Wall Patents (Class 137/360)
  • Publication number: 20120273064
    Abstract: A plumbing finish plate assembly, for connecting water supply lines and a drain line in a wall to fixture supply and drain lines, comprises a mounting panel having a drain line opening and two supply line openings formed therethrough. The drain line opening is larger than the supply line openings and a flexible, annular seal is secured around the drain line opening. A supply line connector assembly is securable to the mounting panel through each supply line opening. A securement means, in the form of a clip is used to selectively secure the supply line connector assembly to the mounting panel such that an outlet leg of the connector assembly is oriented in at least ninety degree increments relative to the mounting panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: SIOUX CHIEF MFG. CO., INC.
    Inventors: Brian E. Ismert, Joseph P. Ismert
  • Patent number: 8281800
    Abstract: A system for mounting a faucet to the exterior portion of a dwelling is provided. A mounting sleeve is employed that is associated with a tube that is interconnected to the faucet that is generally positioned outside of a dwelling. The tube is rigidly interconnected to a mounting sleeve that is supported by at least one bracket that allows for selective adjustments. That is, the mounting sleeve may be selectively offset from the interior surface of the dwelling, thereby accommodating exterior building surfaces with irregular shapes such as stone, brick, mortar, stucco, etc. The mounting system provides additional rigidity to the faucet/dwelling interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, William L. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8276609
    Abstract: Disclosed is a concealed plumbing fixture including a connection member that is provided with at least one connection for a water pipe, especially a domestic cold water pipe and/or a domestic warm water pipe, and at least one fastening element for fixing the connecting member in a mounting hole. Said plumbing fixture further includes a functional unit, particularly with a plumbing valve that is provided with connection means for creating a water connection to complementary connecting means of the connecting member, and a joining device that allows the functional unit to be removably fixed to the connecting member. The connecting member is preferably provided with an adjustable fastening device by means of which the same can be fixed in the mounting hole at different mounting depths. The inventive plumbing fixture also includes at least one fastening ring that can be moved in an axial direction along the connecting member as well as at least one means for locking the fastening ring on the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventor: Christof Frey
  • Patent number: 8272396
    Abstract: The outdoor sillcock mounting kit is positioned around a pipe that is connected to a sillcock. The kit is utilized prior to adding finishing material to the outer wall of a home or building. The kit permits adjustments to the pipe and the sillcock when necessary due to a change in the dimensions of the finished material added to the outer wall, especially those outer finished walls that add brick, stucco, and other types of building materials. The kit has three components, two sleeves of the same basic shape and size except one sleeve is longer. The longer sleeve can be utilized with the third component, which is a block-shaped cover. The cover is utilized with rectangular-type finishing material on the outer wall, and fits over the longer sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Gerard J. Brienza
  • Patent number: 8261766
    Abstract: A positioning structure for assembly of the water faucet plaquette has a plaquette having front face, a depressed back and a through-hole. The depressed back of the plaquette has a bent positioning claw. A wall permanent seat has a plaquette assembly surface, an abutting surface and a fixed portion. The fixed portion is positioned fixedly onto the wall. The plaquette assembly surface of the wall permanent seat is fitted with limit surfaces, which are aligned transversely with the positioning claw. A soft liner ring is fitted with at least two slots that are fitted onto the positioning claws. The limit surface has a pair of tabs and a vertical lug engaged with the position claw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Crescent Plumbing, Inc.
