Protection Against Freezing Patents (Class 137/301)
  • Patent number: 10717416
    Abstract: A washer fluid heating device includes: a cover portion attached to one end of a container to face an accommodation space of a washer fluid; heating means that includes a case having a proximal end portion attached to the cover portion and extending toward the accommodation space, and a heating unit provided inside the case to heat the washer fluid inside the accommodation space through the case; and a detector for detecting a no-water burning state generated due to a decrease in washer fluid inside the accommodation space. The detector is provided inside the case and disposed on a side of the proximal end portion of the case from the healing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: MURAKAMI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hidenori Sato
  • Patent number: 9016306
    Abstract: A wall hydrant mounting device comprises a linear hollow conduit with a threaded connector at one end and an anchoring flange secured at the opposite end. The anchoring flange includes an anchoring section with an enlarged passageway connected to a hollow, cylindrical section. An adjustment cap fits within the enlarged passageway of the anchoring section. The adjustment cap contains a hollow cylindrical section in alignment with the hollow, cylindrical section of the anchoring flange. The wall hydrant mounting device is adapted for attachment of a water conduit to the threaded connector adjacent the end of the hollow conduit, and adapted for attachment of a wall hydrant to the threaded connector member. The wall hydrant is inserted through the adjustment cap, the hollow, cylindrical central section of the anchoring flange and through the hollow conduit fastened thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Kevin E. Cantrell
  • Patent number: 8997777
    Abstract: Integrated flow control backflow preventer valve (“IFCBPV”) for new and existing wet- and dry-barrel fire hydrants, with barrel drain assemblies for dry-barrel hydrants, and hydrants equipped with such IFCBPVs, are presented. An exemplary IFCBPV can have a retaining screen comprising equidistant concave radial spokes intersecting at a central ring structure, a freely suspended check ball, and a lower ball seat with a seal. The upper surface of the retaining screen can be affixed to the hydrant's axial shaft, and can thus be used to open and close the hydrant via the ball. Alternatively, the retaining screen can be fixed and the axial shaft provided with a cup on its bottom that mates with the freely suspended ball that is caged between the retaining screen and the ball seat. An exemplary barrel drain assembly can comprise a spring-loaded piston, or alternatively, a check ball design as in the main barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Albert Montague
  • Patent number: 8955538
    Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a means for altering pressure is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk, Cody Jackson
  • Patent number: 8851104
    Abstract: Disclosed is an elevating fire hydrant assembly. The elevating fire hydrant assembly includes: a water pipe which supplies firefighting water in accordance with the open or shut operation of a water control valve buried underground; an elbow pipe connected to the water pipe; a fixing pipe connected to the elbow pipe; an elevating pipe which is coupled to the fixing pipe to retract into or extend from the ground, and the lower end of which is coupled to a guide block that slides along the inner surface of the fixing pipe; a sealing plate coupled to the top of the fixing pipe to prevent the elevating pipe from escaping; a head block which is coupled to the top of the elevating pipe, and which has a hose connector for connecting a firefighting hose; and valve means for opening or shutting the lower end of the elevating pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Syeng Yen One
  • Patent number: 8844558
    Abstract: An adjustable operating rod assembly is provided. In one embodiment a telescoping rod and tube are provided such that the length of the operating rod can be selectively adjusted in order to accommodate fluid inlet pipes of various lengths and regardless of manufacturer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • Patent number: 8783282
    Abstract: A reconfigurable water flushing and sampling device which permits the same device to be utilized as a manual flusher, a continuous flushing device, an automatic flushing device, or a sampling station, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: John C. Kupferle Foundry Company
    Inventor: Daniel G. McKeague
  • Patent number: 8707982
    Abstract: An anti-freeze vacuum breaking structure for the faucet contains a tube body including a chamber, an inlet, an outlet, a connecting hole, and an intake valve; a control valve including a housing, a shaft bolt, a rod, a stopping sleeve, an upper ceramic piece, a lower ceramic piece, and a seat, the shaft bolt having a connecting segment and an actuating segment, a watering room, a through hole, the shaft bolt including an outflow orifice, the rod including an increased shoulder, the shoulder including a first stopping ring, the rod also including a decreased fitting section, the decreased filling section having a resilient element, an air channel, and an air bore, the rod including a second stopping ring; a handle including a rotating member coupling with a driving stem, the driving stem including one end with an aperture and another end fitted with the connecting segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Ning Woei Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Neng Wu
