Abstract: A controller (10) provides water to outlet (22) from a supplementing water supply (e.g. from a rainwater tank) attached to passage (18) in preference to a main water supply (e.g. from a mains water supply) attached to passage (14). If there is insufficient supplementing water to meet demand, then mains water flows through passage (14), around partition (36) and to outlet (22). If there is sufficient supplementing water for the demand, a supplementing water pump is activated, and the pressure of supplementing water in passage (18) is raised above a threshold level at which it is able to move piston (28) against mains pressure to seal against valve seat (34) and block the mains supply, so that supplementing water can flow to outlet (22) via one-way valve (42).

Abstract: A method of providing a continuous, sequential, and cyclic, if desired, liquid feed to a processor from a plurality of containers, which comprises feeding the liquid from a first of the containers through a first conduit to a reservoir having a float valve, to keep the level of the liquid in the reservoir high enough to maintain the float valve in an upper floating position that closes the float valve. The first conduit is uncontrolled by the float valve. The float valve controls a second conduit which connects with a second container. As liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir for processing, liquid from the first conduit and container replenishes the reservoir until it is exhausted. Then, the liquid level drops, and the float valve opens the second conduit for replenishing the reservoir with liquid from the second container. A crossover valve may be used so that the float valve controls flow from either container connected to the second conduit.

Abstract: Cassette based systems and methods of hydrogen storage, distribution, and recovery are disclosed. A cassette or other container may contain a hydrogen storage or storing material. Information may be stored in the material and subsequently read or accessed. A probe may be used to interrogate the material. The hydrogen content or other characteristics of the material may be determined based on the interrogation. A hydrogen dispensing unit may contain a depleted cassette acceptor to accept depleted cassettes and a charged cassette dispenser to dispense charged cassettes. The dispensing unit may be implemented in a hydrogen retail store or as a standalone unit. The retail store or the unit may connect to a hydrogen network and implement various business methods, as disclosed herein.

Abstract: A diesel fuel delivery system that maintains optimum fuel delivery to the engine despite the presence of an ice blockage at the fuel strainer. Ice formation in diesel fuel can cause fuel blockage at the fuel strainer and generate high vacuum conditions as the engine tries to draw fuel from the tank. A normally closed bypass valve automatically opens in response to an engine vacuum condition higher than normal engine vacuum levels. Upon the bypass valve opening, fuel is drawn through an auxiliary inlet port and line located above the ice formation in the tank.

Abstract: A gas manifold that provides an uninterrupted supply of gas and automatically switches between at least two gas sources. This gas manifold couples to a on-line gas source and a reserve gas source. A pressure transducer at the inlet to the manifold reads the pressure of the gas source. A downstream pressure regulator of each pressure transducer regulates the pressure of gas supplied to a control valve directed by a control circuit. This control circuit monitors the pressure read by the pressure transducers to determine which gas source will be placed on service depending on user preferences, and directs the operation of the control valve to effect those choices.

Abstract: A manifold system is provided herein. The manifold is operative to automatically switch between an In-Use supply of compressed gas to a Reserve supply of compressed gas. The manifold system is constructed so that after it has been installed, it may be converted for use in other applications such as between compressed gas cylinders and portable bulk liquefied gas. The system may include low wattage electric heaters which are mechanically held in direct contact with the valve seat body housing of the primary regulators. The direct contact of the heaters with the valve seat is operative to prevent the primary regulator valve seat from freezing up. The manifold system may include transducers at a plurality of points in the system. A processor is operative to control one or more solenoids to switch supplies of compressed gas and to trigger alarms responsive to the outputs of the transducers.