    Inventor: Shao-Ting Huang
  • Publication number: 20120186667
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wall mounted shower head including a casing body set, a water conduit set and a water outlet plate. The water conduit set is disposed inside the casing body set, wherein upper section of the water conduit set is joined to a first joining base of the water outlet plate and bottom section of the water conduit set is joined to a second joining base of the casing body set. With a two-stage press control button disposed on the water outlet plate, users can control shower water by controlling actuation of an upper control shaft, a lower control shaft and a spring of the water conduit set. The structure provides a convenient water control operation for users in shower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Somei Huang
  • Patent number: 8215339
    Abstract: A vapor barrier for sealing an interior of a building from an insulation cavity defined by framing members of the building includes a flexible and substantially impermeable sheet having apertures to allow air to exit the insulation cavity during filling of the insulation cavity with loose fill insulation. The vapor barrier also includes one-way valves mounted across the apertures. The valves are configured to allow air flow out of the insulation cavity and into the building interior through the apertures and to prevent air flow and moisture diffusion from the building interior into the insulation cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventor: Robert J. O'Leary
  • Patent number: 8210199
    Abstract: An arrangement for protecting a sill cock on the outside of a building structure from damage caused by water freezing in the sill cock includes an actuating rod extending through an exterior building wall having a handle disposed on its outer end with its inner end coupled to an inner valve in the sill cock's water line. Manually moving the rod by means of the handle in a first direction opens the inner valve allowing water to flow into the sill cock, while moving the rod in a second opposed direction prevents water from flowing to the sill cock to prevent damage to the sill cock by water freezing therein. A drain line with a second outer valve coupled to the water line outside of the building allows for draining water from the sill cock water line when the inner valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Popp
  • Patent number: 8210198
    Abstract: A wall hydrant assembly for movably positioning a wall hydrant between a first and second structural member includes a first and second rail adapted to be secured to the first and second structural member. The first rail is adapted to engage a first portion of the wall hydrant and the second rail is adapted to engage a second portion of the wall hydrant to allow the wall hydrant to move substantially along the length of the first and second rails. The wall hydrant assembly can include first and second tabs which co-act with the first and second rails. The first and second rails can each define an elongated slot. The first and second tabs can each include a shaft which co-acts with the elongated slot to allow the wall hydrant to be moveable along the first and second rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher A. Majocka
  • Patent number: 8191569
    Abstract: A valve assembly uses an O ring contained within a void such that the outer edges of the valve assembly reach the outer mid section of the O ring. A kettle for brewing beer or heating other fluid is drilled so as to accommodate the disclosed valve. The O ring is pressed and held against the outside surface of the kettle wall. A retaining nut placed within the kettle further secures the valve to the kettle. As the surface of the kettle heats during use, the contained O ring retains sufficient contact with the valve and kettle so as to prevent leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: William Moore
  • Patent number: 8151821
    Abstract: A system for mounting a faucet to the exterior portion of a dwelling is provided. A mounting sleeve is employed that is associated with a tube that is interconnected to the faucet that is generally positioned outside of a dwelling. The tube is rigidly interconnected to a mounting sleeve that is supported by at least one bracket that allows for selective adjustments. That is, the mounting sleeve may be selectively offset from the interior surface of the dwelling, thereby accommodating exterior building surfaces with irregular shapes such as stone, brick, mortar, stucco, etc. The mounting system provides additional rigidity to the faucet/dwelling interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Publication number: 20120067436
    Abstract: A new and improved water stop valve assembly includes a water stop valve device having an inlet, an outlet, and a valve handle device for actuating the water stop valve device between open and closed positions for controlling fluid flow between the inlet that is attached to a water distribution system and the outlet attached to a water fixture. A substantially cylindrical rough-in sleeve member having an off-set opening for slidably receiving and securing it about at least a portion of the water stop valve device to define a single water stop valving unit to be installed during a rough-in stage of new and remodeling building construction. The off-set opening is dimensioned and positioned such that the water stop valving unit is always within an outer circumference of the rough-in sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Michael G. Jacoway
  • Publication number: 20120031012
    Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly includes a base member for attachment to substructure of an exterior wall at least in part beneath siding. A trim member is configured to be coupled to the base member to conceal ends of the siding. A first series of baffles extends transversely from the base member. A first drip ledge is spaced from the first series of baffles to define a cavity between the first drip ledge and the first series of baffles. The first drip ledge extends transversely from the base member for disposition below the first series of baffles when the base member is mounted to the substructure to divert the water from the cavity to an exterior of the siding. The drip ledge has an end dam at first and second ends of the drip ledge for diverting water from the cavity onto the first drip ledge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: TAPCO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: David James Bonshor
  • Publication number: 20110308633
    Abstract: A gas convenience outlet is provided for connecting an outdoor grill or other outdoor gas fired appliance to a home gas supply or other fixed position source of fuel gas, such as natural gas or liquid petroleum gas. The outlet includes a case having an open interior and an openable cover with a manifold mounted in the interior. The manifold has an inlet operatively connected with the supply of fuel gas and has one or more outlets. A primary manual shutoff valve located in the interior of the case is operatively connected with the manifold outlet. The outlet includes an outlet connector extending outside the case. The connector has a standardized fitting that releasably couples in gas tight engagement with one or more gas fired appliances by means of standardized appliance connectors, without the need for adaptors and without a loss of performance due to restriction of the gas supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: MARSHALL EXCELSIOR COMPANY
    Inventors: James C. Zuck, Franco J. Domingo, Malia M. Bucher
  • Patent number: 8056574
    Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for mounting through a wall having a first face and a second face defining a thickness there between. The valve assembly includes a valve body housing having an axially-extending inner bore. A valve body is telescopically received in the inner bore of the valve body housing, such that the valve body is axially movable with respect to the valve body housing. A valve is nested in a recess of the valve body. A locking element selectively engages the valve body housing and the valve body to lock a position of the valve body relative to the valve body housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Perry Dennis Erickson, Steven Thomas Radder
  • Patent number: 8020581
    Abstract: A secondary drainage funnel for use in combination with a laundry box having a bottom wall with a drain opening formed therein includes a generally hollow body having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end includes an inlet opening for receiving a secondary drainage discharge tube. The lower end has a discharge opening formed therein and is shaped to be supported on the lower wall of the laundry box proximate the drain opening with the discharge opening in fluid communication with the drain opening while leaving sufficient access to the drain opening to allow a laundry drain hose to be inserted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Sioux Chief Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Frank D. Julian, Truman J. Stegmaier
  • Patent number: 7992585
    Abstract: A retrofit valve assembly for a frost-resistant hydrant comprises ceramic valve disks and a hydrant adapter to enable the valve assembly to be readily retrofit to existing frost-resistant hydrants produced by different manufacturers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Amerikam, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Fitzpatrick
  • Publication number: 20110132470
    Abstract: The floor drain possesses an inlet housing (11), which has an opening for floor water to be led away and which is connectable to a wall drain opening of a vertical wall. On the inlet housing (11) are arranged connecting means (44), which are adjustable with respect to the vertical wall and with which the inlet housing (11) can be connected in a sealtight manner to the vertical wall. The connecting means (44) are preferably adjustable in depth and/or height. They have at least one sealing foil (24), with which the connecting means (44) can be sealed against a floor (6) and/or a panelling (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: Geberit International AG
    Inventors: Patrick SCHNYDER, Maarten Roest, Peter Reichmuth, Samuel Müller
  • Publication number: 20110100485
    Abstract: A subassembly for use in a vacuum inlet valve assembly for a central vacuum system, the subassembly having a valve body with a wiring compartment and at least one press connection detent means and a reversible mounting flange for connecting to the valve body. The mounting flange includes an attachment portion, a mounting flange wall sized and shaped to cover an open side of wiring compartment and press catch connection elements sized and shaped to interact with the detent to secure the mounting flange to the valve body. Also disclosed is a vacuum inlet valve assembly comprising the above subassembly in combination with a cover plate having a rectangular door, a hinge located on a long side of the rectangular door, and a face plate with a vacuum connection opening. In an alternate embodiment the valve body includes a perimeter wall, attachment openings internal but adjacent to said perimeter wall and a snap fit cover to close an open wall of a wiring compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: CANPLAS INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: JAMES MANTYLA, ANDREW BIRD, JOHN WARD
