By Weight Of Accumulated Fluid Patents (Class 137/403)
  • Patent number: 11353221
    Abstract: A portable dehumidifier includes a cabinet and a pivoting handle. The pivoting handle is configured to pivot from a stored position to an engaged position. The pivoting handle includes a cross member, two extension members, and a cam arm. The cam arm is coupled to one of the extension members at an end of the extension member that is opposite the cross member. The cam arm includes a spring arm configured to engage with a locking pin coupled to the cabinet, a clearance hole configured to permit the cam arm to clear the locking pin when the pivoting handle is in the stored position, an aperture configured to permit a pivot pin to secure the cam arm to the cabinet, and a compression gap adjacent to the spring arm. The compression gap is configured to permit the spring arm to provide resistance to the pivoting handle during pivoting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: THERMA-STOR LLC
    Inventors: Jared M. Stearns, Steven S. Dingle, Todd R. DeMonte
  • Patent number: 11141678
    Abstract: The present invention provides an industrial wastewater recovery apparatus (100) aiming at Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD). The apparatus (100) provides two stages in pre-heating the spiral coil pipe (103) containing wastewater and also conserves the heat by using the two heat exchangers (104, 105). The apparatus (100) agitates the surface wastewater to increase the rate of evaporation for faster heating. The apparatus (100) provides two stages in condensation of distilled water and also provides real-time monitoring of the water quality. The apparatus (100) provides automatic cleaning in the various parts during the operations. Further, a plurality of IoT sensor (201) monitor the real time parameters of the industrial wastewater recovery apparatus (100) and data is available to the user on the electronic display device (204).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventors: Dharmendra Meghanathan, Sujay Elangovan
  • Patent number: 10882588
    Abstract: A retractable deck pin for cooperating with a boat line includes a cylindrical pin body which is axially movable in a pin guidance by an underdeck positioned actuator. A seal element is positioned in a clearance for sealing the pin body with respect to the pin guidance. The retractable deck pin is improved by providing a reservoir filled with an oil volume. The reservoir which is positioned under the pin guidance has a reservoir opening for receiving the pin body in the contained liquid volume. An air inlet is provided with a non-return air valve. When moving the pin base into the liquid volume, an air volume above the liquid volume will get pressurised. An airflow escapes from the reservoir via the clearance to the ambient. The air flow through the clearance counteracts a possible incoming flow of leaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Tugpins B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Bernardus Gerardus Kreischer
  • Patent number: 10294646
    Abstract: A flushing structure of a toilet and a toilet includes a main waterway, a jet waterway and a rim waterway. A main waterway inlet is in communication with an outlet on the toilet tank. A main waterway outlet is in communication with a jet waterway inlet and a rim waterway inlet. A jet waterway outlet is in communication with a jet hole beneath a water surface of a first water seal at the bottom of the toilet bowl. A rim waterway outlet is in communication with a rim hole provided on the toilet bowl for flushing the inner wall of the toilet bowl. A second water seal, whose water surface is on the same level with surface of the first water seal, is provided on the rim waterway. The main waterway and the jet waterway are isolated from air via the first water seal and second water seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: XIAMEN R&T PLUMBING TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ziguang Liu, Zhijun Zhong
  • Patent number: 10190300
    Abstract: An improved flapper valve has an elastomeric surrounding flapper valve top. A separate inverted dome-like structure, or cone, which is the ballast, is included for insertion into the flapper valve top. The improved flapper valve further includes a ring-like upper structure and a cap-like bottom structure. The ring-like upper “vent band” structure rotates about the cone relative to an air outlet aperture defined in the cone to control air flow from the cone. The bottom cap-like “adjuster” structure also rotates about the bottom of the cone to control water flow into the cone, also via apertures in both structures. Used together, the upper and bottom structures can minimize water consumption by the toilet. Further, the adjuster structure includes means for discretely changing settings with indicia to indicate to the user what the current setting is and means for maintaining that setting as may be desired or required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Lavelle Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin J. Guthrie
  • Patent number: 9625051
