Abstract: A freeze-proof hydrant has a hollow, tubular housing adapted to be buried in the ground in a vertical orientation so that its upper end is approximately even with the surface of the ground and its lower end is below the local frost line. A base fitting at the lower end of the housing is connected to an underground pipe and has an internal shut-off valve for controlling the flow of water out of the underground pipe. The lower end of a removable standpipe has a threaded fitting which mates with the base fitting in a manner that opens the shut-off valve when the standpipe is screwed into connection with the base fitting. The standpipe projects upwardly through the housing to a point above ground level and terminates in a faucet. When the standpipe is inserted downwardly into the housing and screwed into connection with the base fitting, the shut-off valve in the base fitting automatically opens so that water flows upwardly into the standpipe and the faucet may be operated to deliver water as desired.

Abstract: A freeze-resistant water supply system comprising a water outlet or outlets having ON-OFF controls; a water supply line or lines to the outlet or outlets and having a section subjected to cold temperature, and a drain line or lines associated with the outlet or outlets to receive discharge water, and apparatus operatively coupled with the water supply line or lines and drain line for periodically effecting evacuation of water from the supply line section for ultimate flow to the drain line, as a function of the operation of the ON-OFF controls.

Abstract: A yard hydrant comprising a cylinder, and a piston movable up and down in the cylinder in association with water flow into and out of a reservoir in the cylinder; tubular structure associated with the piston and extending upwardly from the piston and downwardly from the piston, and movable therewith; supply structure to deliver water from a source into the tubular structure for flow upwardly therein and delivery above the piston and cylinder when the piston is in a first position relative to the cylinder; there being porting carried by the tubular structure to drain water into the reservoir within the cylinder below the piston, when the piston is moved to a second position relative to the cylinder; and an actuator above the piston and cylinder to effect displacement of the piston and between up and down positions.

Abstract: An improved freezeproof or freeze resistant valve assembly is provided for use in an outdoor drinking fountain or the like. The fountain includes a main on-off valve for coupling an underground water supply conduit via a standpipe to a fountain head to dispense water. The freezeproof assembly comprises a sump chamber installed below the frost line and having a piston mounted therein for reciprocal movement between advanced and retracted positions. When the main valve is turned off, the piston retracts by gravity within the sump chamber and residual water remaining within the standpipe drains to the sump chamber at low pressure through a normally open control valve mounted on the piston. When the main valve is turned on, the control valve is closed by water pressure and the piston is advanced within the sump chamber to expel the water previously collected therein through a discharge conduit coupled to a main fountain drain.

Abstract: An adjustable anti-freeze water delivery assembly for connecting with a water main buried in the ground comprises a body section with an inner bore and a water outlet. A water supply section couples to a water main below the ground surface and has an inner bore wherein the body section and supply section are telescopically engaged for delivering water from the water main to the water outlet. A valve mechanism is movable between an open and a closed position to control water flow therethrough. A telescoping control stem extends between the body section and the valve mechanism for opening and closing the valve mechanism. The control stem is operable for telescoping in length when the assembly length is adjusted so that water is contained at a sufficient depth below the ground surface to reduce the possibility of freezing in the assembly.

Abstract: An antifreeze solution for use in potable water systems is provided which has a distinct, pleasant aroma. The aroma allows the user to determine by smell the presence of the antifreeze solution in the water system. The antifreeze solution contains methyl salicylate, ethyl alcohol and propylene glycol and water in specific proportions to insure against freezing.

Abstract: A device which protects water faucets and water pipes to which they are attached from freezing or breaking due to freezing of water contained therein. The device comprises a closed-ended nipple which is axially and/or radially expandable to accommodate freezing of water contained therein when the nipple is attached to the open end of a faucet or sillcock.

Abstract: A freeze-resistant water supply system comprising a drinking water outlet having an ON-OFF control; a water supply line to the outlet and having a section subjected to cold temperature, and a drain line associated with the outlet to receive discharge water supplied via the outlet; and, apparatus operatively coupled with the water supply line and drain line for periodically effecting evacuation of water from the supply line section for ultimate flow to the drain line, as a function of the operation of the ON-OFF control.

Abstract: A yard hydrant includes a discharge nozzle above ground level connected to other vertically reciprocal working parts in the ground below the frost line. A cylindrical water reservoir unit, disposed below the frost line around said working parts, includes a diaphragm assembly removably attached to such working parts for reciprocation therewith, and a deformable diaphragm on said assembly provides a water storage area. Residual water in the hydrant when it is turned off is collected in the storage area and returned to the hydrant for discharge through the nozzle when the hydrant is turned on. The working parts are removable from the diaphragm assembly for servicing and repairs.

