to the side wall of the spigot portion 1 10 and a second end of the primary fluid receiving passage 140 opens to the mixer tap, such that, when the tap body 15 is assembled with the spout 60 and the mixer tap 105, the primary fluid receiving passage 140 is adapted to communicate fluid between the mixer tap 105 and the primary tap fluid passage 20. In this embodiment, the selector 85 having a proximal end 170 and a distal end 170', comprises three or more selector fluid passages 90, 95, 100 adapted to allow a user to selectively communicate the primary fluid 40, two or more mix tap fluids 45, 50, and one of the one or more secondary fluids 55 from the four or more tap fluid passages 20, 25, 30, 35, to the four or more spout outlet passages, 65, 70, 75, 80, at any one time.

As shown in Fig 5, the proximal end 170 and distal end 170' of the selector 85 comprise apertures 180, 180' corresponding to the proximal and distal ends of selector fluid passage 90, apertures 185, 185' corresponding to the proximal and distal ends of selector fluid passage 95, and apertures 190, 190' corresponding to the proximal and distal ends of selector fluid passage 100.

The tap body 15, selector 85, spout outlet 62 and spigot 1 10 may be manufactured from any material suitable for use in taps. For example, in this embodiment, the tap body 15, spout 60, mixer tap 105, selector 85, spout outlet 62 and spigot 1 10 may be manufactured from a suitable metal, such as brass. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that material used in the manufacture of the tap body 15, spout 60, mixer tap 105, selector 85, spout outlet 62 and spigot 1 10 is not limited to that described, but that any suitable material may be used within the scope of the present invention. In this embodiment, the one or more tap fluid passages 20, 25, 30, 35, primary spigot fluid passages 1 15, 120, mix tap spigot fluid passages 125, 130, secondary spigot fluid passages 135, selector fluid passages 90, 95, 100, and spout outlet passages 65, 70, 75, 80 are manufactured from copper. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the one or more tap fluid passages 20, 25, 30, 35, primary spigot fluid passages 1 15, 120, mix tap spigot fluid passages 125, 130, secondary spigot fluid passages 135, selector fluid passages 90, 95, 100, and spout outlet passages 65, 70, 75, 80 may be manufactured from other suitable materials, such as, for example, a metal or plastic. It will also be appreciated that in the case of, at least the one or more tap fluid passages 20, 25, 30, 35, primary spigot fluid passages 1 15, 120, mix tap spigot fluid passages 125, 130, secondary spigot fluid passages 135, selector fluid passages 90, 95, 100, and spout outlet passages 65, 70, 75, 80 in the multi tap arrangement 10 adapted for fluidly communicating hot or cold fluids, such passages may be insulated with a suitable material to prevent the temperature of the fluid being fluidly communicated through the corresponding tap fluid passage, selector fluid passage and spout outlet passage from emanating beyond these passages through temperature transfer means such as heat conduction, to one or more of the other passages carrying other fluids, or to the external surfaces of the multi tap arrangement 10, for example, the tap body 15, the spout 60 and the spout outlet 62.

Referring to Fig.2, interposed between the spout facing end 145 of the lower portion 17 of the tap body 15 and proximal end 170 of the selector 85 are located a pair of discs 195, 200, substantially aligned with the spout facing end 145 of the tap body 15 and the proximal end 170 of the selector 85 and adapted to allow fluid communication of the primary fluid 40, the two or more mix tap fluids 45, 50 and the one or more secondary fluids 50 therethrough.

Similarly, interposed between the distal end 170' of the selector 85 and the proximal end 202 of the spout outlet 62 are located a pair of discs 195', 200', substantially aligned with the distal end 170' of the selector 85 and the proximal end 202 of the spout outlet 62 and adapted to allow fluid communication of the primary fluid 40, the two or more mix tap fluids 45, 50 and the one or more secondary fluids 50 therethrough. Discs 195, 195', 200, 200' may be manufactured from any material suitable for use in taps. In this embodiment, discs 195, 195', 200, 200' are manufactured from a ceramic material. It will be appreciated that the material used in the manufacture of discs 195, 195', 200, 200' is not limited to a ceramic material as described, but that any suitable material, including but not limited to any one of the following: a metal, a plastic or a ceramic material, may be used.

As shown in Figs 2 and 6a, disc 195 is adapted to locate within a recess portion 147 of the lower portion 17 of the tap body 15. Disc 195 comprises four apertures 205, 210, 215, 220 which are adapted to substantially align with corresponding apertures 150, 155, 160, 165 in the spout facing end 145 of the lower portion 17 of the tap body 15. In this embodiment, disc 195 is fixed relative to the spout facing end 145, such that in use, apertures 205, 210, 215, 220 and corresponding 150, 155, 160, 165 remain in substantial alignment when the selector 85 is rotated. As shown in Figs 3 and 6a, the lower portion 17 of the tap body 15 may comprise at the spout facing end 145, a lug 19 adapted to engage with a recess 196 in disc 195 to restrict rotation of disc 195 when the selector 85 is rotated. As such, disc 195 may be referred to as a fixed disc.

Referring to Figs 2 and 6a, disc 195' is adapted to locate within a recess portion 204 located at the proximal end 204 of the spout outlet 62. Disc 195' comprises four apertures 205', 210', 215', 220' adapted to substantially align with corresponding apertures 245, 250, 255, 260 in the proximal end 202 of spout outlet 62. In this embodiment, disc 195' is fixed relative to the proximal end 202 of the spout outlet 62, such that in use, apertures 205', 210', 215', 220' and corresponding 245, 250, 255, 260 remain in substantial alignment when the selector 85 is rotated. As shown in Figs 6a and 7, the proximal end 202 of the spout outlet 62 may comprise a lug 19' adapted to engage with a corresponding recess 196' in disc 195' to restrict rotation of disc 195' when the selector 85 is rotated. As such, disc 195' may be referred to as a fixed disc.

Disc 200 is adapted to locate within a recess portion 172 located at the proximal end 170 of the selector 85. Disc 200 comprises three apertures 225, 230, 235 adapted to substantially align with corresponding apertures 180, 185, 190 of the proximal ends of selector fluid passages 90, 95, 100. Similarly, disc 200', which is adapted to locate within a recess portion 172' located at the distal end 170' of the selector 85, comprises three apertures 225', 230', 235' adapted to substantially align with corresponding apertures 180', 185', 190' of the distal ends of selector fluid passages 90, 95, 100.

Discs 200, 200' are adapted to abut the proximal end 170 and distal end 170' of the selector 85, respectively. In this embodiment, the proximal end 170 and distal end 170' of the selector 85 comprise a lug 192, 192' adapted to engage with a corresponding recess 236, 236' in discs 200, 200', respectively, such that in use, rotation of the selector 85 causes discs 200, 200' to rotate with substantially the same degree of rotation of the selector 85 around the same rotational axis. As such, discs 200, 200' may be referred to as rotational discs.