  • Patent number: 7896024
    Abstract: A sillcock for supplying varying amounts of water at various temperatures includes a backpressure relief valve for relieving backpressure in the sillcock. The sillcock includes a sillcock tube and a valve body attached to the sillcock tube. A cartridge assembly is provided in the valve body, and an actuation assembly extends through the sillcock tube. The actuation assembly cooperates with the cartridge assembly to control the volume and temperature of water exiting the sillcock according to the axial and rotational movements of a knob. The backpressure relief valve includes a deformable member operable to allow water to be expelled from the sillcock if backpressure is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Yaakov Korb, Dale A. Pulver
  • Publication number: 20110036420
    Abstract: A shower arm leak detection device with adjustable sleeves is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the shower arm leak detection device includes a tubular sleeve having a first end and a second end, where the first end is adapted to be secured over a drop ear 90° plumbing fitting on an interior side of a wall and the second end is adapted to be open to an exterior side of the wall. The drop ear 90° fitting includes a port adapted to be secured to a shower arm, where a connection at the port and threading of the shower arm is susceptible to leakage. An outer sleeve is adapted to slide partially over the tubular sleeve, where the outer sleeve allows for adjustment to the width between the connection of the port and the shower arm and the exterior side of the wall in telescoping fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: David Jaye
  • Patent number: 7845371
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas connector socket with at least one inlet port for connecting a locally fixated gas supply line, with at least one outlet port for connecting a gas connector plug, with a housing receiving the at least one outlet port, and with at least one cover located on the housing, wherein the cover has a front side visible from the outside, in which the technical object of preventing the penetration of foreign objects into the outlet port, and the access to the gas path without particular know-how, and providing a simple and very compact embodiment, is achieved by the cover having on its backside at least one locking element for interlocking the cover with an element connected to the housing and the locking element having an operating surface accessible from the outside for unlocking the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Viega GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Hartung
  • Patent number: 7828005
    Abstract: A freezeless hydrant includes an operating screw positioned within a head member, an operating coupling mating with the operating screw, an operating rod coupled to the operating coupling and a plug and a valve seat. Movement of the operating rod in one direction disengages the plug from the valve seat permitting water to flow through the casing and an opening of a set screw forcing a ball against an O-ring seal. Movement of the operating rod in an opposite direction causes alignment of a radial opening in the operating coupling with a passageway in the operating screw. The operating rod engages the valve seat preventing water from flowing through the casing and allowing the ball to fall away from the O-ring seal. Air enters a chamber of the operating screw thereby draining water from the chamber and out of the radial opening of the operating coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventor: David L. Lawson
  • Patent number: 7819118
    Abstract: A method is provided for connecting a secondary source of a medical gas to a control panel of a medical gas supply. The control panel is connected in the system fluidly between primary supply sources holding types of medical gas and gas outlets for the delivery of the respective types of medical gas to devices in a medical facility. For each gas type, the control panel houses a respective shut off valve. The shut-off valve may be closed to isolate the upstream source from the downstream components. A fitting is installed in place of an existing pressure gauge in the control panel. The fitting provides ports for at least one gas specific DISS coupler and further components such as a pressure gauge and transducers. The fitting has a configuration such that when installed, the fitting does not interfere with closing the cover to the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Tri-Tech Medical Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Lucas, Jr., Donald M. Simo, Paul R. Eagan
  • Patent number: 7793365
    Abstract: Disclosed is a water discharge device (1) provided with a device body (2) and a connector (4) and adapted to be attached to a feedwater pipe (6). The water discharge device comprises fixing means (8) for fixing the device body to the connector at a given installation position. The connector has a feedwater-pipe-joining portion (4a) adapted to be joined to the feedwater pipe, and a connector-side engaging thread portion (4b), and the device body has a body-side engaging thread portion (14) positioned in such a manner as to be engaged with the connector-side engaging thread portion once during an operation of attaching the device body to the connector, and located beyond the connector-side engaging thread portion after the device body is fixed at the installation position. The water discharge device of the present invention can reliably prevent falling-off of the device body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Toto Ltd
    Inventors: Shoji Miura, Emiko Sumimoto
  • Patent number: 7775232
