Thawing And Freeze Protection Patents (Class 138/32)
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Patent number: 6830063Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant is provided that has an elongated inlet pipe comprised of a hollow tube. The tube is connected to a valve and fitting assembly on its inner end for connection to a source of water under pressure. On the outer end, the tube is connected to an adjusting element with an outlet port that is associated with the valve and fitting assembly to open or close the tube to fluid flow and allow for fluid flow out of the tube when the valve is in the open position. The tube is comprised of a flexible material that enlarges in diameter in an area along its length when it is subjected to trapped fluid therein under high pressure so that the tube will not rupture. The tube returns to its normal diameter after the high fluid pressure therein is abated.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventor: William T. Ball
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Patent number: 6830062Abstract: A dripper apparatus for a water spigot includes a coupler having a threaded female member for connecting to a water spigot. A generally cylindrical elongate member has a longitudinal portion in fluid communication with the female member. The longitudinal portion has an upper portion that defines a seat within the female member. A flow controller sits on the seat. A filter screen upstream the flow controller collects particles in water flowing therethrough so that the controller does not become clogged. The flow controller includes a housing that is provided with an upper inlet for receiving a first flow rate of water from a water spigot. The housing also includes a cavity therewithin and the cavity is in fluid contact with the upper inlet. A flexible membrane is housed within the cavity and floats when water enters the cavity via the upper inlet. The upper inlet is slotted at the top thereof for further filtering water flowing therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Inventor: John R. Montpetit
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Patent number: 6810916Abstract: A drainage device and method of decreasing clogging in a drain pipe comprising heating the drain pipe with a heating element that is partially enclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: DT Search & Designs, LLCInventor: Alvin Dean Thompson
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Patent number: 6805167Abstract: A fluid conduit has a peripheral wall defining a fluid passage extending along a longitudinal access. A heating element is located in contact with the peripheral wall and extending parallel to the longitudinal access. A jacket entrained about the peripheral wall and heating element maintains the heating element in contact with the peripheral wall.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Inventor: Lorne R. Heise
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Patent number: 6805154Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a fluid inlet end connected to a source of pressurized water, and a fluid outlet end. A check valve is placed in the bore of the valve body and is spring loaded to open only when extreme water pressure within the inlet valve lifts a spring loaded piston element to permit the highly pressurized water to move through the bore in the valve body and be relieved as it escapes rearwardly into the original source of pressurized water.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: Alfred F. Dickey, Cody W. Jackson, William T. Ball
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Patent number: 6782908Abstract: A washer system which includes a first reservoir containing a freezable washer liquid and having a drain port therein. The drain port is in fluid communication with the freezable washer liquid when the first reservoir is in at least a full state. The washer system also includes a temperature sensor for measuring a critical temperature corresponding to approximately a freezing temperature of the freezable washer liquid, a drain plug sealingly communicating with the drain port, and an electrical control unit in operative communication with the temperature sensor and the drain plug. The electrical control unit controls the drain plug to drain the liquid from the first reservoir in response to the critical temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ellen Cheng-chi Lee, Kevin Richard John Ellwood, Scott Alan Wojan
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Patent number: 6769446Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a normally horizontal fluid inlet tube with an interior end and exterior end. A hollow valve fitting is rigidly secured to the interior end of the inlet tube for a connection to a source of pressurized fluid. A valve seat is located on an interior end of the valve fitting. An elongated hollow tube of a diameter less than the interior diameter of the inlet tube is positioned on the center line of the inlet tube and has inner and outer ends. A plug is rigidly secured to the inner end of the tube to close the inner end for fluid flow. A normally closed check valve is movably mounted in the tube to engage a valve seat on the plug, to open the tube for fluid therein under conditions of high fluid pressure in the inlet tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: William T. Ball, Cody W. Jackson, Lawrence Almasy
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Publication number: 20040144438Abstract: A drainage device and method of decreasing clogging in a drain pipe comprising heating the drain pipe with a heating element that is partially enclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventor: Alvin Dean Thompson
