With Valve At Outlet Patents (Class 137/299)
  • Publication number: 20140352800
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrant including an upper barrel; at least one hose nozzle; a valve associated with the hose nozzle; an electric motor to open and close the valve; and a controller coupled to the hydrant
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Clark, Nicholaus J. Peyton
  • Patent number: 8733390
    Abstract: A device for automatically flushing a dead-end of an underground municipal water distribution system includes an inlet for receiving pressurized water from the water distribution system, an outlet fluidly connected to the inlet conduit for discharging pressurized water from the inlet, and a control valve for controlling the flow of pressurized water between the inlet and the outlet. A housing surrounding the outlet redirects the water radially outwardly. An upper mounting plate locates the device within the housing. The upper mounting plate is mounted to an in-ground enclosure; releasing the upper mounting plate from the enclosure allows pulling the device from the underground water distribution system entirely from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: John C. Kupferle Foundry Company
    Inventor: Daniel G. McKeague
  • Publication number: 20130284280
    Abstract: In a hydrant assembly, the combination comprising an outer tubular member having a first flow port.; an inner tubular member having a closure thereon to close the port in relatively axially advanced position of the closure, and to open the port in relatively axially retracted position of the closure that allows fluid flow through the port to an outlet, control means to control relative movement of the inner and outer members. A second port may be located sidewardly of the outer tubular member to pass fluid in relatively retracted position of the closure to relieve fluid pressure in space formed between the inner and outer members, the inner member being elongated and extending lengthwise in the outer tubular member. The outer tubular member may consist of plastic material. Travel of the closure acts to allow expansion of fluid as it freezes, to relieve pressure build-up within the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Herbert W. Hoeptner
  • Patent number: 8443834
    Abstract: A protection system for protecting a fire hydrant is disclosed having an interior, the protection system including a nozzle having a first end to be secured to the hydrant and a second end configured to engage a fire hose coupling, the nozzle defining a bore that is in fluid communication with the interior of the fire hydrant, wherein the nozzle defines a seat disposed in the bore; and a disc disposed within the bore and configured to move axially and rotationally from a normally closed position to an open position in response to an increase in pressure within the interior of the fire hydrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventor: James Ola Williams
  • Publication number: 20130042924
    Abstract: Integrated flow control backflow preventer valve (“IFCBPV”) for new and existing wet- and dry-barrel fire hydrants, with barrel drain assemblies for dry-barrel hydrants, and hydrants equipped with such IFCBPVs, are presented. An exemplary IFCBPV can have a retaining screen comprising equidistant concave radial spokes intersecting at a central ring structure, a freely suspended check ball, and a lower ball seat with a seal. The upper surface of the retaining screen can be affixed to the hydrant's axial shaft, and can thus be used to open and close the hydrant via the ball. Alternatively, the retaining screen can be fixed and the axial shaft provided with a cup on its bottom that mates with the freely suspended ball that is caged between the retaining screen and the ball seat. An exemplary barrel drain assembly can comprise a spring-loaded piston, or alternatively, a check ball design as in the main barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Albert Montague
  • Patent number: 8302623
    Abstract: An cylindrical hollow anti-backflow insert that can rapidly retrofit a fire hydrant to prevent a forced liquid inflow into the fire hydrant after simple insertion of the insert into the outflow nozzles of a fire hydrant. A curved anti-backflow flap having a hinge at one end and an inflow fin at an opposite end is positioned within the insert. Outflow of water from the fire hydrant will cause the flap to rotate upwards, at which point the inflow fin protrudes into the interior of the insert sufficiently to catch any forced liquid inflow stream which will force the flap downward towards a curved flap seal. The curved flap seal reversibly engages the perimeter of the flap, thereby reversibly closing the rear end of the insert and preventing the forced inflow of liquid into the fire hydrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: H. Brunson Nichols
  • Patent number: 8276608
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for securing a fire hydrant, comprising a duct (3), a control pipe (4) having an operation end piece (5) at one end and a valve (7) at the other end capable of supplying said duct (3) with water from the main network, at least one connection (8) attached to said duct and capable of receiving fire hoses, said connection (8) including a sealing plug (9), said plug (9) including at least one first retaining means (15, 15a, 15b) capable of interacting with the control pipe (4) or with a wall of said duct (3) so as to prevent the sinking of the plug into said connection, characterized in that said plug (9) includes at least a second retaining means (13) for preventing the extraction of the plug from said connection and actuated by a locking device (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Bertrand Vasconi
  • Publication number: 20120241020
    Abstract: A protection system for protecting a fire hydrant is disclosed having an interior, the protection system including a nozzle having a first end to be secured to the hydrant and a second end configured to engage a fire hose coupling, the nozzle defining a bore that is in fluid communication with the interior of the fire hydrant, wherein the nozzle defines a seat disposed in the bore; and a disc disposed within the bore and configured to move axially and rotationally from a normally closed position to an open position in response to an increase in pressure within the interior of the fire hydrant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventor: James Ola Williams
