Abstract: A combined air gap and dispensing device is adapted to be mounted on a sink, and comprises an internal air gap between inlet and outlet waste tubes. A liquid carrying pipe, such as a hot water pipe, also extends through the device to a faucet for being dispensed. A pair of fiber optic cables have exposed ends at the upper end of the device, and are coupled to a control system for valving liquid to the dispensing pipe. The control circuit may include a light source directed to one of the fiber optic cables, a photo sensor connected to the fiber optic cable to receive reflected light, and amplifying and demodulating circuitry, as well as a logic circuit responsive to determined conditions at the upper ends of the fiber optic cables for controlling the flow of liquid to the dispensing pipe. A pneumatic tube and pneumatic actuator may be provided instead of the optic cables and associated optic devices.

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: An air gap faucet for attachment to sink structure. The faucet includes a housing which encloses upper and lower mounts which together define an integral air gap. The upper mount carries a valve mechanism operative to dispense potable water. The potable water and associated conduits are slidably disposed through the lower mount so that the upper mount can be raised above the lower mount and faucet housing for easy inspection of the valve mechanism and the air gap components.

Abstract: A faucet includes a body and first and second independent liquid conduit systems passing through the body, for handling first and second liquids, which may be respectively pure water from a water purification system and waste water (brine) generated by reverse osmosis in the purification system. The first conduit system has lower, upper and intermediate tubular portions, the latter providing a passage between the lower and upper portions. A handle is movable between a position in which the passage is closed and a position in which the passage is open. The second conduit system is a tube which is always open and which has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet end, the liquid inlet end being connectible to the waste water (brine) line and the liquid, with the liquid outlet end spaced above and providing a gap with the maximum level of liquid in a sink.

Abstract: A bottom wall of a fuel tank body defines an inwardly extending projection which separates at least a lower segment of an interior of the fuel tank body into a first fuel chamber and a second fuel chamber. Fuel is pumped out of the first fuel chamber. A portion of the fuel pumped out of the first fuel chamber is returned to the first fuel chamber by way of an ejector pump disposed within the fuel tank body. The ejector pump is driven by the return fuel. A communication pipe connects the second fuel chamber to the ejector pump. The ejector pump transports fuel from the second fuel chamber to the first fuel chamber via the communication pipe.

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 rinse-injection box has, between a connection for supplying water from a drinking-water line and an inlet into the rinse-injection box, a valve that opens automatically when water flows in. An opening to the atmosphere prevents water from flowing out of the full box into a drinking-water line that communicates with the connection because the opening prevents the establishment of a vacuum. When the supply of water is discontinued, the valve body will close off the inlet, allowing the vacuum needed for the next rinsing process to become established inside the box. Thus, no non-potable water can be suctioned back into the drinking-water line even when the rinse-injection box is completely full.

Abstract: A sink faucet having an anti-syphon device incorporated therein. The anti-syphon device serves as part of a clamping mechanism used to mount the faucet on a sink deck. The complete assembly can be accommodated on a conventional sink structure without structural modifications to the sink.

Abstract: A faucet fixture for mounting over the faucet opening in sink structure and including a valve body capable of being pulled upwardly of the faucet fixture housing to an elevated position for inspection or maintenance. The faucet fixture includes an upper mounting plate having a threaded central bore for receiving a threaded sleeve for securement of the plate and sleeve to the sink structure. The valve body is removably secured to the mounting plate, and a potable water conduit attached to the valve body extends slidably through the sleeve for distance at least equal to the height of the housing which supports the valve body in position so that the valve body can be inspected. In one embodiment the sleeve also slidably accommodates inlet and outlet waste water conduits associated with a reverse osmosis unit so that an airgap arrangement attached to the valve body can be raised and inspected by sliding the three conduits upwardly through the sleeve.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment an improved faucet proportioner includes a plate for defining a first stream of water together with additional curtain streams of water adjacent the first stream. The first stream is directed into a venturi for pulling a second liquid, like detergent or sanitizer, while the curtain streams flow alongside outside of the venturi, but within the proportioner. The streams first contain any splash or splatter of the first stream at the venturi mouth, and secondly the streams enhance the venturi drawing action of the first stream upon joining the first stream as it flows out of the venturi discharge opening. The enhanced venturi action of the first stream effectively draws the second liquid into the first stream, yet the proportioner does not require any porous obstruction downstream of the venturi which might clog or retain detergent or sanitizer and release it when only pure water is desired. Methods are included.

