Abstract: An electrofusion coupling having an encapsulated electrical resistance heating element for fusing together the ends of polyethylene conduit is converted into a valve body by drilling a bore through the wall of the coupling into the flow passage which forms a valve chamber. A valve stem is inserted through an open end of the coupling and upwardly through the bore. A lower end of the stem is retained in the valve chamber and an upper end is connected to an actuator cap for rotating the stem. A ball closure member is then inserted through an open end of the coupling into the chamber for connection to the lower end of the valve stem. Rotation of the stem in the coupling moves the valve member between open and closed positions in the chamber. Polyethylene pipe fittings supporting spring biased valve seats are pressed through the ends of the coupling to capture and center the ball closure member between the seats in the valve chamber.

Abstract: A no freeze protection device for an outdoor faucet on an exterior wall of a building. The protection device comprises an enclosure to fit about the outdoor faucet. A facility is for mounting the enclosure to the exterior wall about the outdoor faucet. A component is for supplying heat within the enclosure to the outdoor faucet, to prevent water within the outdoor faucet from freezing during cold weather.

Abstract: An automated container for receiving waste grease is preferably located for convenience, safety and security reasons inside a food establishment where the waste grease is generated. The automated container comprises a tank, first and second liquid level sensors, associated liquid level indicators, a thermostat and an internal heating element. The automated container further includes an inlet and outlet line with quick connect couplings. The outlet line extends through a wall of the food establishment and terminates in a quick connect coupling located outside the food establishment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enclosing and heating a fluid flow control device. The apparatus includes a cover assembly and a heater element. The heater preferably has an elongated body for placement on or adjacent to the ground on which the fluid flow device extends. The method is directed to the use of the apparatus and positioning the heater in order to establish a substantially uniform thermal gradient within the cover in the range of less than two degrees per vertical inch of elevation.

Abstract: A hot water tempering system tempers the output of a hot water storage tank by mixing that output with a cold water flow in a defined ratio to produce a flow of water at a steady intermediate temperature. The system comprises a bypass line connectable between an inlet line and an outlet line of the storage tank, and a proportional flow controller for controlling the relative water flow rates through the tank and through the bypass line. The flow controller may be positioned on the inlet line and the bypass line, or on the outlet line and the bypass line. The tempering system allows the temperature of water in the storage tank to be maintained near the boiling point for killing organisms, but at the same time ensures that water leaves the system at a temperature sufficiently low to be safe for human use.

Abstract: A miniature gas chromatograph with thermostatically-controlled heating of its component parts which contact and conduct the sample to the analytical column. The microvalve assembly of the gas chromatograph is heated by passing a thermostatically-controlled electrical current through a metallic conductor formed on a surface of the microvalve assembly. The tubing which conducts sample from the gas chromatograph sample inlet to the microvalve assembly is heated by passing a thermostatically-controlled electrical current directly through the tubing or through a metal layer formed around the tubing. The sample inlet fitting is heated by a wire heater element wrapped around it. Each heater has an associated temperature sensor for controlling the amount of heating to maintain a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for storing and supplying water for use in a unit of catering equipment, comprising means for controlling the supply of water from a mains source to a water storage tank and means adapted to supply a predetermined volume of water from the storage tank for use in the catering equipment unit, the control means being adapted to supply water so as to maintain the quantity of water within the storage tank substantially constant wherein the volume of the storage tank is equal to, or not less than, the predetermined volume so that the storage tank may be of sufficiently small dimensions as to be located within the housing the catering equipment unit, an air gap of predetermined dimensions being provided between the mains source and the storage tank.

Abstract: A high temperature heated valve for regulating the flow of molten metal. To maintain the molten metal in its molten state, the valve includes a heater fixedly secured to the valve housing and inserted to a selected heating location at least partially in the flow path of the molten metal. The heater element preferably includes an elongated cartridge assembly extending to a location inside of the valve housing to be proximate to the stopper member when the valve is closed. Preferably, an end portion of the cartridge will extend into a bore defined in the stopper member when the valve is closed. The valve may be incorporated into a molten metal circulation apparatus for facilitating the casting of metal articles.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for lower pressure distribution of gases from a higher pressure source of gas including a gas inlet and a gas outlet defining a gas path therebetween, a regulating element disposed downstream of the gas inlet remote from the gas path, including a resiliently displaceable device responsive to gas pressure and connected to a valve at the gas inlet to thereby regulate the gas pressure at the gas outlet, and to gas distribution systems employing the same.

Abstract: A heated fluid control valve with an electric heating element and a thermocouple disposed in a rotatable support shaft comprises a metallic flapper plate disposed in a fluid passageway and mounted on, and in thermal contact with, an elongated, rotatable metallic shaft that passes laterally through the fluid passageway. The shaft is heated by the internal heating element and, in turn, heats the flapper plate along the entire length of the shaft.

Abstract: A two piece throttling valve is disclosed. The valve assembly includes a stationary outer housing with an inner removable operable assembly. In this configuration the piping (pump stack) does not have to disassembled to remove, clean or replace the internal valve pieces or the in-line screen. The inner assembly can be quickly removed for cleaning. The entire valve assembly is heated to reduce deposition of volatile process byproducts on the internal valve surfaces and reduce the cleaning frequency. A wedge plate is provided in the outer stationary valve housing to mate with a sloped bottom surface of the inner valve housing such that when the inner assembly is in position in the outer valve housing there is a tight fit between adjacent sealing surfaces around the valve bore. A single flat surface seal provides vacuum sealing between the inner assembly and outer housing. A dual valve stem (shaft) seal seals the valve shaft.