  • Publication number: 20130298997
    Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a means for altering pressure is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk, Cody Jackson
  • Patent number: 8511335
    Abstract: A heat transfer reduction apparatus and method for an article is disclosed that includes a first surrounding sidewall having a first base and an opposite first closure. The first sidewall, base, and closure all define a first interior, wherein a portion of the first sidewall is in contact with a first portion of the article. Also, a second surrounding sidewall that has a second base and an opposite second closure. The second sidewall, base, and closure all define a second interior, wherein a portion of the second sidewall is in contact with a second portion of the article. Further, a moldable insulating material is disposed within the first and second interiors. The first and second sidewalls form a separable clamshell interface to one another forming about the article first and second portions. Also included is structure for retaining the first and second sidewalls to one another at the clamshell interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Teresa G. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8490638
    Abstract: A retrofit valve assembly for a frost-resistant hydrant comprises a replacement valve assembly and stem sufficiently long enough to enable the replacement stem to be cut and readily retrofit to existing frost-resistant hydrants of different lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Amerikam, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 8474476
    Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a venturi is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk, Cody Jackson
  • Patent number: 8413675
    Abstract: A Yard Hydrant Made Easy has a riser with a slip connection, called a pitless adapter, attached directly to the side of the riser, below freeze level. The water supply is connected to the outside section of the pitless adapter and a yard hydrant is attached to the inside removable section of the pitless adapter. This hollow riser and slip connection allows for easy removal and replacement of a yard hydrant, without the need of any future excavation, busting of concrete, or tearing up of landscaped areas. A seepage section may be incorporated at the base of the riser to allow a yard hydrant to drain out without ever coming in contact with soil. This prevents any chance of the drain hole, at the base of the yard hydrant, becoming stopped up and causing the hydrant to freeze. A dual check valve backflow preventer may be installed at the base of the hydrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin Cantrell
  • Patent number: 8402991
    Abstract: An improved outlet valve for a frost-preventing faucet substantially employs an axial slot defined at a central top inside the inlet passage for being inserted by an elastic element and an axial post. A first stop ring is disposed around the stop valve. The first stop ring and the stop valve are inserted into a limiting slot of a hollow stop sleeve disposed under the stop valve. A second stop ring disposed around the stop sleeve is inserted into a lower section of an inner wall of the inlet passage. A bottom of the second stop ring is disposed above a top of the top porcelain. Cooperating the subject improved configuration with the top porcelain allows the water to be supplied upward since outlet gates of the bottom porcelain and the top porcelain stay abreast without a blockage. When a water pressure is larger than a rebounding force of the elastic element, the stop valve upwardly compresses the elastic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Hung-Neng Wu
  • Patent number: 7992585
    Abstract: A retrofit valve assembly for a frost-resistant hydrant comprises ceramic valve disks and a hydrant adapter to enable the valve assembly to be readily retrofit to existing frost-resistant hydrants produced by different manufacturers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Amerikam, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 7975720
    Abstract: A ball valve cartridge is disclosed. It is especially well suited for freezeless hydrant applications and any other application where it is positioned remotely from a handle or other actuating element. The cartridge contains a ball valve element and an internal stem with a key for rotating the ball valve element between open and closed positions. The stem has rotational stop elements that limit rotational movement of the stem and the ball valve element. In a yard hydrant application, a drain valve can be added to regulate the opening and closing of the drain hole. It has an operational range of a quarter turn or ninety degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Scott T. Conway
  • Patent number: 7828005
