Abstract: A flood stopper system is used to prevent movement of fluid from a floor drain system out onto a floor that is being cleared by that drain system. The flood stopper system includes a balloon-like inflatable element that is automatically inflated to occlude the drain system in the event of a flood situation. The stopper system is located in the drain in a stand-by configuration and includes a float that covers a fluid-sensor and is only moved when a potential flood situation is present. Movement of the float permits fluid to contact the sensor and upon such contact, the sensor generates a signal that is used to fluidically connect a source of pressurized gas to the inflatable element to occlude the drain system.

Abstract: A fill valve (36) has a main valve (34) with a control chamber (44) for controlling the on and off actuation of the main valve. A tube (58) is in fluid communication with chamber (44) and extends into the water at the fill level (46) in tank (10). The flush valve (64) is connected to tube (58) such that upon actuation it raises tube (58) and lowers the pressure in chamber (44) to turn on the main valve (34) independent of whether the water level in tank (10) drops below its fill level (46) to direct water from the main valve to a rim wash conduit (28).

Abstract: A pilot controlled diaphragm shut-off valve (13) includes a cushion body (22) disposed in a pilot pressure chamber (20). The cushion body (22)operates to gradually allow the build up of pressure in the pilot pressure chamber (20) as water enters through a pilot orifice (21a) into the pilot pressure chamber (20). Such gradual pressure build up in the pilot pressure chamber (20) allows a gradual closing velocity of the shut-off diaphragm valve (13) and thereby eliminates the water hammer phenomena. An actuating diaphragm (32) is provided for opening and closing a pilot valve (24). Alternatively, a float (43) may be employed for opening and closing the pilot valve (24). Either the actuating diaphragm (32) or the float (43) is linked to a stem (23) and lever (26) mechanism, or alternatively to a magnetic linkage (40, 41, 42a).

Abstract: A fluid flow fill valve (10) has an elongated strainer member (40) with a plurality of axially extending flanges (44) each having alternating notches (48) and comb-like elements (46) which abut a complementarily tapered supply conduit wall (25) to provide an elongated strainer member along the conduit. The upstream end of the strainer member (40) has a nub (64) which is placed within an aperture (74) of flexible fluid flow restrictor member (66) to provide for a restrictive annular inlet to the strainer member (40). Strainer member (40) can be easily flushed by depressing and axially moving the strainer member downwardly such that a clearance (84) is formed between the comb-like element (46) and the tapered wall (25) of conduit (24).

Abstract: The device includes a main receptacle (1) having an overflow pipe (2) and a secondary receptacle (9) mounted so as to be freely movable in the vertical direction inside the main receptacle (1). The inner space of the secondary receptacle (9) communicates with a drainage pipe (8) for fluid lost by the hydraulic installation. The secondary receptacle (9) floats in the fluid contained in the main receptacle (1). The immersion level of the secondary receptacle (9) increases, depending on the amount of lost fluid received by the secondary receptacle (9), and the supply of fluid from the main receptacle (1) is caused by the immersion of the secondary receptacle (9).

Abstract: A fill valve for use with toilet tanks is configured to include an extensible pipe unit of an inlet and an outlet pipes for adjusting the water level and a telescopic air cylinder acting also for adjustment of the water level. A valve body is provided therein with a main valve including a diaphragm to be driven by the difference in pressure to open and close an inlet valve seat for water filling and an auxiliary valve of a further diaphragm to actuate and direct the opening and closing of the main valve by the air pressure so as to perform water filling and water stoppage of the tank. The arrangement allows the main valve to forcibly and effectively close an inlet valve port having a diameter of opening far greater than that of a conventional fill valve especially by way of difference in the water pressure whereby it greatly enhances the speed of water filling while reduces the filling time.

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.

Abstract: A fill valve (22) for a toilet tank (10) has a probe (44). A cup member (46) is attached to the end of the probe. The cup member (46) has an inner tubular member (72) forming a chamber extension (42b) in communication with upper control chamber section (42a) in probe (44). A check valve (90) is mounted at the bottom end (60) of cup member (46). The cup member (46) provides for adjustability of fill level (41) of the tank by adaptably sliding up or down along the probe (44).

Abstract: A toilet tank fill valve assembly is disclosed, in which the tank water level at which the valve opens is different from the tank water level at which the valve closes. The valve has a substantially vertical rod, which moves up to activate a lever to allow the ballcock valve to close, and moves down to activate the lever to open the ballcock valve. The rod has upper and lower stops, preferably adjustable, corresponding to the valve closing and valve opening positions respectively. A float lifts the upper stop when the tank becomes full, thereby allowing the ballcock valve to close. A weight pushes the lower stop down when the tank becomes empty, thereby opening the ballcock valve. The float and weight may be separate units, or may be a single unit which rides up and down on the rod between the stops.

