Patents by Inventor Giovanni Fima
Giovanni Fima has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20180163880Abstract: A drain valve comprises a housing having a housing wall defining an internal flow passage through the housing; and a post held within the flow passage, the post supporting a first valve member, such that the first valve member contacts a valve seat on the housing wall. The post is selectively configurable to accommodate a further valve member within the housing at a location spaced from the first valve member along the internal flow passage, wherein the further valve member contacts a further valve seat on the housing wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2018Publication date: June 14, 2018Inventor: Giovanni Fima
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Patent number: 9915364Abstract: A drain valve has a housing defining a drain conduit for the passage of fluids to be drained, the drain conduit having a first rim defining an inlet to the drain conduit opposite a second rim defining an outlet from the drain conduit. One or more non-return valves are within the drain conduit between the first rim and the second rim and have a closed configuration and an open configuration adapted to allow fluids to flow through the outlet of the drain conduit. A vent conduit extends within the drain conduit and comprises internally a lower valve seat, an upper valve seat and a bypass valve positioned between the lower valve seat and the upper valve seat. The bypass valve is adapted to allow gas to bypass the one or more non-return valves and escape to atmosphere when the gas reaches a predetermined pressure.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: NWS Europa GmbHInventor: Giovanni Fima
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Publication number: 20170159277Abstract: Various embodiments of a device for regulating a fluid flow are described that can include first and second downwardly-sloping valves that are biased in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping the device. The device can also include first and second downwardly-sloping valve seats, and configured such that an end portion of the first valve can be seated beneath the first valve seat and an end portion of the second valve can be seated beneath the second valve seat when the first and second valves are in a closed position, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2015Publication date: June 8, 2017Inventor: Giovanni Fima
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Publication number: 20170122445Abstract: A drain valve has a housing defining a drain conduit for the passage of fluids to be drained, the drain conduit having a first rim defining an inlet to the drain conduit opposite a second rim defining an outlet from the drain conduit. One or more non-return valves are within the drain conduit between the first rim and the second rim and have a closed configuration and an open configuration adapted to allow fluids to flow through the outlet of the drain conduit. A vent conduit extends within the drain conduit and comprises internally a lower valve seat, an upper valve seat and a bypass valve positioned between the lower valve seat and the upper valve seat. The bypass valve is adapted to allow gas to bypass the one or more non-return valves and escape to atmosphere when the gas reaches a predetermined pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2017Publication date: May 4, 2017Inventor: Giovanni Fima
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Patent number: 9556964Abstract: A drain valve device includes a drain valve housing arranged to be located within a drain opening. The housing has a wall structure surrounding an axis so as to define an internal flow passage through the housing and a strut member depending radially inwardly from the wall structure. The device has one or more valve members. A gas vent passage may be provided in the housing and a vent valve or control member may be provided to selectively prevent flow through the gas vent passage.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: NWS Europa GMBHInventor: Giovanni Fima
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Publication number: 20160319532Abstract: Various embodiments of a device for regulating a fluid flow are described that can include first and second downwardly-sloping valves that are biased in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping the device. The device can also include first and second downwardly-sloping valve seats, and configured such that an end portion of the first valve can be seated beneath the first valve seat and an end portion of the second valve can be seated beneath the second valve seat when the first and second valves are in a closed position, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2015Publication date: November 3, 2016Inventor: Giovanni Fima
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Publication number: 20150300511Abstract: A drain valve device includes a drain valve housing arranged to be located within a drain opening. The housing has a wall structure surrounding an axis so as to define an internal flow passage through the housing and a strut member depending radially inwardly from the wall structure. The device has one or more valve members. A gas vent passage may be provided in the housing and a vent valve or control member may be provided to selectively prevent flow through the gas vent passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2015Publication date: October 22, 2015Inventor: GIOVANNI FIMA
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Patent number: 9027172Abstract: Various embodiments of a device for regulating a fluid flow are described that can include first and second downwardly-sloping valves that are biased in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping the device. The device can also include first and second downwardly-sloping valve seats, and configured such that an end portion of the first valve can be seated beneath the first valve seat and an end portion of the second valve can be seated beneath the second valve seat when the first and second valves are in a closed position, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Inventor: Giovanni Fima
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Publication number: 20120167295Abstract: Various embodiments of a device for regulating a fluid flow are described that can include first and second downwardly-sloping valves that are biased in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping the device. The device can also include first and second downwardly-sloping valve seats, and configured such that an end portion of the first valve can be seated beneath the first valve seat and an end portion of the second valve can be seated beneath the second valve seat when the first and second valves are in a closed position, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventor: Giovanni Fima
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Publication number: 20120055777Abstract: Systems and methods for processing wastewater into a flushing fluid are described, in which wastewater flows into a holding tank from one or more restroom fixtures. A vacuum distillator can be coupled to the holding tank, and a heater can be configured to heat at least a portion of the wastewater in the vacuum distillator to produce a vapor. The vapor can be condensed by a condenser fluidly coupled to the vacuum distillator to produce a distilled stream. The stream can either be fed into a tank or passed to one or more restroom fixtures.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: LIQUIDBREAKER LLC.Inventors: Giovanni Fima, Frank Landon