    Abstract: A freezeless hydrant includes an operating screw positioned within a head member, an operating coupling mating with the operating screw, an operating rod coupled to the operating coupling and a plug and a valve seat. Movement of the operating rod in one direction disengages the plug from the valve seat permitting water to flow through the casing and an opening of a set screw forcing a ball against an O-ring seal. Movement of the operating rod in an opposite direction causes alignment of a radial opening in the operating coupling with a passageway in the operating screw. The operating rod engages the valve seat preventing water from flowing through the casing and allowing the ball to fall away from the O-ring seal. Air enters a chamber of the operating screw thereby draining water from the chamber and out of the radial opening of the operating coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventor: David L. Lawson
  • Patent number: 7753065
    Abstract: A hydrant backflow prevention system comprises a backflow prevention valve, operably coupleable to a hydrant to restrict passage of materials through the hydrant into a water supply feeding the hydrant. The backflow prevention valve is installable fluidly inline with the water supply at a location below which an upper dry barrel of the hydrant is coupled to a water delivery system. The backflow restriction valve is operable to substantially restrict backflow into the water supply when in a closed position, and allow flow of water through the hydrant when in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: TAP Security, LC
    Inventors: Michael J. Bevins, Bradley S. Gilson
  • Patent number: 7686028
    Abstract: An improved structure of straight-out controllable ceramic valve of anti-freezing faucet, which is comprised by cover water-receiving valve seat with open bottom, cylinder water-controlling shaft bolt that one end is covered into shaft hole at center of water-receiving valve seat and a plurality of butterfly outlet control valves, wherein bottom of water-controlling shaft bolt has a protruding tongue embedding into top of bottom butterfly porcelain shard in order to adjust outlets of top and bottom porcelain shard; its features are as follows: an inlet channel extending to middle section of shaft bolt is made at middle section of bottom of water-controlling shaft bolt, horizontal through outlet channel is made at two sides of inlet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Hung-Neng Wu
  • Patent number: 7654280
    Abstract: An anti-freezing hydrant is provided with a hollow valve rod of which a back end is provided with a lump formed with an oblique cone where a water leakage hole is formed communicating with the valve rod. A one-way valve is provided in a inner water inlet in a valve chamber of a valve and comprises a rubber cushion being made of a soft rubber and thus elastically suppressing the inner water inlet. The bore of a back pressure stopper in a back pressure is a complement of an inner inclined cone with the oblique cone. Thus, the rubber cushion may enhance the capability of sealing of the valve. Further, the back pressure stopper may also be a good sealant for the inclined cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Long Tai Copper Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Faucet Wu
  • Patent number: 7617835
    Abstract: A coupler for a hydrant assist kit includes a single piece construction having an inlet, an outlet, a basin, and a drain, the drain above the inlet and at a bottom of the basin. A hydrant assist kit connects a water line to a hydrant with the coupler and a sleeve attached to the coupler to protect the hydrant pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Seppmann Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Corey J. Seppmann
  • Publication number: 20090242039
    Abstract: A ball valve cartridge is disclosed. It is especially well suited for freezeless hydrant applications and any other application where it is positioned remotely from a handle or other actuating element. The cartridge contains a ball valve element and an internal stem with a key for rotating the ball valve element between open and closed positions. The stem has rotational stop elements that limit rotational movement of the stem and the ball valve element. In a yard hydrant application, a drain valve can be added to regulate the opening and closing of the drain hole. It has an operational range of a quarter turn or ninety degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Scott T. Conway
  • Publication number: 20090217984
    Abstract: An anti-freezing hydrant is provided with a hollow valve rod of which a back end is provided with a lump formed with an oblique cone where a water leakage hole is formed communicating with the valve rod. A one-way valve is provided in a inner water inlet in a valve chamber of a valve and comprises a rubber cushion being made of a soft rubber and thus elastically suppressing the inner water inlet. The bore of a back pressure stopper in a back pressure is a complement of an inner inclined cone with the oblique cone. Thus, the rubber cushion may enhance the capability of sealing of the valve. Further, the back pressure stopper may also be a good sealant for the inclined cone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Faucet WU
  • Publication number: 20090056815
    Abstract: A retrofit valve assembly for a frost-resistant hydrant comprises ceramic valve disks and a hydrant adapter to enable the valve assembly to be readily retrofit to existing frost-resistant hydrants produced by different manufacturers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: AMERIKAM, INC.
