Abstract: A pipe assembly that includes a hollow main pipe having a top, an open bottom and a divider extending longitudinally therethrough that divides the main pipe into first and second channels, a first branch pipe in flow communication with the first channel and extending from the main pipe, and a second branch pipe in flow communication with the second channel and extending from the main pipe.

Abstract: A double-walled above-ground storage tank includes a primary tank and a secondary tank, and an interstitial space; an containment chamber formed by a primary chamber wall and a secondary chamber wall, forming a chamber interstitial space therebetween, and an exterior door assembly; and at least one pipe and valve assembly wherein the pipe originates in the tank interior volume and the valve is disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: A valveless siphon decanter for processing fluid within a tank having a siphon tube external to the tank, the siphon tube having an output, a boom extending substantially transversely from the siphon tube, the boom providing a path for the communication of fluid from within the tank into the siphon tube, a vacuum head in association with the boom, the vacuum head having at least one orifice disposable within the tank for receiving the fluid, a vacuum source for creating a vacuum within the siphon tube and the boom to draw the fluid in through the at least one orifice of the vacuum head into the boom and into the siphon tube thereafter, a vacuum break for breaking the vacuum within the boom and the siphon tube; and wherein the siphon tube and the boom are disposed outside of the tank.

Abstract: A self-actuating drainage device for placement on a structure to drain water accumulated on the structure includes a collection funnel having a bottom with a funnel hole extending therethrough, a siphon conduit contiguous with the funnel hole, the siphon conduit having a first end disposed on the structure and an opposite end disposed at a position lower than the first end. The device further includes a valve mechanism which includes a float maintained within the collection funnel. The valve mechanism opens when accumulated water raises the float so that the water collected in the collection funnel is released through the siphon conduit and starts a siphoning action from the first end to the opposite end when the valve mechanism closes.

Abstract: Apparatuses to enable single-point valve control of siphons, siphon pumps, metering siphon pumps, and turbine siphon pumps include terminal anti-backflow valves, a system flow control valve, a metering chamber, a self-regulating chamber, and a siphon turbine. The terminal anti-backflow valves provide automatically closable systems without further priming after an initial prime. The system flow control valve consolidates functions for priming, pumping, dispensing, and siphon flow regulation to provide single-point valve control. The metering chamber operated by a single-point system flow control valve enables periodic dispensing of liquid above a supply source. The self-regulating chamber controls a single-point system flow control valve to regulate a metering chamber for periodic dispensing. The siphon turbine provided with terminal anti-backflow valves and regulated by a single-point system flow control valve enables hydropower production.

Abstract: A fuel introduction member is connected to an open end of a siphon tube which constitutes a part of a fuel tank. The fuel introduction member is provided with an opening through which a fuel is introduced from the tank into the siphon tube and from the siphon into the tank, a lid portion which is swung by the hydraulic pressure from the siphon tube so as to open the opening, and a float member which floats on the fuel in accordance with the rise of a fuel liquid surface in the tank to displace the lid portion in order to open the opening.

Abstract: A pumping system and a method for pumping liquid from a lower level to an operatively higher level are disclosed. The pumping system includes a pumping device, a bent delivery conduit, a single control port opening and control elements. The conduit has an operatively inclined ascending conduit section; an operatively inclined descending conduit section and an operatively horizontal peak section between the inclined sections; one end of the ascending conduit fitted to the outlet of the pumping device and one end of the descending conduit being below liquid level of the higher level. The single port opening is provided at the junction between the horizontal peak section and the descending conduit section, and spaced apart from the ascending conduit junction. The control elements introduce pressurized air into and evacuate air from the delivery conduit through the single port opening.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular tower structure comprising a common up-flow column topped with a covered header to which multiple independent down-flow and scavenger columns are attached. It employs a renewable energy process for extracting energy from the atmosphere. The process works by creating a vacuum into which atmospheric air is drawn through a vacuum operated motor driver. The motor in turn can operate other mechanisms as electric power generators. A scavenger column and a header operate independently to collect and remove air before it can accumulate in the tower header and interfere with the siphon process. The tower header is equipped to remove solids or floatables before they can collect at the top of the header and interfere with the process. The header cover is removable for inspection and ease of maintenance.