Abstract: A freeze and contamination resistant hydrant, for controlling fluid flow includes: a vertically elongated conduit having a lower portion adapted for installation underground, the conduit having a lower fluid inlet associated with that lower portion, and an upper fluid outlet, for passing fluid; a valve in the lower portion of the conduit; a plunger, with a stopper of substantially circular horizontal cross-section attached, extending downward through the conduit into the valve for closing and opening the same; an upper drain port in the valve above the stopper drains any fluid trapped above the valve when the valve is closed; a venturi conduit below the valve having a venturi port; and a fluid reservoir surrounding at least the lower portion of the conduit. When the valve is opened, fluid passes from the lower fluid inlet to the upper fluid outlet and through the venturi conduit to induce fluid flow from the reservoir through the venturi port.

Abstract: An insulating and stabilizing structure is provided for a faucet mounted on an unsupported vertical pipe extending upwardly from a pipe fitting on a horizontal pipe through the ground. The structure consists of an insulated sleeve to fit over a portion of the vertical pipe extending upwardly above the ground, so as to insulate it from the elements to prevent freeze up of water therein. A casing has an elongated slot extending upwardly from its lower end, so as to form two blades thereon. The casing fits over the insulated sleeve with the blades inserted into the ground until the top of the slot stops at the pipe fitting on the horizontal pipe, so as to retain in a stationary position the vertical pipe extending upwardly from the pipe fitting. A cap having a central hole fits over the top of the casing and the insulated sleeve to allow the top of the vertical pipe to extend through the central hole, so that the faucet can be connected thereto.

Abstract: A ground hydrant includes an elongated hollow water flow pipe positioned from above the ground to below the frost line in the ground, a flow control valve, and a housing which mounts the flow control valve at a position below the frost line in the ground. The flow control valve has a spherical body with an approximately right angle flow bore through it and a hollow extension tube disposed in flow communication with the flow bore and projecting outwardly from the body and coupled in flow communication with the lower end of the flow pipe. The housing mounts the flow control valve extension tube and spherical body for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the flow pipe between opened and closed positions in which flow communication is respectively permitted and prevented from a pressurized supply of water to the flow tube via the flow bore and extension tube. The flow control valve is rotatable between the opened and closed positions by rotating the flow pipe about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A freeze resisting valve apparatus, for controlling water flow, the combination comprising: a vertically elongated, hollow valve body having a lower portion adapted for installation underground, the body having a lower water inlet associated with the lower portion, and an upper water outlet, for passing a stream of pressurized water through the body; a water reservoir adapted for installation underground and having communication with the body lower portion via an ejector port; a valve seat projecting in the lower portion of the body and having a narrowed passage extending upwardly and positioned to increase pressurized water flow velocity in proximity to the port, the ejector port being proximate the level of the seat; a valve member tapering downwardly toward an apex always remaining in alignment with the narrowed passage as the stopper member moves toward and away from the seat to effect drainage of water in the valve body downwardly, in the body past the stopper to the reservoir when the stopper is closed

Abstract: A toilet tank filling valve assembly to be mounted on an aircraft (10) includes an elongated main body (32) for defining an elongated passage (34) and first and second longitudinally spaced lateral passages (36 and 38). A one piece elongated bypass casing (56) defines an elongated bypass channel (58) and includes a bypass-casing oblong sealing facing (64) corresponding to a main-body oblong sealing facing (66) surrounding the first and second lateral passages. The elongated channel forms a passage between the first and second lateral passages. A moveable valve member (46) is mounted in a valve cavity (40) of the elongated main body at an intersection of the elongated passage for being placed in an open position to allow flow through the elongated passage or to a closed position for closing the elongated passage but allowing flow between a first end of the elongated passage and the first lateral passage.

Abstract: Freeze resisting valve apparatus, for controlling water flow, includes: a vertically elongated, hollow valve body having a lower portion adapted for installation underground, the body having a lower water inlet associated with that lower portion, and an upper water outlet, for passing a stream of pressurized water through the body; a water reservoir adapted for installation underground and having communication with the body lower portion via a port; a valve seat in the lower portion of the body and having a narrowed passage positioned to increase pressurized water flow velocity in proximity to the port; and a stopper movable toward and away from the seat to effect drainage of water in the valve body downwardly past the stopper to the reservoir when the stopper is closed on the seat, and to effect inducing of water flow from the reservoir and into the stream via the seat passage when the stopper is retracted from the seat.