    Inventor: Patrick Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 7497228
    Abstract: A water flushing system for a pressurized subterranean water distribution system includes an inlet conduit for receiving pressurized water from the subterranean water distribution system; an outlet fluidly connected to the inlet conduit for discharging pressurized water in the inlet conduit downwardly towards a drain; and a control valve for controlling the flow of pressurized water in the inlet conduit. The water flushing system further includes one or more of the following features: a freeze protection assembly, a detachable coupling system, a dechlorination system, and a backflow prevention system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas M. Taylor, David Goslin
  • Patent number: 7438082
    Abstract: The invention concerns a valve arrangement for external operation including: a feed opening, a delivery opening, a connecting passage which connects the feed opening to the delivery opening, a first valve which is adapted to enable the fluid connection through the connecting passage in a first functional position and to close same in a second functional position, and an actuating device for actuating the first valve. Valve arrangements of that kind suffer from the disadvantage that they are not suitable for frost-resistant operation as freezing water can damage parts of the valve arrangement. That disadvantage is overcome by the invention insofar as there is provided a second valve which is closed in the first and second functional position and which co-operates with a drain opening which is so connected to the connecting passage that in a third functional position in which the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened the liquid in the connecting passage can flow away through the drain opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Interforge Klee GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Klee
  • Patent number: 7401620
    Abstract: A yard hydrant having a valve body with a drain port and a check valve mounted adjacent to the drain port to allow water to flow from the hydrant through the drain port to the ground and prevent ground water from flowing into the hydrant through the drain port and contaminating the water source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T Ball
  • Publication number: 20080135100
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for retrofitting fire hydrants with additional structure for reducing the potential that those with ill intent can foul municipal water supplies by introducing toxins or other materials into fire hydrants. Various embodiments include a replacement hydrant body having an enlarged diameter portion that can be installed to replace an existing hydrant body. The replacement hydrant body can include a secondary valve comprising a seat, biasing structure, and a restriction member to close off portions of the hydrant otherwise available for receipt of toxic or other materials when the fire hydrant nozzle cap is unscrewed and open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Dewey Davidson, David Phillips, Anthony Ferrari, David Michael Walden
  • Patent number: 7249609
    Abstract: A yard hydrant having a valve body with a valve seat and a drain port. A closure valve disposed within the valve body and engaging the valve seat. The valve body having a conduit in fluid communication with the drain port and a hollow interior of the valve body. A check valve disposed within the conduit to prevent fluid flow from the drain port through the conduit to the hollow interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 7234479
    Abstract: A water hydrant for suppling potable water from a water source has an internal movable riser contained within a housing that extends beneath the ground to a depth below which freezing temperatures cannot reach. A chamber housing located at a distal end of the hydrant, beneath the frost line, contains a valve which may be actuated by the moving riser to provide a flow of water from the water source and through the riser. The chamber housing is configured to receive residual water from the riser when the flow of water has been shut off by the valve and to store the water beneath the frost line under sanitary conditions. A piston is disposed on a distal end of the riser, is slidably disposed within the chamber housing, and moves with the riser to expel water from the chamber housing when a handle of the hydrant is subsequently moved to reopen the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Murdock, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Murdock
  • Patent number: 7228868
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrant system that is projected over the ground while being buried in the underground. The hydrant system comprises a sluice valve connected to a water-guide tube within a manhole M, the sluice valve having a first openings/shutting shaft disposed therein; a female cylinder having a drain valve that is opened when the sluice valve is locked and that is locked when the sluice valve is opened, and a bracket having a through-hole; a male cylinder having a piston for opening/shutting the bottom of the male cylinder as a piston rod is rotated in the forward or reverse direction; a rod for limiting a projection range of the male cylinder protruded against the female cylinder; a manhole cover having a sub hole through which the male cylinder passes; a second opening/shutting shaft for rotating the first opening/shutting shaft; and a universal joint, which connects the first opening/shutting and the second opening/shutting shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Doo Suk Kang