Abstract: A communication hole is bored through a partition member which divides an intake-side priming fluid chamber from a discharge-side priming fluid chamber, whereby the two chambers are connected. The communication hole serves to prevent, on a predetermined level, a backflow of a pump fluid due to siphonage caused on the intake side when pumping operation is stopped, thereby securing a priming fluid in a pump casing. A valve assembly including a valve member is disposed corresponding to the communication hole. The valve member, which is always urged to an open position, is moved to and held in a position where it is caused to close the communication hole by the action of the pump fluid flowing in a feeding direction during pumping operation. When the pump is stopped to cause the backflow of the fluid, the valve member is moved back to the open position by the urging action.

Abstract: A water inlet, vent stack, blower and blower housing combined assembly for use in an automatic dishwasher. The combined assembly comprises a water inlet nozzle having an inlet end connectable to a valve-controlled water source, and a discharge end. A vent stack is provided in the form of an open top chamber having sides, ends and a bottom, with a lateral conduit extending from the lower portion of one side to be sealingly engaged about an opening in the dishwasher vat. A blower housing is located beneath the vent stack, and a duct is located along side the vent stack. The lower end of the duct is connected to the blower housing and the upper end thereof is connected to and encloses the open upper end of the vent stack. The water inlet nozzle extends through an opening in the upper end of the duct with its discharge end extending into the vent stack. A motor and fan are mounted on a motor plate, in turn mounted on a blower plate. The blower plate is affixed to the blower housing.

Abstract: A vacuum breaker for connection in the discharge line from a source of liquid. The preferred embodiment comprises an elongated body for connection in the discharge line and opening to atmosphere through a lateral passageway selectively closed by a cylindrical sleeve coaxially carried by said body. In the open position of the sleeve the vacuum breaker is particularly adapted for in-line installation in the drain line of appliances. Various applications for the vacuum breaker are disclosed.

Abstract: An in-line accessory faucet having a separable plastic air-gap module for use with a reverse osmosis unit, the faucet being installable without the module when used without a reverse osmosis unit. The air-gap module slides onto the faucet pipe conduit below the housing, and has brine flow passages and a channel formed in the top surface and closed off by the overlying flat surface of a base member between the housing and air-gap module. A valve seat in the housing connects to both the housing and the pipe conduit. The valving in the housing has an in-line configuration, with the faucet inlet and outlet being on a common central axis. A mounting nut with an expandable - collapsible portion and peripheral side channels for brine tubes permits mounting of the faucet solely from above the sink lip. A handle with two lower camming surfaces is operated only downwardly to obtain both pressure - controlled flow or locked-on flow.

Abstract: The freeze protection valve includes a molded plastic valve housing (A) including a peripheral wall (10) which defines an elongated recess (12) therein. The valve housing includes a first seating region (18) surrounding the elongated recess open end, a drain outlet (C) in fluid communication with the elongated recess, and at least one side fluid passage defining configuration (30). The side fluid passage defining configuration defines a first recess (32) having a wall portion (34) which is adapted to be cut through to provide one or more fluid passages (170) into the elongated recess. A first fitting assembly (60) includes a metal nipple (62) having a flange (64) peripherally therearound, a hold down plate (68), and a plurality of screws (70) for pressing the hold down plate and nipple flange in a fluid sealing relationship with the first or second seating region.

Abstract: An aspirator structure to proportionately mix a pressurized motive liquid and non-pressurized additive liquid and to deliver the mixed liquids into a storage supply of mixed liquids. The aspirator structure includes an elongate aspirating chamber connected with the supplies of motive and additive liquids and has a discharge end from which the mixed liquids flow. The structure next includes an elongate, vertical delivery tube with a cylindrical inside surface, a closed upper end portion communicating with the discharge end of the chamber and an open lower end opening in the supply of mixed liquids. The cross-sectional extent of the tube is greater than the cross-sectional extent of the chamber and the liquids flowing from the chamber are directed substantially tangentially with respect to the inside surface of the tube so that those liquids establish a vortex flow with and are moved downwardly therethrough by the force of gravity.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a plumbing fixture to lessen and to prevent the flow of a liquid, from a source of liquid, flowing to an apparatus such as a washing machine or a dishwasher. More, particularly, this plumbing fixture is directed to lessening the flow of a liquid from a laundry tub to a washing machine or a dishwasher by a syphoning effect. The liquid in the laundry tub is not allowed to flow to the washing machine or a dishwasher by a syphoning action.

Abstract: A conduit accepts liquid discharged from apparatus into which liquid is supplied and directs the discharged liquid to the discharge side of a plumbing system. The conduit includes a pair of backup outlets that prevent discharged liquid from reentering the apparatus when liquid flow through the discharge side of the plumbing system becomes blocked by diverting the backed up liquid from the discharge of the apparatus when the backed up liquid reaches a predetermined level. The conduit prevents splashing discharged liquid from leaving the conduit through the backup outlets.