In other embodiments, discs 200, 200' may be adapted to rotate with the same degree of rotation as selector 85 using an alternative method. For example, as shown in Figs. 6a, 6b, discs 200, 200' may comprise a notch 237 located at their periphery, the notch 237 being adapted to engage a lug (not shown) of complementary dimension located in the corresponding proximal 170 and distal 170' ends of the selector 85. In other embodiments, discs 200, 200' may comprise one or more notches 237 located at their periphery and being adapted to engage one or more corresponding lugs of complementary dimension located in the proximal 170 and distal 170' ends of the selector 85.

Referring specifically to Figs 6a and 6b, apertures 225, 225' and 235, 235' in discs 200, 200' are generally circular in shape and adapted to have substantially similar dimensions to corresponding apertures 205, 205' and 220, 220' in discs 195, 195'.

Apertures 230, 230' in discs 200, 200', on the other hand, are generally oval in shape, and adapted to have generally larger dimensions than corresponding apertures 210, 210' and 215, 215' in discs 195, 195', such that when the selector 85 is rotated, the apertures 230, 230' in discs 200, 200' may overlap corresponding apertures 210, 210' or 215, 215' in discs 195, 195', or may partially overlap both corresponding apertures 210, 210' and 215, 215' when apertures 230, 230' are rotated to a position substantially between apertures 210, 210' and apertures 215, 215'. The positions of the fixed discs 195, 195' relative to the positions of the rotational discs 200, 200' following rotation of the selector 85 will now be discussed in more detail.

Referring to Fig 6b (A), when the primary tap fluid passage 20 and the corresponding spout outlet passage 65 are substantially aligned, the selector 85 is in a first position, such that the selector fluid passage 95 connects the primary tap fluid passage 20 with the corresponding spout outlet passage 65 and thus provides fluid communication between the primary tap fluid passage 20 and the corresponding spout outlet passage 65. In this respect, apertures 225, 225' in discs 200, 200' substantially align with corresponding apertures 205, 205' in discs 195, 195' to allow primary fluid 40 to be fluidly communicated from the primary tap fluid passage 20 through corresponding selector fluid passage 90 and dispensed from corresponding spout outlet passage 65.

Referring to Fig 6b (E), when one of the one or more secondary tap fluid passages 35 and the corresponding spout outlet passage 80 are substantially aligned the selector 85 is in a fourth position, such that the selector fluid passage 100 connects the secondary tap fluid passage 35 with the corresponding spout outlet passage 80 and thus provides fluid communication between the secondary tap fluid passage 35 and the corresponding spout outlet passage 80. In this respect, apertures 235, 235' in discs 200, 200' substantially align with corresponding apertures 220, 220' in discs 195, 195' to allow secondary fluid 55 to be fluidly communicated from the secondary tap fluid passage 35 through corresponding selector fluid passage 100 and dispensed from corresponding spout outlet passage 80.

Referring to Fig 6b (B), when the first 25 of the two or more mix tap fluid passages and the corresponding spout outlet passage 70 are substantially aligned the selector 85 is in a second position, such that the selector fluid passage 95 connects the first 25 of the two or more mix tap fluid passages with the corresponding spout outlet passage 70 and thus provides fluid communication between the first 25 of the two or more mix tap fluid passages and the corresponding spout outlet passage 70. In this respect, apertures 230, 230' in discs 200, 200' substantially align with corresponding apertures 210, 210' in discs 195, 195' to allow mix tap fluid 45 to be fluidly communicated from the first 25 of the two or more mix tap fluid passages through corresponding selector fluid passage 95 and dispensed from corresponding spout outlet passage 70.

Referring to Fig 6b (D), when the second 30 of the two or more mix tap fluid passages and the corresponding spout outlet passage 75 are substantially aligned the selector 85 is in a third position, such that the selector fluid passage 95 connects the second 30 of the two or more mix tap fluid passages with the corresponding spout outlet passage 75 and thus provides fluid communication between the second 30 of the two or more mix tap fluid passages and the corresponding spout outlet passage 75. In this respect, apertures 230, 230' in discs 200, 200' substantially align with corresponding apertures 215, 215' in discs 195, 195' to allow mix tap fluid 50 to be fluidly communicated from the second 30 of the two or more mix tap fluid passages through corresponding selector fluid passage 95 and dispensed from corresponding spout outlet passage 75.

Referring to Fig 6b (C), when the first 25 and second 30 of the two or more mix tap fluid passages and the two corresponding spout outlet passages 70, 75 are partially overlapped the selector 85 is in a mix region position, such that the selector fluid passage 95 connects the first 25 and second 30 of the two or more mix tap fluid passages with the two corresponding spout outlet passages 70, 75 and thus provides fluid communication between the first 25 and second 30 of the two or more mix tap fluid passages and the two corresponding spout outlet passages 70, 75. In this respect, apertures 235, 235' in discs 200, 200' substantially align with corresponding apertures 220, 220' in discs 195, 195' to allow mix tap fluids 45, 50 to be fluidly communicated from the first 25 and second 30 of the two or more mix tap fluid passages through corresponding selector fluid passage 95 and dispensed from the two corresponding spout outlet passages 70, 75.

In this embodiment, interposed between spout facing end 145 and disc 195, and between disc 200 and the proximal end 170 of the selector 85 are disposed one or more gaskets 197, for example, one or more o-rings, for preventing undesirable leakage of the one or more fluids from between the spout facing end 145 and disc 195, and from between disc 200 and the proximal end 170 of the selector 85. Similarly, gaskets 197 are also preferably interposed between the distal end 170' of the selector 85 and disc 200', and between disc 195' and the proximal end 202 of the spout outlet 62 for preventing undesirable leakage of the one or more fluids from between the distal end 170' of the selector 85 and disc 200', and from between disc 195' and the proximal end 202 of the spout outlet. It will be understood that the spout facing end 145 of the lower portion 17 of the tap body 15, the proximal end 170 and distal end 170' of the selector 85, the proximal end 202 of the spout outlet 62, as well as discs 195, 200 and 195', 200', may comprise grooves adapted to house a gasket 197 fitted therein. In this embodiment, ceramic discs 195, 195', 200, 200' are preferably highly polished ceramic discs such that in use, when discs 195 and 200 are pressed together and discs 195' and 200' are pressed together, the two pairs of ceramic discs form a good seal to prevent undesirable leakage of the one or more fluids from between the two pairs of discs, and do not therefore require one or more gaskets 197 interposed between discs 195 and 200 and between discs 195' and 200'. It will be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, one or more gaskets 197 may be interposed between discs 195 and 200 and between 195' and 200' if, for example, discs 195, 200, 195', 200' are manufactured from other materials.