Abstract: A very simple system to automatically control the flow of irrigation water. The stem of a water shutoff valve is controlled by a balance beam having two arms extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the valve stem. The angle between the two arms is about 135 degrees. At the end of the second arm is a water bucket. At the end of the first arm is a counter weight. When the first arm is horizontal, the water bucket is elevated and the valve is open. The water bucket collects a small portion of the irrigation water flow. When the bucket is substantially full, the second arm moves to a horizontal position, the counterweight is elevated and the valve is closed.

Abstract: An air-water separator used in a water well upstream of the intake on a submersible pump comprising a collar member positioned between the well casing and the water pipe including a plurality of spring-biased check valves in the collar which allow gravity flow through the collar only after a certain static head of water is built thereabove to allow sufficient time for the air bubbles to separate from the water before intake into the pump.

Abstract: A container for gasoline or other liquids is provided with a hollow body portion equipped with a pouring spout. A manually actuated valve mechanism plugs or unplugs the pouring spout by the axial displacement of a control rod which extends through both the pouring spout and the container body. The plug and control rod being biased towards a closed position and displaceable to a locked open position. In the locked open position the interior of the hollow body portion is vented via a vent tube, ventable to either the upper or lower portions of the container. The air admission system including a pair of pressure-actuated valves disposed respectively in the upper and lower portions of the vent tube and each operable to admit air to the container only when it is not submerged in the container contents. Thus, the flow of fluid will be continuous whether the container is upright or inverted.

Abstract: An air cleaner is illustrated having a transverse support carrying an eliminator blade assembled in a raised position above a downwardly inclined housing bottom. A means is provided for creating a seal for preventing the passage of air in the space beneath the eliminator blade assembled so as to bypass the eliminator utilizing a controlled level of liquid to establish the seal.

Abstract: A device that maintains the water level of a swimming pool within acceptable limits. The device includes a valve member that has a valve chamber and a diaphragm chamber. The valve member is held in submerged relation to the water level in the pool by a weighted member that is provided with a stabilizer so that the correct position of the submerged valve member is maintained at all times. A garden hose is connected at one end to a source of water under pressure and its other end is connected to the valve chamber. One side of the diaphragm is exposed to the water in the pool and its other side is exposed to atmospheric pressure so that when the pool level changes, the change is detected by the diaphragm. An on-off valve in the valve chamber is normally closed so that a valve at the water source may be left in its open position at all times.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining the level of an interface between separate phases in a solvent extraction column by regulating the flow from the base of the column. A steady controllable flow is achieved by passing the flow into a pressure vessel and the level in the vessel is controlled by having a plurality of vertically spaced apart apertures in the flow path within the vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device in a vacuum transportation system for liquids, preferably a vacuum sewage system, comprising a transportation conduit (12) which is under vacuum and via a normally closed valve (13) and a suction pipe (14) connected to a liquid collecting container (10). The closing movement for the valve (13) is activated by the change in pressure which occurs when air entering after the liquid flows into the system.

Abstract: A fill valve for controlling liquid level in a toilet water tank or other tank includes a valve head assembly positioned at a selected level in the tank by a telescoping riser assembly with liquid inlet and outlet conduits extending toward the tank bottom. An adjusting nut on a stationary riser engages thread structures on inlet and outlet conduits for raising or lowering the valve head assembly and adjusting the liquid level. A main valve in the head assembly is controlled by a non-horizontal diaphragm separating a vent chamber and a control chamber. The control chamber is pressurized as liquid rises to the selected level by a standpipe extending downwardly in the tank. The valve closing and opening levels are offset by partly filling the vent chamber with liquid when the main valve is open to hydraulically load the diaphragm. A vacuum breaker valve obstructs backflow through the valve, vents the flow path when the valve is closed, and regulates flow into the vent chamber when the valve is open.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of liquid from a conduit into a tank to maintain a selected level, which is an improvement on the conventional type of float-operated flow valves which use a diaphragm clamped between two flanges and positioned over the end of the conduit through which liquid is supplied at a selected pressure. There is a small opening in the center of the diaphragm and there is a second small opening in the second flange of the flow means. The improvement of this invention, is the use, instead of a float mechanism, a pressure-sensitive diaphragm which is responsive to the hydrostatic pressure in the liquid at the level of immersion of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is adapted to close and open the second small opening, and thus to control the flow through the first valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a pressure, particularly the pressure of a fluid, employ a pressure-charged measuring piston movable in a cylinder and connected to a load or displacement measuring device. The piston is maintained floating or contact-free within the cylinder by hydrostatic or pneumatic fluid in the form of a release agent supplied between the piston and the cylinder under pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring fluid pressures which comprises a gas-type pressure sensor and a sensor control for supplying controlled purge gas to the sensor and for receiving vent gas from the sensor. The apparatus further includes a unique pressure-reducing device operable in response to a differential gas pressure in the sensor control for creating a zone of pressure less than any other in the apparatus, which zone is placed in fluid communication with gas in the apparatus to reduce the overall pressure thereof. This permits the accurate measuring of pressure at or below atmospheric. An integral design and a retrofit design are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for automatically preventing the backup of sewage in a gravity discharge drain line consisting of an expansible bladder in conjunction with a reverse flow detector, means for inserting said device to a remote section in said drain line, a pressure source for expanding said bladder to a predetermined pressure to block reverse flow upon signal from said reverse flow detector, electrical and mechanical means for remote automatic operation of said device, said electrical and mechanical means containing elements for return of said device to normal standby position when the backup condition is rectified.In addition, the device contains a self cleaning feature and means for simulating a backup condition for checking the integrity of the device.