    Abstract: In one aspect, a tube device including concentric inner and outer tubes to form an annulus to receive an upright stem in a toilet tank and adjustable vertically and rotationally relative to the stem. In another aspect, an elongated catch device is pivotally mounted intermediately to an inlet tube device and carries at its upper extremity a keeper selectively disposed in the path of a float device to, unless a toilet has been flushed, block lowering of the float device and consequent opening of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Anthony R. Brandelli
  • Patent number: 9532516
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for growing plants hydroponically. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of containers each having a supply and a drain positioned above the supply. Methods of growing plants hydroponically in individual containers are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Church, Larry Boyd Rowland
  • Patent number: 9260848
    Abstract: An elongated catch device pivotally mounted intermediately to an inlet pipe device and carrying at its upper extremity a keeper selectively disposed in the path of a float device to, unless a toilet has been flushed, block lowering of the float device and consequent opening of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Anthony R. Brandelli
  • Publication number: 20150107697
    Abstract: A valve that switches between open and closed states includes a pivoting body having a reservoir, at least one filling port for filling the reservoir and at least one port for draining the reservoir, and a counterweight. The valve further includes a first conduit separate from the body, connected to the filling port, and having a water intake located at a higher position than the filling port, whether the valve is open or closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Hydroplus
    Inventors: Stanislav Vasilyevich Kovalev, Gertrud Fedorovich Onipchenko, Andrei Gennadievich Zyuzin, Nicolas Francois Daniel Mathis
  • Patent number: 9004814
    Abstract: Some examples provide methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus related to reducing and/or restricting water from entering underground transportation system, and more Specifically, to reducing and/or restricting water from entering underground transportation systems via vents based on the weight of the water, while not restricting ventilation airflow when water is not present. Some example systems for restricting water flow in a surface vent may include a frame that receives water, a door pivotally coupled to the frame(where the door may pivot between a first position and a second position), and a reservoir pivotally coupled to the door. The reservoir may collect the received water and may cause the door to pivot between the first position and the second position based on weight of the collected water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: New York City Transit Authority
    Inventor: Stephen Petrillo
  • Patent number: 8905061
    Abstract: A needle fill valve, in which a bearer is set on the top of a body, the bearer is covered on an upper cover, a front cavity is set on the front side of the bearer, an inner cavity is set on the location corresponding to the front cavity for placing the annular gasket of the sealing plate wrapped a sealing valve pad, and the purpose of fixing the sealing valve pad for preventing being disengaged from the annular gasket is achieved by fastening an upper fixed seat and a lower fixed seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: So-Mei Huang
  • Patent number: 8763630
    Abstract: A sewer flushing device 20 for location in a sewage system. The device comprises a housing 21 adapted for location in a sewage flow path 14 and a gate 22 pivotally supported on the housing 21 and movable between open and closed positions. The gate is biased towards its closed position so as to inhibit the flow of sewage and thereby cause a build up of sewage. In this way, when the sewage upstream of the gate 22 reaches a predetermined level the gate is urged to its open position such that a flushing pulse of sewage flows downstream. There may also be provided a locating device 23 for holding the housing 21 in the required position within the sewage system. The locating device may comprise a sewer engaging portion 51,52 adapted to locate in a sewer channel 12,14, and a housing connector 54 adapted to connect to the housing 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: David Pitt
  • Publication number: 20140069526
    Abstract: A hanging pot water indicator having a hollow tubular spring housing, a dust protector on the upper end of the tubular housing, the dust protector having a fastening collar fitting around the upper end of the tubular housing, a hollow tubular sliding sleeve, having an interior diameter greater than the exterior diameter of the tubular housing, and being telescoically slidable in respect thereof, a lower flared portion on the lower end of the sleeve, an opening in the dust protector, a coiled extension spring within the tubular housing and the sleeve, an upper wire extension portion extending from the upper end of the spring passing through the opening in the dust protector, and defining an upper hook, and a lower wire extension extending from the lower end of the spring, and formed to define a hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: John Anga
  • Patent number: 7811450
