With Supplemental Valve Patents (Class 137/300)
  • Patent number: 11851857
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to coupling device and valve assembly for use with accessing the water flow in a fire hydrant. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to various coupling device and valve assemblies which are used as a quick connect and disconnect of a fire hose to the hydrant. Additionally, it is advantageous that the coupling device and valve assemblies also provide a self-sealing valve feature, which immediately stops the flow of water when the hose is disconnected from the hydrant. An advantage provided by the present coupling device and valve assemblies is that should a primary valve on a hydrant become unusable, the fire hose can be quickly disconnected from that hydrant and reconnected to a second hydrant without requiring a shutdown of the water grid feeding the disconnected hydrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventor: Robert Laws
  • Patent number: 11480257
    Abstract: A valve arrangement to allow a fluid flow in a first direction and block it in a second direction opposite the first direction. The valve arrangement includes: a fluid channel, a valve seat and a closing body arranged in the fluid channel. The closing body prevents fluid flow in the second direction when resting against the valve seat and allows fluid flow in the first direction when the closing body is lifted off the valve seat; a closing body holder in the fluid channel configured to restrict movement of the closing body in the first direction when the closing body is lifted off the valve seat. The closing body holder held on an inner circumferential wall of the fluid channel in a frictional fit and/or movable in the first direction in a position in which the closing body holder is held on an inner circumferential wall of the fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Schwäbische Hüttenwerke Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Jäggle, Michael Ehringer, Georg Wiebel
  • Patent number: 10407882
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for shutting off the flow of liquid to a hydrant. A break away frangible activator of a valve body becomes dislodged responsive to a hydrant receiving sufficient inadvertent impact. A valve member closes in response to the impact to close off the flow of fluid to the hydrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Richard T. Kitchen, Richard D. Traver
  • Patent number: 9890866
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for shutting off the flow of liquid to a hydrant. A break away frangible activator of a valve body becomes dislodged responsive to a hydrant receiving sufficient inadvertent impact. A valve member closes in response to the impact to close off the flow of fluid to the hydrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: KSJ VALVE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Richard T. Kitchen, Richard D. Traver
  • Patent number: 9506575
    Abstract: Disclosed is a check valve disc including a disc flapper, the disc flapper formed with urethane, a flexing portion formed by the disc flapper, and a rigid portion including a sealing surface. Also disclosed is a check valve including a valve body, the valve body having an inlet end, an outlet end, and an inner surface defining an inlet cavity proximate the inlet end and an outlet cavity proximate the outlet end, and a check valve disc, the check valve disc including a disc flapper, the disc flapper formed with urethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Q. Fallon, George Robert Charles Bainbridge
  • Patent number: 9353878
    Abstract: A dual plate backflow and breakaway check valve that features a warning system to alert individuals when fire hydrants are dislocated. The dual plate check valve comprises an upper surge protection valve assembly and a lower backflow protection valve assembly. When fire hydrant or pipes conveying fluids are damaged, the locking mechanism enables a plurality of upper witness stream holes to generate at least one plume of fluid to indicate and readily visualize location of damage and allows an upper barrel assembly to operate in a closure mode. In this mode, a high pressure spray of fluid emits from the upper valve barrel and an optimum inclination of the lower portion of the upper valve barrel enables the upper witness stream holes to collide with an inner side wall of the upper valve barrel which causes the plurality of upper witness stream holes to disperse into a warning signaling mist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventors: Melvin Plummer, Aaron Plummer, Jerry Friedman, Uri Shohet
  • Publication number: 20140305516
    Abstract: An embodiment wall hydrant includes a reservoir, conduits containing an operating rod assembly and a service rod assembly, and a fluid outlet with a hose connector. The service rod assembly allows water supply to the hydrant to be shut-off from the front of the hydrant which allows servicing of the hydrant without requiring water shut-off to all or a portion of the water supply to the building. Embodiments include a vacuum relief dual check valve assembly at the fluid outlet which prevents backflow of water into the hydrant. Embodiments include a box which protects the hydrant controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Jay R. Smith Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William Anthony Stanaland
  • Patent number: 8851104
    Abstract: Disclosed is an elevating fire hydrant assembly. The elevating fire hydrant assembly includes: a water pipe which supplies firefighting water in accordance with the open or shut operation of a water control valve buried underground; an elbow pipe connected to the water pipe; a fixing pipe connected to the elbow pipe; an elevating pipe which is coupled to the fixing pipe to retract into or extend from the ground, and the lower end of which is coupled to a guide block that slides along the inner surface of the fixing pipe; a sealing plate coupled to the top of the fixing pipe to prevent the elevating pipe from escaping; a head block which is coupled to the top of the elevating pipe, and which has a hose connector for connecting a firefighting hose; and valve means for opening or shutting the lower end of the elevating pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Syeng Yen One
  • Publication number: 20140230916