Abstract: A water supply failure protection valve is connected to hot and cold water supplies. The failure protection valve is responsive to the loss of cold water supply pressure to shut off all water flow. The failure protection valve is responsive to the loss of hot water supply pressure to permit cold water flow through both a cold water flow path and a hot water flow path so as to ensure a substantial flow of water to a downstream fixture. The supply failure protection valve may be integrated with a thermal mixing valve to provide water at a preselected temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dispensing a gas using a gas source coupled in selective flow relationship with a gas manifold. The gas manifold includes flow circuitry for discharging gas to a gas-using zone, and the gas source includes a pressure-regulated gas source vessel containing the gas at superatmospheric pressure. The pressure-regulated gas source vessel can be arranged with a pressure regulator at or within the vessel and a flow control valve coupled in flow relationship to the vessel, so that gas dispensed from the vessel flows through the regulator prior to flow through the flow control valve, and into the gas manifold. The apparatus and method permit an enhancement of the safety of storage and dispensing of toxic or otherwise hazardous gases used in semiconductor processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve device at dispensers which are adapted for dispensing portions of liquid or semi-liquid products (2), preferably foodstuff, from containers, and which have vacuum pumps (5) for generating a negative pressure in passage systems (6) through which the products (2) are dispensed from the containers. The valve device is a magnetic valve device (9) which is designed as a permanent magnet device with a valve body (9d) which automatically shifts or changes position when the vacuum pump (5) has emptied a container (e.g. 3), such that said vacuum pump (5) immediately thereafter can empty another container (e.g. 4).

Abstract: A shuttle valve assembly, comprising a valve housing containing first, second and third ports, and a cavity in the housing, a poppet shiftable in the cavity between a first position and a second position, the poppet in its first position directing flow between the first port and the second port, communication between the second port and third port then being blocked, the poppet in its second position directing flow between the third port and the second port, communication between the second port and first port then being blocked, and a friction responsive holder acting to hold the poppet in its first position until fluid pressure shifts the poppet to its second position, and to hold the poppet in its second position until fluid pressure shifts the poppet to its first position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve device at dispensers which are adapted for dispensing portions of liquid or semi-liquid products (2), preferably foodstuff, from containers, and which have vacuum pumps (5) for generating a negative pressure in passage systems (6) through which the products (2) are dispensed from the containers. The valve device is a magnetic valve device (9) which is designed as a permanent magnet device with a valve body (9d) which automatically shifts or changes position when the vacuum pump (5) has emptied a container (e.g. 3), such that said vacuum pump (5) immediately thereafter can empty another container (e.g. 4).

Abstract: A gas distribution system according to an embodiment includes flowing a first gas stream from a first dispensing cylinder to a receiving cylinder. When the pressure differential between the first dispensing cylinder and the receiving cylinder obtains a selected value, stopping the flow of the first gas stream, and flowing a second gas stream from a second dispensing cylinder to the receiving cylinder. When the pressure differential between the second dispensing cylinder and the receiving cylinder obtains a selected value, stopping the flow of the second gas stream, increasing the pressure of a third gas stream from the first dispensing cylinder to a pressure greater than the second dispensing cylinder pressure, and flowing the third gas stream into the second dispensing cylinder until the pressure in the second cylinder has increased to a selected value. In other embodiments, an intensifier is used to increase the pressure of a gas stream.

Abstract: A programmable circuit detects drop in pressure of a supplied pressurized gas below a predetermined threshold pressure and automatically switches to a different supply of pressurized gas and automatically contacts a remotely located host computer. The circuit sends status data to the host computer and enters a server mode in which the circuit performs commands issued by the host computer. The commands include commands to change data of the programmable circuit and to download new programming. The predetermined threshold pressure is established by manually setting the supplied pressurized gas to a desired pressure and causing the programmable circuit to measure the pressure of supplied gas and to store the measured pressure as the threshold pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a kind of multifunction passive and continuous fluid feeding system for external systems, the fluid-feed system including a storing and transmitting component, a measuring and regulating component, and a control unit characterized by: pressurizing from above fluid level surface of the feed fluid tank by high-pressure gas supply source to fulfill the passive fluid feeding function, performing the feed fluid measuring and regulating through the flow meter and flow control valve installed on the transmission pipe lines connecting to the external systems, fulfilling function of continuous fluid feeding by switching between two fluid-feed tanks, and combining the feed fluid requirements of the external systems through the control unit to achieve the multifunction fluid-feed art of automatic operation, continuous fluid feeding, and flow rate controlling.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a valve system for the automatic switchover from one source of pressurized fluid to a second, or reserve, source. The switchover valve is actuated automatically in response to the first pressure source failing or reducing to a predetermined value whereupon the valve switches to a second pressure source while sustaining continuous operation. Upon switchover, the valve blocks the inlet of the depleted source such that it can be replaced with a recharged pressure source (gas bottle or liquid tank) without effecting the delivery of working pressure or necessitating additional, costly and complicated valving. Switchover pressure is predetermined by the designed working surface of the axial end of the spool and the force of the opposing biasing spring. Unencumbered movement of the spool during switchover is afforded by the space between the spool end and the opposing spring. Movement through this space prevents false switchovers and exact control over switchover pressure.

