Abstract: TopSink is an automatic drainage device that includes a floatable funnel with a flexible discharge line connected to a discharge port on an interior of a barrel. The funnel rises with the level of the collected water and or rain until it nears the barrel's maximum capacity, when it is triggered to sink and drain out a predetermined volume of water. As the funnel sinks it continues to drain water until it is caught by at least two predetermined depth adjustable rods. The catch rods establish how much water is drained from the barrel each time capacity is reached. Water or rain continues to drain from the TopSink until the water or rain level gets to the level of the catch rods. Upon further water or rain collection, the funnel begins to float again on the surface of the water, until capacity is reached again.

Abstract: “TopSink: Liquid Storage Device with Automatic Discharge in High Volume Batches” is a liquid storage device that automatically discharges excess liquid in preset volumes. By releasing surplus liquid from below the surface, TopSink prevents air from entering the discharge line, which significantly improves the “head”—or flow force—in the line. With no air in the line, and with the liquid being released at high volumes, the discharged liquid is able to travel a further distance—even over an incline—without external inputs like electricity. This advantage is in contrast with traditional overflow designs, which merely have a standpipe that enables excess water to trickle out of the line as the level rises. This allows air into the system, causing excess water to pool in the line and travel a minimal distance, TopSink solves this problem by releasing the energy of stored water in high volume bursts, from below the liquid's surface.