    Abstract: A system for protecting a fluid supply from a contaminant includes an anchor check valve having an inlet end and an exit end, the anchor check valve adapted to allow fluid flow through the anchor check valve from the inlet end to the exit end but prevent fluid flow through the check valve from the exit end to the inlet end; a dry-barrel fire hydrant in proximate fluid communication with the anchor check valve, the dry-barrel fire hydrant having a valve operating mechanism; and a hydrant shoe coupled to the anchor check valve, the hydrant shoe having a valve assembly adjustably connected to the valve operating mechanism of the dry-barrel fire hydrant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholaus J. Peyton
  • Patent number: 8733381
    Abstract: An anchor valve for security is disclosed. The anchor valve includes a check valve with a flapper for preventing a contaminant from entering the fluid supply system. Contaminants that are outboard of the anchor valve are unable to pass by and are expelled when the fluid supply valve is opened. The anchor valve may include an access cover for maintenance and inspection of the flapper and the check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholaus J. Peyton
  • Publication number: 20140137949
    Abstract: An insertable backflow preventer is presented. The backflow preventer is provided with a cylindrical housing. The housing has a flow transition zone, a proximal orifice/ball seat, a ball with a specific weight that equals or is close to the specific weight of the surrounding fluid, and a distal retaining screen. The housing can have a flange provided on the outside of the housing at one end to facilitate securing the valve in a pipe. The valve is self-cleaning, can be placed in any orientation in a pipe and has low hydraulic head-loss. The valve's unique cost-effective design provides for easy and relative quick installation, eliminates the need to reconfigure existing plumbing, and can be performance tested remotely. Properly installed, it can dramatically improve the security of, for example, potable water sources in a building or other context, and inasmuch as when installed it is not visible, it is tamper proof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Sivan Valves, LLC
    Inventor: Albert Montague
  • Patent number: 8627847
    Abstract: An insertable backflow preventer is presented. The backflow preventer is provided with a cylindrical housing. The housing has a flow transition zone, a proximal orifice/ball seat, a ball with a specific weight that equals or is close to the specific weight of the surrounding fluid, and a distal retaining screen. The housing can have a flange provided on the outside of the housing at one end to facilitate securing the valve in a pipe. The valve is self-cleaning, can be placed in any orientation in a pipe and has low hydraulic head-loss. The valve's unique cost-effective design provides for easy and relative quick installation, eliminates the need to reconfigure existing plumbing, and can be performance tested remotely. Properly installed, it can dramatically improve the security of, for example, potable water sources in a building or other context, and inasmuch as when installed it is not visible, it is tamper proof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: SIVAN Valves, LLC
    Inventor: Albert Montague
  • 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: 7686031
    Abstract: A fire hydrant system relating to protection of a water supply from contamination. The fire hydrant system includes a barrel adapted to communicate at least indirectly with a water supply; a nozzle extending from the barrel; a hydrant valve adapted to controllably regulate communication between the barrel and the water supply; a valve actuator adapted to allow actuation of the hydrant valve; a nozzle cap adapted to at least close off the nozzle opening; and a hydrant shoe in communication with the water supply, the hydrant shoe comprising a backflow prevention assembly, wherein water can flow from the water supply through the hydrant shoe into the barrel at an open position of the backflow prevention assembly disc, and wherein media cannot enter the water supply via the barrel when the backflow prevention assembly disc is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Mueller International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikhail German, Leo W. Fleury, Ken Clark
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090183783
    Abstract: A fire hydrant system relating to protection of a water supply from contamination. The fire hydrant system includes a barrel adapted to communicate at least indirectly with a water supply; a nozzle extending from the barrel; a hydrant valve adapted to controllably regulate communication between the barrel and the water supply; a valve actuator adapted to allow actuation of the hydrant valve; a nozzle cap adapted to at least close off the nozzle opening; and a hydrant shoe in communication with the water supply, the hydrant shoe comprising a backflow prevention assembly, wherein water can flow from the water supply through the hydrant shoe into the barrel at an open position of the backflow prevention assembly disc, and wherein media cannot enter the water supply via the barrel when the backflow prevention assembly disc is in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mikhail German, Leo W. Fleury, Ken Clark
  • Patent number: 7520294
    Abstract: A fire hydrant system relating to protection of a water supply from contamination. The fire hydrant system includes a barrel adapted to communicate at least indirectly with a water supply; a nozzle extending from the barrel; a hydrant valve adapted to controllably regulate communication between the barrel and the water supply; a valve actuator adapted to allow actuation of the hydrant valve; a nozzle cap adapted to at least close off the nozzle opening; and a hydrant shoe in communication with the water supply, the hydrant shoe comprising a backflow prevention assembly, wherein water can flow from the water supply through the hydrant shoe into the barrel at an open position of the backflow prevention assembly disc, and wherein media cannot enter the water supply via the barrel when the backflow prevention assembly disc is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Mueller International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikhail German, Leo W. Fleury, Ken Clark
  • Publication number: 20090000666
