Abstract: The invention is an automated sprayer for spraying the walls of a bath and shower enclosure with a cleanser. The sprayer has a housing that can be mounted inside the shower enclosure and that defines a tray in which an inverted bottle of cleanser is stored. The bottom of the tray has a tube extending downwardly along a longitudinal axis through which the cleanser can pass. A motorized head disposed beneath the tube can be rotated about the axis for metering cleanser from the bottle and spraying cleanser outward. The sprayer includes timer circuitry that delays commencement of a spray for a set time and automatically stops spraying after a predetermined period. The sprayer also includes a system for signaling the beginning of a spray cycle including audio and visual alarms. An automated method of cleaning the shower enclosure is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are check valve assemblies with enhanced back flow protection. There are at least two duckbilled check valves, each having an inlet at one end and an elastomeric bill formed at an opposite end, the bill having opposed lips and an outlet openable by a flexing of the lips apart. The bill of the first duckbill check valve is telescoped into and retained in the inlet of the second duckbilled check valve (e.g. by a jam fit or snap fit connection). These assemblies can be positioned in compact conduits such as those found in garden hose outlet nozzles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are closures that are formed via an injection molding process with a thin breakable web. When they are first placed in a fluid conduit and exposed to line pressure the web will break open so as to thereby create a duckbilled type check valve. Thus, the closure can provide a seal during long-term storage prior to use. However, once used it functions as a check valve.