  • Publication number: 20120048386
    Abstract: A system for isolating and flushing contaminants in a water supply system is disclosed. The system includes a monitoring and detection subsystem, a communication subsystem, and a flushing subsystem. Components of the system for isolating and flushing contaminants may be housed in a hydrant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Clark, Nicholaus J. Peyton
  • Publication number: 20110308638
    Abstract: An infrastructure monitoring system and method include multiple communications devices. At least one communications device is coupled to an element of the infrastructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory E. Hyland, Robert Paul Keefe, Marietta Edmunds Zakas, Clayton Robert Barker, III
  • Publication number: 20100229961
    Abstract: A hydrant is provided that employs a pipe interconnected to a faucet assembly. The pipe is constructed of a material that is resistant to detrimental affects of corrosion and pitting. Corrosion and pitting of pipes made of copper, as opposed to the plastic material employed, tends to erode a portion of the outlet pipe circumferentially such that if the pipe is later exposed to expansive effects of ice, the pipe could burst, thereby causing damage to the dwelling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • Patent number: 7775231
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for retrofitting fire hydrants with additional structure for reducing the potential that those with ill intent can foul municipal water supplies by introducing toxins or other materials into fire hydrants. Various embodiments include a replacement hydrant body having an enlarged diameter portion that can be installed to replace an existing hydrant body. The replacement hydrant body can include a secondary valve comprising a seat, biasing structure, and a restriction member to close off portions of the hydrant otherwise available for receipt of toxic or other materials when the fire hydrant nozzle cap is unscrewed and open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Davidson Hydrant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom R. Davidson, Sr., David Phillips, Anthony Ferrari, David Michael Walden
  • Patent number: 7766027
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and devices for providing a fire hydrant with a vented steamer port cap assembly to allow air and water to pass through an upper area of a fire hydrant. Various embodiments include hydrants with a vented steamer port cap assembly. In other embodiments, a secondary valve is included in the barrel of the fire hydrant to controllably allow liquid to flow through the hydrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Davidson Hydrant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom R. Davidson, Sr., Anthony Ferrari, Carlos Moreno
  • Publication number: 20100065133
    Abstract: A device for securing a fire hydrant, includes a duct (3), a control pipe (4) having an operation end piece (5) at one end and a valve (7) at the other end capable of supplying the duct (3) with water from the main network, at least one connection (8) attached to the duct and capable of receiving fire hoses, the connection (8) including a sealing plug (9), the plug (9) including at least one first retaining element (15, 15a, 15b) capable of interacting with the control pipe (4) or with a wall of the duct (3) so as to prevent the sinking of the plug into the connection, characterised in that the plug (9) includes at least a second retaining element (13) for preventing the extraction of the plug from the connection and actuated by a locking
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Bertrand Vasconi
  • Publication number: 20090229679
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and devices for providing a fire hydrant with a vented steamer port cap assembly to allow air and water to pass through an upper area of a fire hydrant. Various embodiments include hydrants with a vented steamer port cap assembly. In other embodiments, a secondary valve is included in the barrel of the fire hydrant to controllably allow liquid to flow through the hydrant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Tom R. Davidson, SR., Anthony Ferrari, Carlos Moreno
  • Patent number: 7575017
    Abstract: Wet barrel fire hydrants which feature additional structure for reducing the potential that those with ill intent can foul municipal water supplies by introducing toxins or other materials into fire hydrants. Various embodiments include valves which close off portions of the hydrant or water conduit otherwise available for receipt of toxic or other materials when the fire hydrant nozzle cap is unscrewed and open and/or a pump is connected to the nozzle. Such valves preferably open automatically when water is flowing from the water supply through the nozzle, but close off portions of the barrel when the nozzle is open and water is not flowing through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Davidson Hydrant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Dewey Davidson, Sr., David Michael Walden, Anthony Ferrari, David Phillips, O. G. Sims, Matthew Jesse Rose
  • Patent number: 7428910
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for providing a fire hydrant actuator rod with additional structure for allowing air to reach the area of a fire hydrant below a secondary valve. Various embodiments include an actuator rod with openings and hollow portions and configured to provide air from the area of a hydrant above the secondary valve to the area of a hydrant below a secondary valve. In some embodiments of the present invention, a check valve is provided with the actuator rod that is adapted to prevent the flow of fluid in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Davidson Hydrant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom R. Davidson, Sr., Anthony Ferrari, David M. Walden, Matthew J. Rose
  • Patent number: 7240688