Abstract: An auto-switching sub-atmospheric pressure gas delivery system, for dispensing gas to a gas-consuming process unit, e.g., a semiconductor manufacturing tool, without the occurrence of pressure spikes or flow perturbations.

Abstract: A programmable circuit detects drop in pressure of a supplied pressurized gas below a predetermined threshold pressure and automatically switches to a different supply of pressurized gas and automatically contacts a remotely located host computer. The circuit sends status data to the host computer and enters a server mode in which the circuit performs commands issued by the host computer. The commands include commands to change data of the programmable circuit and to download new programming. The predetermined threshold pressure is established by manually setting the supplied pressurized gas to a desired pressure and causing the programmable circuit to measure the pressure of supplied gas and to store the measured pressure as the threshold pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for detecting an occurrence of a liquid dry condition in a container containing a liquefied compressed gas while the gaseous phase of the liquefied compressed gas is being removed from the container over time. The apparatus includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a computer, preferably a programmed logic controller (PLC). The first sensor senses temperature (T) inside the container and provides a signal indicative thereof. The second sensor senses pressure (P) inside the container and provides a signal indicative thereof. The computer receives signals from the first and second sensors, and determines the rates of change in the pressure (dP/dt) and the temperature (dT/dt) inside the container over time.

Abstract: The hydraulic shuttle valve has two coaxial supply ports and a transverse function port to direct fluid coming from alternative control sources to a blow out preventor (BOP). The valve includes a moveable shuttle with opposing tapered metal sealing surfaces to alternatively engage opposing coaxial metal valve seats. The shuttle moves back and forth into alternative sealing engagement depending on which supply port has the highest fluid pressure. As the shuttle moves from engagement with one metal seat to engagement with another, there is low or no interflow from one supply port to the other, thus maximizing the amount of fluid directed to the function port. An obtuse metal point is formed on each metal valve seat which comes into contact with a respective outward tapered sealing surface on the shuttle. Repeated movement of the shuttle to and fro displaces a portion of the metal point into a recessed chamfer.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises, in one aspect thereof, a combination manifold and check valve assembly for a water heater unit which includes a temperature and pressure relief valve and a drain pan. The assembly comprises a manifold body having a first inlet opening, a second inlet opening, and an outlet opening which are in fluid communication. The first inlet opening is adapted for connection to the outlet of a temperature and pressure relief valve. The second inlet opening is adapted for connection to the outlet of a drain pan. The outlet opening is adapted for connection to a drain line. A valve member is disposed within the manifold body between the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening.

Abstract: A switchover valve for switching over from one supply of pressure fluid to another supply thereof in response to failing or failure of the one supply. The valve has a valve body having two inlets for connection thereto of the respective pressure fluid supplies and an outlet. A valve member is movable in the valve body between a position establishing communication for delivery of fluid from one inlet to the outlet and blocking flow from the other inlet to the outlet and a position establishing communication for delivery of fluid from the other inlet to the outlet and blocking flow from the one inlet to the outlet. The valve member is subject to pressure of fluid supplied to the one inlet for moving it from the first-mentioned position to the second-mentioned position and to pressure of fluid supplied to the other inlet for moving it from the second-mentioned position to the first-mentioned position.

Abstract: A lightweight, non-metallic valve is preferably formed of molded plastic. The valve has an hour-glass configuration or enlarged recesses formed therein to reduce the overall mass of the assembly and provide increased sensitivity to low flow rates. Sealing O-rings are snap fit into grooves at opposite ends of the symmetrical assembly.

Abstract: A gas feed system for supplying a gas such as chlorine to a water system for chlorinating the water. The gas feed system includes multiple containers and provides for automatic switch over from one container to a second container once the first container is empty and such that the first containers can be completely emptied. The invention also includes a gas feed regulator for controlling the supply of gas from a container such as a chlorine cylinder, the regulator having a simplified construction.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for supplying uninterrupted gas by using an automatic switching gas supply system are provided. In the apparatus, a main gas supply source and at least one back-up gas supply source are provided which are connected by a plurality of conduits to a process tool. The conduits further include pressure regulators such that a gas pressure from the main gas supply source is always regulated at about 0.5 Kg/cm2˜1 Kg/cm2 higher than a gas pressure from the back-up gas supply source. The apparatus operates by pneumatic means so that no electric power is required. The apparatus further operates automatically by switching from the main gas supply source to the back-up gas supply source when the pressure drop in the main gas supply source exceeds the pressure differential that is preset in the system, e.g., between about 0.5 Kg/cm2 and about 1 Kg/cm2. Any other suitable range of pressure differential may also be used depending on the type of gases transported and the conduits used.