Referring generally to Figs. 1-3, 5, the multi tap arrangement 10 further comprises a support tube (not shown) aligned with a longitudinal axis of the spout 60. The support tube has a proximal end adapted to be received within a recess146 located within the spout facing end 145 of the lower portion 17 of the tap body 15, and a distal end adapted to be received within a recess 146' located in the proximal end 202 of the spout outlet 62. In this embodiment, the proximal end and distal end of the support tube are adapted to be received within recesses 146, 146' in the lower portion 17 of the tap body 15 and the spout outlet 62, respectively, by grub screws (not shown) located within threaded recesses 148, 148' in the lower portion 17 of the tap body 15 and the spout outlet 62, respectively, wherein the grub screws are adapted to fix the support tube to the lower portion 17 of the tap body 15 and the spout outlet 62. In this embodiment, the selector 85 is adapted to be rotatable, for example, manually or automatically rotatable, about the support tube for adjustment between at least the first, second, third, mix region, and fourth positions. As shown in Fig. 5, the selector 85 comprises apertures 193, 193' at its proximal 170 and distal 170' ends, respectively, to receive the support tube therethrough. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that discs 195, 195', 200, 200' and gaskets 197 also comprise apertures to receive the support tube therethrough. In this embodiment, discs 195, 195' comprise apertures 194, 194' and discs 200, 200' comprise apertures 198, 198' to receive the support tube therethrough.

In this embodiment, the multi tap arrangement 10 comprises a biasing arrangement for automatically biasing the selector 85 to the first position. The biasing arrangement may be any suitable biasing arrangement, for example, one or more torsional springs (not shown), for interconnecting the selector 85 and the support tube. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the selector 85 may be automatically biased to any of the first, second, third, mix region or fourth positions. It will also be appreciated that, at least in this embodiment, when the selector 85 is biased to the first position and the mixer tap 105 is set to the ON' position, the flow of primary fluid 40 to the corresponding spout outlet passage 65 will continue until such time as the selector 85 is manually or automatically rotated to a different position or until the mixer tap 105 is set to the OFF' position. It will be appreciated that, in this embodiment, when the mixer tap 105 is set to the ON' position and the primary fluid 40 is flowing, and a user would like to dispense another fluid, the user may rotate the selector 85 from the first position to a different position automatically stemming the flow of the primary fluid 40. When the user has finished with dispensing the different fluid, the selector 85 being biased to the first position returns to the first position and the primary fluid 40 begins to flow once more. In this embodiment, the primary fluid 40 is conveyed through fluid passages that are independent to the one or more fluid passages for fluidly communicating the two or more mix tap fluids 45, 50, and the one or more secondary fluids 55 to reduce or eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination. In this embodiment, the spout facing end 145 in the lower portion 17 of the tap body 15 further comprises an arcuate groove 21 formed therein, the arcuate groove 21 being adapted to cooperate with a pin 93 located on the proximal end 170 of the selector 85, such that in use, rotation of the selector 85 is limited by the range of motion of the pin 93 within the groove 21 .

Referring to Figs 5 and 7, the selector 85 may further comprise a second pin (not shown) adapted to locate within the recess portion 94 of the selector 85. In this embodiment, the proximal end 202 of spout outlet 62 comprises a plurality of pairs of enlargements, generally indicated in Fig 7 by reference numeral 206, corresponding to the first, second, third, mix region, and fourth positions of the selector 85, such that, as the selector 85 is rotated, the second pin is adapted to be securely stopped between adjacent pairs of enlargements 206 until the selector 85 is rotated onward with sufficient torque. It will be understood that the pairs of adjacent enlargements 206 will provide the user with an indication that the selector 85 is in the first, second, third, mix region, or fourth positions. For example, when the selector 85 is manually rotated by the user, the passing of the second pin over the pair of adjacent enlargements 206 may be sensed by the user as a vibration through the selector 85 or as an audible 'click'.

Optionally, the arcuate groove 21 formed in the spout facing end 145 in the lower portion 17 of the tap body 15 may also comprise a plurality of pairs of enlargements (not shown) corresponding to the first, second, third, mix region, and fourth positions of the selector 85, such that, as the selector 85 is rotated, the pin 93 is adapted to be securely stopped between adjacent pairs of enlargements until the selector 85 is rotated onward with sufficient torque.

Referring to Fig 8, the multi tap arrangement 10 may comprise a rotational actuator 300 for automatically rotating the selector 85. The rotational actuator 300 may be located in, for example, the spout 60, and preferably controlled by an electronic controller (not shown); the electronic controller and rotational actuator 300 being adapted to draw power from a low voltage power supply (not shown), such as, for example, a 5V, 10V, or 12V power supply.

To accommodate the rotational actuator 300 within the spout 60, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that parts of the multi tap arrangement 10 may need to be redesigned accordingly. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, support tube 335 is generally U- shaped to provide enough room to accommodate the rotational actuator 300. In this embodiment, the support tube 335 is hollow and adapted to carry one or more power cables for providing power from the low voltage supply to one or more devices located within the multi tap arrangement 10, for example, the rotational actuator 300.

The multi tap arrangement 10 may also comprise one or more lighting devices powered by the low voltage supply and controlled by the electronic controller. The one or more lighting devices may be used to identify the one or more fluids being dispensed from the spout 60. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, one of the one or more lighting devices 305 may comprise at least one light indicator, generally indicated by reference numeral 310, for example, an LED indicator, adapted to display a different colour for each of the one or more fluids being dispensed at the spout outlet 62. For example, the dispensing of the primary fluid may be indicated by a blue light, while the dispensing of one of the one or more secondary fluids may be indicated by a red light, and so on. In another example, one of the one or more lighting devices 320 may be adapted to illuminate the one or more fluids being dispensed from the spout 60. This may have significance in low lit environments such as in, for example, a night club or bar. For instance, at least one of the one or more lighting devices may be located on an underside of the spout 60 and adapted to illuminate the local area around the multi tap arrangement 10 to enable a user to visually identify the one or more fluids being dispensed from the corresponding one or more spout outlet passages at the spout outlet 62.

The multi tap arrangement 10 further comprises one or more sensors controlled by the electronic controller and adapted to enable one or more functions to be performed by a user. For example, at least one of the one or more sensors may be a touch sensor 330 adapted to enable a user to selectively rotate the selector 85 to the first, second, third, mix region, or fourth position and to dispense the corresponding primary fluid 40, two or more mix tap fluids 45, 50 or one or more secondary fluids 35, respectively. The electronic controller comprises a processor (not shown) adapted to receive and process the touch sensor data. Once the touch sensor data has been processed, the electronic controller then sends an appropriate instruction to the rotational actuator 300 to rotate the selector 85 to a selected position. The touch sensor may also be adapted to enable a user to activate the one or more lighting devices 305, 320.

In yet another example, the touch sensor 330 may be adapted to enable a user to lock the multi tap arrangement 10 to prevent one or more of the one or more fluids from being dispensed from the spout 60. For example, the touch sensor 330 may be a finger print scanner adapted to sense the finger prints of one or more users. This example may have particular relevance in commercial settings, such as in a research laboratory or a hospital setting, where the dispensing of certain fluids may be restricted to only a few authorized users.

At least another of the one or more sensors may be a proximity sensor (not shown) adapted to sense, for example, when a user is in close proximity to the multi tap arrangement 10 and to send the corresponding proximity sensor data to the electronic controller and processor. In this example, the processor is adapted to receive and process the proximity sensor data and to activate the one or more lighting devices in response to the proximity sensor data.