Abstract: A device allows a liquid to flow between two open structures with different liquid surface elevations separated by a wall. The device has a conduit with an inlet on one side of the wall and an outlet on the other side of the wall separated by a high point above the expected liquid surface elevation. The conduit also has two valved openings, one connected to a source of suction that can evacuate air from the conduit and the other connected to a vent. In one example, the conduit is formed between a pair of spaced transverse walls attached to an arched cover. The transverse walls each have a slot allowing the device to be placed on top of a dividing wall between two tanks with surfaces of the dividing wall defining part of the conduit. In an example with multiple conduits, one or more interior walls are provided between a pair of end walls and a cover over the interior and end walls may be provided in segments. To initiate flow, a conduit is evacuated of sufficient air to allow a siphon to develop.

Abstract: A double-walled above-ground storage tank includes a primary tank and a secondary tank, and an interstitial space; an containment chamber formed by a primary chamber wall and a secondary chamber wall, forming a chamber interstitial space therebetween, and an exterior door assembly; and at least one pipe and valve assembly wherein the pipe originates in the tank interior volume and the valve is disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: A syphon filtration system is a low head, small foot print, long operating cycle, gravity filtration system for treatment of water and wastewater, with one-stage or two-stage filtration in one vessel with different filtration media of sand, anthracite, granular activated carbon or other proprietary filtration media. The one-stage filtration system removes suspended solids or dissolved impurities and the two-stage filtration system removes suspended solids and dissolved impurities. In the two-stage filtration system, each filtration stage can be backwashed independently or both stages can be backwashed simultaneously. Novel syphon piping and controls design extend the filtration operating cycle and reduce the filter apparatus headroom, and the filter backwash water volume requirements.

Abstract: An aquarium overflow device is capable of preventing inadvertent supply of water in an aquarium from being supplied to an outside during, e.g., power failure. An aquarium overflow device is for supplying the water in an aquarium to an external device outside the aquarium. The device is equipped with a reversed U-shaped siphon pipe for supplying the water in the aquarium to an outside of the aquarium, the siphon pipe having an inlet side end portion disposed in the aquarium and an inlet side end portion disposed with the outlet side end portion disposed outside the aquarium, a suction device for sucking an inside of the siphon pipe, the suction device being connected to an upper portion of the siphon pipe, and an air introduction device for introducing air to an upper portion in the siphon pipe when suction by the suction device stops.

Abstract: A siphon breaker includes a housing having a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The siphon breaker includes a stop valve adapted to transition from a closed position in which gas is substantially prevented from entering the gas inlet, and an open position in which gas is introduced into the gas inlet. The siphon breaker includes a control valve having a control valve gas inlet, a control valve gas outlet, and an electrically operated actuator. The control valve is adapted to transition from a closed position in which gas is substantially prevented from entering the control valve gas inlet, to an open position in which gas is through the control valve gas inlet.

Abstract: A septic field dosing system is described which utilizes a self starting true siphon to deliver a dose of septic tank effluent into a conventional septic field. The precision siphon unit not only eliminates the need for electrical services to the septic tank, thereby eliminating the need for pumps and solenoid operated valves and switches at the septic tank, but also contains the effluent handling equipment in a small unit. For example, the drawdown of the septic tank is used to entirely control the operation of the dosing siphon. Further, the dimensional configuration of the precision siphon operates within the boundaries of the draw down to deliver a proper size dose to the septic field. While a typical septic tank can hold of the order of a thousand or more gallons, the precision siphon can easily fit into a five gallon bucket.

Abstract: A device allows a liquid to flow between two open structures with different liquid surface elevations separated by a wall. The device has a conduit with an inlet on one side of the wall and an outlet on the other side of the wall separated by a high point above the expected liquid surface elevation. The conduit also has two valved openings, one connected to a source of suction that can evacuate air from the conduit and the other connected to a vent. In one example, the conduit is formed between a pair of spaced transverse walls attached to an arched cover. The transverse walls each have a slot allowing the device to be placed on top of a dividing wall between two tanks with surfaces of the dividing wall defining part of the conduit. In an example with multiple conduits, one or more interior walls are provided between a pair of end walls and a cover over the interior and end walls may be provided in segments. To initiate flow, a conduit is evacuated of sufficient air to allow a siphon to develop.