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Patent number: 6601607Abstract: A sump pump discharge system having a water escape member interposed between a sump pump exit pipe and a drain pipe, such water escape member being a truncated conical structure having a plurality of upright ribs extending from its base to its top defining a plurality of elongated discharge openings therebetween and, in one embodiment, having a valve disposed above the water escape member to direct water through a hose having a first end and a second end, the second end of which is manually positioned at a desired location for aiding the escape of water from the exit pipe.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Inventor: James M. Pratt
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Patent number: 6532986Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a fluid inlet end connected to a source of pressurized water, and a fluid outlet end. A check valve is placed in the bore of the valve body and is spring loaded to open only when extreme water pressure within the inlet valve lifts a spring loaded piston element to permit the highly pressurized water to move through the bore in the valve body and be relieved as it escapes rearwardly into the original source of pressurized water.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventors: Alfred F. Dickey, Cody W. Jackson, William T. Ball
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Patent number: 6513577Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the heat insulation of at least one underwater pipe (1) intended to be laid on the sea bed at great depth, comprising an insulating coating surrounding the latter and a protective envelope (3), characterized in that said insulating coating comprises a virtually incompressible liquid/solid phase change material (4) with a melting temperature T0 higher than that T2 of the medium surrounding the pipe in operation and less than that T1 of the effluents circulating in the pipe, and said material (4) preferably being impregnated in an absorbent matrix (2) surrounding the pipe (1), preferably nearest its outer surface, which protective envelope (3) is resistant and deformable and ensures a containment against and about said insulating coating.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Bouygues OffshoreInventors: Michel Baylot, Raymond Hallot, Regis Pionetti, Xavier Rocher
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Publication number: 20020170610Abstract: Fluid transport and containment systems are protected from rupture related to an expanded volume within the systems. A fluid transport system, such as a water supply pipe, has a relief channel along its length configured for expanding outwardly when fluids contained in the pipe freeze and expand. A unitary pipe configuration including a pipe wall and an integral core structure that can be sealed at each end provides a means for expansion sufficient to resist freeze-induced rupture. Such pipe configurations can be used with conventional pipes and pipe fittings and with adapters adapted to fit both the improved pipes and conventional pipes and pipe fittings.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventor: Richard L. Webber
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Patent number: 6394125Abstract: A combination sheath and frost-resistant wall hydrant include a hydrant having a wall-penetrating conduit and intermediate wall bracket. There is an internal valve seat between the bracket and indoor or inlet end, and so is located in a presumptively warm indoor climate and spaced back from the wall and/or outdoors so as to reduce chances of freezing outdoor temperatures freezing water stopped behind the valve seat. The sheath telescopes over the hydrant's inlet end until the sheath's leading end mates against the hydrant's bracket. The leading end is vented for venting leakwater from the hydrant outdoors and not indoors in cases if the hydrant bursts by freezing because water got stopped in the conduit between the valve seat and outlet and failed to drain despite an open outlet. The sheath's trailing end seals onto the hydrant somewhere behind the valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: W. R. M. Investors, Inc.Inventor: Paul R. White
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Patent number: 6338364Abstract: The invention is a round, flexible, hollow tubular insert to be affixed in a central position within pressurized sprinkler pipes, water pipes and water mains. The insert will be employed to prevent sprinkler pipe, water pipe and water main ruptures due to the water within the sprinkler pipe, water pipe or water main freezing. The insert is constructed of a thin-walled, flexible material that is capable of being deformed (e.g. compressed), thereby absorbing the expansion pressures exerted by the water in a frozen state (i.e., ice). The insert is constructed with guides to maintain a position in the center of sprinkler pipes, water pipes and water mains to absorb the radial freezing of water. By such absorption, the outer sprinkler pipe, water pipe or water main itself will not be over-pressurized, thereby avoiding the possibility of a rupture. Upon the thawing of the frozen water, the flexible, hollow, tubular insert will return to its original shape.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Inventor: Burke H. Mendenhall
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Patent number: 6328058Abstract: A hose clearing device has a valve assembly at one end thereof, preferably a compressed air receiving valve; and, at the opposing end thereof, an attaching means for attaching the valve assembly to an elongated tube, the elongated tube requiring the substantial evacuation of undesired fluid therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Inventor: Mathew R. P. Perrone, Jr.