The multi tap arrangement 10 may also comprise a wireless communications interface (not shown), for example, operatively connected to the electronic controller and a remote control (not shown), and being adapted to send and receive data to and from the remote control to control, for example, the rotational actuator 300 or the one or more lighting devices 305, 320. The remote control may comprise one or more buttons (not shown) for activating, for example, rotation of the selector 85 to a desired position to dispense the fluid associated with that position. The remote control may also comprise a display panel (not shown) to display sensor data.

At least another of the one or more sensors may be a temperature sensor (not shown) adapted to sense the temperature of the primary fluid 40, the two or more mix tap fluids 45, 50, and the one or more secondary fluids 55 leaving the corresponding spout outlet passages 65, 70, 75, 80 and to send the corresponding temperature sensor data to the electronic controller for processing. For example, a primary fluid 40 having a desired temperature may be generated by monitoring the temperature sensor data of the primary fluid 40 as it is dispensed from the spout outlet 62. The temperature sensor data may be displayed on the display panel of the remote control (not shown), or on a display panel (not shown) located in proximity to the multi tap arrangement 10, such that in use, a user can monitor the temperature of, for example, the primary fluid 40 and adjust the relative supply of hot primary fluid and cold primary fluid at the mixer tap 105 until the primary fluid 40 having the desired temperature is obtained.

The electronic controller may also be adapted for connection to a home automation system (not shown), such that the electronic controller can be controlled by the home automation system. For example, the home automation system may be used to monitor the temperature of the one or more fluids, and adjust the temperature to a desired temperature if required. The home automation system may be programmed to adjust the temperature of the one or more fluids according to the time of the day. For example, in a domestic setting, the first 45 of the two or more mix tap fluids may be chilled to a specific temperature in time for a user's return home. In another example, the home automation system may be programmed to activate one or more of the lighting devices 305, 320 according to the time of the day. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the electronic controller of the multi tap arrangement 10 may be adapted to communicate with the home automation system using any one of a number of suitable connection means. For example, the electronic controller and home automation system may be interconnected by a wired connection, such as, for example, an optical fiber, a cable (coaxial or twisted pair), a powerline, or by a wireless connection such as a radio frequency or infra red wireless connection.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the multi tap arrangement 10 of the present invention is not limited to dispensing four or more fluids as described in this embodiment, but may be adapted to dispense any number of fluids. For example, the selector 85 may be adapted to comprise one or more additional selector fluid passages (not shown). As such, it will be understood that the number and arrangement of apertures within the fixed discs 195, 195' and rotational discs 200, 200' will be adapted to accommodate the one or more additional selector fluid passages.

In a further embodiment, the multi tap arrangement 10 may be adapted for fluid communication with one or more reservoirs, as generally indicated by 505, the one or more reservoirs 505 being adapted for storing the one or more fluids and being in fluid communication with the one or more tap fluid passages, preferably four or more tap fluid passages 20, 25, 30, 35, of the multi tap arrangement 10 to realize a liquid dispensing system 500 (see Fig 9). It will be appreciated that the liquid dispensing system 500 may be installed in a domestic or commercial setting. The one or more reservoirs 505 may be adapted for removable mounting to a base 510. It will be appreciated that a liquid dispensing system 500 having one or more reservoirs 505 removably mounted to the base 510 will be beneficial when, for example, one of the reservoirs 505 is empty or nearly empty, such that the empty or part empty reservoir 505 may be removed and replaced with a full reservoir 505. The one or more reservoirs 505 and base 510 may be adapted for removable mounting having any one of a number of suitable means including, but not limited to: push fitting, bayonet fitting, or screw fitting. For example, in a domestic setting, the base 510 may be installed under a kitchen sink.

In this embodiment, the liquid dispensing system 500 comprises a cooler (not shown) and/or heater (not shown) for cooling or heating the one or more fluids supplied from the one or more reservoirs 505 before being dispensed for use. The liquid dispensing system 500 further comprises a pump (not shown) for controlling the flow of the one or more fluids supplied from the one or more reservoirs 505 to the multi tap arrangement 10. The liquid dispensing system 500 also comprises one or more fluid purification devices (not shown) such as, for example, a charcoal filter, a chlorine or fluorine filter, an ultraviolet source, a deionizing filter, an ultrafiltration membrane filter, a reverse osmosis system, for purifying the one or more fluids.

The base 510 is adapted to enable the amount of fluid communicated from the one or more reservoirs 505 to the multi tap arrangement 10 to be monitored. For example, the base 510 may comprise a flow sensor (not shown) for each of the one or more reservoirs 505, the flow sensor being adapted to monitor the amount of fluid communicated from the respective reservoir 505 to the multi tap arrangement 10 and to send corresponding flow sensor data generated to the electronic controller (not shown) for processing. For example, the one or more fluid purification devices described above may need to be changed periodically depending on the amount of fluid that has passed through the devices. In this embodiment, the processor is adapted to receive and process the flow sensor data and to generate a signal to warn a user, by any suitable warning means, such as an audible alarm or a flashing light, if any of the one or more fluid purification devices are due to expire.

The base 510 is operatively connected to the electronic controller of the multi tap arrangement 10 and adapted to enable the level of fluid in the one or more reservoirs 505 to be monitored. For example, the base 510 may comprise a level sensor (not shown) for each of the one or more reservoirs 505, the level sensor being adapted to monitor the level of fluid in the one or more reservoirs 505 and to send corresponding level sensor data generated to the electronic controller. The processor is adapted to receive and process the level sensor data and to generate a signal to warn a user, by any suitable warning means, such as an audible alarm or a flashing light, if any of the one or more reservoirs 505 is of a low fluid level and needs replacing.

As shown in Fig. 9, lighting device 305 may comprise one or more buttons, generally indicated by reference numeral 315, for activating, for example, the cooler or heater for cooling or heating the one or more fluids supplied from the one or more reservoirs 505 before being dispensed. Alternatively, the user may activate the cooler or heater using the remote control (not shown) described above. It will be appreciated that the temperature of the one or more fluids will be monitored using the temperature sensor described above. The lighting device 305 may also comprise one or more buttons 315 for activating, for example, the pump (not shown) for controlling the flow of the one or more fluids supplied from the one or more reservoirs 505 to the multi tap arrangement 10. Alternatively, the user may activate the pump using the remote control (not shown) described above. It will be appreciated that the amount of fluid communicated from the one or more reservoirs 505 to the multi tap arrangement 10 will be monitored using the flow sensor described above.