  • Patent number: 7093610
    Abstract: An improved outdoor hydrant-type water faucet comprised of a water control connector at the top section of a hydrant-type standpipe equipped with a water control connector adjustment fixture and a downwardly extending coupling rod at the bottom section of the hydrant-type standpipe, and a water input valve that opens and closes to vary flow volume. The feature of the present invention is that the hydrant-type standpipe bottom section consists of a wide-mouth sleeve section that provides for the installation therein of a higher specification water input valve having a greater flow volume rating, thereby achieving an increase in water output volume and a reduction in blockage, effectively relieving ice formation and consequent water obstruction due to low temperature outdoors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Hung-Neng Wu
  • Patent number: 7089955
    Abstract: The present recreational vehicle water warming and circulating system uses the heated water in the water heater to heat the on-board water supply when the outside air temperature drops below the freezing point of water. The system includes a holding tank for containing a majority of the on-board water supply, and heated and cold loops that supply heated and cold water to various fixtures in the recreational vehicle. When temperature sensors sense a potentially freezing condition, a control circuit opens one or more solenoid valves to open the one or both loops to return undispensed heated or cold water to the holding tank. The control circuit closes the solenoid valves when the potentially freezing condition is no longer detected by the temperature sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Grant T. Komro, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7059337
    Abstract: A hydrant comprising a housing forming a reservoir; and a piston configured to force residual fluid out of the reservoir to an outlet and to allow supply fluid to flow from an inlet through the piston to the outlet when the piston is actuated in the housing to a first position, and when the piston is actuated in the housing to a second position, to restrict flow of the supply fluid to the outlet and to allow at least a portion of the supply fluid that has flowed from the inlet to flow into the reservoir thereby becoming new residual fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William Thomas Ball, Jr., Cody Wayne Jackson
  • Patent number: 6948509
    Abstract: A hydrant comprising a chamber forming a reservoir, an inlet configured to supply fluid to the hydrant and a sleeve configured to force static fluid out of an outlet, wherein a first portion of the chamber containing the reservoir is configured to be located in the ground below a frost line and a second portion of the chamber is configured to be located above the frost line, wherein the static fluid is forced to exit the outlet above the ground and residual fluid is trapped in the reservoir inhibiting freezing when the sleeve moves to a first position, and when in a second position the sleeve is configured to allow supply fluid to exit the outlet through the reservoir, thereby purging the reservoir of residual fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William Thomas Ball, Jr., Cody Wayne Jackosn
  • Patent number: 6899120
    Abstract: A yard hydrant has an elongated wet pipe with a plunger that seals against the inside of a well casing. Lifting a pivoting handle at the top of the wet pipe lowers the wet pipe which opens a normally closed supply valve. Pressurized water can then flow up the wet pipe and out of a nozzle head mounted to the upper end of the wet pipe. Lowering the handle pulls the wet pipe upward, thereby clearing it from the supply valve which is spring biased to shut off the water supply. The handle has a cam that positively actuates a normally closed anti-siphon valve so that water left in the wet pipe can fall under gravity to a collection chamber within the well casing beneath the piston. Lifting the handle again lowers the wet pipe and forces the water in the collection chamber back up the wet pipe. At the same time, the anti-siphon valve will close and the wet pipe re-opens the supply valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Charles B. Motley
  • Patent number: 6883534
    Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a normally horizontal fluid inlet tube with an interior end and exterior end. A hollow valve fitting is rigidly secured to the interior end of the inlet tube for a connection to a source of pressurized fluid. A valve seat is located on an interior end of the valve fitting. A valve body is longitudinally movably mounted in the inlet tube adjacent to the valve fitting. A pressure relief valve is mounted on the inlet tube between the interior and exterior ends thereof so that if residual water within and adjacent the exterior end of the inlet tube freezes and exerts pressure on residual fluid within the inlet tube adjacent the interior end thereof, the pressure relief valve will actuate to purge some of the high pressure fluid to decrease the pressure being exerted by such fluid to the interior of the inlet tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Cody W. Jackson, Lawrence Almasy