Abstract: A siphon is disclosed for siphoning liquid between locations. The siphon comprises a flow duct for a liquid and a plug which is arranged to move in sealing contact within the flow duct. The siphon further comprises means for causing the plug to move along the flow duct to draw liquid along the flow duct and thus transfer liquid from the one location to another.

Abstract: A fuel introducing member is connected to an opening end of a siphon pipe forming a fuel tank. The fuel introducing member has an opening for introducing fuel within the tank, and the opening is formed in the upper surface of a cover section. A lid body is pivotably mounted to the upper surface. When the opening is above the level of fuel, the lid body closes the opening by the weight of the lid body, and when the opening is below the level of the fuel, the lid body floats in the fuel to open the opening. The opening is located below the upper end of the inner diameter of the opening end of the siphon pipe.

Abstract: The Present Invention enables energy to be extracted from the atmosphere by creating a vacuum into which atmospheric air is drawn through a vacuum operated motor. The motor operates on the pressure differential between atmospheric pressure at the motor inlet and the vacuum level created by liquid flowing vertically through a tube via gravity. The greater the pressure differential, the greater the airflow through the motor, and the greater the energy extracted by the vacuum motor. The Present Invention is a workable and sustainable vacuum energy recovery system based on siphon principles, and specifically addresses problem areas immediately identifiable to a siphon-based system with air infusion. A scavenger loop operates independently to prevent air and/or gas from accumulating at the siphon apex. Micro-diffusers designed for sweeping effects across the air-liquid interfaces also provide for the optimal ratios of air volumes and bubble sizes compatible with the liquid flow rates within a given siphon.

Abstract: The sludge treatment system is comprised of a dam passage penetrated through a dam (D); an induction pipe (11) for discharging a sediment retained by the dam (D) and having an inlet (11a) toward the floor of the dam (D) and an outlet connected to an inner end of the dam passage; an induction force action pipe (13) connected to an outer end of the dam passage and extended in a height for utilizing an atmospheric pressure as an induction force of the sediment; a U shape air control pipe (14) connected to the induction force action pipe (13), and preventing for an air from coming into the induction force action pipe (13); a drain pipe (15) connected to the air control pipe (14) for discharging the sediment; and an air vent pipe (16) connected to a horizontal flat portion of the air control pipe (14) for dissipating the induction action of both the air control pipe (14) and the drain pipe (15).

Abstract: A basin including: a front housing compartment (1) in which there is a lower point (3) for collecting the organic material to be removed; an equipment compartment (4) at the back of the basin, connected to the housing compartment; a drainage device, in the equipment compartment (4), which includes an “overflow” pipe (6) fixed to a siphon (7); the drainage device being capable of moving down in order to operate the siphon (7); and, a partition (8) between the housing compartment (1) and the equipment compartment (4), the partition being capable of keeping the animals inside the housing compartment and letting the water pass into the equipment compartment.

Abstract: An automated system controls operation of a filtration system. The filtration system includes an aeration tank and a filtration tank. The system includes a pressure sensor, an air pump, a bleed passage, and a pressure control. The pressure sensor measures a pressure in the aeration tank. The air pump and the bleed passage are connected to the aeration tank and are controlled by the pressure control based on the pressure measured in the aeration tank.

Abstract: A discharge duct for discharging pump water from a supply reservoir defined by a first minimum water level and a supply reservoir floor to an operatively higher located delivery reservoir defined by a second minimum water level and the delivery reservoir floor, the discharge duct being defined by an inlet at one end of the discharge duct in communication with the outlet orifice of a conventional pumping device fitted at the supply reservoir; an outlet at the other end of the discharge duct, in the operative configuration of the discharge duct, being below the second minimum water level.