    Abstract: A filtration device, which can be installed at a relatively low place below the full water level of a storage tank, is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Totetu Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiichiro Takai
  • Patent number: 7735511
    Abstract: A modular utility box system includes separate supply and drain boxes. The supply box has at least one supply opening and the drain box has a drain opening but no supply openings. The supply and drain boxes are interconnectable by a generally U-shaped clip having legs spaced apart a distance selected to accept the narrow dimension of a wall stud therebetween so that the supply and drain boxes may be mounted on opposite sides of a stud. The clip also spaces the supply and drain boxes in the proper vertical and horizontal alignment to facilitate securement of a cover plate to the boxes once installed. The clips engage the boxes to permit interconnected of the boxes in multiple orientations. Elongate brackets may be used to support the erboxes between adjacent studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Sioux Chief Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Dominic P. Ismert
  • Patent number: 7730901
    Abstract: A system for securing a hydrant to a roof of a building is provided that includes a hydrant support that rigidly interconnects to the roof deck. In addition, a method of sealingly interconnecting a standpipe of the hydrant to the hydrant support is provided wherein a plurality of seals are employed. In order to enhance the seal provided between the standpipe and a hydrant support, a boot may be used that covers the interface between the standpipe and the hydrant support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Publication number: 20100116359
    Abstract: A system for mounting a faucet to the exterior portion of a dwelling is provided. A mounting sleeve is employed that is associated with a tube that is interconnected to the faucet that is generally positioned outside of a dwelling. The tube is rigidly interconnected to a mounting sleeve that is supported by at least one bracket that allows for selective adjustments. That is, the mounting sleeve may be selectively offset from the interior surface of the dwelling, thereby accommodating exterior building surfaces with irregular shapes such as stone, brick, mortar, stucco, etc. The mounting system provides additional rigidity to the faucet/dwelling interconnection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, William L. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7708030
    Abstract: A hydraulic joint articulated device (1) effectively supports a radiator allowing a remarkable freedom of motion and has a pair of articulated connectors (2), each comprising: hinge members (5, 6) apt to be assembled and comprising a respective hydraulic channel (7, 8), in which there is obtained a pin seat (9, 10) with a tubular pin (14) having a respective hydraulic channel (21) forming a hydraulic joint extending between the respective connector seats (11, 12); and a valve seat (22) at one end of said tubular pin (14), and a respective shutter member (23) located in an opening (24) obtained in one (5) of said hinge members (5, 6), further comprising, at each articulated connector (2), a tubular duct (29) extending from the respective connector seat (11) to a mouthpiece section (30) apt to receive a waterworks piping (4), extending inside a masonry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Raffaele Bergamante
  • Publication number: 20100084027
    Abstract: Disclosed are fittings (e.g. tub spouts) suitable for mounting to a member (e.g. a water pipe). Special clamping structures are provided and located in a cavity of a fitting body. The clamping structures have at least two separate clamp parts that surround the water pipe or other member. A set screw can be extended radially inward from a hole in the fitting body to drive a clamp part. This helps to retain the end of the member in the cavity, while distributing clamping load away from a single point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Michael R. Furseth
  • Patent number: 7690394
    Abstract: A crossover manifold system for hot and cold water faucet pairs arranged back to back on opposite sides of a partition, the system comprising a pair of manifold tubes, wherein each tube comprises a central section; a first intermediate section and a second intermediate section, wherein each intermediate section is adjacent to and angled with respect to the central section; and a first distal section and a second distal section, wherein each distal section is adjacent to and angled with respect to the first and second intermediate sections, respectively. The first and second distal sections are approximately parallel to one another, and the manifold tubes cross over one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Graybeal
  • Publication number: 20100078079
    Abstract: The outdoor sillcock mounting kit is positioned around a pipe that is connected to a sillcock. The kit is utilized prior to adding finishing material to the outer wall of a home or building. The kit permits adjustments to the pipe and the sillcock when necessary due to a change in the dimensions of the finished material added to the outer wall, especially those outer finished walls that add brick, stucco, and other types of building materials. The kit has three components, two sleeves of the same basic shape and size except one sleeve is longer. The longer sleeve can be utilized with the third component, which is a block-shaped cover. The cover is utilized with rectangular-type finishing material on the outer wall, and fits over the longer sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Gerard J. Brienza