    Abstract: A device for preventing sedimentation by regulating the flow of waste water through drain draining-wells, with or without a pump. The device has of a swirl chamber with connected outlet pipe and provided with an air injector. The swirl chamber which is tapered, generates a vortex flow in which the air added by the air injector gives the sludge particles a certain amount of buoyancy, making it easier for them to accompany the water flow without being precipitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Anders Persson
  • Patent number: 7523761
    Abstract: The device for controlling fluid flow from a rain retention chamber or the like includes an inlet communicating with the chamber, an outlet permitting fluid to flow out of the device, and a shutter disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and supported in the device for linear shifting between a raised position and lowered position. A control element is rotatably mounted in a device for rotation about a central axis and includes a curved controller surface which is non-concentric with the central axis of the central element, such that rotation of the control element varies the radial distance between the central axis and the controller surface. A coupler member operably connects the shutter with the controller surface, such that rotation of the control element shifts the shutter between the raised and lowered positions to achieve a predetermined flow rate of fluid from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Steinhardt GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Stiehl, Thomas Heep, Jörg-Michael Steinhardt
  • Publication number: 20090000671
    Abstract: A device for detecting the liquid level in a tank of an electric household appliance includes an airtight bell connected on one side to the tank and on the opposite side to a pressure switch by means of a hose-carrier nipple. As the water level of the tank increases, the pressure of the air trapped in the bell increases, which is detected by the pressure switch. The airtight bell is defined by a rectilinear tube which obliquely protrudes from underneath the tank and externally to the same, towards a front panel of a casing of the household appliance for convenient access and easy cleaning. A shielding means within the tank is arranged in front the rectilinear tube to create a siphon between the bell and the tank and to prevent the water level in the tube from dropping past a minimum point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Luca Montagnana
  • Patent number: 7395633
    Abstract: A rainwater collection and diverging system includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall. A door is positioned in the bottom wall. A hinge hingedly couples the door to the bottom wall and a biasing member is attached to the door and biases the door in a closed position. Fluid in the housing may flow outwardly through the bottom wall when a biasing action of the biasing member is overcome and the door is moved to an open position. An outlet is fluidly coupled to the housing. A downspout has a bottom end extending into the housing. A conduit is fluidly coupled to and extends between a free end of the outlet and a fluid receptacle. Water flowing down the downspout is directed into the conduit until a force of the water flowing down the downspout overcomes the biasing action and opens the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Helio Baeta
  • Patent number: 7219468
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically watering a plant in a container by regulating a flow of water to the container through flexible tubing. Upper and lower jaw members are interconnected by a horizontal pivot axis so that they develop a scissors action. A jaw area is formed on one side of the pivot axis for receiving the flexible plastic tubing, and a compression spring is mounted on the opposite side to provide resistance to closing of the jaw area. For use with pots and other non-hanging containers, the container is rested atop the upper jaw member on the side towards the jaw area so that the weight of the container acts directly to compress and close the jaw area. Baskets and other hanging containers are suspended from the other ends of the jaw members so that the tension caused by the weight of the container causes the jaw area to pivot closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Maurice A. Muxlow
  • Patent number: 6644344
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a fluid based on the fluid weight. A container is provided between a fluid source and a fluid removal system. A valve is arranged between the fluid source and the container, to control the admitting of fluid into the container from the source, and removal of fluid from the container by the removal system. The valve is controlled by a weight-responsive mechanism, which detects a change in weight of the container due to the admitting and removal of fluid, and opens or closes the valve accordingly. A flow rate of the fluid may be determined in terms of a time period between the closing and subsequent opening of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Ashland, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Tibbott
  • Patent number: 6640828