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Patent number: 6223775Abstract: A pump for moving a fluid has a housing with a internal chamber accommodating a pair of rotating pistons. Each piston has protrusions that register with pockets in the other piston in non-contact relation as the pistons rotate. A fluid accumulator in fluid communication with the pump holds a supply of fluid to prevent excessive pressure rise.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventors: Craig N. Hansen, Paul C. Cross
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Patent number: 6216722Abstract: A freeze-resistant hydrant (10, 110) extending between a first area having a temperature at least intermittently below freezing and a second area having a temperature constantly above freezing including, a heat-transfer tube (20, 120), a first end (21, 121) of the heat-transfer tube proximate the first area, a second end (22, 122) of the heat-transfer tube extending into the second area, a water line (35, 135) interposed within the heat-transfer tube from a location within the second area to the first end of the heat-transfer tube, a control valve (50, 150) on the, water line in proximity to the heat-transfer tube, and a heat-transfer fluid (R,R) in the heat-transfer tube for transferring heat from the second end of the heat-transfer tube to the control valve.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventor: Fred D. Solomon
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Patent number: 6158455Abstract: A cap assembly for providing continuous drip to a faucet exposed to freezing temperatures such as a faucet located outside a house. The cap assembly includes a cap member adapted to be mounted over the end of a faucet, which cap member includes a cylindrical wall portion and a closed end portion having an opening therein. The cap assembly includes an internal annular ridge which is adapted to receive a flow disc within the ridge, which flow disc includes an opening which is non-aligned with the opening in the closed end portion of the cap in order to create a dripping action. A rubber washer is positioned in sealing engagement with the internal annular ridge and the flow disc. A filter member is located within the rubber washer such that, upon mounting of the cap assembly over the end portion of a faucet, a continuous dripping flow through the cap assembly may be provided in order to prevent water within the faucet or within piping leading to the faucet from freezing.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1998Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Inventors: William H. Marshall, Robert E. Williams
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Patent number: 6128439Abstract: A heating pipe including a substantially tubular, electrically insulative inner element configured to allow flow of a liquid therethrough. An electric heating element in the form of a substantially flat ribbon of overheated amorphous metallic alloy is wound in a substantially helical pattern around the inner element. The helical pattern defines adjacent, electrically insulated windings. The inner element electrically insulates the heating element from liquid in the inner element. An electrically insulative outer element is provided for electrically and thermally insulating the heating element from the surrounding ambient environment.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Advanced Metal Technologies, Ltd.Inventors: Eli Adar, Vladimir Manov, Mark Geller, Evgeni Sorkine, Iosef Margolin
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Patent number: 6119729Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid handling apparatus for use in cold temperature conditions. In this respect, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a freeze protected conduit having a length comprising an elongated conduit for conveying or containing an aqueous liquid and an elongated compressible elastomeric material disposed within the conduit along its length. Alternatively, the conduit may comprise, at least in part, a substantially liquid impermeable membrane which is disposed in substantially adjacent relationship with a compressible elastomeric material. When exposed to freezing temperatures, aqueous liquid in conduits will freeze and expand. The compressible elastomeric material accommodates this expansion, thereby protecting the conduit from failure.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Arise Technologies CorporationInventors: Johannes-Ulrich Oberholzer, David Elzinga, Ian MacLellan, David W. Mather
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Patent number: 6082409Abstract: A thawing tube guide is prepositioned at the opening of a culvert to facilitate maintenance personnel in passing a culvert thawing tube with a power head into a culvert opening which is covered by ice, snow or an ice slurry. The culvert thawing tube guide includes a guide pipe having a discharge end positioned within the culvert and an inlet end positioned in at an easily accessible location. A cap and a reflective material are attached to the inlet end to prevent the accumulation of debris within the tube and to aid in detecting its location respectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Inventor: Robert Sagar
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Patent number: 6042120Abstract: Instead of applying the maximum cooling effect that can be produced, the method and apparatus disclosed applies only a carefully controlled cooling that is adequate to maintain the fluid in the pipe in a frozen condition but which maintains the temperature high enough to prevent damage to the metallurgical structure of the pipe. At the same time, the apparatus creates permanent documentation of the temperatures at selected stations along the pipe throughout the process, thereby providing proof that the pipe sustained no thermal damage.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1997Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Jeffrey E. BonnerInventor: Christopher J. Oles