Abstract: The pressure biased shuttle valve assembly in the pressure biased shuttle valve operates in conjunction with a remote operated vehicle (ROV) to actuate blow-out preventers and thus shut in the well during emergency situations. The pressure biased shuttle valve assembly opens in response to fluid pressure from the ROV. It requires little or no flow to open. These pressure biased shuttle valves are typically located subsea on a lower marine riser platform (LMRP). These platforms are sometimes brought to the surface for a periodic testing and maintenance. The pressure biased shuttle valve assembly is also used as a repair kit which facilitates easy maintenance and repair when the LMRP is brought to the surface. In one embodiment, the shuttle is rigidly connected to a piston rod. In another embodiment, there is a flexible connection between the piston rod and shuttle. The purpose of the flexible connection is to encourage a better seal in smaller size valves.

Abstract: A remote sensing and indicating apparatus for a conventional two-stage changeover gas regulator having a mechanical full/empty indicator and at least one inlet for receiving gas from at least one gas storage container. The apparatus includes a housing, retrofittable to the regulator, for accommodating a sensor. The sensor converts the mechanical movement of a pressure sensitive diaphragm and an indicating member biased thereagainst, of the full/empty indicator, into an electrical signal indicative of the “full/empty” status of the supply container. Within the housing, the sensing apparatus includes a plunger movably arranged therein, and biased against the indicating member such that the plunger is collectively movable with the indicating member and diaphragm in response to a change in gas pressure.

Abstract: A checkvalve (1) is provided with an inlet which can be connected to an operating system requiring a negative pressure, e.g. to a braking force amplifier (17), an outlet (3) which can be connected to a negative-pressure system producing a negative pressure, a main air channel (4) connecting the inlet and the outlet in a fluid manner and enabling an air flow in the direction of the outlet, a first checkvalve (9) installed in the main air channel (4), a single outside-air channel (5) which branches off downstream of the first checkvalve (9) and lets out into the atmosphere and a cross-sectional narrowing (7) in the manner of a venturi pipe (6), a venturi channel (8) connecting the cross-sectional narrowing (7) upstream of the first checkvalve (9) to the main air channel (4) and a second valve (10) located between the inlet (2) and the cross-sectional narrowing (7) in the main air channel (4) or in the venturi channel (8).

Abstract: A switch-over device which is useful for a gas insufflation device using liquid gas includes at least two inflow channels each blockable by a valve and at least one outflow channel for alternate removal of a fluid medium from a plurality of containers. The device has a switch-over piston movably mounted in a housing and comprising a base member which has at each end a valve closure member in a form of a body of rotation. The switch-over piston is driven by a pressure difference between the fluid media and connects one of the inflow channels to the outflow channel in each of two switching positions. A working chamber accommodates the switch-over piston, with sealing elements being provided for closing off the inflow channels in a pressure tight manner when the switch-over piston is in the correspondingly closed position and for dividing the working chamber into two portions sealed off from each other.

Abstract: A gas feed system is disclosed for supplying a gas such as chlorine to a water system for chlorinating the water. The gas feed system includes multiple containers and provides for automatic switching over from one container to a second container once the first container is empty and such that the first container can be completely emptied. The invention also includes a gas feed regulator for controlling the supply of gas from a container such as a chlorine cylinder, the regulator having a simplified construction.

