Abstract: A connected roof drain assembly including a roof drain, a sensor group in operable communication with the roof drain and configured to output signals representative of the fluid flow therethough, and a communication assembly configured to receive the signals output by the sensor group and wirelessly transmit data to a user portal based at least in part on the signals output by the sensor group.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a water pumping system. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a solar electric powered, siphon-capable water pumping systems specifically configured for use in rooftop and other applications having similar need and conditions. Advantageously, a water pumping system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is configured to prevent pooling of water in low-lying areas of a roof and thereby limits the potential for damage to the roof and underlying structure that could otherwise result from such pooling of the water.

Abstract: This application discloses novel vacuum break devices useful in automatic vacuum flushing systems. The vacuum break devices are capable of rapidly breaking the vacuum in a storage tank of a sewer line, thus enabling efficient flushing of sediments and cleaning of the sewer system. The invention also provides automatic vacuum flushing systems comprising these novel rapid vacuum break devices and methods thereof for sewer or storage tank sediment cleaning in urban drainage systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a water pumping system. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a solar electric powered, siphon-capable water pumping systems specifically configured for use in rooftop and other applications having similar need and conditions. Advantageously, a water pumping system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is configured to prevent pooling of water in low-lying areas of a roof and thereby limits the potential for damage to the roof and underlying structure that could otherwise result from such pooling of the water.

Abstract: A windshield washer fluid supplying system for a vehicle having a windshield washer device comprising a reservoir mounted in the vehicle for storing washer fluid is disclosed, the supplying system comprising a supplying tube having a first end portion and a second end portion; a first end piece comprising a portion mountable on the reservoir and an aperture therethrough for receiving the first end portion of the supplying tube so as to enable fluid communication between the first end portion of the supplying tube and the reservoir; and a second end piece comprising a portion adapted for mounting on a container of washer fluid placed in the vehicle and an aperture therethrough for receiving the second end portion of the supplying tube so that the second end portion of the supplying tube extends inside the container proximate a bottom portion thereof when the second end piece is mounted on the container, thereby establishing a siphonage circuit between the reservoir and the container with the supplying tube for

Abstract: The present invention is a modular tower structure comprising a common up-flow column topped with a covered header to which multiple independent down-flow and scavenger columns are attached. It employs a renewable energy process for extracting energy from the atmosphere. The process works by creating a vacuum into which atmospheric air is drawn through a vacuum operated motor driver. The motor in turn can operate other mechanisms as electric power generators. A scavenger column and a header operate independently to collect and remove air before it can accumulate in the tower header and interfere with the siphon process. The tower header is equipped to remove solids or floatables before they can collect at the top of the header and interfere with the process. The header cover is removable for inspection and ease of maintenance.

Abstract: The Present Invention enables energy to be extracted from the atmosphere by creating a vacuum into which atmospheric air is drawn through a vacuum operated motor. The motor operates on the pressure differential between atmospheric pressure at the motor inlet and the vacuum level created by liquid flowing vertically through a tube via gravity. The greater the pressure differential, the greater the airflow through the motor, and the greater the energy extracted by the vacuum motor. The Present Invention is a workable and sustainable vacuum energy recovery system based on siphon principles, and specifically addresses problem areas immediately identifiable to a siphon-based system with air infusion. A scavenger loop operates independently to prevent air and/or gas from accumulating at the siphon apex. Micro-diffusers designed for sweeping effects across the air-liquid interfaces also provide for the optimal ratios of air volumes and bubble sizes compatible with the liquid flow rates within a given siphon.

Abstract: A self-powered pump for heated liquid is provided. The pump includes an airtight container for containing the heated liquid. A heated liquid inlet pipe extends upwardly into the container such that its end is within the container. A heated liquid outlet is lower than the end of the inlet pipe. A breathing pipe extends upwardly into the container such that its end is within the container and is higher than both of the outlet and the end of the inlet pipe but lower than an interior side of the container top. An opposite end of the breathing pipe is outside the container, lower than the container base, and is received by an open container such that the opposite end can become submerged in heated liquid accumulated within the open container during pump operation. A fluid or liquid heating system incorporating the self-powered pump may operate without external power for the pump.

Abstract: Provided are multi-channel valves comprising first and second siphon channels comprising first ends that are operably connected to each other; and (ii) at least one actuator, the actuator capable of movement between at least a first position (where the first siphon channel is occluded) and a second position (where the second siphon channel is occluded). Also provided are spray containers operable in a plurality of positions, the containers comprising multi-channel valves wherein movement of an actuator causes communication between a sprayer head and liquid contents of the container via at least one of two dip tubes to be disrupted, thereby facilitating the drawing of the liquid contents from the lowest point in the container.