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Patent number: 6029686Abstract: A freeze protection plug has latching balls engageable bayonet-fashion with grooves in a fitting. The balls are normally held in engagement with the grooves by a cam, but move inward to release the plug from the fitting when the cam is moved by a thermal actuator carried by the plug. The balls are retained in tapered openings in the wall of the plug to reduce jamming. Helical ramps in the grooves permit the use of a strong, reliable plug ejecting spring, and make manual insertion of the plug easy. Insertion is aided by the ribs of a plastic cap, which facilitate manual grasping and rotation of the plug. A paint shield ring prevents failures resulting from paint bridges adhering both to the plug and to the fitting. A unitary molded lanyard with two oval loops prevents loss of the plug. The seal on the plug is located on the liquid system side of the latching balls and isolates moving parts from the liquid system, and is of small diameter.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1997Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Inventor: Fred L. Pirkle
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Patent number: 6009906Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting a pipe from damage due to excessive internal pressure, such as the pressures resulting from water freezing within the pipe. A compressible core apparatus is disclosed for placement within the pipe. Methods for placing the core in the pipe, connecting core sections together, and attaching the core to the pipe are disclosed. The invention is suitable for simple application to complex pipeline systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1996Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Inventor: Dennis R. Salazar
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Patent number: 5979505Abstract: A sewer vent deicer for reducing the accumulation of ice within the exhaust portion of the sewer vent pipe during cold weather by increasing the flow of warm sewer gases through the sewer vent pipe. The inventive device includes a cap defining a cavity, a plurality of side apertures within the cap, an upper aperture within the cap, a tube attached to the lower portion of the cap, and an insulating sleeve removably positioned within the tube. The sewer vent pipe is surrounded by the insulating sleeve positioned within the tube thereby maintaining the temperature within the sewer vent. A stream of air enters a side aperture into the cavity which then horizontally passes over the open sewer vent pipe and thereafter exits an opposing side aperture. The air stream passing through the cavity reduces the pressure above the sewer vent pipe thereby causing the warm sewer gases within the sewer vent pipe to rise into the air stream.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Inventor: Lowell Drechsel
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Patent number: 5857480Abstract: A water purging system is disclosed. The system includes a primary water line having a first end with threads for the receipt of a faucet constituting a source of water and a second end with threads for coupling to a supplemental water line adapted to be purged of water after usage. An air tank is provided for the receipt of compressed air and for expelling the compressed air into the primary line and supplemental line after use of the system. The secondary line has a first end coupled with the air tank and a second end coupled to a central extent of the primary line. The secondary line also has a one-way check valve therein for the flow of air from the air tank to the primary and supplemental lines. Further included is a turbine having a first end operatively coupled to the air tank and having a second end operatively coupled to the primary line.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Inventor: Jerry Klein
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Patent number: 5797416Abstract: A device which protects water faucets and water pipes to which they are attached from freezing or breaking due to freezing of water contained therein. The device comprises a closed-ended nipple which is axially and/or radially expandable to accommodate freezing of water contained therein when the nipple is attached to the open end of a faucet or sillcock.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 1997Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Inventor: John D. Wilcox
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Patent number: 5746254Abstract: A water-escape conduit connector for use in the exterior above-ground vertical section of a water-discharge conduit having an interior vertical conduit segment communicating with a sump pump container or liner 14. The water-discharge conduit comprises an upstream segment, between the sump pump liner and the water-escape connector, and a downstream segment between the water-escape connector and the discharge or outlet end of the conduit. The novel water-escape device of the present invention is interposed in the water discharge conduit, at an exterior, above-ground location, to provide an emergency water outlet in the event that the downstream conduit segment becomes sealed against the free discharge of water therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1996Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Inventor: Lawrence Janesky
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Patent number: 5722461Abstract: A hose for capturing and redirecting exhaust gasses of a motor vehicle for heating purposes. The hose is pliant and heat resistant. Apparatus for removably connecting to exhaust pipes of different diameters is provided at one end of the hose. This apparatus includes a manual, self-tightening clamp. A nozzle and handle are provided at the other end of the hose. Optionally, the hose has an extension removably insertable into the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 1997Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Inventor: Marion L. Lake