Abstract: A device for protecting installations for the storage or supply of a freezing liquid, in particular water, against freezing, comprising at least one heat tube or heat pipe having one end placed in the ground at a distance from the surface sufficient so that the temperature at this location is always above 0.degree. C., the end being equipped on the outside with a fin type heat recovery system or the like, and on the inside with a system for the distribution of the condensate drip, while the other end of the heat pipe is laid out and arranged so that it is located in the immediate vicinity of the part of the installation exposed to the risk of freezing, and the application of the device to installations for the storage and distribution of water.

Abstract: A control system for a pump submersible in a well having a water pipe extending upwardly to a water source includes an isolation element that has one fluid chamber in communication with the water pipe and another chamber separated from the first by a flexible diaphragm. The second fluid chamber is filled with a non-toxic antifreeze control fluid and communicates with a fluid conduit which extends upwardly to a pressure switch. The pressure switch is mounted above-ground and monitors the pressure of the control fluid to activate and deactivate the pump. Since the diaphragm is flexible, the pressure of the control fluid corresponds to the water pressure in the water pipe. The isolation element is positioned in the well below the frost line so that all control parts in contact with water are located below the frost line, and all control parts located above the frost line contact only the antifreeze solution.

Abstract: The ground hydrant of the present invention includes an outlet nozzle above ground and a drain water collection cylinder located below the frost line of the ground. When the hydrant is shut off, the residual water in the nozzle drains into the ground water cylinder and is stored there below the frost line. The next time that the hydrant is turned on, the piston within the cylinder forces the stored water in the cylinder outwardly through a drain line where it is expelled above the ground. The force for moving the piston within the cylinder is provided by water pressure which is diverted from the water source to move the piston and force the stored drain water out of the cylinder and onto the ground. When the hydrant is turned off a second time, the residual water within the hydrant drains again into the cylinder where it is stored until the next time the hydrant is turned on.

Abstract: The present invention is for a freezeless ground hydrant having a nozzle above ground and having a main valve adapted to be connected to an underground source of water pressure at a point located below the frost line in the soil. Also underground is a drain water storage system including a storage cylinder. When the hydrant is turned off, the residual water in the nozzle drains into the cylinder and is retained there until the hydrant is turned on again. When the hydrant is turned on, a mechanical linkage connected to the hydrant handle causes the cylinder to expel the drain water therein through a drain line which extends upwardly above the ground.

Abstract: An antiburst system for water lines. A pipe has an inlet connected to a source of water and an outlet. A flexible tube is positioned in the pipe and is supported by a coiled spring extending along the longitudinal axis of the tube. An air vent section is coupled to the interior of the flexible tube for enabling atmospheric air to enter and escape from the interior of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A system and apparatus operative in a winterizing mode for controllably filling hot and cold water supply lines with anti-freeze to prevent against burst pipes and, in a summerizing mode, for pump recovering the anti-freeze. In one embodiment, the system includes a closed loop, valve containing path having a separate pump, filter and anti-freeze tank. In other alternative embodiments, the water supply tank and a four-way valve are coupled to the closed loop path for switchably operating in the winterizing/summerizing modes, without resorting to a separate pump.

Abstract: An improved freezeproof valve assembly is provided for a water hydrant, such as an outdoor drinking fountain or the like. The valve assembly comprises a sump housing for installation below the ground frost line and for connection between a water supply pipe and a standpipe, the latter being coupled in turn to a fountain bubbler head or the like. A control valve within the sump housing is opened pneumatically upon depression of an actuator button on the fountain to permit water flow from the supply pipe through a main jet pump which draws an induced water flow from within the sump housing through an induction port thereby providing a combined water flow through the standpipe to the bubbler head. This combined water flow is maintained substantially constant by a float-activated refill valve which permits a refill water flow from the supply pipe into the sump housing sufficient to maintain the housing water level above the main jet pump induction port.