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for retrofitting fire hydrants with additional structure for reducing the potential that those with ill intent can foul municipal water supplies by introducing toxins or other materials into fire hydrants. Various embodiments include a seat and elongated member for efficient and cost effective installation and cooperation with valves, which close off portions of the hydrant otherwise available for receipt of toxic or other materials when the fire hydrant nozzle cap is unscrewed and open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Davidson Hydrant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Dewey Davidson, Sr., Anthony Ferrari, David Michael Walden, Matthew Jesse Rose
  • Patent number: 7174911
    Abstract: Fire hydrants which feature additional structure for reducing the potential that those with ill intent can foul municipal water supplies by introducing toxins or other materials into fire hydrants. Various embodiments include valves which close off portions of the hydrant otherwise available for receipt of toxic or other materials when the fire hydrant nozzle cap is unscrewed and open. Such valves preferably open, manually or automatically, when water is flowing from the water supply through the nozzle, a condition which renders it difficult at best to introduce toxins through the hydrant into a water supply, but close off portions of the barrel when the nozzle is open and water is not flowing through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Davidson Hydrant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Dewey Davidson
  • Patent number: 7055544
    Abstract: Fire hydrants which feature additional structure for reducing the potential that those with ill intent can foul municipal water supplies by introducing toxins or other materials into fire hydrants. Various embodiments include valves which close off portions of the hydrant otherwise available for receipt of toxic or other materials when the fire hydrant nozzle cap is unscrewed and open. Such valves preferably open, manually or automatically, when water is flowing from the water supply through the nozzle, a condition which renders it difficult at best to introduce toxins through the hydrant into a water supply, but close off portions of the barrel when the nozzle is open and water is not flowing through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Davidson Hydrant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Dewey Davidson
  • Patent number: 6948512
    Abstract: A device and method for automatically flushing hydrants. The device is installed externally to an existing hydrant. The device comprises a nipple having an internally threaded collar for attaching the device to a hydrant outlet, a valve, a control for automatically operating the valve, and a lockable box containing at least the valve, the box having an outlet for allowing water from the hydrant to pass from the valve to the exterior of the box. The box functions as an enclosure and may be of any desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: John C. Kupferle Foundry Co.
    Inventor: Daniel G. McKeague
  • Patent number: 6910495
    Abstract: A backflow prevention system that helps prevent contamination of potable water distribution systems from backflow at fire hydrant connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Anthony P. Lafalce
  • Patent number: 6868860
    Abstract: Fire hydrants which feature additional structure for reducing the potential that those with ill intent can foul municipal water supplies by introducing toxins or other materials into fire hydrants. Various embodiments include valves which close off portions of the hydrant otherwise available for receipt of toxic or other materials when the fire hydrant nozzle cap is unscrewed and open. Such valves preferably open, manually or automatically, when water is flowing from the water supply through the nozzle, a condition which renders it difficult at best to introduce toxins through the hydrant into a water supply, but close off portions of the barrel when the nozzle is open and water is not flowing through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Davidson Hydrant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Dewey Davidson
  • Patent number: 6820635
    Abstract: A device and method for automatically flushing hydrants. The device is installed externally to an existing hydrant. The device comprises a nipple having an internally threaded collar for attaching the device to a hydrant outlet, a valve, a control for automatically operating the valve, and a lockable box containing at least the valve, the box having an outlet for allowing water from the hydrant to pass from the valve to the exterior of the box. The box functions as an enclosure and may be of any desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: John C. Kupferle Foundry Company
    Inventor: Daniel G. McKeague
  • Patent number: 4393891
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for periodically rinsing a water cock countersunk in the ground. A drainpipe is connected between the water cock and a closing member of an extension piece. The drainpipe includes a valve body which is opened by the water pressure prevailing in the extension pipe when the water cock is initially opened. After a predetermined period of time the valve body is closed. Thus, the present invention ensures that after the water cock is opened dirt is flushed away through the drainpipe which is subsequently automatically closed after a predetermined time. After the drainpipe is closed, a valve member connected to the extension pipe can be opened and only pure water will be supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignee: Ocean B.V.
    Inventors: Govert J. Snoek, William J. Tuil
  • Patent number: 3939861
    Abstract: A fire hydrant designed to prevent the unauthorized use of an outlet nozzle which is located on the above ground barrel portion of the stand pipe. The hydrant includes a valve means located within the barrel portion and provided with a valve member which is biased to a closed position extending across the upstream end of the outlet nozzle. A valve actuator is provided to be threaded onto the outlet nozzle for moving the valve member away from the closed position to an open position permitting the flow of water through the outlet nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1976
    Inventor: William J. Thompson