  • Patent number: 6857442
    Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a normally horizontal fluid inlet tube with an interior end and exterior end. A hollow valve fitting is rigidly secured to the interior end of the inlet tube for a connection to a source of pressurized fluid. A movable ball is located with a fluid conduit that extends from the interior of the inlet tube to the location of the potable water source. When the water pressure inside the inlet tube increases because of the presence of ice, the high pressure of such water moves the ball to open fluid flow of the high pressure fluid to the source of potable water which will be at a lower pressure, thus reducing the fluid pressure within the inlet tube and saving it from rupture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Cody W. Jackson, Lawrence Almasy
  • Patent number: 6830063
    Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant is provided that has an elongated inlet pipe comprised of a hollow tube. The tube is connected to a valve and fitting assembly on its inner end for connection to a source of water under pressure. On the outer end, the tube is connected to an adjusting element with an outlet port that is associated with the valve and fitting assembly to open or close the tube to fluid flow and allow for fluid flow out of the tube when the valve is in the open position. The tube is comprised of a flexible material that enlarges in diameter in an area along its length when it is subjected to trapped fluid therein under high pressure so that the tube will not rupture. The tube returns to its normal diameter after the high fluid pressure therein is abated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 6769446
    Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a normally horizontal fluid inlet tube with an interior end and exterior end. A hollow valve fitting is rigidly secured to the interior end of the inlet tube for a connection to a source of pressurized fluid. A valve seat is located on an interior end of the valve fitting. An elongated hollow tube of a diameter less than the interior diameter of the inlet tube is positioned on the center line of the inlet tube and has inner and outer ends. A plug is rigidly secured to the inner end of the tube to close the inner end for fluid flow. A normally closed check valve is movably mounted in the tube to engage a valve seat on the plug, to open the tube for fluid therein under conditions of high fluid pressure in the inlet tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Cody W. Jackson, Lawrence Almasy
  • Patent number: 6684900
    Abstract: A device and method for installing yard hydrants which renders the yard hydrant easily installed and replaced. The device includes a buried adapter, a sleeve, and a cap. The buried adapter has an inlet for attachment to a buried water system pipe, an outlet for attachment to a valve body of a yard hydrant, a peripheral wall for attachment to a vertical sleeve, and a drain hole. The sleeve is preferably a pipe sized to receive the valve body of a yard hydrant. The cap illustratively includes an internally threaded collar screwed onto the top of the sleeve and two cover pieces locked to the collar against rotation, each cover piece having an upturned flange with semi-cylindrical recesses which clamp the standpipe of the yard hydrant between them. The device is attached to an underground water pipe, the yard hydrant is then inserted into the sleeve and removably screwed onto the adapter, and the cap is applied to lock the yard hydrant in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: John C. Kupferle Foundry Company
    Inventor: Daniel G. McKeague
  • Patent number: 6668852
    Abstract: A service sleeve coupled with a frost proof sillcock including a housing having an outer surface and defining an inner chamber for receiving an inner portion of the sillcock, a stem portion, and an area of water pipe that extends radially from the stem portion to the structure's water supply. The service sleeve further includes a cap having an inner surface, a first end having a diameter to receive the outer surface of the housing, and a second end having a diameter sized to slidingly receive the water pipe. The stem portion having a male portion and a female portion. The male and female portions have bores therethrough. The female portion having an inlet end coupled to the water pipe and an opening opposite the inlet end for access to the bore of the female portion. The male portion having an outlet end for connecting to the inner portion of the sillcock and an opening for access to the bore of the male portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Continental Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John Theodore Williamson
  • Patent number: 6659123
    Abstract: Fire hydrants are protected from freezing by including potassium formate, preferably at least 10% by weight, in the water enclosed in them during nonuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Clearwater International, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Hyland, John H. Hallman
  • Publication number: 20030047210
    Abstract: Fire hydrants are protected from freezing by including potassium formate, preferably at least 10% by weight, in the water enclosed in them during nonuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Clearwater, Inc.