    Abstract: An anchor valve for security is disclosed. The anchor valve includes a check valve with a flapper for preventing a contaminant from entering the fluid supply system. Contaminants that are outboard of the anchor valve are unable to pass by and are expelled when the fluid supply valve is opened. The anchor valve may include an access cover for maintenance and inspection of the flapper and the check valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Nicholaus J. Peyton
  • Publication number: 20080083458
    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: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Dewey Davidson, David Michael Walden, Anthony Ferrari, David Phillips, O.G. Sims, Matthew Jesse Rose
  • Patent number: 7314057
    Abstract: A fluid delivering hydrant providing a valve actuated assembly with enclosing shroud and water resistive doom handle assembly to protect the assembly from exposure to the weather while preventing entry of rainwater into a building structure upon the roof of which the device has been installed. The fluid hydrant also includes structures for preventing water or fluid from remaining in the hydrant after the fluid flow valve is closed. This presents possibly freezing of the fluid and damage to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Phil A. Parker
  • Publication number: 20070295406
    Abstract: A fire hydrant system relating to protection of a water supply from contamination. The fire hydrant system includes a barrel adapted to communicate at least indirectly with a water supply; a nozzle extending from the barrel; a hydrant valve adapted to controllably regulate communication between the barrel and the water supply; a valve actuator adapted to allow actuation of the hydrant valve; a nozzle cap adapted to at least close off the nozzle opening; and a hydrant shoe in communication with the water supply, the hydrant shoe comprising a backflow prevention assembly, wherein water can flow from the water supply through the hydrant shoe into the barrel at an open position of the backflow prevention assembly disc, and wherein media cannot enter the water supply via the barrel when the backflow prevention assembly disc is in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: Mueller International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikhail GERMAN, Leo W. Fleury, Ken Clark
  • Patent number: 7156119
    Abstract: A hydrant knock-off combination flow stop valve and backflow check valve, mountable between water system riser and a wet-type hydrant having a breakaway flange ring. The vertical valve has a bulbous, cylindrical outer wall having an upper flange connecting to a wet-type hydrant by a break ring and a lower flange connecting to a system riser pipe. One embodiment has radial vertical vanes defining a central cylinder coaxial with the valve and acting as guides for a movable valve element to travel vertically up and down. The lower flange a seat, acting as a check valve with the valve element. The valve has a restraining cage keeping the valve element from engaging an upper seat. Once the break ring is ruptured the valve element seals against the seat, stopping water flow. The preferred valve element is a plastic coated ball. Another embodiment has a double mushroom, spring loaded valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Erling A. Freudendahl
  • Patent number: 6401745
    Abstract: A fire hydrant automatic shut-off valve including a cylindrical sleeve having an open lower end and an open upper end. The open lower end receives a water supply stand pipe therein. The open upper end receives an open lower end of the fire hydrant thereon whereby the open lower end of the fire hydrant is in communication with the water supply stand pipe. A pair of flaps is hingedly coupled with the open upper end of the cylindrical sleeve. The pair of flaps close to a corresponding horizontal position to effectively seal the cylindrical sleeve to prevent water from flowing from the water supply stand pipe to the fire hydrant. A trigger sleeve is slidably disposed within the open upper end of the cylindrical sleeve. The trigger sleeve extends downwardly to push the pair of flaps outwardly to allow water to flow freely from the water supply stand pipe to the fire hydrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Harold Eugene Corder
  • Patent number: 5218987
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for protecting a water distribution system from water surge damage which otherwise might result if one of its valves is suddenly opened or closed. The outlet of the shut-off valve and the inlet of the hydrant valve of one outlet of the system are excavated, and a specially designed tap including an airtight reservoir is inserted between and connected to them. When the tap is installed, the reservoir is preferably oriented to extend perpendicularly upward, so it normally will be at least partially filled with air in use. Preferably, no further joints separate the shut-off valve and the hydrant valve. Finally, the shut-off valve, the hydrant valve, and the tap are preferably buried to a depth beneath the frost line, if the hydrant is exposed to a climate where the ground is subject to freezing. A water distribution system having the previously described elements at each outlet is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventor: Howard W. Heil
  • Patent number: 4748997
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of removing and replacing the main water supply valve of a high pressure hydrant without the necessity of shutting off the supply of water to the hydrant, wherein the apparatus generally comprises a hydrant adapter for interconnection of the apparatus to a variety of hydrant configurations, a slide valve chamber and slide valve assembly, a main body, a valve seat wrench and interconnected elongate wrench shaft moveable through the interior of the apparatus, an upper seal assembly to form a water tight sliding seal around the wrench shaft, a valve lifting tool moveable through the interior of the elongate wrench shaft in water tight relation therewith, a wrench activating assembly, a plurality of bleed valves for removal of water from selected portions of the apparatus, and a bypass valve assembly for equalization of water pressure between selected portions of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Inventor: Waymon Ragsdale
  • 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