In another embodiment, and referring to Figs 10 to 19, the multi-tap arrangement, given the reference numeral 600, for dispensing one or more fluids is adapted to allow a user to dispense a primary fluid 605 and four secondary fluids 610, 615, 620, 625. Similar to the multi tap arrangement 10 described above, the multi tap arrangement 600, as shown specifically in Fig. 10, comprises a generally cylindrical tap body 630 having five tap fluid passages 635, 640, 645, 650, 655, a spout 660 mounted on the tap body 630 and having three spout outlet passages 665, 670, 675 and a selector 690 mounted on the spout 660 and adapted to allow a user to selectively communicate the primary fluid 605 or one of the four secondary fluids 610, 615, 620, 625 from the corresponding tap fluid passages 635, 640, 645, 650, 655 to the spout outlet passages 665, 670, 675 at any one time. It will be appreciated that the tap body 630 is not limited to being cylindrical in shape, but may be any shape, for example a rectangular prism.

The spout 660 comprises at its distal end a spout outlet 695 adapted to direct the flow of the primary fluid 605 and four secondary fluids 610, 615, 620, 625 dispensed from the spout 660 in a generally downward direction.

The tap fluid passages 635, 640, 645, 650, 655 correspond to a primary tap fluid passage 635 for the primary fluid 605 and four secondary tap fluid passages 640, 645, 650, 655 for the four corresponding secondary fluids 610, 615, 620, 625. The primary fluid 605 and the four secondary fluids 610, 615, 620, 625 are supplied to the corresponding primary tap fluid passage 635 and secondary tap fluid passages 640, 645, 650, 655 via six fluid lines (not shown) connected to the multi tap arrangement 600.

As shown in Fig. 10, the tap body 630, which is adapted to be secured to a surface (not shown) via a base portion 700, comprises a primary control adapted to control the supply of the primary fluid 605 to the primary tap fluid passage 635. The primary control is a mixer tap 710 adapted to control the supply of the primary fluid 605 through the spout 660. The lower portion 720 of the tap body 630 is adapted to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the tap body 630 in either a left or a right direction with respect to the surface to which the base portion 700 is secured such that the lower portion 720 and the spout 660 can rotate by 360° about the longitudinal axis of the tap body 630. It will be appreciated that this has benefits in either a commercial or domestic setting where the multi tap arrangement 600 is located substantially between two sinks (not shown) such that the lower portion 720 and spout 660 can be rotated or swiveled about the longitudinal axis of the tap body 630 in either a left or right direction so that a user can dispense any of the primary fluid 605 or four secondary fluids 610, 615, 620, 625 into any one of the two sinks. Referring to Figs 10, 1 1 and 12, the tap body 630 comprises a spigot 730 fixedly mounted within the lower portion 720 of the tap body 630. The spigot 730 is adapted to allow fluid communication between the fluid lines and the tap fluid passages 635, 640, 645, 650, 655. The spigot 730 comprises two primary spigot fluid passages 735, 740 for fluidly communicating the primary fluid 605 to the mixer tap 710, a primary fluid receiving passage 745 for fluidly communicating the primary fluid 605 from the mixer tap 710 to the corresponding primary tap fluid passage 635 and four secondary spigot fluid passages 750, 755, 760, 765 for fluidly communicating each of the secondary fluids 610, 615, 620, 625 independently to their corresponding secondary tap fluid passages 640, 645, 650, 655.

The primary fluid 605 may be a cold primary fluid, a hot primary fluid, or a mixture of the cold primary fluid and the hot primary fluid. For example, in a domestic or commercial setting, the cold water fluid and hot water fluid may derive from a mains water supply (not shown). In this embodiment, the spigot 730 fluidly communicates the cold primary fluid and the hot primary fluid from their corresponding two fluid lines, one fluid line for each of the cold and hot primary fluids, respectively, to the mixer tap 710 via primary spigot fluid passages 735, 740. For example, the primary spigot fluid passage 735 is adapted for fluidly communicating the cold primary fluid and the primary spigot fluid passage 740 is adapted for fluidly communicating the hot primary fluid from their corresponding fluid lines to the mixer tap 710. As shown in Fig 10, an upper portion 770 of the tap body 630 comprises a cartridge system (generally outlined in phantom lines) adapted for mixing the cold primary fluid and hot primary fluid. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that a description of the cartridge system and the mechanism by which mixing of the cold primary fluid and the hot primary fluid may be achieved using the mixer tap 710 is beyond the scope of the present invention, and persons skilled in the art are thus referred to the relevant prior art in which such arrangements are described. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the mixer tap 710 may be used to mix the cold primary fluid and hot primary fluid to generate a mixture of the two fluids in any reasonable proportion. In this embodiment, mixing of the cold primary fluid and hot primary fluid using the mixer tap 710 generates the primary fluid 605. It will be understood that in this embodiment, the ratio of mixing of the cold primary fluid and hot primary fluid is achieved by rotating the mixer tap 710 about the longitudinal axis of the tap body 630 in a generally left or right direction with respect to the surface (not shown) to which the base portion 700 of the tap body 630 is secured, for example, to a position where the primary fluid 605 produced, following mixing, has a desired temperature.

Referring specifically to Fig 1 1 (v), the primary fluid receiving passage 745 has an L-shaped elbow, the primary fluid receiving passage 745 being disposed at an upper end of the spigot 730. A first end of the primary fluid receiving passage 745 opens to the side wall of the spigot 730 and a second end of the primary fluid receiving passage 745 opens to the mixer tap 710, such that the primary fluid receiving passage 745 is adapted to communicate the primary fluid 605 between the mixer tap 710 and the primary tap fluid passage 635.

In this embodiment, referring to Fig 12, the lower portion 720 of the tap body 630 comprises a spout facing end 775 extending upwardly and outwardly from the side wall of the lower portion 720 and substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the spout 660. The spout facing end 775 is adapted to align with the spout 660 and provide access for the selector 690 to each of the tap fluid passages 635, 640, 645, 650, 655 through five spout facing end apertures 780, 785, 790, 795, 800. Each of the apertures 780, 785, 790, 795, 800 corresponding to each of the tap fluid passages 635, 640, 645, 650, 655. The apertures 780, 785, 790, 795, 800 are substantially circular in shape and one of the apertures 780 is substantially larger in size than the other apertures 785, 790, 795, 800. The larger aperture 780 corresponding to the primary tap fluid passage 635 to allow greater flow rates. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the apertures 780, 785, 790, 795, 800 may be of any size and shape to allow sufficient fluid communication therethrough.

Referring specifically to Fig. 13, the spout outlet 695 has a proximal end 810 and a distal end 815. The proximal end 810 is substantially aligned with the spout facing end 775 of the lower portion 720 of the tap body 630, while the distal end 815 is substantially perpendicular to the proximal end 810 and directed downwardly. Each of the spout outlet passages 665, 670, 675 allows fluid communication from the proximal end 810 of the spout outlet 695 to the distal end 815 for dispensing the primary fluid 605 and four secondary fluids 610, 615, 620, 625 therefrom. In this embodiment, the spout outlet passage 675 is for fluidly communicating the primary fluid 605 from the proximal end 810 of the spout outlet 695 to the distal end 815 and has a substantially larger cross-sectional area than the other spout outlet passages 665, 670. This allows the primary fluid 605 to be fluidly communicated from the proximal end 810 to the distal end 815 at a much greater flow rate. The spout outlet passage 670 corresponds to three secondary fluids 610, 615, 620 such that at least one of the three secondary fluids 610, 615, 620 is fluidly communicated from the proximal end 810 to the distal end 815 at any one time. This is beneficial as only one of the spout outlet passages 665, 670, 675 is required to communicate three secondary fluids 610, 615, 620, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The spout outlet passage 665 corresponds to the secondary fluid 625, such that the secondary fluid 625 is fluidly communicated from the proximal end 810 to the distal end 815 independently. This is beneficial, for example, when the secondary fluid 625 is a juice and would not be desirable having any contamination from other secondary fluids 610, 615, 620 that may reside in a shared spout outlet passage 670.