Abstract: The freeze protection valve includes a valve housing (A) which has a bore (20) through a lower wall portion (22) thereof to define a freeze drain outlet (B). A valve assembly (C) including a valve cup (50), a valving element (54), and a valve element biasing spring (56) is biased away from the valve housing lower wall portion by a valve cup spring (60). A thermal sensing assembly (D) including a thermal sensing element (82) which is disposed closely adjacent the valving element urges the valve assembly toward the lower wall portion as the temperature of fluid around the thermal element increases and allows the valve cup biasing spring to move the valving element away from the lower wall portion as the fluid around the thermal sensing element cools below a preselected temperature. In this manner, the valve assembly opens the freeze drain outlet in response to the fluid at the bottom of the valve housing adjacent the valve assembly dropping below a preselected temperature.

Abstract: An air gap drain module for use with the dispensing head of a reverse osmosis dispensing system for potable water has an inner waste water tube and an outer drain tube which are disposed concentric to each other at one end and for a portion of the length of the inner tube adjacent the concentric end. An air gap in the form of spaced slots is provided adjacent the concentric end of the drain tube and a closure is connected to the common end of the waste water tube and drain tube with an annular flange or skirt thereon in assembled position disposed to extend between the waste water tube and the drain tube to form an annular passage about the waste water tube and direct the movement of process water issuing from the concentric end of the waste water tube into the drain tube. The closure forms a chamber or trap with the adjacent end of the waste water tube which in conjunction with the spaced slots prevent back flow into the waste water tube.

Abstract: A vented inlet including a lower pipe to be mounted generally vertically within a tank and an upper pipe supported above and generally axially aligned with the lower pipe to define a vent space therebetween. The internal diameter of the upper pipe is smaller than the internal diameter of the lower pipe, so that liquid flowing downwardly through the upper pipe falls through the vent space, into the lower pipe, and consequently into the tank; however, compressed air flowing through the upper pipe is vented through the vent space to the air surrounding the inlet.

Abstract: A valving system capable of maintaining a substantial flow rate to a low profile toilet bowl during bowl wash, bowl flush and refill, and storage tank refill. The system includes a tank refill tube and a bowl wash tube, with an adjustable restriction in one of them to balance the flow between them. When the toilet is flushed, water from the storage tank is emptied into the toilet bowl, causing the bowl contents to start to siphon out. A level-responsive valve opens when the tank level lowers, and supplies water both to the tank to refill it, and to the rim. It flows from the rim to wash the walls, to continue the flush, and to refill the bowl. A flow control can usefully be placed upstream from the valve so that a substantially constant flow rate results which is able to be accurately divided between the tank and the bowl, so that all functions are completed by the time the tank is refilled.

Abstract: A safety air gap system for an exemplary high volume evacuator having a water-sealed pump to provide suction thereto and including a gray water discharge from the pump to a drain, the system including a closed housing adapted to be mounted at a higher level than the evacuator, a reservoir for fresh water in the housing terminating a predetermined distance below the top, a coaxial pair of inner and outer tubes extending upward from the bottom of the reservoir and terminating above the top of the reservoir, the lower end of the inner tube receiving municipal water for discharge at the top to the outer tube which discharges the water at the lower end to the reservoir as controlled by a float-operated valve between the upper ends of the tubes, the housing having in one sidewall an outlet port connectable to a drain at a level below the top of the reservoir to prevent accidental filling of the housing with water in the event of a malfunction of the system, and an air gap opening positioned in a sidewall of the hou

Abstract: Air gap assembly for preventing backflow from a waste line to a dishwasher or other appliance connected to the line. The assembly comprises a vertically extending hollow body, an inlet tube extending upwardly within the body, an outlet tube connected to the body, an air vent in the body in proximity to the upper portion of the inlet tube, and a deflector cap mounted on the body above the inlet tube. Water entering the device through the inlet tube is deflected in a downward direction toward the outlet tube without leakage through the air vents, and the air vents prevent syphoning action which might otherwise produce undesired backflow from the waste line to the appliance connected to the inlet tube.

Abstract: A mixing chamber has a water inlet and chemical inlet with a depending discharge merging into a duct having an air vent separated from the chamber by an inclined chamber floor.

Abstract: An antisiphon air gap arrangement is disclosed acting as a vacuum breaker for the water supply to a dishwasher, including a partitioned, bilevel standpipe extending upwardly from the dishwasher tub bottom. One section of the standpipe acts as a maximum flood level establishing overflow drain, while the other section extends to a level in the tub above the so-established flood level, and receives a fill tube from the inlet water supply valve. A domed cover mounted to the tub bottom extends over the partitioned standpipe to prevent escape of overspray from the dishwasher through the standpipe, while openings about the bottom enable fill water to pass into the tub. The fill tube passes through the other section of the partitioned standpipe opening with a clearance space, through which air from the exterior of the dishwasher is drawn whenever suction conditions in the house plumbing occur.