    Abstract: The flushing apparatus comprises a reservoir for storing liquid, the reservoir having an outlet end movable between a raised position where liquid accumulates in the reservoir, and a down position where liquid stored in the reservoir is flushed out; a counterweight for producing an effect of urging the outlet end of reservoir toward the raised position; a reservoir ballast for cancelling the effect of the counterweight when the liquid stored therein reaches a predetermined amount; a channel for channelling a liquid into an inlet of the ballast when the outlet end of the reservoir is in the raised position; and a means for preventing an overflow of the outlet end of the reservoir. There is also provided a method for flushing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Dautais
  • Publication number: 20030084939
    Abstract: The flushing apparatus comprises a reservoir for storing liquid, the reservoir having an outlet end movable between a raised position where liquid accumulates in the reservoir, and a down position where liquid stored in the reservoir is flushed out; a counterweight for producing an effect of urging the outlet end of reservoir toward the raised position; a reservoir ballast for cancelling the effect of the counterweight when the liquid stored therein reaches a predetermined amount; a channel for channelling a liquid into an inlet of the ballast when the outlet end of the reservoir is in the raised position; and a means for preventing an overflow of the outlet end of the reservoir. There is also provided a method for flushing liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Dautais
  • Publication number: 20020166589
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a fluid based on the fluid weight. A container is provided between a fluid source and a fluid removal system. A valve is arranged between the fluid source and the container, to control the admitting of fluid into the container from the source, and removal of fluid from the container by the removal system. The valve is controlled by a weight-responsive mechanism, which detects a change in weight of the container due to the admitting and removal of fluid, and opens or closes the valve accordingly. A flow rate of the fluid may be determined in terms of a time period between the closing and subsequent opening of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: David B. Tibbott
  • Patent number: 6340030
    Abstract: An apparatus for metering a plurality of different liquid or pasty masses to a receiving container including: first support for supporting containers for the masses in fixed positions; a fixedly disposed annular frame bearing a number of dispensing nozzles controllable by a fixedly disposed control device and each individually connectable to said containers via respective conduits; a second support controllable by the control device for supporting a receiving container such that this receiving container is displaceable in an annular path corresponding with the annular form of the frame and can be placed temporarily beneath a chosen dispensing nozzle for receiving mass dispensed by this dispensing nozzle; a weighing device on which a receiving container can be placed, which weighing device can supply weight signals to the control device; wherein the weighing device is disposed fixedly and supports the second support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Gerritse Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Gerritse
  • Patent number: 6276005
    Abstract: A water recycling device, wherein gray water from a bathroom sink is reused to flush a toilet. The device includes a gray water reservoir, means for sensing the level of water in the toilet tank, a pump to transfer water from the gray water reservoir to the toilet tank, and a mechanical means to stop the normal potable water supply from filling the toilet water tank as long as sufficient water is being supplied from the gray water reservoir. The mechanical means physically holds the float valve of the fresh water line closed by holding the float in the up position, unless there is no flow of gray water into the toilet's tank, in which case the float is released, allowing the normal potable water supply to fill the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventors: Mark G. Sanders, Matt Ridge
  • Patent number: 6230730
    Abstract: A device, and a container having such a device, is provided for filling the container with a predetermined weight of fluid. The device includes an input portion with a throat and a shoulder for introducing fluid into the container. A shut-off mechanism has a shut-off member and a control port. A control mechanism maintains one or more spheres in an inline configuration with the shut-off member such that fluid flow is permitted between the shut-off member and the control port as the device is disposed in an open configuration. A stabilizer is provided for each of the one or more spheres to maintain the inline configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Owen L. Garretson
  • Patent number: 6036446