Abstract: A filter for a carpet cleaning device and method for using therefor includes a casing and a partition that extends into the casing to define a primary chamber and a secondary chamber within the casing. A main siphon with an inverted U-shape is mounted in the partition. One end of the siphon extends into the primary chamber while the other end of the siphon extends into the secondary chamber. An auxiliary siphon is located within the secondary chamber, and a pump is attached in fluid communication with the auxiliary siphon. During operation, a wastewater/debris stream is transported into the filter. The stream collects in the primary chamber and establishes a primary fluid level therein. As the primary fluid level rises, carpet fibers and other insoluble debris settle in the primary chamber. Once the primary fluid level is even with the siphon, wastewater fluid is transported from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber and establishes a secondary fluid level therein.

Abstract: Provided is a fluid control device comprising: (a) a channel of capillary dimensions for conveying a liquid, (b) a bubble-forming device for forming a channel-blocking bubble in the channel, wherein such a bubble formed in the channel impedes the flow of the liquid through the channel.

Abstract: The invention includes a system for monitoring the performance of an automatic dosing siphon utilized in reservoir which is a part of a wastewater treatment system. The siphon includes a bell type cover, a fluid trap having one leg extending upward into the bell, and an outlet discharge pipe connected to said trap. A flow detect switch is located in the discharge pipe. Upon siphon activation the switch is opened and a countdown timer is reset. After draining the reservoir, the switch closes and the timer starts counting down a predetermined time period. If the siphon doesn't activate, time expires and an alarm is triggered. A second system utilizes a solenoid drain valve located above the outlet portion of the siphon trap such that upon time expiring the valve opens, the tank drains, and the timer resets. The valve automatically reprimes the siphon. The system continues to monitor the siphon and initiates an alarm upon subsequent siphon failures.

Abstract: A siphon pump system for pumping water from a water source to a supply destination. The system includes a holding canister through which the water flows, and a first timing bucket associated with the holding canister for controlling the admission of air into the system to thereby permit flow of water contained within the holding canister. A lower flow control chamber is provided adjacent the outlet from a long, second siphon conduit extending from the holding canister to control the refilling of the holding canister in an automatic manner and without the need for connections with a source of electrical power.

Abstract: A roof draining system including a series of portable siphon heads which can be placed anywhere on a flat roof where there is a ponding area that no longer can be drained by any pre-existing water drainage system, a series of upstanding pipes, and a second series of roof top pipes each connected at one end to one of the siphon heads and each connected at an opposite end to one of the upstanding pipes. A control valve structure is connected to the upstanding pipes. The control valve structure has a series of solenoid operated valves each connected to one of the upstanding pipes at one end. Manual discharge valves are each connected at an opposite end of one of the pipe tees. An electrical timer is operatively connected to each of the solenoid operated valves. Siphon pumps are each positioned in line with and operatively connected between one of the solenoid operated valves.

Abstract: An apparatus, including a primary container or tank for receiving fluid, and a secondary or dispersing tank at a lower level for receiving fluid in a controlled manner from the upper tank. Fluid transfer is perfomed by siphoning tubes, at least one primary siphoning tube being contained within the primary tank. The primary tank includes an opening with a fitting for attachment to a conventional source of water such as to a hose connected to a municipal water supply. The primary siphon tube effects flow of fluid to the secondary tank, which contains a plurality of smaller diameter siphon tubes, with each tube in turn providing fluid to a receiving area, such as one or a group of plant beds. A valve is provided for controlling the outlet of the primary siphon tube. Vertical adjustments can be made to the secondary tank siphon tubes provided for controlling the respective outlets of the secondary tank siphon tubes.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine which combines a powdered beverage mix and water in a first mixing chamber, provides for additional dispersion and solubilization of the powder in water in one or more additional mixing chambers and thereafter gravity feeds the powder-containing liquid into a low-capacity reservoir from which the beverage may be dispensed on an intermittent basis.

Abstract: A siphon is provided having a generally S-shaped configuration with a widely flaring inlet and discharge. The siphon is adapted for use with a fluid storage tank which is positioned adjacent a trough to be flushed by the siphon. The siphon discharge opens upward onto a floor surface of the trough. The siphon inlet is provided with a weep hole. The siphon includes a trigger mechanism which activates a flushing mode of the siphon during a flushing cycle. Multiple siphons may be interconnected by the trigger mechanism so as to produce simultaneous flushing thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically purging the primary reservoir in an evaporative cooler which utilizes a secondary reservoir supplied with a portion of the output flow of the recirculating pump. The primary and secondary reservoirs each contain drain valves actuated when the fluid level therein exceeds a predetermined level. The normal operating fluid level in the primary reservoir is established below the drain level. When the secondary reservoir is filled and drains, its flow is directed into the primary reservoir causing it to exceed its fluid drain level and thus automatically purge the primary reservoir of fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for siphoning liquid such as water which accumulates in a ponding area (16) located on a flat roof (12) to a drain (14) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first liquid conduit (21) which has one end (58) in the accumulated water and a second end (52) in drain (14). A reservoir (26) (64) accumulates a selected volume of water which is transferred from the reservoir (26) (64) by a second liquid conduit (38) to the first liquid conduit (21) such that the first liquid conduit (21) is completely filled with water suitable for initiating siphoning action of the water in ponding area (16) to drain (14). A means for controlling the flow of liquid from reservoir (26) (64) to first conduit (21) such as float valve (36) is included such that there is no transfer of liquid from reservoir 26 to first liquid conduit 21 until the selected volume of water has accumulated.

