APPARATUS FOR MAINTAINING FLUID TEMPERATURE
An apparatus for maintaining water temperature comprised of an inlet, a mechanical temperature controlled shutoff valve, a check valve and an outlet. The shutoff valve and check valve are positioned between the inlet and outlet to provide for the shunting of water from the inlet to the outlet based upon the temperature of the water, thereby maintaining water temperature at the inlet. This permits continuous access to hot water at a faucet which has the apparatus installed between its inlets. The apparatus may be configured as a temperature control assembly and attached in line with a hot water supply system thereby maintaining the hot water temperature within the hot water supply side of the system. Tees may be attached to the to the inlet and outlet of the apparatus as well as the hot water inlet and cold water inlet of a faucet, thereby creating a temperature controlled faucet.