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Patent number: 5715869Abstract: Apparatus is provided for thawing frozen pipes or for cleaning pipes, for use with a source of warm thawing water or cleaning water, a source of compressed air, and a flexible tube suitable for being inserted into the end of a pipe through guide means to feed the water into the pipe while the tube is being advanced into the pipe. The apparatus comprises a valved water conduit having an inlet for connection to the source of water and an outlet for connection to the flexible tube, this conduit having a movable valve. A compressed air powered drive, usually a rotator, connectable to said source of compressed air, is arranged to move the valve in such manner as to continually interrupt the flow of water in the conduit and so to produce a pulsating flow of water in the tube for thawing ice in the frozen pipe or cleaning the pipe. The rotator for the valve may be a compressed air driven ratchet drive. A valve may also be provided for injecting air into the pipe to clear out ice or dirt.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1996Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Inventor: Kelly J. Patterson
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Patent number: 5715855Abstract: A temperature-actuated valve includes an elongated housing having anterior and posterior segments, the anterior segment being connected to an outdoor water supply. A valve within the anterior segment opens in response to freezing temperatures, defining a fluid path that allows water from the outdoor water supply to flow through one or more discharge ports; and which closes when the temperature rises above freezing. The valve generally includes a piston movable within the housing and having a valve head, and a valve seat formed in the anterior housing segment; seating of the valve head against the valve seat closes the discharge port(s). The device also includes means for conducting water from the anterior housing segment to the posterior housing segment, the latter comprising an expansion reservoir for freezing water. When water freezes, its expansion moves the piston so as to unseat the valve head and thereby allow water to be discharged through the discharge port(s).Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1997Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Inventor: Brady J. Bennett
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Patent number: 5706530Abstract: An improved seal for insertion into a skimmer of a swimming pool that attaches to an intake pipe of the pool filtration equipment and extends into the walled region of the skimmer to provide a compressible body absorbing the expansion of ice during freeze-up of the pool. The seal comprises an air valve for introducing air via an inner shaft into the intake pipe line to clear out water. The seal obviates having to lower the pool water level.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1995Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Inventor: Albert S. Mariano
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Patent number: 5694972Abstract: A one-piece saddle tee for installation on a fluid line such as an irrigation line. The saddle tee has a clamp includes a pair of opposing clamp segments having upper, lower and intermediate portions with at least one of the segments being hinged along its intermediate portion to one end of the base. The other of the segments is attached to the other end of the base. Each of the segments has a locking part at its lower end portion cooperating with a locking part of the other of the segments, the locking parts interconnecting the clamp segments when the clamp is pressed onto the line. A coupling tap may be used for punching a hole in the line. Coupling tap is secured to the line with saddle tee.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1996Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: Tom King Harmony Products, Inc.Inventor: Thomas A. King
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Patent number: 5622207Abstract: Freeze-up is prevented in a tap pipe connectable to a main liquid supply line, by a liquid circulator directly inside the tap pipe. The liquid circulator is either a Pitot tube that takes advantage of the liquid flow in the main line to establish a circulation in the tap line, or the liquid circulator is a driven pump directly in the tap line. The pump is driven by an electric motor or by a turbine rotor. The turbine rotor may be an axial flow wheel, or a paddle wheel driven by the liquid flow in the main line for driving the pump. The pump itself may be a paddle wheel. The Pitot tube, the turbine rotor, and the paddle wheel are very energy efficient by using the flow or dynamic head in the main line.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1996Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus GmbHInventor: Helge Frank
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Patent number: 5584147Abstract: A freeze-resistant downspout system includes a metal downspout having an interior portion within a building and a contiguous exterior portion outside the building. The exterior portion is shielded from the weather by a thermally insulated shroud so that heat conducted along the downspout from within the building is sufficient to keep the exterior portion from freezing.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1995Date of Patent: December 17, 1996Assignee: Butler Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Ralph Agee, Michael E. Jackson
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Patent number: 5538043Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting a pipe from damage due to excessive internal pressure, such as the pressures resulting from water freezing within the pipe. A compressible core apparatus is disclosed for placement within the pipe. Methods for placing the core in the pipe, connecting core sections together, and attaching the core to the pipe are disclosed. The invention is suitable for simple application to complex pipeline systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1994Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Inventor: Dennis R. Salazar
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Patent number: 5248088Abstract: An alternating liquid/gas antifreeze nozzle which embodies a tapered-crimped, sealed, closed-end, orificed, deflecting-tubular-chamber, mounted parallel to the direction of flow and upstream of the apertures which evacuates liquids in sub-freezing temperatures at different rates and thus allows both apertures to remain unblocked by freezing particles and thus available for subsequent re-use. To accomplish the above, a pressurized gas must be used.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1989Date of Patent: September 28, 1993Inventors: James G. Prill, Sharron Prill