Abstract: An intake for a bathtub with recirculates water, such as a whirlpool-type tub, includes a water inlet, an interior portion and an outlet that is adapted to be connected to a recirculating pump, so that water can flow from the tub, in through the inlet, through the interior and to the outlet to be recirculated by the pump. A vent communicates with the interior, and extends outside of the interior for communication with ambient air. A shutter is provided that is capable of being switched from a first condition, in which the outlet communicates with the vent, to an operating condition, in which, when a flow of water is caused toward the outlet, the shutter substantially shuts the vent. The shutter is adapted to switch from the operating condition to the first condition when the flow of water falls below a predetermined threshold value so as to enable ambient air to enter the interior through the vent, causing the recirculating pump to become unprimed.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a self-actuating fluid dispenser change-over device for selectively dispensing a fluid from multiple fluid sources. The change-over device is provided with a housing having first and second cylinders. The change-over device is further provided with first and second pistons which are interconnected and movable between open and closed positions within respective ones of the first and second cylinders. The change-over device is further provided with a slide valve which is movable between first and second positions for alternately dispensing fluid from a respective one of the first and second cylinders. The change over device is further provided with a linkage which connects the pistons to the slide valve for moving the slide valve in response to movement of the pistons. The linkage has a biasing spring for urging the slide valve between a respective one of the first and second positions.

Abstract: A checkvalve (1) is provided with an inlet which can be connected to an operating system requiring a negative pressure, e.g. to a braking force amplifier (17), an outlet (3) which can be connected to a negative-pressure system producing a negative pressure, a main air channel (4) connecting the inlet and the outlet in a fluid manner and enabling an air flow in the direction of the outlet, a first checkvalve (9) installed in the main air channel (4), a single outside-air channel (5) which branches off downstream of the first checkvalve (9) and lets out into the atmosphere and a cross-sectional narrowing (7) in the manner of a venturi pipe (6), a venturi channel (8) connecting the cross-sectional narrowing (7) upstream of the first checkvalve (9) to the main air channel (4) and a second valve (10) located between the inlet (2) and the cross-sectional narrowing (7) in the main air channel (4) or in the venturi channel (8).

Abstract: A Flow control valve for a pump suction line permitting flow from an alternate source in the event of partial or complete blockage of a main source. The valve includes a valve housing having a main inlet port at one end, on auxiliary inlet port at its other end and a suction port between the inlet ports. Flow responsive valves are provided at the inlet ports and the valves are spring biased by springs which allow normal flow through the main inlet port. If the main inlet port is blocked the auxiliary port is opened. A flap valve is actuated by flow through the auxiliary port to close the auxiliary port and to create hydrostatic pressure between the blockage and the main inlet port to thereby dislodge the blockage.

Abstract: An automatically switching valve measures pressure at an outlet line using an electric, pressure-sensitive switch which can be set to close at a predetermined pressure threshold within relatively narrow tolerances such that a pressure regulator can be placed between the pressurized gas supply tanks and the switching valve. Closing of the pressure-sensitive switch in response to the drop in pressure below the predetermined threshold sends an electric signal to a relay. In response to the electric signal, the relay causes a different inlet line to be selected, thus changing the particular pressurized gas supply from which the outlet line receives pressurized gas. When gas is supplied through a first inlet line, an electric signal from the pressure-sensitive switch causes the relay to toggle to supply gas through a second inlet line. A subsequent signal from the pressure-sensitive switch causes the relay to toggle back to again supply gas through the first inlet line.

Abstract: A fuel burning system comprises a burner in communication with a burner supply pipe having an automatic two-stage regulator valve for controlling the pressure of fuel gas delivered to the burner. The burner supply pipe is normally fed by a primary supply pipe delivering collected digester or landfill gas through an automatic three-way valve, however a secondary supply pipe carrying natural gas may be selected by the three-way valve for communication with the burner supply pipe. The regulator valve and three-way valve are electrically connected to a standard ignition module by a pressure-sensitive switch to detect the presence of digester or landfill gas in the primary supply pipe. When sufficient gas pressure exists in the primary supply pipe, the three-way valve is operated to permit delivery of the digester or landfill gas to the burner supply pipe and the regulator valve is held in its high stage setting for burning this primary fuel.

Abstract: In a fuel pump unit, to solve (1) the problem of a valve of a reserver opening unnecessarily due to vibrations from outside or the like and (2) the problem of it not being possible to supply to an engine remaining fuel having fallen to below a minimum intake level, a main tank valve and a reserve valve respectively close from above a main fuel inlet connecting with a fuel intake passage of the fuel pump unit and an auxiliary fuel inlet connecting with the fuel intake passage and a rocking member having a force point pivotally attached to the main tank valve and having the action of pushing up the reserve valve with an action point and thereby opening the auxiliary fuel inlet when the main tank valve closes the main fuel inlet is provided and a sub-float for descending and pushing down the reserve valve from above when excess fuel in the reserver runs out is disposed in the reserver.

