Abstract: The heat distribution plate provides controlled flare-up through a system of drop-in distribution plates having holes or slots to allow dripping fats to be ignited. Good heat uniformity across the entire grill is afforded, and the controlled flare-up provided by the holes are slots gives the food a barbecued rather than baked flavor. The distribution plates are held in position in the containment casting by engaging flanges on the casting. The flanges are arranged to minimize the air gap between adjacent edges of the plates.

Abstract: The accessory shelves are detachably hung on pins, allowing the shelves to be rotated to a folded down and stored position, or to be rotated to a horizontal locked position for use. The shelves are attachable and detachable without the use of tools or fasteners. The optional side burner is detachably held in a similar fashion, but with an additional locking bolt to prevent inadvertent pivotal rotation from the horizontal position.

Abstract: A decorative pop-in front panel provides the barbecue grill with a more finished appearance by hiding the fuel tank and its associated fuel lines. The panel is installed and held in place without the need for tools or separate fasteners. Pins secure the panel along the bottom edge and a detachable condiment rack holds the upper edge of the panel in place next to the control panel. The condiment rack is similarly installed without requiring tools or other fasteners by a bracket which allows the condiment rack to be hung and locked in place on the grill frame.

Abstract: The accessory shelves are detachably hung on pins, allowing the shelves to be rotated to a folded down and stored position, or to be rotated to a horizontal locked position for use. The shelves are attachable and detachable without the use of tools or fasteners. The wheels are readily installed by the consumer without tools by sliding the axle pins through the wheels and securing them in the axle holders. The wheels are held by snap-in detent action of the annular recess of the axle and the protruding catch of the axle holder.

Abstract: The vent on demand system for bottled water coolers employs a suction wand having water suction tube, vent tube and air pressure tube for sensing the water level within the bottle. The plumbing system is only exposed to atmospheric air during water dispensing. Air pressure trapped within a bulb well located at the lowermost end of the wand responds to water level within the bottle by changing air pressure which is sensed by a pressure switch employed to disengage the pump when water levels approach empty. A check valve prevents air from entering the water suction tube during bottle replacement and the vent tube is coupled through a vent valve which maintains the water delivery system in a sealed state, only venting to atmosphere during actual water delivery. The vent valve is simultaneously actuated when either hot or cold water buttons are depressed with the pump being actuated momentarily thereafter.

Abstract: The barbecue grill has a fabric-covered panel for concealing the fuel container. The fabric is stretched across a frame and held in place by pressing the fabric into a longitudinally extending groove to form a convolution in the fabric into which a spline is pressed to hold the fabric in place. By removal of the spline, the fabric panel can be removed and replaced to allow the user to decoratively coordinate the appearance of the barbecue grill with outdoor lawn furniture or the like.

Abstract: The improved valve construction provides low force actuation and is therefore suitable in applications where children and handicapped persons may need to operate the valves. The pinch-type valve employs a lever arm pilot which supports a section of tubing in the fluid dispensing circuit. The lever arm is snap fit onto a valve plate and is adapted for rocking movement about a pivot point at one end of the lever arm. A valve cage supports a compression spring which applies a force upon the lever arm tending to depress the lever arm and its associated tube pinching valve seat into pinching contact with the tube. A force applied to the lever arm opposite the pivot point relieves the pinching force and the tube is thus opened for dispensing. An alternate flapper-type valve employs a valve pad encapsulated on the end of a lever arm which is in turn encapsulated in an O-ring seal so that the valve pad is situated at the center of the O-ring and the lever arm is disposed along a radial of the O-ring.

Abstract: The plumbing module is a self-contained fully operational unit which provides the capabililty of supplying both hot or room temperature and refrigerated water or other beverages. The module may be adapted without significant modification to a wide range of products and uses, including bottled water coolers, drinking fountains and beverage dispensers. A dual parallel condenser coil in the refrigeration system takes approximately one-half the space of conventional coils and provides adequate heat dissipation without requiring forced air cooling fans.

Abstract: An insect guard is provided for guarding against the entrance of insects into the venturi tubes of gas grills which may result in clogging of the fuel flow to the burners of a gas grill. The insect guard includes using a plurality of small openings to define the primary air opening in the venturi tube, and also providing for a close tolerance fit at the connection between the venturi tube and the outlet orifice of the valve such that insects are substantially prevented from entrance into the venturi tube.

Abstract: The barrier free drinking fountain has an oval-shaped basin which rests on an extended cantilevered arm. The basin is an assembly of an upper bowl and a lower bowl which are assembled on the waste removal pipe and which may be readily disassembled without breaking adhesive seals. The push actuator is semicylindrically-shaped to provide a manually accessible surface spanning approximately 180.degree.. The push actuator moves both translationally and rotationally, depending on where the actuator is pushed. Translational and rotational movement of the actuator causes the water dispensing valve to operate.

Abstract: An insect guard is provided for guarding against the entrance of insects into the venturi tubes of gas grills which may result in clogging of the fuel flow of the burners of a gas grill. The insect guard includes using a plurality of small openings to define the primary air opening in the venturi tube, and also providing for a close tolerance fit at the connection between the venturi tube and the outlet orifice of the valve such that insects are substantially prevented from entrance into the venturi tube.

Abstract: A drainless water cooler or fountain having a gooseneck water dispensing faucet and a waste water receptacle cup mounted on top of the multiply tiered top member. A cup is removably carried within a downwardly depending well which can be retrofitted for readily and economically converting the drainless-type water fountain or cooler into a more permanent drain connected installation. A dual action valve featuring reduced diameter valve seat and valve construction is capable of regulating and dispensing either hot or cold water through the common gooseneck faucet. Placement of the faucet and waste water receptacle cup on the top of the cabinet eliminates the need to bend or stoop when dispensing water or emptying the receptacle cup. The receptacle cup is disposed within the interior of the cabinet and is thus protected against accidental bumping or spilling.