Abstract: A self-restarting pool cover siphon includes a weighted housing placed on a pool cover having water thereon, the housing having a hollow interior and openings through which water can enter, a tube in fluid communication with the hollow interior and through which water drains, the tube bent into a loop and having an opening between opposite ends thereof at an upper position of the loop, and a differential pressure causing device removably connected to the opposite end of the tube for initially causing a differential pressure in the tube to cause water in the housing to drain through the tube, and thereafter being removed from the opposite end of the tube, wherein additional water on the pool cover will cause water remaining in the loop to pass the opening in the loop to re-prime the siphon and cause drainage of the water from the pool cover.

Abstract: An anti-backflow eductor has a resilient sealing sleeve disposed on a water port defining blind end tube. The sleeve has a thinner wall cross section at a discharge end to enhance sealing while facilitating increased water flow. The ports in the blind end tube extend into a radial tube flange at the tube's inlet end to facilitate water flow out of the ports between the sleeve and tube. A tapered seat in the housing, together with cross bars in the vents, reduces the air vent cross section and relative motion between sleeve and housing to reduce sleeve wear. The eductor comprises an anti-backflow housing and a venturi housing coupled together for relative rotation but being inseparable under normal conditions to inhibit venturi use without the anti-backflow function of the anti-backflow housing.

Abstract: A siphon assembly for a flushing cistern, said assembly including an inverted generally U shaped duct having an up leg and a down leg the up leg being provided with an enlarged chamber having a lower end open to the interior of the cistern in use and the down leg forming an outlet from the cistern in use for delivery of flushing water; and a vertically displaceable piston incorporating a flexible diaphragm acting as a one way valve, said piston being movable in said chamber to initiate a siphonic flushing action operatively discharging water through said duct from the cistern; a side wall of the chamber defining a venting aperture intermediate the top of the chamber and said lower open end, the assembly further including a first closure element secured in engagement with the venting aperture, the first closure element being shaped so as to define at least a first predetermined flush level lower than a top edge of the venting aperture when so secured.

Abstract: A method of managing ponds that have standpipe overflows, such method including installing of a capped sleeve over the standpipe with the horizontal area between the wall of the sleeve and the wall of the standpipe being equal to or greater than the horizontal cross-section area of the standpipe. Opening a valve in the top of the standpipe to allow normal flow of the water from the pond through the standpipe by equalizing atmospheric pressure on the interior and exterior of the capped sleeve. Closing the valve in the cap of the sleeve to allow the water flow to create a vacuum in the top of the capped sleeve thus increasing water flow through the standpipe to full capacity. The draw down can continue until the interior vacuum is broken by the water reaching the bottom of the sleeve or the valve can be opened prior thereto to stop the draw down at any desired level.

Abstract: A system for controlling a flow of water out of a container in a manner to prevent the generation of noise as an incident to the outflow and to permit adjustment of the water level in the container, the container being a component of apparatus for maintaining water at a desired level in an enclosure. The system basically includes: an outflow conduit defining an outlet flow path via which water flows downwardly out of the container, the conduit having an upper end located within the container and having an inlet opening; a cap overlying the inlet opening and defining with the conduit upper end an annular flow path via which water flows to the inlet opening; and a vent tube extending vertically downwardly through the cap and into the conduit to establish an air flow path between a region above water in the container and a region within the conduit.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for vehicles with more than one fuel tank or a single tank with separate sections under at least some fuel level conditions. The system has an electric fuel pump disposed in the fuel container and a jet pump connected to the electric fuel pump with fuel pickups connected to the jet pump through a siphon. The electric fuel pump powers the jet pump to fill the siphon with liquid fuel and draw fuel through the pickups which are spaced apart in separate sections of the fuel container. When the siphon is completely filled with liquid fuel and the jet pump is operating, any difference in the heads or fuel levels in the sections of the fuel container will cause fuel to flow through the siphon from the section with the greater head to the other section of the tank. This flow, due to the difference in pressure associated with different fuel levels, continues until the fuel levels and, hence, the pressures are substantially the same in each section of the container.