It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the spout outlet passages 665, 670, 675 may be of any size to allow fluid communication between the proximal end 810 of the spout outlet 695 to the distal end 815. It will also be appreciated that the spout outlet passages 665, 670, 675 may correspond to the primary fluid 605 and/or one or more of the secondary fluids 610, 615, 620.

Each of the spout outlet passages 665, 670, 675 terminates at the proximal end 810 of the spout outlet 695 as a corresponding aperture 820, 825, 830 and each terminates at the distal end 815 of the spout outlet 695 as a corresponding aperture 835, 840, 845 for dispensing the corresponding primary fluid 605 and four secondary fluids 610, 615, 620, 625 from the spout outlet 695. It will be appreciated that the apertures 820, 825, 830 and 835, 840, 845 are substantially circular in shape and that apertures 830 and 845, being substantially larger than the other apertures 820, 825 and 835, 840, respectively, correspond to the substantially larger cross-sectional area of the spout outlet passage 675 for fluidly communicating the primary fluid 605 from the proximal end 810 of the spout outlet 695 to the distal end 815.

The tap body 630, spout 660, and spigot 730 may be manufactured from any material suitable for use in taps. For example, in this embodiment, the tap body 630, spout 660, and spigot 730 may be manufactured from a suitable metal, such as brass. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the material used in the manufacture of the tap body 630, spout 660, and spigot 730 is not limited to that described, but that any suitable material may be used. In this embodiment, the tap fluid passages 635, 640, 645, 650, 655, primary spigot fluid passages 735, 740, primary fluid receiving passage 745, secondary spigot fluid passages 750, 755, 760, 765 and spout outlet passages 665, 670, 675 are manufactured from a metal such as brass or copper. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the tap fluid passages 635, 640, 645, 650, 655, primary spigot fluid passages 735, 740, primary fluid receiving passage 745, secondary spigot fluid passages 750, 755, 760, 765 and spout outlet passages 665, 670, 675, may be manufactured from other suitable metals, or from a ceramic material. It will also be appreciated that in the case of, at least the one of the tap fluid passages 635, 640, 645, 650, 655, primary spigot fluid passages 735, 740, primary fluid receiving passage 745, secondary spigot fluid passages 750, 755, 760, 765 and spout outlet passages 665, 670, 675 in the multi tap arrangement 600 adapted for fluidly communicating hot or cold fluids, such passages may be insulated with a suitable material to prevent the temperature of the fluid being fluidly communicated through the corresponding tap fluid passage 635, 640, 645, 650, 655 and spout outlet passages 665, 670, 675 from emanating beyond these passages through temperature transfer means such as heat conduction, to the other passages carrying other fluids, or to the external surfaces of the multi tap arrangement 600, for example, the tap body 630, and the spout 660.

Referring to Fig. 14, the multi tap arrangement 600 further comprises a support tube 850 aligned with a longitudinal axis of the spout 660. The support tube 850 has a proximal end 855 adapted to be received within a recess 865 located within the spout facing end 775 of the lower portion 720 of the tap body 630, and a distal end 860 adapted to be received within a recess 870 located in the proximal end 810 of the spout outlet 695. In this embodiment, the proximal end 855 and distal end 860 of the support tube 850 are received within recesses 865, 870 in the spout facing end 775 of the lower portion 720 and the proximal end 810 of the spout outlet 695, respectively. The proximal 855 and distal 860 ends of the support tube 850 are secured within the corresponding recesses 865 and 870 of the spout facing end 775 and spout outlet 695 by grub screws (not shown) located within threaded recesses 875, 880 in the spout facing end 775 of the lower portion 720 and the proximal end 810 of the spout outlet 695, respectively. The support tube 850 has a substantially circular cross section throughout its length and is substantially hollow. The support tube 850 may be manufactured from a rigid and strong material. For example, in this embodiment, the support tube 850 is manufactured from a suitable metal, such as brass. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that material used in the manufacture of the support tube 850 is not limited to that described, but that any suitable material may be used including, but not limited to, stainless steel, copper.

In this embodiment, the selector 690 is adapted to allow the user to selectively and fluidly communicate the primary fluid 605 or one of the four secondary fluids 610, 615, 620, 625 from the corresponding tap fluid passage 635, 640, 645, 650, 655 to the corresponding spout outlet passage 665, 670, 675 at any one time. As shown in Fig. 15, the selector 690 comprises a cylindrical housing 885 that is substantially hollow and has open ends 890, 890' adapted to securely engage the spout facing end 775 of the lower portion 720 of the tap body 630 and the proximal end 855 of the spout outlet 695, respectively. The spout facing end 775 has a rim recess portion 891 and the open end 890 of the cylindrical housing 885 has a rim portion892, the rim portion 892 being received in the rim recess portion891 , similarly at the other end, the proximal end 855 of the spout outlet 695 has a outlet rim recess portion 893and the open end 890' of the cylindrical housing 885 has a outlet rim portion894, the outlet rim portion 894 being received in the outlet rim recess portion893, such that the cylindrical housing 885 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the spout 660 during rotation of the selector 890.

Referring to Figs. 16, 17 and 18, the selector 690 further comprises a fixed barrel 895, a rotatable barrel 900, and a fixed disc 905 adapted to lie end to end within the cylindrical housing 885 of the selector 690. Each of the fixed barrel 895, the rotatable barrel 900, and the fixed disc 905 have a corresponding central aperture 925, 1025 and 1000 located substantially therethrough, each of the central apertures being adapted to receive the support tube 850 substantially therethrough such that the fixed barrel 895, the rotatable barrel 900, and the fixed disc 905 are substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the spout 660.