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Publication number: 20110203048Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge for regulating a fluid flow are described that include an upper housing, and an insert that is user-removable from the upper housing. The cartridge can include one or more valves that are biased in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping the cartridge. The cartridge can also include a fluid trap that is at least partially disposed within the cartridge or fluidly coupled thereto. An ultraviolet light can be inserted within the cartridge to disinfect a fluid passageway of the cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventor: Giovanni Fima
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Patent number: 7970494Abstract: A system is disclosed that advantageously monitors a status of a relief valve coupled to a water heater or other pressure vessel. By monitoring the relief valve, the system can limit the energy and water wasted resulting from the relief valve's failure. The system can have first and second sensors that monitor a temperature and pressure within the relief valve, and a water flow from the relief valve, respectively. If the temperature or pressure within the relief valve exceeds predetermined thresholds, or a water flow from the relief valve continues for greater than a predetermined interval, the system can restrict a flow of gas, electric current, or water to the water heater.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: LiquidBreaker, LLCInventor: Giovanni Fima
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Patent number: 7966099Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling water consumption in a water-based system are disclosed using one or more sensors for generating signals indicative of the operation thereof. One or more interface modules are provided as breaker circuits for receiving the generated signals, and a fluid control device is operable for limiting the water consumption. A motherboard receives the interface modules and provides communication therebetween for information processing. Signals from the various sensors are supplied to a controller, which provides signals to status indicators, and also operates to provide alarm signals via network interfaces to remote locations. In an alternate embodiment, a water monitoring system is designed to shut off the water supply to the water device and to shut off either the electrical supply or the gas supply to the heating unit of the water device in response to sensing a malfunction through one or more sensed parameters.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: LiquidBreaker, LLCInventor: Giovanni Fima
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Patent number: 7900288Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge for regulating a fluid flow are described that include an upper housing, and an insert that is user-removable from the upper housing. The cartridge can include one or more valves that are biased in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping the cartridge. The cartridge can also include a fluid trap that is at least partially disposed within the cartridge or fluidly coupled thereto. An ultraviolet light can be inserted within the cartridge to disinfect a fluid passageway of the cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Liquidbreaker, LLCInventor: Giovanni Fima
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Publication number: 20110010833Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge for regulating a fluid flow are described that include an upper housing, and an insert that is user-removable from the upper housing. The cartridge can include one or more valves that are biased in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping the cartridge. The cartridge can also include a fluid trap that is at least partially disposed within the cartridge or fluidly coupled thereto. An ultraviolet light can be inserted within the cartridge to disinfect a fluid passageway of the cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventor: Giovanni Fima
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Publication number: 20100212752Abstract: A system that shuts down water flow to a water heater of a residence or commercial building upon detecting a leak that includes first and second valves, and first and second valve actuators that operate to control the first and second valves, respectively. Preferred systems also include first and second sensors that measure the flow of water into and out from water heaters, respectively. Preferred systems further include controllers that receive signals from each of the first and second sensors. Such controllers controllably communicate with each of the first and second valve actuators to close the first and second valves, respectively, when a flow difference is detected that is greater than a predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventor: Giovanni Fima
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Publication number: 20100199415Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge for regulating a fluid flow are described that include an upper housing, and an insert that is user-removable from the upper housing. The cartridge can include one or more valves that are biased in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping the cartridge. The cartridge can also include a fluid trap that is at least partially disposed within the cartridge or fluidly coupled thereto. An ultraviolet light can be inserted within the cartridge to disinfect a fluid passageway of the cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: LIQUIDBREAKER LLCInventor: Giovanni Fima
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Publication number: 20100192295Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge for regulating a fluid flow are described that include an upper housing, and an insert that is user-removable from the upper housing. The cartridge can include one or more valves that are biased in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping the cartridge. The cartridge can also include a fluid trap that is at least partially disposed within the cartridge or fluidly coupled thereto. An ultraviolet light can be inserted within the cartridge to disinfect a fluid passageway of the cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: LIQUIDBREAKER LLCInventor: Giovanni Fima
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Publication number: 20100155635Abstract: Systems that utilize a power grid to monitor and control fluid flow within a water system are presented. The system can have first and second docking stations configured to process signals produced by respective first and second sensors. The docking stations are preferably user-pluggable into a power grid such that the docking stations can communicate with other docking stations, sensors, or a remote monitor. Methods of refitting an existing water system to monitor and control water consumption are also presented. Sections of the existing system can be replaced with new sections that include at least one valve and sensor to monitor and control fluid flow through that section.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventor: Giovanni Fima
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Patent number: D621915Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: LiquidBreaker, LLCInventor: Giovanni Fima