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Patent number: 5246028Abstract: A freeze and contamination resistant hydrant, for controlling fluid flow includes: a vertically elongated conduit having a lower portion adapted for installation underground, the conduit having a lower fluid inlet associated with that lower portion, and an upper fluid outlet, for passing fluid; a valve in the lower portion of the conduit; a plunger, with a stopper of substantially circular horizontal cross-section attached, extending downward through the conduit into the valve for closing and opening the same; an upper drain port in the valve above the stopper drains any fluid trapped above the valve when the valve is closed; a venturi conduit below the valve having a venturi port; and a fluid reservoir surrounding at least the lower portion of the conduit. When the valve is opened, fluid passes from the lower fluid inlet to the upper fluid outlet and through the venturi conduit to induce fluid flow from the reservoir through the venturi port.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1992Date of Patent: September 21, 1993Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Vandepas
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Patent number: 5226448Abstract: A plumbing box mounted in fluid communication with fluid pipes within wall structure is arranged to provide for threaded bores for securement of the pipes thereto, with a front wall of the box or housing structure having a plug member frictionally retained within a front wall smooth bore. Upon freezing of fluid within the box structure, the plug member is displaced relative to the box indicating pipe freezing, with the plug member arranged with its cap portion coplanar with a wall surface for visual indication of a freezing condition within the pipe structure directed into the box.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1992Date of Patent: July 13, 1993Inventor: Michael Schiller
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Patent number: 5220937Abstract: A water freeze prevention device is provided and includes a mechanism that is installed between a water meter and incoming water pipes to drain the water pipes to prevent the water pipes from freezing during severe cold weather conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1991Date of Patent: June 22, 1993Inventors: Dale W. Roberts, George Spector
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Patent number: 5193587Abstract: A pipe thawing apparatus has a heat exchanger for heating water. An electric water pump has an outlet coupled to an inlet of the heat exchanger. A flexible feed tube is coupled to an outlet of the heat exchanger. The electric water pump has an electric motor that is coupled to a source of electric power through a cyclical power interrupting device. The cyclical power interrupting device cyclically connects and disconnects the electric motor of the pump to the source of electric power cyclically turning the electric motor on and off. The water pump thus supplies a pulsating stream of water to the heat exchanger which in turn feeds a pulsating stream of heated water into the flexible feed tube. The flexible feed tube is advanced in the pipe to be thawed so that a pulsating stream of heated water is directed into the pipe, preferably against the ice to be melted. A return line is coupled between the pipe and an inlet of the water pump so that the water used by the apparatus is continuously recirculated.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1991Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Inventor: Floyd Miller, Jr.
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Patent number: 5113891Abstract: A water freeze guard valve having a water-filled actuator chamber and a linkage assembly for transmitting linear expansion movement, caused by ice formation within the actuator chamber, to force a poppet disc against the seat of the valve supply port and thereby close the valve when freezing conditions occur, a latch assembly for keeping the valve open prior to freezing weather, a spring to keep the valve closed during the subsequent thaw, and a lever for manually and selectively re-opening the valve. When installed in a water supply line for a building structure that is subject to freezing and thawing conditions, the valve shuts off the supply of water to the building structure during the freeze and prevents further supply of water to the building after the thaw occurs so that the interior of the building is not damaged by flooding.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1991Date of Patent: May 19, 1992Inventor: Frederick P. Carney
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Patent number: 5108227Abstract: A sleeve covering to surround a vent pipe which is to be buried and inserted into and connected to a T-fitting trap of a sanitary sewer system is described which sleeve covering will prevent the frost or frozen earth from heaving the pipe which it surrounds. The repeating sleeve covering is basically a number of hollow vertical sections or coupling members, generally cylindrical in shape, whose inside diameter of the bottom portion of each is slightly greater than the pipe which it surrounds. Vertical movement of the sleeve sections or coupling members (one or more or all) is possible without causing any vertical movement of the pipe that the sections surround. Also, because of the particular exterior shape (frusto-conical) of the top portion of each section, the exterior forces exerted upon same by the earth when it freezes actually tends to force the sleeve sections downward rather than upward.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1991Date of Patent: April 28, 1992Inventor: Michael J. Bergey