The fixed barrel 895 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a proximal end 910 and a distal end 915, the proximal end 910 being adapted to locate within a recess portion 920 of the spout facing end 775 of the lower portion 720 of the tap body 630. At least a portion of the fixed barrel 895 is substantially within the cylindrical housing 885 such that the cylindrical housing 885 is able to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the spout 660. The fixed barrel 895 comprises five barrel fluid passages 930, 935, 940, 945, 950 located substantially therethrough, each barrel fluid passage terminating at the proximal end 910 of the fixed barrel 895 in a corresponding aperture 955, 960, 965, 970, 975, with each aperture being substantially aligned with the corresponding tap fluid passage 635, 640, 645, 650, 655 in the lower portion 720 of the tap body 630, such that in use, the primary fluid 605 and each of the four secondary fluids 610, 615, 620, 625 are fluidly communicated from the tap fluid passages 635, 640, 645, 650, 655 to the barrel fluid passages 930, 935, 940, 945, 950. The proximal end 910 of the fixed barrel 895 further comprises two lug recesses 980, 980' located around the periphery of the proximal end 910, the two lug recesses 980, 980' being adapted to receive two corresponding lugs 985, 985' located in the spout facing end 775 of the lower portion 720 of the tap body 630, preventing any rotational movement of the fixed barrel 895 around the support tube 850 and ensuring the substantial alignment of the apertures 955, 960, 965, 970, 975 of the proximal end 910 of the fixed barrel 895 with the corresponding apertures 780, 785, 790, 795, 800 of the spout facing end 775 of the lower portion 720 in the tap body 630 to allow fluid communication of the primary fluid 605 and each of the four secondary fluids 610, 615, 620, 625 from the corresponding tap fluid passages 635, 640, 645, 650, 655 to the corresponding barrel fluid passages 930, 935, 940, 945, 950 of the fixed barrel 895. The barrel fluid passages 930, 935, 940, 945, 950 terminate at the distal end 915 of the fixed barrel 895 as apertures 955', 960', 965', 970', 975', respectively.

In this embodiment and referring specifically to Fig. 17, the fixed disc 905 is substantially circular in shape and is adapted to locate within a recess portion 980 located at the proximal end 810 of the spout outlet 695. The fixed disc 905 comprises three apertures 985, 990, 995 adapted to substantially align with corresponding apertures 820, 825, 830 in the proximal end 810 of the spout outlet 695. Furthermore, the fixed disc 905 comprises two lug recesses 1005, 1005' located around the periphery of the fixed disc 905, the two lug recesses 1005, 1005' being adapted to receive two lugs 1010, 1010' located in the proximal end 810 of the spout outlet 695, preventing any rotational movement of the fixed disc 905 about the support tube 850 and ensuring the substantial alignment of the apertures 985, 990, 995 of the fixed disc 905 and corresponding apertures 820, 825, 830 in the proximal end 810 of the spout outlet 695.

Referring specifically to Fig. 18, the rotatable barrel 900 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a proximal end 1015 and a distal end 1020. The rotatable barrel 900 is located within the cylindrical housing 885 of the selector 690. The support tube 850 passing substantially through the central aperture 1025 of the rotatable barrel 900 provides an axle of rotation for the rotatable barrel 900 to rotate about. The rotatable barrel 900 comprises three selector fluid passages 1030, 1035, 1040, each selector fluid passage terminating at the proximal end 1015 of the rotatable barrel 900 in a corresponding aperture 1050, 1055, 1060, and terminating at the distal end 1020 in a corresponding aperture 1050', 1055', 1060', each selector fluid passage 1030, 1035, 1040 being adapted to allow fluid communication between the proximal end 1015 of the rotatable barrel 900 and the distal end 1020. The rotatable barrel 900 comprises a pair of lug recesses 1045, 1045' located along the periphery of the rotatable barrel 900, and the cylindrical housing 885 comprises a pair of corresponding lugs 1065, 1065' located along an internal surface of the cylindrical housing 885, each of the pair of lug recesses 1045, 1045' being adapted to receive therein a corresponding lug 1065, 1065' of the cylindrical housing 885 fixing the rotatable barrel 900 within the cylindrical housing 885, such that when the selector 690 is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the spout 660, the rotatable barrel 900 and the cylindrical housing 885 rotate together about the support tube 850 in the same direction as the selector 690 and with the same degree of rotation. In this embodiment, the rotatable barrel 900 is interposed between the fixed barrel 895 and the fixed disc 905, such that the distal end 915 of the fixed barrel 895 substantially abuts with the proximal end 1015 of the rotatable barrel 900, and the fixed disc 905 substantially abuts with the distal end 1020 of the rotatable barrel 900 when the fixed barrel 895, rotatable barrel 900, and fixed disc 905 are lying end to end within the cylindrical housing 885 of the selector 690. It will be appreciated that in certain rotational positions of the rotatable barrel 900, one of the apertures 1050, 1055, 1060 of the proximal end 1015 of the rotatable barrel 900, will substantially align with one of the apertures 955', 960', 965', 970', 975' of the distal end 915 of the fixed barrel 895, and concurrently, one of the apertures 1050', 1055', 1060' of the distal end 1020 of the rotatable barrel 900 will substantially align with one of the apertures 985, 990, 995 of the fixed disc 905 such that there will be fluid communication between one of the tap fluid passages 635, 640, 645, 650, 655, one of the barrel fluid passages 930, 935, 940, 945, 950, one of the selector fluid passages 1030, 1035, 1040 and one of the spout outlet passages 665, 670, 675. This will allow one of the one or more fluids, be it the primary fluid 605 or one of the secondary fluids 610, 615, 620, 625, to be fluidly communicated from the corresponding tap fluid passage 635, 640, 645, 650, 655 in the lower portion 720 of the tap body 630 via the corresponding barrel fluid passage 930, 935, 940, 945, 950 in the fixed barrel 895 and the corresponding selector fluid passage 1030, 1035, 1040 in the rotatable barrel 900 to the corresponding spout outlet passage 665, 670, 675 in the spout outlet 695 for dispensing the desired fluid therefrom. It will be appreciated that the user may select the desired fluid for dispensing by rotating the selector 690, and hence the rotatable barrel 900, to a position in which the desired fluid can be fluidly communicated to the spout outlet 695 for dispensing therefrom.

In this embodiment, the selector 690 is rotatable about the support tube 850 to five possible positions to allow the user to dispense a primary fluid 605 and four secondary fluids 610, 615, 620, 625 according to the position of the selector 690.

The five possible positions of the selector 690 are schematically represented in Fig. 19, in the form of the five corresponding positions of the rotatable barrel 900 relative to the fixed barrel 895. In this figure, the distal end 915 of the fixed barrel 895 (shown in dotted outline) and the distal end 1020 of the rotatable barrel 900 are shown, together with a schematic representation of the distal end 1020 of the rotatable barrel 900 overlaying the distal end 915 of the fixed barrel 895.

As shown in each of Figs. 19(i) to 19(v), the overlaying of one of the apertures 955', 960', 965', 970', 975' of the distal end 915 of the fixed barrel 895 (shown in dotted outline) with a corresponding aperture 1050', 1055', 1060' of the distal end 1020 of the rotatable barrel 900 represents fluid communication between one of the tap fluid passages 635, 640, 645, 650, 655, one of the barrel fluid passages 930, 935, 940, 945, 950, one of the selector fluid passages 1030, 1035, 1040 and one of the spout outlet passages 665, 670, 675 for dispensing the desired fluid from the spout 695.