  • Patent number: 7686028
    Abstract: An improved structure of straight-out controllable ceramic valve of anti-freezing faucet, which is comprised by cover water-receiving valve seat with open bottom, cylinder water-controlling shaft bolt that one end is covered into shaft hole at center of water-receiving valve seat and a plurality of butterfly outlet control valves, wherein bottom of water-controlling shaft bolt has a protruding tongue embedding into top of bottom butterfly porcelain shard in order to adjust outlets of top and bottom porcelain shard; its features are as follows: an inlet channel extending to middle section of shaft bolt is made at middle section of bottom of water-controlling shaft bolt, horizontal through outlet channel is made at two sides of inlet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Hung-Neng Wu
  • Patent number: 7661605
    Abstract: A fixing structure for a vertical tap includes a vertical tap, a mounting member, a fitting member, a fixing ring, and a decorative loop. The mounting member secured in the ground includes a receiving chamber arranged on the top thereof and has two retaining tabs aft ached on the upper end thereof. The upper end of the fitting member screws with the lower end of the vertical tap. The fitting member includes two opposite fastening projections disposed on the outer periphery at the lower end thereof and extending outwardly therefrom. The fixing ring is fitted onto the external rim of the vertical tap, is then secured in a wooden floor by using a number of wood screws, and is further engaged with the internal rim of the vertical tap by way of a bolt. The decorative loop covers the fixing ring, thereby supporting and securing the vertical tap easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Horng Lai Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Dang Shieh
  • Patent number: 7648175
    Abstract: A support bracket is affixed to a medical gas outlet. The support bracket supports one or more elements of a gas circuit coupled to the medical gas outlet and prevents deformation of a lock spring of the medical gas outlet. The medical gas outlet can be a wall mounted vacuum or oxygen outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Hough
  • Publication number: 20100000614
    Abstract: Plumbing supply boxes may be made of a thermoset plastic material that will not melt or permit the boxes to collapse inside a wall if subjected to flames or high temperatures resulting from a fire. If the thermoset plastic boxes have a drain opening, a thermoplastic tubular drain adaptor may be connected thereto that can be solvent welded. Relatively small intumescent pads may be installed in close proximity to the drain opening which, if subjected to flames or high temperature caused by a fire, will expand and form an insulating char that seals off the drain opening. The boxes may be slidable in opposite directions along adjustable support brackets to permit the boxes to be mounted in any desired position in stud bays having different spacings between the stud walls for ease of alignment of one or more openings in the box with in-wall plumbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Terry L. Zahuranec, Matthew L. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7631655
    Abstract: Exposing through a wall opening of a psychiatric facility stall shower as a plumbing fixture, a water outlet to which is splined an anti-suicide conical handle, wherein the mere unsplining of the handle make accessible for repair the plumbing fixture water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Laurence D. Kopp
  • Publication number: 20090288716
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a frost-free sillcock is provided. The sillcock has a single handle which rotates to control the temperature of the discharged fluid. The handle also moves axially toward and away from a mounting surface to control the volume of fluid discharged from the sillcock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Michael A. Brattoli, Mark S. Kacik, Christopher Relyea, Mathew Smith, Allen Talley
  • Publication number: 20090276953
    Abstract: A diverter assembly includes a main body, a valve device and a movable body. The main body is hollow and has a water inlet tube and two water outlet tubes. One of the two water outlet tubes is communicated through a hose to a shower nozzle. The valve device is disposed on the main body and has a valve capable of linearly moving back and forth for steplessly communicating the water inlet tube with either or both of the water outlet tubes. The movable body is pivotally disposed at one end of the main body, and has a hole for the shower nozzle to be inserted in. Thereby, the diverter assembly can steplessly adjust the valve position for controlling the water to flow out from either or both of the water outlet tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: GLOBE UNION INDUSTRIAL CORP.
    Inventors: Wei-Mien Hsu, Chun-Hung Li
  • Patent number: 7614419
    Abstract: A washing machine outlet box includes a housing having a bottom wall containing multiple openings and two valve mount inserts insertable into selective openings for supporting water shut off valves therein. The two valve mount inserts may be individual valve mount inserts that are separately insertable into two of the openings or the two valve mount inserts may be joined together for insertion into at least one of the openings as a unit. A drain pipe may be connected to another opening in which the two valve mount inserts are not inserted. A twist on and twist off test cap may be used to seal off the drain pipe opening during pressure testing of a sanitary drainage system to which the drain pipe is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Oatey Co.