    Abstract: A portable system of inter-connected smaller and larger canisters for near simultaneous vacuum and liquid transfer free from any external power. Captured vacuum in the canisters is employed for waste liquid extraction and a subsequent pressure transfer may take place without any liquid being exposed to the atmosphere. A mechanical manifold is adapted to receive the canisters, and one or more canisters may be physically connected to the manifold and are left in place as a user drives to another site location. An intermediate canister in the system is fitted with either manual or a self tending valve for the vacuum and pressure modes of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Lowell R. Goodman
    Inventor: Lowell R. Goodman
  • Patent number: 6026837
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automated chemical drain system which includes a buffer tank for collecting used chemical from a process machine, at least two level sensors in the buffer tank for sensing a fluid level and sending out a signal, a controller for receiving the signal from the level sensors and then sending out a second signal to a solenoid controlled valve when the first signal exceeds a threshold value, a solenoid controlled valve that is in fluid communication with the buffer tank and a collection tank, and a collection tank for collecting used chemical from the buffer tank. The collection tank may further be provided with a weight sensing device such that a signal may be sent out to the controller when the weight of the collection tank exceeds a maximum allowable value so that the controller shuts off the solenoid controlled valve to avoid overflow in the collection tank and to alert a maintenance operator to empty the collection tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: J. S. Chen
  • Patent number: 5887609
    Abstract: A device, and a container having such a device, is provided for permitting filling the container with a predetermined weight of the fluid. The device and container include a main channel to introduce the fluid into the container at a fill pressure; a detector mechanism to detect a "filled" condition based on fluid weight; and a fluid-weight control mechanism to automatically prevent introducing fluid into the container in excess of the "filled" condition. A spring offsets part of the weight of a pivotally mounted displacer mounted on a pivotally mounted lever having an arm configured to permit closure of a ball valve as the container becomes "filled" and the displacer becomes buoyant. The fluid-weight control device, which is substantially independent of the composition and temperature of the fluid and of inertial effects induced in an attempt to thwart the fluid-weight control safeguard, also prevents introduction of fluid into the container as the container is non-upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Owen L. Garretson
  • Patent number: 5871027
    Abstract: A vacuum valve controller for a vacuum sewer system having a suction pipe which is communicated with a vacuum system by opening a vacuum valve, and which is cut off from the vacuum system by closing the vacuum valve, so that soil water in a soil water basin is sucked through the suction pipe and sent to a predetermined place by opening said vacuum valve is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Shimizu, Akihiro Ushitora
  • Patent number: 5842498
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fill valve and mounting adapter assembly combination for tank-type toilets and the like which renders the fill valve internally and instantly mountable and dismountable without the necessity of separating the mounting adapter assembly from the tank and the water delivery line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventors: Randal D. A. Locke, Daniel P. Dunbar, Teresa M. Locke
  • Patent number: 5829465
    Abstract: A device, and a container having such a device, is provided for permitting filling the container with a predetermined weight of the fluid. The device and container include a main channel to introduce the fluid into the container at a fill pressure; a detector mechanism to detect a "filled" condition based on fluid weight; and an fluid-weight control mechanism to automatically prevent introducing fluid into the container in excess of the "filled" condition. A compression spring offsets part of the weight of a displacer such that the displacer becomes buoyant as the container becomes "filled". The displacer has a seat mechanism that sealingly engages an orifice mechanism creating a differential pressure, substantially less than the fill pressure, across a control device causing closure of the main channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Owen L. Garretson
  • Patent number: 5752498
    Abstract: A humidifier for use with a hot air furnace has an upper and lower housing removably connected to one another. The upper housing has a heating element and sensor, water refill inlet, and a control circuit connected to the heat sensor and inlet. The lower housing contains a water vessel and a water level sensor secured the lower housing to receive the water vessel. The water sensor registers the minimum and maximum water weight and is connected to the control circuit. A bacteria resistant, semi-flexible removable liner fits within the vessel for the removal of built up mineral residue. Preferably the water sensor is an elliptical beam load cell with an open center surrounded by a rim and a pair of tab ends opposite one another. At least one bridge is machined within the rim to increase sensitivity. A strain gage registers strain changes and an electronic connector transfers the changes to the control circuit where they are converted to the current weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventors: Jared L. Lake, Brad C. Koelblinger