Abstract: An expansible, resilient receptacle positionable about a standpipe installed for the relief of subsurface water pressure occasioned specifically by sewer backup. The receptacle surrounds the standpipe and communicates with the inner portion thereof through strategically located openings in the walls of the standpipe. The water introduced to the receptacle bulges its walls and urges a watertight engagement between the walls and floor about the base of the standpipe. The seal contains any water leaking upwardly around the base of the standpipe and prevents the floor from failing. In the event the excessive subsurface water pressure is encountered, the water is permitted to escape into the room to avoid possible rupture of the floor surface. The water is releaseable from the receptacle when the subsurface pressure diminishes.

Abstract: A discharge valve closure of the type which has a bleeder port to permit the conservation of water by causing the closure to shut the discharge valve prior to the draining of all water from the water tank. The discharge valve closure features an adjustment which permits at least a portion of the buoyancy chamber to be pivoted about the axis of the closure to position the bleeder port at a selected angular spacing from its top dead center position. This adjustment allows the tank water level at which the closure shuts off the discharge valve to be adjusted.

Abstract: A regulator for controlling the liquid level in a liquid supply system having a discharge part located at an elevation higher than the elevation of the regulator. The regulator is characterized by a housing spanned by a diaphragm to define two chambers including a liquid chamber with which the intake and outlet of the regulator are connected and within which is located a lever mounting at one end a valve for sealing said intake in one position of the lever and connected at its opposite end to said diaphragm to be pivoted by the diaphragm. The other chamber of the housing receives a spring for urging said diaphragm to valve-opening position. An adjusting member projects from and is manually accessible externally of said housing and is actuable to vary the pressure exerted against said diaphragm by said spring.

Abstract: A system for controlling the water level in a boiler, including a liquid level adjuster, conduits connecting the liquid level adjuster to the boiler through housings mounted on the boiler and membranes positioned between the boiler and the conduits to transmit fluid pressure from the boiler to the liquid level adjuster while preventing fluid communication between the boiler and the liquid level control system. Valved bypass ducts extend from the housings to the top of the boiler so that expansion of the water in the liquid level control system due to the firing of the boiler is accommodated by overflow into the top of the boiler rather than by rupture of the membranes. Graduated water columns are provided to permit calibration of the liquid level adjuster, and valves are included in the liquid level control system adjacent to the liquid level adjuster so that the liquid level adjuster may be isolated from the rest of the system and checked for proper operation at any time.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with regulation of evolutive pulp. It offers a regulation process and mechanism, said mechanism including an elastic shape-changing pneumatic valve, valve opening control means, and modulating means causing a variation of said valve opening either way from an opening setting achieved through control means. The present invention can be applied to a continuous process for mixing plaster.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for handling atmospheric condensate resulting from the operation of dehumidifier structure wherein the container for the condensate is rocked, as the level of the condensate increases, by a shift in the center of gravity of the container to activate a control and/or signal mechanism.

Abstract: A control for a liquid level regulating system including a casing which is immersed in the liquid to a depth at which control is to be effected, a loose flexible diaphragm closes the casing at the bottom and is moved in accordance with the liquid head. A plunger mounted in the casing for free vertical movement within a selected range has a disc-like foot positioned for free engagement by the diaphragm. An adjustable spring and stops are provided for setting the range of movement. Vertical movement of the plunger actuates a cam or screw to vary the setting of the control element of the level control system. This element may be the discharge outlet control. The control provides quick response and actuates the level control to effect accurate maintenance of the required liquid level in an air pressure control system or, for example, a variable resistance control in an electrical control system.