Abstract: A water valve assembly includes a valve body having defined therein (1) a first channel, and (2) a first threaded portion. The water valve assembly also includes a first stop attached to the valve body and a second stop attached to the valve body, the second stop being positioned relative to the first stop such that a recess is defined therebetween. The water valve assembly further includes an attachment mechanism having a base and an arm attached to the base. The attachment mechanism has defined therein (1) a second channel, and (2) a second threaded portion. The arm includes a tab, and the arm is positionable in a first lowered position relative to the base when the tab is located outside of the recess. In addition, the arm is positionable in a second lowered position relative to the base when the tab is located within the recess. Furthermore, the tab contacts the first stop so as to move the arm relative to the base when the arm is moved from the first lowered position to the second lowered position.

Abstract: A fluid level controller which replaces fluid lost from a container thus maintaining the fluid level in the container. It is comprised of the following major pieces: an airtight reservoir (10) with cap (14), fill stem (12), feed lube (16), and tube attachment fittings (18a and 18b); several lengths of fluid conduit, (22a,b) and a u-bend (26) which form a siphon such that one end reaches into the bottom of reservoir (10) and the other reaches into the container below the desired fluid level; a length of conduit, (22c) which forms an air return line allowing air into reservoir (10); a stand (8) atop which sits the reservoir; a tubing clip (24); and a shut-off valve (20). The u-bend (26) allows the controller to preserve the initial prime of the system so that it only needs to be primed once. The shut-off valve (20) allows easy refilling of the controller once the fluid reservoir empties. These two features make the controller extremely easy to use.

Abstract: A system for overflow protection for swimming pools and tanks that conserves water by taking excess water from the bottom of the tank including a weighted hose directed near the bottom of the tank and connected to the protector. The protector has inlet, outlet and vent passages, where the inlet is at an elevation below the surface of the pool and the nadir of the outlet passage is at the surface elevation of the pool and the vent is open. A hose connected to the outlet directs overflow away from the pool. Charging the weighted hose will cause fluid above the outlet elevation to discharge excess fluid. In an alternative embodiment a plug is inserted into the vent and charging the weighted hose will cause the pool to drain to the level of the end of the hose.

Abstract: A water quality control method for recycling cooling water in a cooling tower equipped with a blow system and water treatment agent introduction means. Water is made up in response to the blow-down amount encountered by a blowing operation, and water treatment introduction means is actuated to introduce the water treatment agent into the recycle cooling water in the cooling tower, whereby the concentration of said agent in the recycle cooling water is retained at a desired level. The water treatment agent is made up by a predetermined amount, according to the amount of scattered water, at predetermined intervals of time during the operation of the arrangement. The water treatment introduction means is actuated after lapse of a fixed period of time, based on a predetermined level of the conductivity of the cooling water at the operational starting or cleaning of the cooling tower.

Abstract: A siphon pump system for pumping water from a water source to a supply destination. The system includes a holding canister through which the water flows, and a first timing bucket associated with the holding canister for controlling the admission of air into the system to thereby permit flow of water contained within the holding canister. A lower flow control chamber is provided adjacent the outlet from a long, second siphon conduit extending from the holding canister to control the refilling of the holding canister in an automatic manner and without the need for connections with a source of electrical power.

Abstract: A siphon flush mechanism is provided for a conventional commode water storage tank in which a siphon metering valve is utilized to control the level of water contained within the flush mechanism. An arcuate flexible connector tube is lifted by the action of an external handle thereby providing fluid communication between two inverted U-shaped traps in the flush mechanism to actuate the flushing cycle.

Abstract: The discharge conduit by which clarified sewage is withdrawn from a sewage clarification plant comprises a headwater conduit section and a low-water conduit section, the latter being separated from the former. The two conduit sections are connected to each other by at least one overground tube, the tube being designed as a siphon. An UV irradiation apparatus is provided for disinfecting the clarified sewage. However, the UV irradiation apparatus is not arranged in the discharge conduit, but is built in into the siphon. This solution has the advantage that the UV irradiation apparatus, which is installed overground, is less susceptible to failure and can more easily be serviced.