  • Patent number: 5743290
    Abstract: A device for dispensing water front a source of water under pressure to at least one water using attachment, includes a basin and a water dispensing adjustable diaphragm fill valve. The water using attachments may have various configurations such as but not limited to garden planters and pots, terrariums, ant farms, garden pot converters, underground springs, Christmas tree stands, animal waterers, animal waterer/feeders, bird baths, hummingbird feeders, amphibian habitats, animal cages, bird cages, pond filter/fountains, aquariums, air conditioners and water toys. The basin holds a volume of water and has a closed bottom, at least one side wall, and an open top and includes a water inlet port adapted to connect the basin to the source of water under pressure. A mounting rim is positioned adjacent to the open top for mounting the water using attachments, and a seat is provided for readily accepting and releasing the fill valve within the basin below a selected water line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventors: Randal D. Locke, Daniel P. Dunbar, Teresa M. Locke
  • Patent number: 5722961
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flow control device for use with an intravenous set to control the flow of medicinal fluid in a barrel into patient's body. The flow control device comprises a floating member capable of being supported for floating by the buoyancy of the medicinal fluid and having a first hollowed portion facing upwards so that the hollowed portion can contain medicinal fluid and a second hollowed portion facing downwards. A linkage bar is secured to the floating member by insertion into the second hollowed portion. A membranous member is coupled via the linkage bar to the floating member such that the membranous member moves along with the floating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: King-He Hung
    Inventor: Cheng-Kuo Fan
  • Patent number: 5657494
    Abstract: The flushing device has an actuating device for optionally triggering a complete or partial flushing. A valve body of drain fittings is raised for this purpose. In the case of a partial flushing, the valve body is raised with a weight body, which loads the valve body with the valve body raised and brings same prematurely into the closed position against the lifting force of a float after a flushing process has been triggered. A coupling device has a switching member mounted on the weight body in its lower area. This switching member automatically connects the weight body to the valve body during the raising of the weight body with a pulling element connected to the weight body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventor: Alois Diethelm
  • Patent number: 5655232
    Abstract: A water level control device has connected tubular housings, one serving as a support for a hose connection and the other serving to house a float assembly for operation of a ball valve within the valve housing. An airtight float serves to raise the one extreme of a lever arm when buoyed by sufficient water level admitted through apertures in the float housing. The other extreme of the lever arm includes an upward projection that contacts a ball within the ball valve cavity urged against a lower valve seat by water pressure from a water hose. When the water level in the pool, and thus the float, is lowered, the one lever arm extreme will also be lowered raising the other extreme to cause the projection to lift the ball away from the valve seat and permit water from the hose to enter the pool. A water flooded ballast attached to the float provides a dampening effect so that the ballast and apertured float housing serve to dampen float motion due to surface waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: James K. Buckwalter
  • Patent number: 5653255
    Abstract: A sewage treatment system includes a pair of substantially identical unitary fluid treatment modules, each module having a central sedimentation tank surrounded by a peripheral wetland. The sedimentation tanks are coupled through a dosing device to an input source of sewage and, as an outlet, to a leaching field. The dosing device includes a switching mechanism isolated from the fluids, which mechanism provides in one cycle for one treatment module to be filled with the incoming sewage while maintaining its outlet closed. When the liquid level in the sedimentation tank in the first treatment module reaches a predetermined level the dosing device switches the sewage input to the other treatment module, while opening the outlet from the first treatment module to the leaching field. The dosing device switching mechanism employs pinch valves arranged so that when the inlet on one treatment module is closed, the inlet on the other treatment module is substantially simultaneously opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Stormtreat Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Winfried Platz
  • Patent number: 5615701
