Abstract: A pipe nipple used in fluid heating, fluid cooling and air conditioning systems, the pipe nipple having a dielectric body and a continuous layer of electrically conductive material attached to the exterior surface of the body.

Abstract: A modular trench drain for use in a trench drain system. The trench drain includes an open-faced channel including a narrow throat into which water can flow and a wider flow passage. The trench drain can include an integrally formed, removable cover which renders the channel close-faced. The removable cover is removed after installation of the drain. The throat can be offset to allow curbside installation of the trench drain. Protuberances are provided to secure the drain in the material in which the trench drain is embedded. Securement clips are provided for receiving support rods and reinforcing rods to ease installation and to provide structural stability to the trench drain.

Abstract: A modular trench drain for use in a trench drain system. The trench drain includes an open-faced channel including a narrow throat into which water can flow and a wider flow passage. The trench drain can include an integrally formed, removable cover which renders the channel close-faced. The removable cover is removed after installation of the drain. The throat can be offset to allow curbside installation of the trench drain. Protuberances are provided to secure the drain in the material in which the trench drain is embedded. Securement clips are provided for receiving support rods and reinforcing rods to ease installation and to provide structural stability to the trench drain.

Abstract: A polymeric trench drain for use in a trench drain system. The trench drain includes an open-faced channel having a crushing rib. The crushing rib prevents buckling of the trench drain due to changes in temperatures. The trench drain also includes removable spacer blocks for use during installation, which prevent the trench drain channel from deforming during installation. Rebar clips and securement clips are provided for easy installation. A unique profile is provided on support ribs to assist in easy stacking of the trench drains prior to installation.

Abstract: A check valve for preventing backflow in a conduit. The check valve includes a check valve mechanism having a valve seat defining an opening for fluid flow, a seal retainer positioned downstream of the valve seat and configured to seal the opening and a linkage between the valve seat and seal retainer. The linkage permits guided axial displacement between the valve seat and the seal retainer. The linkage also provides a retention force urging the seal retainer into engagement with the valve seat and creating a fluid seal therebetween when a downstream flow in the opening is insufficient to overcome the retention force provided by the linkage.

Abstract: A polymeric trench drain for use in a trench drain system. The trench drain includes an open-faced channel having a crushing rib. The crushing rib prevents buckling of the trench drain due to changes in temperatures. The trench drain also includes removable spacer blocks for use during installation, which prevent the trench drain channel from deforming during installation. Rebar clips and securement clips are provided for easy installation. A unique profile is provided on support ribs to assist in easy stacking of the trench drains prior to installation.

Abstract: A laundry basin that includes a laundry basin body having a plurality of walls secured to a base and a plurality of legs secured to the body. A towel rack, a removable shelf and a removable soap dish are secured to the laundry basin body. The shelf includes a support member having brackets extending upwardly therefrom. The brackets define recesses that are adapted to receive portions of the laundry basin body. The soap dish includes a three-sided structure secured to a perforated bottom wall that defines an open side wall at an open top. The open side wall is positioned adjacent a laundry basin side wall to define an open topped receptacle adapted to receive a bottle of liquid soap. The towel rack is pivotally secured to the laundry basin body.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant control unit for an automatic faucet comprises a case having separate compartments therein for receiving a solenoid-activated valve and a circuit board and battery pack, respectively.

Abstract: A spout assembly for an automatic faucet that is easily assembled and tamper resistant has a transmitter and a receiver for use in detecting the presence of objects near the spout. The hollow spout body has an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A unitary waterway fitting is permanently fixed in the outlet opening of the spout body. The waterway fitting has a water passage therein and a sealable compartment for receiving and orienting the transmitter and receiver.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed which is adapted to fit existing valve bodies. A flexible diaphragm assembly positioned within the valve body seals against a cylindrical barrel of the valve body. A central tube positioned within the central barrel defines a bypass passage extending from an upper chamber above the flexible diaphragm assembly and communicating with a bypass orifice. A sealing mechanism operated by an automatic control mechanism is adapted to selectively seal the bypass orifice. The automatic control mechanism includes a proximity sensor.