Abstract: In a siphon apparatus having at least two legs with a liquid trap therebetween, a liquid holding chamber is provided which communicates with the liquid trap through a restrictive orifice and which fills the liquid trap after the siphon is used, thereby insuring a liquid seal for the next use of the siphon. An overflow device is provided for the liquid trap which cooperates with a trigger mechanism to fill the liquid trap to a predetermined level at the same time assuring the filling of the trigger mechanism. The trigger device may be connected to a plurality of siphons, whereby each siphon flushes simultaneously when a predetermined level is reached in a tank which is to be discharged thereby. Preferably the siphons are conchoidally or spirally shaped, and the holding chamber comprises an inner void thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a siphonic apparatus to effect irrigation of a field from a water supply. The apparatus comprises a bridging structure which includes a chassis fabricated from spaced longitudinal bottom members, spaced longitudinal top members interconnected by cross members, vertical struts, diagonal braces and side plates to form a rigid structure having a central elevated section and downwardly angled end sections, the ends of which being on substantially the same plane as the surface supporting the chassis.At least one siphonic tube is rotatably, transversely supported in the chassis.

Abstract: In a siphon apparatus having at least two legs with a liquid trap therebetween, a liquid holding chamber is provided which communicates with the liquid trap through a restrictive orifice and which fills the liquid trap after the siphon is used, thereby insuring a liquid seal for the next use of the siphon. An overflow device is provided for the liquid trap which cooperates with a trigger mechanism to fill the liquid trap to a predetermined level at the same time assuring the filling of the trigger mechanism. The trigger device may be connected to a plurality of siphons, whereby each siphon flushes simultaneously when a predetermined level is reached in a tank which is to be discharged thereby. Preferably the siphons are conchoidally or spirally shaped, and the holding chamber comprises an inner void thereof.

Abstract: A flat roof solar powered auxiliary drain system having master and satellite modules with respective drain lines and electric pumps for charging the drain lines for syphoning standing water from a flat roof, the master module having a battery and a solar cell for charging the battery for supplying power for operating the electric pumps and a control circuit for selectively energizing the electric pumps for removing standing water.

Abstract: An underwater gas/liquid reservoir 1, particularly designed to be used as a ballast/buoyancy tank in an offshore drilling platform, has a pressurized supply duct 2 for introducing gas into the reservoir to control the liquid level therein. The gas supply duct has two openings 8, 11, one near the bottom of the reservoir and the other near the top. A movable straddle packer 14 is disposed in the gas supply duct for selectively closing the bottom opening 8 so that gas is allowed to flow only through the top opening 11 of the supply duct. The packer can also be positioned to uncover the bottom opening 8 of the gas supply duct. In operation, the liquid level within the reservoir is controlled by the introduction or release of pressurized gas into or from the reservoir through the openings of the gas supply duct either to force liquid from the reservoir or to allow liquid to flow into it.

Abstract: A siphon apparatus is provided which includes a liquid storage reservoir in which is mounted a conchoidial-shaped siphon having an inlet end and an outlet end. A trigger device is provided and is connected to the siphon and is operable for actuating the siphon action of the siphon when a predetermined level of liquid is reached in the reservoir. The apparatus requires no moving parts for the operation thereof.

Abstract: An automatic flushing device for an evaporative cooling system contains a water sump, circulating pump, and float-operated water makeup source. A small, adjustable portion of the return flow enters a separate timing reservoir. When the timing reservoir is full, water from the well and the sump are flushed from the system through a siphon tube which communicates with both chambers.

Abstract: The conveyor belt cleaner serves as a mechanical cleaner for an endless conveyor belt entrained about a pair of pulleys and includes a vertically movable support adapted to be mounted on the frame of the conveyor transversely of the belt, with the support carrying a plurality of independently operable wiper blade assemblies for removing from the conveyor belt abrasive and other objectionable materials. A pair of manually operable jack screws are interposed between the conveyor frame and the support and which are effective upon rotation thereof to vertically move the support and wiper blade assemblies relative to the conveyor belt thus pressurizing the wiper blades of the assemblies against the belt. Each wiper blade assembly is independently mounted on the support by a mounting means including a spring interposed between the support and the corresponding wiper blade assembly for biasing the blade towards the belt.