    Inventors: William Hyland, John H. Hallman
  • Patent number: 6427716
    Abstract: A hydrant, comprising in combination an upper portion including a handle, a lower portion to be installed at least in part underground, the lower portion including a reservoir and a piston adapted to be displaced in the reservoir in response to handle manipulation, to displace water from a portion of the reservoir, a first conduit communicating with the interior of the reservoir to receive displaced water, the first conduit having an outlet located above ground to freely discharge water received in the conduit from said chamber, when water is displaced from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Herbert W. Hoeptner, III
  • Patent number: 6394125
    Abstract: A combination sheath and frost-resistant wall hydrant include a hydrant having a wall-penetrating conduit and intermediate wall bracket. There is an internal valve seat between the bracket and indoor or inlet end, and so is located in a presumptively warm indoor climate and spaced back from the wall and/or outdoors so as to reduce chances of freezing outdoor temperatures freezing water stopped behind the valve seat. The sheath telescopes over the hydrant's inlet end until the sheath's leading end mates against the hydrant's bracket. The leading end is vented for venting leakwater from the hydrant outdoors and not indoors in cases if the hydrant bursts by freezing because water got stopped in the conduit between the valve seat and outlet and failed to drain despite an open outlet. The sheath's trailing end seals onto the hydrant somewhere behind the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: W. R. M. Investors, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. White
  • Patent number: 6321773
    Abstract: An overall valving system is situated generally between a source of water and a habitable structure; a main valve is selectively openable and closable to permit and terminate flow from such source of water to the habitable structure; a conduit is provided for supplying pressurized air to an area downstream of the main valve when the main valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Michael L. Ramsby
  • Patent number: 6279594
    Abstract: An upright cylindrical valve body has an inlet port axially aligned with an outlet port. A valve member is retained for reciprocal movement into and out of engagement with a valve seat axial aligned with fluid flow between the inlet and outlet ports. A relief port positioned adjacent to the outlet port exhausts fluid that remains in the valve above the valve seat after it is closed. The valve member is normally maintained in a closed position. Fluid flow into the inlet port actuates the valve. A portion of the fluid flowing through the valve chamber is diverted through passageways by a pair of remote controlled solenoid valves to open the valve. When it is desired to close the valve, the solenoid valves are actuated to evacuate fluid internally within the valve so that the valve member is returned to a closed position. A relief valve in the outlet port exhausts fluid from the upper end of the valve when the fluid pressure falls below a preselected magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Beitzel Corporation
    Inventors: Donald D. Beitzel, Robert Yaste
  • Patent number: 6216722
    Abstract: A freeze-resistant hydrant (10, 110) extending between a first area having a temperature at least intermittently below freezing and a second area having a temperature constantly above freezing including, a heat-transfer tube (20, 120), a first end (21, 121) of the heat-transfer tube proximate the first area, a second end (22, 122) of the heat-transfer tube extending into the second area, a water line (35, 135) interposed within the heat-transfer tube from a location within the second area to the first end of the heat-transfer tube, a control valve (50, 150) on the, water line in proximity to the heat-transfer tube, and a heat-transfer fluid (R,R) in the heat-transfer tube for transferring heat from the second end of the heat-transfer tube to the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Fred D. Solomon
  • Patent number: 6158455
    Abstract: A cap assembly for providing continuous drip to a faucet exposed to freezing temperatures such as a faucet located outside a house. The cap assembly includes a cap member adapted to be mounted over the end of a faucet, which cap member includes a cylindrical wall portion and a closed end portion having an opening therein. The cap assembly includes an internal annular ridge which is adapted to receive a flow disc within the ridge, which flow disc includes an opening which is non-aligned with the opening in the closed end portion of the cap in order to create a dripping action. A rubber washer is positioned in sealing engagement with the internal annular ridge and the flow disc. A filter member is located within the rubber washer such that, upon mounting of the cap assembly over the end portion of a faucet, a continuous dripping flow through the cap assembly may be provided in order to prevent water within the faucet or within piping leading to the faucet from freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventors: William H. Marshall, Robert E. Williams