Abstract: A valve for a fire fighting installation has a housing, an inlet into the housing and connectable to a source of extinguishing liquid at a high pressure, an outlet from the housing and connectable to an outgoing line having at least one automatically releasable spray head, and a connection in the housing for passing liquid between the inlet and outlet. A spindle in the housing is movable between a standby position, in which the spindle closes the connection, and an activated position, in which the spindle opens the connection. A liquid space in the housing and connectable to a secondary source of extinguishing liquid at full and lesser pressures that both are lower than the high pressure of the extinguishing liquid of the source applies the lower pressures to the spindle in a direction toward the standby position of the spindle.

Abstract: A valve for a fire fighting installation has an inlet into a valve body for connection to a primary source of a first liquid under a first pressure, a liquid space in the valve body for connection to a secondary source of a second liquid under a second pressure, an outlet from the valve body for connection to an out-going line for the first and second liquids, and a connection from the inlet to the outlet and a movable spindle in the valve body for closing the connection with one end of the spindle when the spindle is in a stand-by position and opening the connection when the spindle is in an activated position.

Abstract: Liquid chemical supply ampules, commonly called "bubblers", which are used in semiconductor and fiber optic component production lines are automatically refilled without the need to interrupt operation of the production lines. The bubbler ampules utilize a supply of the liquid chemicals from which the ampules produce a gas stream which is saturated with the chemicals. An individual ampule will be connected by means of a selectively operable series of transfer valves to two separate chemical bulk supply tanks. The bulk supply tanks can include one fixed and one replaceable tank; or two replaceable tanks.

Abstract: A pressure regulating unit for supplying a pressurized fluid, especially breathing gas, to a user, which unit comprises a pressure regulator (3, 22-29) and a switching means (1, 9, 10, 13-20) for controlling the fluid supply from a preferential supply line (6) and an alternative supply line (8) to a common outlet (12) from the unit. The unit comprises a first chamber (13) which is in open connection (16) with the preferential supply line (6), and which contains a spring-actuated first sensing diaphragm (14) sensing the pressure in the preferential line (6) and being operatively connected to and driving the valve means (9, 10, 17-20).

Abstract: A two-way check valve for a breathing gas supply assembly, comprises a body, a first inlet in the body for receiving a normal breathing gas flow, an outlet for delivering a gas flow from the body, first passage means communicating the first inlet with the outlet, second passage means communicating the second inlet with the outlet, a valve member mounted internally of the body so as to be movable between a first position in which it closes communication between the second inlet and the outlet and a second position in which it closes communication between the first inlet and the outlet, and resilient means biasing the valve member towards the first position.

Abstract: The invention provides a chemical mixture device that avoids the mixing of large batches of chemicals and provides a continuous and precisely mixed mixture. For mixing water and a chemical, a large water tank and a chemical tank supply water and chemicals to first and second mixing tanks. As small batches are mixed in one mixing tank, the mixture is drawn from the other mixing tank.

Abstract: An in-tank module with an electrical fuel pump in a reservoir in a main fuel tank of a vehicle. A filter sock on the bottom of the tank has an outlet in direct communication with the main pump inlet so the pump can prime directly from fuel in the main tank. A secondary fuel outlet in the reservoir and in communication with the pump inlet, is controlled by a valve which opens the secondary fuel outlet when the main pump inlet is starved by reason of low fuel in the main tank. A filter element, above the secondary fuel outlet, filters fuel flowing from the reservoir to the pump outlet when the control valve is open.

Abstract: A water conservation system for toilets is provided. The system comprises an auxiliary water supply including a storage tank for collecting and storing recycled or gray water and a water line hydraulically connecting the storage tank to a toilet tank. A dual action valve is disposed in the toilet tank. The valve includes a first valve segment connected to the fresh water supply and a second valve segment connected to the water line from the storage tank. One or two floats, which are responsive to the fill level in the toilet tank, open and close the first and second valves. The dual action valve may further include a pilot valve disposed inline between the fresh water supply and the first valve for switching the fresh water supply regardless of whether the first valve is in a closed or open condition. The pilot valve communicates with the water line from the storage tank and is responsive to pressure in the water line.

