Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems, and methods in which a valve mechanism is incorporated into a drain to reduce or prevent noise or food fragments from emitting out of an operating garbage disposal. The valve mechanism is generally a skirt valve biased to a closed position, disposed within a housing, and inserted into a drain such that food or fluid passes through the valve into a downstream grinding device. Once the food or fluid has passed through the valve, the valve closes.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems, and methods in which a valve mechanism is incorporated into a drain to reduce or prevent noise or food fragments from emitting out of an operating garbage disposal. The valve mechanism is generally a skirt valve biased to a closed position, disposed within a housing, and inserted into a drain such that food or fluid passes through the valve into a downstream grinding device. Once the food or fluid has passed through the valve, the valve closes.

Abstract: A drain insert is described that provides a valve that prevents backflow of objects and materials through the drain inlet and which has an internal wall with a convex curvature. This convex curvature, which can be elliptical, provides improved fluid flow rates relative to straight walled, cylindrical configurations, permitting small diameter drains to utilize the drain insert while meeting IAPMO flow rate requirements.

Abstract: A treatment device for a drain is presented to reduce at least one of odor, insect, uric acid, and grease and oil problems. The treatment comprises a dispenser that is configured to couple a stem from a drain extending into a drain pipe. At least a portion of the dispenser is composed of the active agent and thereby dispenses the active agent. The active agent includes at least one of an insecticide, a deodorant, uric acid-consuming bacteria, and an enzyme that digests grease and oil. Thus, problems associated with drains are substantially reduced using the treatment device.

Abstract: Sliding skirt valves for waterless urinals and method of controlling fluid flow through the sliding skirt valve are presented. The sliding skirt valve has a valve body, which includes an inlet, an outlet and a sealing surface. The sliding skirt valve also has a central shaft with an upper stop and a lower stop and a barrier interface. Between the upper and the lower stops, a conical barrier is slidingly engaged with the barrier interface. In a normal pressure state, the conical barrier lies against the lower stop of the central shaft. In a back pressure state, the conical barrier moves upwardly to lie against the upper stop of the central shaft and block the vent to upward fluid flow from the downstream of the sliding skirt valve.