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Patent number: 5073108Abstract: An apparatus for heating a length of pipe and/or sleeve mounted thereon includes a main frame defined by a pair of posts for mounting on the pipe on each side of the area to be heated and a guide bar extending between the top ends of the posts parallel to the pipe; a screw extending between the posts above the pipe in the use position; a carriage mounted on the screw for movement longitudinally of the pipe when the screw is rotated; a bifurcated heater carrier frame, the arms of which are pivotally connected to the carriage for rotation between an open position and a closed position in which the heaters surround the pipe and any sleeve mounted thereon, whereby, with the heaters in operation, the carriage and consequently the heaters can be moved along the pipe to heat the latter uniformly.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1989Date of Patent: December 17, 1991Inventor: Alan Kirby
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Patent number: 5058627Abstract: A water pipe anti-rupture system for preventing freeze damage provides for an injection molded string of hollow cups spaced apart by a common connecting rod. Periodically spaced cross stabilizing leg members are disposed in a plane perpendicular to the connecting rod for frictionally engaging the inside of a water pipe to hold the cups in place substantially in the center and along a length of water pipe with hollows down so that they can entrap air. This system prevents bursting of the pipes when water freezes.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1990Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Inventor: Wiley W. Brannen
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Patent number: 5039135Abstract: An improved elongate drain trap made of a material having a low index of heat conductivity and having inlet and outlet end portions and a substantially U-shaped central basin portion below and extending between the end portions and in which water is contained and sometime freezes to establish an ice plug; the improvement comprises an elongate insert made of material having a high index of heat conductivity and having an upper end portion in the inlet portion of the trap and a lower end portion extending through the central basin portion of the trap. The insert functions to absorb heat from hot water deposited in the inlet portion of the trap and to conduct that heat through the basin portion of the trap where it melts a sufficient portion of an ice plug formed therein to establish a flow passage for water through the plug.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1990Date of Patent: August 13, 1991Inventor: Richard R. Palmer
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Patent number: 5033500Abstract: A freeze resisting valve apparatus, for controlling water flow, the combination comprising: a vertically elongated, hollow valve body having a lower portion adapted for installation underground, the body having a lower water inlet associated with the lower portion, and an upper water outlet, for passing a stream of pressurized water through the body; a water reservoir adapted for installation underground and having communication with the body lower portion via an ejector port; a valve seat projecting in the lower portion of the body and having a narrowed passage extending upwardly and positioned to increase pressurized water flow velocity in proximity to the port, the ejector port being proximate the level of the seat; a valve member tapering downwardly toward an apex always remaining in alignment with the narrowed passage as the stopper member moves toward and away from the seat to effect drainage of water in the valve body downwardly, in the body past the stopper to the reservoir when the stopper is closedType: GrantFiled: October 29, 1990Date of Patent: July 23, 1991Inventor: Herbert W. Hoeptner, III
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Patent number: 5014731Abstract: According to a method of preventing freezing in water piping there is arranged a non-return valve (3) upstream of the portion (1A) of the piping (1) which is to be protected, and a safety valve (4) downstream of this portion. The safety valve opens to allow the water to flow out and prevent freezing at a pressure increase of the water entrapped downstream of the non-return valve, the pressure increase occurring when the temperature falls from +4.degree. C. towards the freezing point. The invention also relates to a piping system for carrying out the method.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1989Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Inventor: Anders Westerberg
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Patent number: 5014752Abstract: The nonfreezing pipe with a double wall construction comprises an inner shell having openings at its opposite ends, an outer shell extending axially around the inner shell to form an annular space surrounding the inner shell, and at least one end closure member connecting between one end of the outer shell and the external wall portion of the inner shell. The annular space is evacuated.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1989Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Assignee: Zojirushi Vacuum Bottle Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takefumi Takenakajima, Kazuo Nishimura, Mamoru Fujiyama, Toshihiro Fukushima
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Patent number: 5005314Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a device for use in conducting sap collected from maple trees to a sap-processing unit, particularly during sunny days; it comprises a tubular member in which sap is contained and conveyed to the sap-processing unit and a parasol mounted exteriorly of the tubular member for preventing high angled sun rays to be absorbed in the tubular member and to affect the sap flowing during the day but allowing low angled sun rays to be absorbed in part of the tubular member to allow frozen sap to defreeze and flow in the morning. The parasol consists of a semi-cylindrical elongated member mounted over the tubular member and is spaced therefore so as to define an air chamber between the tubular member and the semi-cylindrical member.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1989Date of Patent: April 9, 1991Assignee: IPL, Inc.Inventor: Jean-Marie Chabot