Abstract: An anti-syphon, frost-proof hydrant including a lower body having a fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet defined therein, with a valve seat provided within the outlet where standpipe enclosure member is provided and adapted to be secured to the lower body around the valve seat, to provide a fluid conduit, having and outlet end connected to an upper body having a fluid inlet communicating with the standpipe outlet and a fluid outlet, a valve operator carried by the upper body including a stem member extending downwardly through the upper member and the standpipe and adapted to carry a valve member on the end thereof disposed in aligned relation with the valve seat so the valve member outlet is open and closed by movement of the stem member and where an anti-syphon drain port is provided in the lower body member and adapted to receive an anti-syphon drain device including an enclosure defining a chamber, and adapted to be received in the port, where valve seat means are disposed within the chamber with valve means o

Abstract: A valve is located below the frost line in the water supply line for a drinking fountain or the like. When the valve is opened, a piston is raised by the water pressure, compressing a spring. When the valve is closed, the spring retracts the piston, sucking the water in the line down below the frost line. Water is retained within the valve and not drained into the surrounding earth. Hence, danger of pollution is reduced.

Abstract: An animal watering apparatus has an exterior housing with a water pipe disposed therein leading from a below ground source of water under pressure to an above ground outlet valve mechanism which can be actuated by an animal to release water directly into the animal's mouth. A longitudinally extending electric heating element disposed within the housing in immediate heat exchange relationship with one side of the water pipe continually supplies heat to the pipe to prevent freezing of the water therein. Thermal insulation surrounds the heating element and pipe. A circuitous passageway, provided within the heated portion of the pipe by means of an open-ended tubular member disposed therein, causes continuous water circulation in the pipe for preventing build-up of heat at the water outlet valve of the watering device.

Abstract: A water supply control appliance adapted to be buried in soil beneath local frost level contains a chamber fitted with a piston which is spring-biased in opposition to inlet water pressure. Such pressure forces the piston to fully charged position at one end of the chamber whereupon a piston valve is opened to pass the water to outlet. Closing the supply valve releases pressure on the piston, permitting the piston to move in response to the spring bias. The piston movement pumps water below the piston out to drain and drains water from the outlet lines into the expanded chamber above the piston, safe from frost. Water in the drain line will, at the end of the piston travel, fall back into the chamber above the piston after piston travel is completed, when a piston ring seal spans a port to the drain line.

Abstract: An animal watering apparatus of a type having an inlet pipe connected to a source of water under pressure and an outlet valve which can be actuated by an animal to release water directly into the animal's mouth. A tubular casing is disposed around the water supply pipe. A conduit is disposed along side the water supply pipe within the casing and has a heating element therein for preventing the freezing of the watering apparatus. Still another conduit is disposed within the casing for allowing a power supply cord to be connected to the heating element. The casing being filled with an insulation material such a urethane foam. A baffle structure is provided in the water supply line for causing the water within the water supply line to continually circulate and thereby prevent a buildup of heat in the water which the animals are drinking and furthermore distributing the heat from the heating element along the entire water supply pipe so as to insure that it does not freeze.

Abstract: An electrically heated fluid coupling apparatus having an electrical resistance heating element positioned inside a hollow heating conduit which runs along the side of the fluid conduit, which conduit is connected at its lower end to the fluid source. Positioned opposite the hollow heating conduit along the fluid conduit is a power cable conduit carrying the power cable which connects to the heating element at the top of the apparatus and near the bottom of the apparatus travels away therefrom to be connected to a source of electrical energy. A casing is positioned about the apparatus and thermal insulation fills the area between the casing and the internal components.

Abstract: An underground valve has an operating rod extending above the ground which may be rotated to shut the valve off or turn the valve on. Difficulty with freezing prevents the valve operation at certain times during the winter months and by having the rod located within an external protective tube and sealed therein by a cylindrical element which is rotatable with the rod relative to the tube, whereby the operating rod for the valve can always be rotated since no ground water can get into the tube which extends below the frost line and above the ground.

Abstract: In a wall hydrant, a wall-penetrating straight tubular conduit; a valving member movable axially in and out of sealing engagement with a reduced inlet connection valving bore; a hollow cylindrical end casting on the conduit outer end providing a lateral conduit outlet opening from a discharge bore; a plug in the outer casting end having a threaded aperture with a key-rotated stem threaded therethrough connected with a shaft to axially shift, upon rotation, the valving member moved by the shaft inner end and a shaft-carried flange slideably "O"-ring sealable on an interior surface controlling exterior draining and air vent openings associated with the plug; the valving and flange seals spaced, relative to the controlling surface and inlet bore spacing, for conduit drainage and vent opening after inlet closure; also in combination with the hydrant a wall box, a vacuum breaker and air inlet device including an integral enlargement on the casting outlet, a cap secured thereon with a hose connection as the hydrant