Abstract: An automatic grease interceptor for separating grease, fats and oils from wastewater is disclosed. The interceptor includes an interceptor chamber having an inlet, an outlet chamber with an outlet and a removable baffle positioned within the interceptor chamber. A grease removal device is attached to the interceptor chamber for removing accumulated grease from the interceptor chamber. A grease level sensor is positioned within the interceptor chamber at a first threshold level, wherein an indication of grease at the first threshold level by the first grease level sensor will activate the grease removal mechanism to thereby automatically remove grease from the interceptor chamber.

Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is disclosed which provides for detection of backflow conditions. The backflow preventer assembly includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet and a discharge opening. A pair of independent check valves is positioned within the housing between the inlet and the outlet. The check valves are mechanically and hydraulically independent from each other and each adapted to seal the inlet from the outlet during backflow conditions. A relief valve is positioned within the housing between the check valves to selectively seal the discharge opening. An alarm is coupled to the relief valve to provide a signal when the relief valve is opened indicating backflow and discharge conditions.

Abstract: A boiler for converting water to steam comprising a boiler enclosure having walls. An upper drum and a lower drum supported on the walls. First boiler tubes connected to the upper drum and to the lower drum. Second boiler tubes are connected to the upper drum and to the lower drum. The boiler tubes are bent in a serpentine shape having crests and bases. The crests of the first boiler tubes are spaced from the crests of the second boiler tubes. The bases of the first boiler tubes are disposed adjacent the bases of the second boiler tubes and form combustion chambers which receive cylindrical burners. A convection pass is formed between the boiler tubes and the sides, top and bottom of the enclosure. Heat absorbing tubes are located in the convection pass. Outer wall tubes are connected to the drums and supported on the inside of the enclosure walls. Heat transfer tubes are placed between the boiler tubes and the outer border tubes.

Abstract: A sensor for a flushing device having an electric solenoid operated flush valve. The sensor includes a control box, a first radiation emitting source mounted in the control box, a radiation detector adapted to detect reflected radiation from the first radiation emitting source mounted in the control box, a lens cover attached to the control box and adapted to permit radiation to pass therethrough and a control circuit contained within the control box responsive to the sensing unit and connected to the solenoid for initiating operation of the flush valve. The control circuit includes a magnetically activated device for bypassing the sensing unit to initiate operation of the flush valve and deactivate the flush valve for a fixed period of time. Also disclosed is a method of operating the sensor.

Abstract: A unitary diaphragm assembly for use in conventional flush valves. The diaphragm assembly has a flexible diaphragm which includes a seating portion and a mounting portion at the outer peripheral edge. A flow ring is positioned adjacent to the seating portion of the diaphragm. An elongated barrel member extends from the diaphragm in a longitudinal direction and includes a plurality of radial guides positioned circumferentially around the outer surface of the barrel member along a portion of the length of the barrel member. A second embodiment has a flexible diaphragm connected to a cylinder slide. The cylinder slide includes a longitudinal barrel member with a relief valve positioned in the interior of the lower portion of the barrel member.

Abstract: A unitary diaphragm assembly for use in conventional flush valves. The diaphragm assembly has a flexible diaphragm which includes a seating portion and a mounting portion at the outer peripheral edge. A flow ring is positioned adjacent to the seating portion of the diaphragm. An elongated barrel member extends from the diaphragm in a longitudinal direction and includes a plurality of radial guides positioned circumferentially around the outer surface of the barrel member along a portion of the length of the barrel member. A second embodiment has a flexible diaphragm connected to a cylinder slide. The cylinder slide includes a longitudinal barrel member with a relief valve positioned in the interior of the lower portion of the barrel member.

Abstract: A rotational torque transmission unit in which the input and output shafts are isolated from each other and may be selectively coupled through a lubricated one-way clutch, the one-way clutch having an outer race in the form of a cylindrical cup mounted on the output shaft and an inner race assembly carrying clutch members slidably engaging the input shaft and translatable thereon between a first position on the input shaft within the cylindrical cup and a second position on the input shaft remote from the cylindrical cup, the cylindrical cup being provided with an outwardly flaring conical member to guide the clutch members into the cylindrical cup from the second position on the input shaft.