Abstract: A device for a dishwasher comprising a tub (10) in which liquid is circulated for cleaning the dishes. The dishwasher has a drain pump (14) with an inlet which is placed adjacent the bottom of the tub and a conduit (16) which is connected to the outlet (15) of the pump through which the liquid is emptied from the machine. The conduit comprises an ejector (17) through which the liquid flows during emptying, the suction side of the ejector being connected to the tub.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-line monitoring of a characteristic of a process liquid stream includes a cell for isolating a precise volume of the liquid. There are provided means for over-filling a sample chamber and means for removing the excess from the chamber comprising a downwardly extending drain line which terminates at a precisely positioned, downwardly facing inlet and means for applying negative pressure to the drain line to draw the excess liquid upwardly from the captured volume until the liquid level reaches the inlet and entry of air disrupts the liquid draining effect. The embodiment shown employs a closed volume, a vent, a conduit for delivery of process liquid into the cell under pressure and a syphon/drain line for removing excess liquid from the cell volume until there remains only a sample of accurately repeatable volume.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-line monitoring of a characteristic of a process liquid stream includes a cell for isolating a precise volume of the liquid. A sample chamber is over filled and the excess removed from the chamber by using a downwardly extending drain line which terminates at a precisely positioned, downwardly facing inlet negative pressure is applied to the drain line to draw the excess liquid upwardly from the captured volume until the liquid level reaches the inlet and entry of air disrupts the liquid draining effect. The embodiment shown employs a closed volume, a vent, a conduit for delivery of process liquid into the cell under pressure and a syphon/drain line for removing excess liquid from the cell volume until there remains only a sample of accurately repeatable volume.

Abstract: Apparatus for a recirculating aquarium water supply system having a tank with a discharge control device for maintaining the level of the water in the tank and incorporating an overflow receptacle in the tank and a prefilter receptable outside the tank filled by a siphon from the overflow receptacle, the prefilter receptacle having a sponge-like filter serving as a divider fitted thereinbetween the discharge of the siphon and drain of the prefilter receptacle, the drain discharging onto a diffuser plate which drips the water onto a cylindrical filter made from a wrapping of fibrous batting material which is saturated by the water and drips through a gravel filled container which discharges through a labyrinthian path in several interconnected chambers to a pump container from which the water is pumped back into the tank by a U-shaped nozzle which below the bend of the U has a series of slots formed therein for discharging a slow moving spray over the top layer of water in the tank, the water also discharging

Abstract: A fuel supply system including a fuel tank, a feed conduit through which fuel is pumped from the fuel tank, and a return conduit through which excess fuel is returned to the fuel tank. The fuel tank has first and second sumps. The system comprises an ejector pump having a pressure chamber opening through a throat into the first sump. The pressure chamber is connected through a communication conduit to the second sump. The ejector pump includes a fuel nozzle having an inlet port connected to the return conduit and a discharge end opening into the pressure chamber for discharging a jet of fuel into the pressure chamber to create a negative pressure in the pressure chamber so as to suck fuel through the communication conduit from the second sump. In one aspect of the invention, a relief valve is provided which is responsive to a back pressure produced in the fuel nozzle for relieving the back pressure to the first sump when the back pressure exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A siphon weir having a downwardly directed inlet port and a lower lying outlet port (18) on the downstream side connected with it by means of an approximately S-shaped siphon line (13) contains a ventilating mechanism for improving the regulating behavior. The ventilating mechanism is preferably constructed as a linear, sloping ventilating pipe (46), which is led out of the interior of the container to be regulated through the rising leg of the siphon line (13) and issues below the siphon top in the downwardly leading falling leg of siphon line (13). A diverter (28) for floating material can be mounted on the upper end of ventilating pipe (46).

Abstract: A device for transfer of critical liquids, such as molten metals, has a body member including a short leg inlet liquid conveying passage submergeable in a large storage vessel containing the critical liquid. An intermediate high level liquid conveying passage is disposed over the vessel and connected in fluid transferring relationship to the inlet portion at one end, and at its other end to a long down leg passage which is connected to a smaller liquid storing chamber positioned substantially lower than the liquid level in the storage vessel. A pouring outlet is connected to the lower chamber to conduct liquid out of the lower chamber. The flow of metal is controlled by a vacuum source selectively connectable to the high level passage which causes a siphon action through the device. The lower chamber is adapted in cooperation with its storage vessel, to maintain a vacuum in the system during start up and the transfer of liquid from the storage vessel to the outlet.