Referring specifically to Fig. 19 (i), when the selector 690 is rotated to a first position, the selector fluid passage 1035 of the rotatable barrel 900 substantially aligns with the corresponding barrel fluid passage 930 of the fixed barrel 895 (which is itself substantially aligned with the primary tap fluid passage 635) and the corresponding spout outlet passage 675 of the spout outlet 695 enabling fluid communication therebetween. In this respect, the aperture 955' of the distal end 915 of the fixed barrel 895, the aperture 1060 of the proximal end 1015 of the rotatable barrel 900, the aperture 1060' of the distal end 1020 of the rotatable barrel 900 and the aperture 985 of the fixed disc 905 substantially align to allow the primary fluid 605 to be fluidly communicated from the tap body 630 to the spout outlet 695 for dispensing therefrom.

Referring specifically to Fig. 19 (ii), when the selector 690 is rotated to a second position, the selector fluid passage 1040 substantially aligns with the corresponding barrel fluid passage 950 (which is itself substantially aligned with the secondary tap fluid passage 640) and the corresponding spout outlet passage 670 of the spout outlet 695 enabling fluid communication therebetween. In this respect, the aperture 960' of the distal end 915 of the fixed barrel 895, the aperture 1055 of the proximal end 1015 of the rotatable barrel 900, the aperture 1055' of the distal end 1020 of the rotatable barrel 900 and the aperture 995 of the fixed disc 905 substantially align to allow the secondary fluid 610 to be fluidly communicated from the tap body 630 to the spout outlet 695 for dispensing therefrom.

Referring specifically to Fig. 19 (iii), when the selector 690 is rotated to a third position, the selector fluid passage 1040 substantially aligns with the corresponding barrel fluid passage 945 (which is itself substantially aligned with the secondary tap fluid passage 645) and the corresponding spout outlet passage 670 of the spout outlet 695 enabling fluid communication therebetween. In this respect, the aperture 965' of the distal end 915 of the fixed barrel 895, the aperture 1055 of the proximal end 1015 of the rotatable barrel 900, the aperture 1055' of the distal end 1020 of the rotatable barrel 900 and the aperture 995 of the fixed disc 905 substantially align to allow the secondary fluid 615 to be fluidly communicated from the tap body 630 to the spout outlet 695 for dispensing therefrom.

Referring specifically to Fig. 19 (iv), when the selector 690 is rotated a fourth position, the selector fluid passage 1040 substantially aligns with the corresponding barrel fluid passage 940 (which is itself substantially aligned with the secondary tap fluid passage 650) and the corresponding spout outlet passage 670 of the spout outlet 695 enabling fluid communication therebetween. In this respect, the aperture 970' of the distal end 915 of the fixed barrel 895, the aperture 1055 of the proximal end 1015 of the rotatable barrel 900, the aperture 1055' of the distal end 1020 of the rotatable barrel 900 and the aperture 995 of the fixed disc 905 substantially align to allow the secondary fluid 620 to be fluidly communicated from the tap body 630 to the spout outlet 695 for dispensing therefrom.

Referring specifically to Fig. 19 (v), when the selector 690 is rotated to a fifth position, such that the selector fluid passage 1030 substantially aligns with the corresponding barrel fluid passage 935 (which is itself substantially aligned with the secondary tap fluid passage 655) and the corresponding spout outlet passage 665 of the spout outlet 695 enabling fluid communication therebetween. In this respect, the aperture 975' of the distal end 915 of the fixed barrel 895, the aperture 1050 of the proximal end 1015 of the rotatable barrel 900, the aperture 1050' of the distal end 1020 of the rotatable barrel 900 and the aperture 990 of the fixed disc 905 substantially align to allow the secondary fluid 625 to be fluidly communicated from the tap body 630 to the spout outlet 695 for dispensing therefrom.

It will be appreciated that in the second, third and fourth positions, the secondary fluids 610, 615, 620, 625 will be fluidly communicated through the same aperture 995 of the fixed disc 605. The aperture 995 being substantially larger than the other apertures 985, 990 of the fixed disc 905, such that the aperture 995 may substantially align with the three apertures 960', 965', 970' of the distal end 915 of the fixed barrel 895 at one time.

In this embodiment, the fixed barrel 895, the rotatable barrel 900 and the fixed disc 905 are manufactured from a ceramic material. It will be appreciated that the material used in the manufacture of the fixed barrel 895, the rotatable barrel 900 and the fixed disc 905 is not limited to a ceramic material as described, but that any suitable material, including but not limited to any one of the following: a metal such as brass, or a plastic may be used.

In this embodiment, the fixed barrel 895, the rotatable barrel 900 and the fixed disc 905 are preferably manufactured from a highly polished ceramic material such that in use, when the ceramic rotatable barrel 900 substantially abuts with the ceramic fixed barrel 895 and the ceramic fixed disc 905, a good seal is formed between all three ceramic components to prevent undesirable leakage of the one or more fluids from between the ceramic components, and do not therefore require other components used in the plumbing industry to counter leaks, such as, for example, gaskets or washers, to be interposed between the ceramic components.

It will also be appreciated that while the apertures 955, 960 , 965, 970, 975 of the proximal end 910 of the fixed barrel 895, the apertures 955', 960', 965', 970', 975' of the distal end 915 of the fixed barrel 895, the apertures 1050', 1055', 1060' of the distal end 1020 of the rotatable barrel 900, the apertures 1050, 1055, 1060 of the proximal end 1015 of the rotatable barrel 900 and the apertures 985, 990, 995 of the fixed disc 905 are shown as circular or tear drop shaped, they may be any shape that allows undisrupted fluid communication therethrough.

Interpretation

Wireless:

The invention may be embodied using devices conforming to other network standards and for other applications, including, for example other WLAN standards and other wireless standards. Applications that can be accommodated include IEEE 802.1 1 wireless LANs and links, and wireless Ethernet.

In the context of this document, the term "wireless " and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices do not contain any wires, although in some embodiments they might not. In the context of this document, the term " wired " and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices are coupled by electrically conductive wires.

Processes:

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as " processing " , " computing " , "calculating " , " determining " , " analysing " or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities.

Processor:

In a similar manner, the term " processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A " computer" or a " computing device " or a " computing machine " or a "computing platform " may include one or more processors.

The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken are included. Thus, one example is a typical processing system that includes one or more processors. The processing system further may include a memory subsystem including main RAM and/or a static RAM, and/or ROM.

Networked or Multiple Processors: In alternative embodiments, the one or more processors operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other processor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server- client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. The one or more processors may form a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.

Implementation:

It will be understood that the steps of methods discussed are performed in one embodiment by an appropriate processor (or processors) of a processing (i.e., computer) system executing instructions (computer-readable code) stored in storage. It will also be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular implementation or programming technique and that the invention may be implemented using any appropriate techniques for implementing the functionality described herein. The invention is not limited to any particular programming language or operating system.

Embodiments:

Reference throughout this specification to " one embodiment " or " an embodiment " means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases " in one embodiment" or " in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. Specific Details

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Different Instances of Objects

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives " first " , " second " , " third " , etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Comprising and Including

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word " comprise " or variations such as " comprises " or " comprising " are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to domestic and commercial settings.