Abstract: Empty drum detecting apparatus comprises an upright manifold chamber connected at its intermediate portion to a supply line extended to a supply drum of liquid chemical, and a pump for directing pumped liquid to process equipment utilizing the liquid chemical and having an inlet line. An outlet line is connected to the bottom portion of the upright manifold chamber and connected to the inlet line of the pump; and a shunt line with a flow restriction therein is connected between the upper portion of the manifold chamber and the outlet line for delivering collected gases and liquid to the inlet line and pump. An alternate flow restricting valve may be placed in the outlet line to restrict liquid flow from the lower portion of the manifold chamber. A capacitance proximity sensor is mounted above the inlet of the manifold chamber and senses the liquid level in the manifold chamber to produce an indication of the liquid level.

Abstract: The delivery system of the invention overcomes the above-noted shortcomings and consists of at least two stainless steel, rigid syrup storage tanks. The tanks are connected to a carbonated beverage mixer and dispenser via a automatic vacuum selector valve. The valve operates to change over between tanks when the tank providing syrup becomes empty and a vacuum is created in the supply line to the selector valve. The vacuum is created in the supply line by an automatically operating valve that closes the supply line when the tank is empty. A cleaning system is also provided that can be connected to the vent of the empty tank to clean it before it is refilled with syrup. A drain line cooperates with the valve to maintain the valve in its open position and allow the cleaning fluid to drain from the tank.

Abstract: An automatic switchover valve includes first and second regulator valves arranged to oppose each other axially in a single housing, and ducted in a parallel configuration within the housing. Each regulator valve includes an inlet port, a diaphragm poppet valve, and a common outlet port. Each regulator valve includes structure for adjusting the pressure setting of the diaphragm poppet valve. During operation, the poppet valve of the first regulator valve is selectively adjustable between a first setting providing a first pressure P.sub.1, and a second setting providing a second pressure P.sub.2 less than P.sub.1 by an amount equal to 2 p. The poppet valve of the second regulator valve is preset at a reference pressure P.sub.R wherein P.sub.1 >P.sub.R >P.sub.2, and P.sub.1 -p=P.sub.R =P.sub.2 +p, and wherein p is greater than or equal to the incremental pressure characteristic of the regulator poppet valves.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage delivery system having at least two syrup storage tanks. Each storage tank is provided with a valve that allows air to vent from the tank during delivery, acts as a nozzle to deliver cleaning solution during clean-up operations and, most significantly, meters the amount of fluid delivered to the tank and prevents inadvertent overfill. The tanks are also provided with a syrup feed pipe and drain pipe for filling and discharging the tank, respectively. The drain pipe can be connected to a mixing valve that also receives carbon dioxide and water from separate sources. These components are mixed at the mixing valve to create the desired carbonated beverage which is then delivered to a beverage dispenser. The feed pipe can be connected to a delivery truck supply tank such that its supply of syrup can be replenished. The volume of syrup carried by the truck supply tank is less than the total volume of all the storage tanks to be filled from the supply tank.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting one of a plurality of liquid supply receptacles as a source of supply for a liquid dispensing apparatus is disclosed. As liquid is withdrawn from the supply receptacle the dielectric constant of the liquid is sensed in order to detect any undissolved gases (i.e., bubbles) which are present in the liquid. The presence of bubbles within the liquid indicates that a supply receptacle has become empty or indicates a failure of components associated with one of the supply receptacles. Upon the detection of undissolved gases within the liquid withdrawn from a supply receptacle, the present invention causes another liquid supply receptacle to be selected as a source of supply for the liquid dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A valve of the kind for controlling the flow of fluid from at least two alternative supplies in such a manner that reduction or cessation of one supply automatically causes the valve to switch to another of the alternative supplies comprises a cylinder having a piston slidable therein in a region between a first fluid inlet and a second fluid inlet. The piston has working surfaces of differential area such that equal pressure on both sides of the piston biases the piston to one end of the cylinder. The valve has a fluid outlet with a first fluid flow path from the first fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, and a second fluid flow path from the second fluid inlet to the fluid outlet and including an axial outlet bore. The second fluid flow path is closable by the piston and is opened up on axial movement of the piston towards the first fluid inlet which is caused when the supply of fluid from the first fluid inlet fails, is arrested or falls below a predetermined limit.