Abstract: A vacuum operated sewage system includes a static pressure sensor establishing a trigger signal at a selected first level in a standpipe. The sensor is connected upstream of a discharge control valve and actuates a trigger and timer controller at the selected sensed pressure to establish low for a predetermined period. A suitable time delay capacitor in the controller prevents transient signal actuation. A system pressure interlock senses the vacuum level of the system to disable the timer controller if system pressure is below a selected level. The interlock may include a pressure level control valve connected to bleed the capacitor and disable the timer controller. A system pressure sensing valve in parallel with the level control valve decouples the latter as long as the system level is above the selected minimum and thereby permits normal controller operation.

Abstract: A urological endoscopic irrigation system which consists of a reverse osmosis unit adapted for connection to an available hospital supply to produce at its output an available supply of nonpyrogenic water. The water is fed through a dionization chamber and final sterile filter into a reservoir bag which is supported on a weight switch so that the bag will be filled with a predetermined amount of filtered and nonpyrogenic fluid for use by a cystoscope. A reservoir and pump may be provided in the output line of the reverse osmosis unit to provide additional fluid capacity for the cystoscope.

Abstract: A conduit has an upper and a lower open end. A sealing ring surrounds the conduit exteriorly adjacent the lower open end, and a cover is mounted on the conduit to be located beneath the lower open end. The normally upwardly facing side of the cover is provided with a depression surrounded by an upstanding rim which is normally in engagement with the sealing ring. The cover is mounted for swinging movement, about a mounting shaft defining a swinging axis, from this normally closed position downwards to an open position. A counterweight normally holds the cover in the closed position, but when the liquid in the depression reaches a predetermined amount, the weight of the liquid triggers a quick opening of the cover, discharge of accumulated liquid, followed by quick closing of the cover. The cover is so mounted that the end thereof near the mounting shaft can move vertically relative to the mounting shaft.

Abstract: A so-called "visual" flow-regulation system ensuring a constant flow-rate and presenting an impenetrable barrier to air-bubbles even after completion of the perfusion, the system comprising a central tube on which a sleeve is arranged to slide, the sleeve being provided with a float and further comprising a flexible diaphragm intended to cooperate with the extremity of the fixed central tube, the unit imparting to the liquid passing through it a downward and then an upward movement.

Abstract: A sanitation appliance such as a water-closet or the like equipped with a generally vertically extending outlet pipe is provided with a resilient diaphragm mounted within said pipe and extending thereacross to stem the flow of flushing water passing through said pipe until a sufficient quantity of the water has accumulated whereupon the diaphragm operates to pass the water through the pipe thereby to cause the accumulated water to act as a water plug creating a suction effect within the pipe.

Abstract: An improved ball valve for toilet flush tanks for regulating the quantity of water released from a tank in a flush includes a gauged or adjustable water inlet hole at the bottom of the ball valve and an air bleed hole at the top of the ball valve. The water inlet hole at the bottom of the ball valve is adjustable in size for selectively setting the flow rate of water entering the ball valve during a flush action, and thereby determining the time the ball valve remains open to allow flush water to drain from the tank.

Abstract: A vacuum operated sewerage system includes a static pressure sensor establishing a trigger signal at selected first level in a standpipe. The sensor is connected upstream of a discharge control valve and actuates a timer at the selected sensed pressure. The timer is connected to actuate the discharge control valve after a suitable time delay to prevent transient signal actuation, and establish flow for a predetermined period. An air admission valve is connected in series with the sensor to the timer to actuate the timer if the system vacuum drops below a selected level in the same manner as an increased hydrostatic pressure. The sensor can be eliminated for separate air admission control directly in response to the vacuum condition of the line.

Abstract: An intravenous apparatus for administering liquids to a patient, including an elongated supply tube having a first end which is adapted to be connected to a reservoir of liquid. A flow-regulating device is attached to the remote end of the supply tube. A control tube having a length approximately the same as the supply tube is adapted to hang alongside the supply tube. Within the flow-regulating device is a flexible member such as a tube, bladder or diaphragm--with liquid that is being furnished by the supply tube passing interiorly of said flexible member, and there being some means for externally pressurizing said flexible member. A preferred means for pressurizing the flexible member is a column of liquid maintained in the control tube, with the control liquid having the same specific gravity as that of the supply liquid. A check valve is provided so that liquid may temporarily pass out of the supply tube and into the control tube, until a desired height of liquid has been achieved in the control tube.