    Abstract: A vacuum control valve controls the removal of sewage or other liquid removed from a tank by a vacuum discharge pipe. The control valve uses the amount of liquid in the tank, the atmospheric pressure, and the vacuum pressure of the vacuum discharge pipe to open or close a pipe communicating section which attaches the vacuum discharge pipe to a suction pipe disposed within the tank. When the pipe communicating section is opened, the liquid is removed from the tank via the suction pipe and the vacuum discharge pipe. When the tank is emptied, a damping diaphragm allows for decompression of pressure around its peripheral portion to prevent excessive suction. An opening time adjusting valve automatically self-adjusts to control the time period for a single suction activity based on the vacuum pressure inside the vacuum discharge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Sekisui Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuo Yamabe, Tetsushi Ohtsuka
  • Patent number: 5588458
    Abstract: A vacuum valve controller for a vacuum sewer system including a suction pipe (12) which is communicated with a vacuum system (15) by opening a vacuum valve (14), and which is cut off from the vacuum system by closing the vacuum valve (14) is disclosed. Soil water in a soil water basin (10) is sucked through the suction pipe (12) and sent to a predetermined place by opening the vacuum valve (14). The vacuum valve controller is provided with a control device (20) which closes the vacuum valve (14) by detecting that the suction pipe has begun to suck air from a change of the pressure difference between two points (16 and 17) in the suction pipe (12) which are different in height from each other, which provide a vacuum valve controller for a vacuum sewer system, which is simple in structure, easy to maintain and capable of stable operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Ushitora, Osamu Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5563584
    Abstract: A liquid level sensing and monitoring system for a medical fluid infusion system has an IV spike with a pressure sensor which contacts fluid in an infusion container such as an IV bag or bottle. When an adequate amount of fluid is in the container, the resulting pressure on the sensor is at a relatively high level; however, when the fluid reservoir is nearly depleted, the pressure on the sensor falls to a low level, thereby activating the sensor and associated control circuitry which operates an alarm or warning indicator. In lieu of the pressure sensor, the device may use a resistive or capacitive sensor. When the liquid level falls below the electrical sensor, its state changes, and the alarm circuitry is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: R. Scott Rader, Eric H. Schallen, Alexander C. Walsh, Carl C. Awh, Eugene de Juan
  • Patent number: 5535774
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for storing and supplying water for use in a unit of catering equipment, comprising means for controlling the supply of water from a mains source to a water storage tank and means adapted to supply a predetermined volume of water from the storage tank for use in the catering equipment unit, the control means being adapted to supply water so as to maintain the quantity of water within the storage tank substantially constant wherein the volume of the storage tank is equal to, or not less than, the predetermined volume so that the storage tank may be of sufficiently small dimensions as to be located within the housing the catering equipment unit, an air gap of predetermined dimensions being provided between the mains source and the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Premark FEG Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Davies
  • Patent number: 5531241
    Abstract: A condensate removal device for capturing, measuring and removing condensate from a fluid system having air or gas under pressure. The device purges only condensate on demand without loss of relative pressure inherent within the system. A differential pressure sensor senses the low and high level of condensate in a condensate collection reservoir activating a diaphragm type discharge valve venting condensate from the reservoir. Once condensate levels fall below a pre-determined level within the reservoir the valve is closed awaiting accumulation of additional condensate before cycling again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: John Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 5361795
    Abstract: A method to prevent freezing of water in a conduit that carries the water out of a building. The method uses a device that alternately accumulates the water in a container and then dumps it. The water is then carried to the outside of the building through a conduit. The water, being released in batches, does not have time to freeze in the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Albert C. Pollard
  • Patent number: 5360412