    Inventor: Michael W. Minnick
  • Patent number: 7607453
    Abstract: A freezeless hydrant having an inlet and outlet, the hydrant including an elongated pipe connecting a valve to an operator. A stem has a length and has a first end engaged with operator threads and a second end carrying a stopper portion of the valve. A portion of the stem engages projections on an inner portion of the pipe such that the valve operator stem is held against rotational movement. The stopper portion includes a first and second seal face such that rotational movement of the operator results in longitudinal movement of the stem and in closing of the valve by moving the stopper portion and the first seal face into compressive sealing engagement with a face of a reduced diameter portion of the pipe and the second seal into movable frictional engagement with an inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion. The hydrant can be mounted in a hydrant box on the exterior of a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventors: Joe Poskin, Scott Brady
  • Patent number: 7603823
    Abstract: A wall panel 100 has an elongate hollow body portion 102 having a storage cavity 103 provided therein for retaining water. The body portion 102 has a rectangular cross-section defined by an inner wall 104 and an outer wall 106 held in spaced apart relation by two side walls 108a and 108b. Each side wall 108 is adapted to be joined to the side wall 108 of an adjacent wall panel 100? so as to form a wall tank 110 for a building. Each wall panel 100 thus forms a structural component of the wall 110, which is sufficiently strong to support a roof structure 112 thereon. The side walls 108 are provided with an opening 120 therein, adapted to align with a matching opening 120? in the side wall 108? of an adjacent wall panel 100?, to permit the communication of water from the cavity 103 in one wall panel to the cavity 103? in the adjacent wall panel. The storage cavity 103 is bounded at the top by a lid 132 and at the bottom by a base tray 130.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Superwall Systems Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert John Buckingham Cann
  • Publication number: 20090255588
    Abstract: A spout shank allows a spout to be mounted on one side of a mounting surface and then connected to a water supply source disposed on the other side of the mounting surface. The spout shank has a length that is adjustable over a range of lengths to accommodate mounting surfaces with different thicknesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Mark S. Bors, Michael L. Malek, William E. Patton
  • Publication number: 20090250120
    Abstract: A fluid transfer system includes a fluid regulator having a valve and a tube in fluid communication with the valve. A housing supports the fluid regulator and includes at least a partial enclosure. At least a portion of the fluid regulator is in the enclosure. The tube extends through a first surface of the housing. A flexible conduit is in fluid communication with the fluid regulator. The flexible conduit is compatible for connection with a fluid source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Tom E. Robbins
  • Patent number: 7584898
    Abstract: A valve system including a manual control mechanism configured to move a valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Randall Paul Schmitt, Jeffrey Belz
  • Patent number: 7565912
    Abstract: A frost-proof valve includes a main valve. The main valve opens a fluid connection between an inflow opening and a discharge opening through a connecting channel in an open position and blocks the channel in a closed position. An actuating mechanism switches the main valve between the open position and the closed position. A drain drains the valve in the closed position and includes a bypass line connecting first and second channel sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Interforge KleeGmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Klee
  • Patent number: 7549444
    Abstract: A frost free faucet having a spigot assembly including a drain conduit, a sleeve assembly including an elongated pipe, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a ½ turn valve, a check valve and optionally a pressure relief mechanism. The ½ turn valve includes a rotatable valve element configured with a water passageway and a stationary valve element with one or through holes. The rotatable valve element is circular-shaped and configured with a water passageway in a semicircular portion. The stationary element is a disc shaped configured with one or more through-holes in a semi-circular portion of the stationary valve element. Upon turning the rotatable valve element 180 degrees in a first direction, the water passageway and the one or more through-holes are aligned to an open position and upon turning the rotatable element 180 degrees in a second direction, the water passageway and the one or more through-holes are misaligned to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: B & K Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James Li, Peter Berkman
  • Publication number: 20090145493
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a built-in wall water service box. The water service box of the present invention includes a case (100) which is connected to cold and hot water pipes (10, 20) and is open at a front end thereof, and a faucet unit (200) which is provided in the case (100) and mixes cold and hot water, which enters the case (100), with each other. The water service box further includes a cover (300) which protects the faucet unit (200) and is coupled to the open front end of the case (100), and a cover flush-mounting unit (400) which is provided between the case (100) and the cover (300) to adjust a gap between the cover (300) and the case (100) embedded in a wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: PIP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yeong-Chun Lee
  • Patent number: 7543602
    Abstract: A round wall-mounted housing for use with freezeless wall hydrants that provides a housing of a round configuration. The round configuration allows for easy installation of the round wall hydrant housing in existing panels or walls. To install, an access hole may be drilled into the desired wall or wall panel without the need for chiseling or chipping. The present invention also provides a cover that can remain in an upright, open position. The cover pivots on a pin connection securing it to the housing. The cover has guides with extended slots that allow the cover to swing to and then lock in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T Ball