Abstract: A fill valve for controlling liquid level in a toilet tank or other tank includes a housing with an inlet, an outlet, a valve, and a level sensing mechanism for opening the valve to permit flow when the liquid level is below a predetermined value. A flow impedance path including a compact array of many baffles defining multiple consecutive right angle turns dissipates fluid pressure without substantial velocity increases and consequent cavitation and noise. Stable valve closure when the predetermined level is reached is effected by the mounting and configuration of a valve control lever. The fill valve may be disassembled for service without removal from the tank. A coupling and mounting nut assembly facilitates mounting without tools in a variety of tanks. A backflow preventer including few simple parts may be incorporated to provide redundant cross-connection protection.

Abstract: The anti-bubble safety valve comprises a liquid-admission chamber which is partly delimited by a diaphragm in cooperating relation with a seating provided with an outlet pipe. Thus the liquid which is present within the chamber is directed into the diaphragm-seating interface and passed in laminar flow towards the outlet pipe. The chamber is provided with a passageway to the surrounding atmosphere for the discharge of any air bubble which may have been admitted.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine which recirculates wash or rinse water from a surrounding tub into a clothes holding basket to reduce the quantity of water required for wash and rinse cycles. The fill level is controlled by an adjustable pressure-sensitive switch which senses the pressure level at the drain outlet located in the bottom of the tub in order to control water fill levels at the beginning of each wash and rinse cycle. The pressure-sensitive switch is reset preparatory to the initiation of each wash or rinse cycle of the tub by the low pressure existing in the tub bottom after the tub has been drained at the end of each wash and rinse cycle.

Abstract: Chemical distribution system having a pressurized tank for causing flow of chemical to a plurality of appliances and having an apparatus for introducing a chemical into the tank from bulk storage and maintaining the pressure at a constant, predetermined value.

Abstract: There is disclosed a liquid level control valve ideally suited for water closets and the like that employs a submersed liquid pressure responsive diaphragm as an actuator for the control valve. The control valve is supported in the tank on a liquid inlet vertical column, above the normal, controlled liquid level thereon. The control valve has a flexible valve closure member that subdivides the control valve housing into main and secondary chambers. A small orifice provides liquid communication through the diaphragm between the chambers and the secondary chamber is provided with a bleed orifice in the housing wall with a closure member therefor carried on an actuator arm which is mechanically coupled through a vent pipe to the diaphragm actuator.

Abstract: There is described a process and apparatus which compares the pressure at the interface between the upper surface of a granular bed and the liquid in which it is submerged with the pressure above the liquid to maintain a predetermined head of liquid above the bed irrespective of expansion and contraction of the bed.

Abstract: An automatic water tender is disclosed which waters a plant in accordance with the amount of moisture which has evaporated or has been transpired from the plant. The apparatus comprises a support base upon which a horizontal pivot shaft is pivotally mounted. A cantilever platform is rigidly mounted to the pivot shaft and a counter weight is mounted to the pivot shaft opposite to the cantilever platform. A plant container is supported by the cantilever platform, which contains the plant to be watered. The plant container on the platform is counter-balanced about the pivot shaft by the counter weight. A fluid reservoir is mounted on the support base in an elevated position with respect to the plant container. A valve means is mounted on the fluid reservoir and is operatively connected to the pivot shaft, for controllably conducting fluid from the reservoir to the plant container in response to the pivotal motion which the pivot shaft undergoes when the counter weight overbalances the platform.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing fluids at a fixed ratio. It includes a large tank for the mixture, a storage tank for an additive fluid and preferably, an intermediate tank having a volume at least equal to the amount needed to provide the desired ratio when the large tank is completely filled with the larger volume of fluid and the additive from the intermediate tank. A stand pipe in the large tank and pipes and valves between the tanks are arranged to enable the introduction of the main fluid into the large tank, through a fill valve, to simultaneously displace a proportional amount of additive fluid into the large tank by the action of the main fluid rising in the stand pipe. An interlock arrangement between the fill valve and the other valves assures proper refilling of the large tank with the correct mixture.

Abstract: An automatic clothes washing machine of a single-tub construction with water level sensing and liquid extraction features includes scoop conduits arranged symmetrically within the sump chamber of a reversely tapered tub i.e., divergent from top to bottom. Each scoop conduit has an opening in its end adjacent the outer wall of the sump chamber and is connected to a discharge line along the axis of the tub. When the tub spins, liquid is forced radially outwardly and downwardly and exits through the scoop conduit openings into the discharge line while maintaining a dynamic balance of the tub. Liquid level control is regulated by a pressure sensitive valve means communicating with an air dome in an agitator portion of the tub.