    Abstract: A device for controlling flow rate in an intravenous line comprises a housing having an inlet port adapted to be connected to an incoming segment of an intravenous line and an outlet port adapted to be connected to an outgoing segment of the intravenous line. A valve is disposed in the housing between the inlet port and the outlet port. The device further comprises a first valve adjustment mechanism mounted to the housing and operatively connected to the valve for setting the valve to select a desired flow rate, the first valve adjustment mechanism being manually adjustable for selecting the desired flow rate. A second valve adjustment mechanism is mounted to the housing and is operatively connected to the valve for automatically and temporarily closing the valve in response to the exceeding of the desired flow rate by an average flow rate of intravenous fluid into the housing through the inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventors: Naomi L. Nakao, John V. Mizzi
  • Patent number: 5358000
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Michael T. O'Hair
  • Patent number: 5259427
    Abstract: An integral, vacuum operated, package system for collecting and transporting waste liquids from, e.g., a defrosted freezer, sink, bathtub, or water fountain, to a vacuum transport conduit connected to a vacuum collection station. The package system preferably includes a collection sump, sensor valve, controller valve, vacuum volume, and vacuum valve, which operatively communicate with each other by means of applied differential pressure to withdraw waste liquid from the collection sump and pass it through an opened vacuum valve during a transport cycle. The package system is compact, portable, and easily installed and maintained, and may be concealed in most applications, since it requires a mere volume generally measuring 12".times.8".times.31/2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Burton Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Grooms, Blake V. Ricks
  • Patent number: 5201342
    Abstract: A pulsator device includes a water chamber having a small inlet orifice for inletting pressurized water at a relatively low rate in a continuous manner, and a large outlet orifice. An outlet valve assembly controls the large outlet orifice to open it at a relatively high chamber pressure and to close it at a relatively low chamber pressure. The outlet orifice is one end of a hollow stem passing through a wall of the water chamber. The outlet valve assembly includes an expansible/contractible control chamber and a valve member effective, in the normal expanded condition of the control chamber, to close the one end of the hollow stem, and in the contracted condition of the control chamber to open the one end of the hollow stem, and thereby to output pulses of pressurized water through the hollow stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventor: Peretz Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 5154205
    Abstract: The water level of an above-ground swimming pool is maintained at a predetermined level by a small tank attached to the edge of the pool. The tank bottom has an aperture for a conduit to the pool through the side wall thereof, whereby the level of the water in the tank is the same as the level of the water in the pool. The pressure sensor switch is designed to open when the water level in the pool falls below a predetermined amount, and to close when the water level is restored thereto. The pressure sensor switch is activated by the level of the water in the tank, but when open delivers water from the house line directly to the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventor: Edwin R. Langill
  • Patent number: 5069243
    Abstract: A liquid level valve control system includes pressure responsive means compring a first chamber containing a first diaphragm having a port for applying pressure; bleed means enabling air to pass this diaphragm; and passageway means enabling air then to pass into a further chamber also containing a diaphragm operatively linked to the valve operating apparatus; so that, when a predetermined and substantially constant pressure is applied at the port, air bleeds past the first diaphragm into the further chamber to move the diaphragm therein to activate the valve control system, but when a surge of pressure is applied at the port the first diaphragm moves to block the passageway into the further chamber, thus preventing pressure being applied to the latter's diaphragm to activate the valve control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Euro Iseki Limited
    Inventor: Brain E. Foreman
  • Patent number: RE35283
    Abstract: A highly efficient distillation unit is provided for heating water and condensing the generated steam to remove the contaminants from the water. Efficiency is enhanced by providing a compact air cooled fin-and-tube heat exchanger which removes heat from the steam, with a powered blower passing air by the fins. A removable bowl which houses the evaporating water is suspended from a rod biased toward its upper position. Mechanical linkage interconnects the rod and a valve which controls incoming water flow to the bowl. The valve closure member is incrementally moved from an opened position to a closed position as a function of the weight of the water in the heating bowl. A low density electrical heating element is powered with from 40 to 55 watts per square inch of submerged heating element exterior surface. The bowl is configured to have a large surface area of heated water to heater input power, thereby further maximizing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Arthur R. Helmich