Abstract: A flow-control valve is provided, especially for controlling the flow of water heated to near its boiling point. In order to limit cavitation at the position immediately downstream of the throttling point formed by the sealing body, preferably in the form of a rubber diaphragm, and the valve seat, a ventilating slit is provided for communicating ambient air into the flow of liquid at a position downstream of the throttling point. In particularly preferred embodiments, the ventilating slit is formed between a thin inner tube and an outer tube, which outer tube has an upper end forming the valve seat. In particularly preferred embodiments, the cross section for the flow at the position where the ventilating air is introduced, is smaller than the throttling point cross section.

Abstract: A flow control valve is provided, especially for controlling the flow of water heated to near its boiling point. In order to limit cavitation and improve sealing characteristics of the valve, the valve seat is formed as an integral part of a plastic valve housing, on a thin inwardly protruding plate. The closure element or sealing body is formed of an elastomeric material stretched over a support plate, in turn attached to a movable plunger of, for example, an electromagnetic operated valve plunger. The closure element is formed as a tapered conical member which engages, with its tapered peripheral surface against the seating plate. Preferred embodiments of the invention relate to valve arrangements having an annular ventilating slit formed to open immediately downstream of the throttling point of the valve.

Abstract: A hose receiving member constructed as a unitary plastic article is specifically adapted to connect an anti-kink corrugated plastic hose to an appliance such as an automatic washer in either a standpipe installation or a laundry tub installation when used with a metal or plastic hose guide member. The plastic hose guide member connects to an outlet pipe of the member near an upper end thereof adjacent an end of the corrugated hose. This guide member has a curvilinear upper surface which curves from a vertical orientation adjacent the end of the hose connection fitting through an arc of at least 180.degree. in a plane including an axis of the outlet pipe. A planar rib maintains the surface in its desired shape. Two retaining ties on the guide member grasp the hose, clamping it to the curvilinear surface, one tie being used to bend the hose approximately 90.degree. and both used for a bend of approximately 180.degree..

Abstract: A single housing for insertion in one hole in a sink provides three fluid flows: (a) drinking water (b) dishwater effluent and (c) water treatment effluent. In addition, a vent or air gap to atmosphere is provided at the housing for the two effluents to satisfy code requirement of an air gap between the dishwater and drinking water device, and the sanitary sewer. A vented airspace is also provided between the drinking water pipe and the housing.

Abstract: A fluid mixing apparatus introduces a controlled amount of gas into a liquid flowing through a conduit.The fluid mixing apparatus incorporates a flow control device which is constructed to produce a variable impedance to fluid flow through the control device. The impedance varies in a pre-planned relationship to the pressure differential across the flow control device and to an acceleration of the flow within the control device.The control device has an outlet connected to the interior of the liquid carrying conduit and has a gas inlet for supplying the gas to the interior of the control device.In a specific embodiment, the flow control device is a vortex chamber which produces rotation of the gas flowing through the gas inlet. This rotation produces a self-choking effect on the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: An auxiliary air delivery system is connected to the fuel delivery passage of an engine carburetor for altitude compensation and is so constructed to prevent the back flow of fuel in the fuel delivery passage into the altitude compensator conduit by the vacuum trapped therein.

Abstract: A non-siphoning float controlled valve assembly for supplying water from a source to a livestock watering tank comprises a one-piece cast aluminum hollow housing open at the bottom and having an integrally formed upwardly projecting hollow neck near one end. Means are provided for detachably connecting the housing to the side of the watering tank. The neck serves as a water-fill passage and the main portion of the housing defines a float chamber. The upper end of the neck is adapted for connection to a water supply hose or pipe, and a water-fill inlet opening having a valve seat therearound is provided in a constricted portion of the neck. A pair of anti-siphon holes extend through the neck wall.

Abstract: A float controlled valve assembly in which the valve is located in spaced relationship to the float with vent means being provided in between and above the level of a liquid receiving tank to provide an anti-siphoning arrangement. The valve is operated by an actuator which is suspended independently of the float but is movable in response thereto. The actuator is supported and guided for both axial and rotational movement which maintains friction between the actuator and the float at a minimum and also minimizes and maintains uniform and minimum wear between the co-acting valve parts.

Abstract: A combination faucet and antisyphon break or air gap for dispensing purified water produced by a membrane type purification unit, has a body having a valve-controlled passage with a spout for dispensing purified water; and a pair of additional vertical passages, one for connection to the brine output of the purification unit and the other for connection to the sewer. The passage connected to the brine output of the purification unit comprises a plastic tube which terminates at its top in a gooseneck, which acts as a channel to direct the brine overflow from this passage past an antisyphon break into the passage connected to the sewer. This passage also comprises a plastic tube.