Abstract: The hydraulic turbine system includes:an electric generator;rotary turbine blades;a hydraulic pump for operation by rotation of the turbine blades;a hydraulic motor for driving the generator;a hydraulic reservoir;and connections between the pump, the motor and the reservoir for causing the motor to operate in response to rotation of the turbine blades by water flow.In the present improvement, the turbine blades and the hydraulic pump are unified in an axial flow unit which has an annular outer casing through which water flows to drive the turbine blades which in turn drive the pump. The motor, the generator and the reservoir may be located remotely from the axial flow unit. The axial flow unit is preferably generally U-shaped so that it can be placed inverted over a dam with the legs extending down into the water on opposite sides of the dam.

Abstract: Apparatus for periodically draining, flushing and replacing the operational water supply in an evaporative cooler during operation thereof and for completely draining the cooler when its operation is terminated. The apparatus includes a special siphon drain valve mounted in the sump of the cooler so as to be normally in an unprimed non-siphoning state and when in such a state, the evaporative cooler will operate in the normal manner. When the cooler is in normal operation, its water supply will increase in mineral salt concentration and other contaminants, such as dirt, bacteria and the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for periodically draining, flushing and replacing the water supply in an evaporative cooler during operation thereof and for completely draining the cooler when its operation is terminated. The apparatus includes a siphon drain valve mounted in the sump of the cooler and configured for movement between siphoning and non-siphoning positions with the movement being controlled by a solenoid. When the cooler is in normal operation, the solenoid is deenergized which places the siphon drain valve in the non-siphoning position and when in such normal operation, the water supply will increase in mineral salt concentration and other cooler damaging contaminants. At periodic intervals, such as under control of a time clock, the apparatus is switched to its draining, flushing and water replacing operation mode. This is accomplished by energizing the solenoid to initiate the siphoning action of the siphon drain valve to drain the water from the cooler.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically draining the water from an evaporative cooler when operation thereof is terminated and for periodically draining, flushing and replacing the water during operation of the cooler. The apparatus includes a comparatively small reservoir tank, which depends from the bottom of the cooler, for containing the cooler's water supply and a pump, a siphon drain valve and at least the float of a float controlled water supply shutoff valve. The water is recirculatingly supplied from the tank to the cooler and returns to the tank and that water will increase in mineral concentration and other cooler damaging contaminants during such recirculation. When both the pump and water supply are shutoff, such as upon termination of cooler usage, the apparatus will automatically commence its drainage operational mode wherein the returning water will raise the water level in the tank to prime the siphon drain valve which drains the water from the tank.

Abstract: A pump, siphon drain valve, and at least the float portion of a float controlled shutoff valve are located in a comparatively small water reservoir tank which is dependingly formed in the floor pan of an evaporative cooler to locate the cooler's water supply externally of its cabinet and are operative to recirculatingly supply water to the cooler and receive the returning water. The water, which increases in mineral concentration during such recirculation, is periodically drained from the tank by shutting off the pump so that the returning water will elevate the water level in the tank and prime the siphon drain valve. When the pump and water inlet supply are both shutoff, the tank completely drains, and when the pump alone is shutoff, tank draining, flushing and refilling is accomplished.

Abstract: A siphon apparatus is provided which includes a liquid storage reservoir in which is mounted a conchoidial-shaped siphon having an inlet end and an outlet end. A trigger device is provided and is connected to the siphon and is operable for actuating the siphon action of the siphon when a predetermined level of liquid is reached in the reservoir. The apparatus requires no moving parts for the operation thereof.

Abstract: A valve for use in an apparatus for supplying molten metal by means of a siphon to a furnace. A valve formed by a tube provided with two flanges is placed at the upper part of the siphon, this tube extending by a certain length below the level of the flanges, so as to form an annular space with each of the branches of the siphon in which the gas is trapped during decanting, which prevents the gaskets from being in contact with the molten metal.

Abstract: An improved container for storing and conditioning both hard and soft contact lenses. A pair of lens-retaining baskets are pivotally mounted within the cap of a fluid-tight container. With the cap removed and inverted, the baskets may be folded outwardly to allow unimpaired access to the lenses therein. The basket lids open in a common direction, providing immediate identification of right and left lens baskets.