Abstract: A liquid deposition source delivery system (22) includes a reactant source (50) of a liquid chemical reactant, a first heater (54) positioned adjacent to the reactant source (50) , and a vapor collection system (56) in communication with the reactant source (50) to collect vapor evolved from the reactant source (50). A flow controller (64) has an upstream side (66) in communication with the vapor collection system (56). A line (70) of a vapor distribution system is in communication with the downstream side (68) of the flow controller (64). A second heater (76) is positioned adjacent to the flow controller (64), at least a portion of the vapor collection system (56), and at least a portion of the vapor distribution system, to prevent the vapor from condensing in the lines (70) of the delivery system.

Abstract: A liquid vaporizer-feeder has a unitary housing structure for both a control valve for controlling the amount of a liquid passing therethrough and a vaporization valve for causing the liquid from the control valve to be vaporized and transported out by a carrier gas. The housing structure has a throughhole through which the two valves are connected. The throughhole is short and narrow, and has a portion made even narrower such that the pressure in the liquid passing therethrough is increased, preventing bubbles from forming in the throughhole. As a result, vaporized liquid can be supplied at a steadier rate, for example, to a reaction chamber.

Abstract: A throttle valve is provided with a heater for keeping an external surface of a valve disc and an adjacent thereto internal surface of a flange portion at high temperature to prevent deposition of fine particles contained in etching gas, and thereby the said valve may provide smooth and reliable adjustment of the valve opening over the long period of its operation.The valve controls the flow of gas along a pipe by changing the open area of a fluid passage formed therein through the valve disc 2 which is turned by driving shaft 3 from driving means provided in a driving portion 4. The valve disc 2 is heated with a heating rod 6 mounted therein. Plate-like heaters 20.sub.1 and 20.sub.2 are mounted on the flange portion 1b of the valve 1 to heat the flange portion 1b and valve disc 2. The external surface of the valve disc 2 and the internal surface of the flange portion are heated to prevent adhesion of dust particles thereto. Therefore, the valve disc 2 can smoothly move with no obstruction.

Abstract: A pasta cooking system including an automatic control which permits a cooking vat containing water to be automatically filled to a predetermined level in response to turning the system on, maintained at a constant level by the addition of water during repeated cooking cycles, remove the starchy froths resulting from a cooking cycle in response to a manual input by adding additional water to cause water to rise above the automatically maintained level and overflow a skimming weir, drained by manually opening a valve and automatically rinsed by leaving the control system on during the drain time as water is continually added by the automatic fill system to clean the pot. The water is introduced by the automatic system in such a manner to cause surface agitation during the skim procedure, and to rinse the walls of the vat during the drain cycle. A water level sensing uses a single stainless steel probe and a low voltage a.c. current between the probe and a stainless steel vat to prevent cathartic corrosion.

Abstract: Fresh water is distributed in an aircraft from at least one supply tank connected through a conduit to at least one water using device, such as a tap, faucet, or the like. The conduit is constructed as a ring conduit, which is provided with or connected to a water conveying device, such as a pump, suction, or pressurizing device. One or more water using devices are connected to the ring conduit by respective branch lines.

Abstract: A fresh water supply system for an aircraft has at least one supply tank connected to one or more water taps or faucets through a main line, including a device for conveying the water, for example by a pump, by suction, by pressure, or even by gravity. An auxiliary tank or reservoir is arranged near a tap or faucet, and the auxiliary tank is connected to the main line by a controllable valve. The conveying device is connected with a control, which operates in such a way that the main line is filled with water only during first time durations while it is filled with air during second time durations. A venting valve is connected to the main line to permit the venting of the main line when water is removed from the main line. Air also escapes through the venting valve when the main line is being refilled with water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water piping system wherein when a predetermined time elapses after the flow of the water in a hose has stopped, the water is drawn out of the hose, thereby preventing proliferation of various bacteria in the water standing stagnant in the hose and when the temperature of the water drops, the water is completely drawn out of the hose, thereby preventing a water pipe from rupturing or cracking in the wintertime. The water pipe including a reducing valve which is at a position higher than a waterstop valve is connected with a hose through a first electromagnetic valve. The required number of second electromagnetic valves are located intermediate on the hose. When a predetermined time elapses after the flow of the water through the hose has stopped, the first valve is temporalily closed while the second valves are opened.

Abstract: This invention refers to an electric heating system for subsea flexible pipelines (13) including the circulation of an electric current which runs through the metallic armorings (31) of the flexible pipeline (13), generating energy and dissipating a certain amount of heat to the pipeline (13) and to the fluid contained inside same, maintaining the temperature differential between the environment and the production line, so as not to interrupt the fluid flow.

Abstract: A liquid heating apparatus 1 has a flow path 2 surrounded by a quartz glass tube 5 inside a tubular ceramic heater 4 which radiates infrared rays and has a PTC characteristic, and a flow path 3 which is formed between two quartz glass tubes 6, 7 which are disposed outside the tubular ceramics tube 4 in a coaxial manner. The liquid heating apparatus can effectively heat purified water used for manufacturing electronics-related products without contamination of the purified water, and provides a compact size while having a high heat capacity.

Abstract: A system for precisely controlling gas under high pressure produces an initial gas pressure in a pressure chamber while applying a predetermined amount of power to a heating element located in the pressure chamber and then applies a computed change of power to produce an average gas temperature increase or decrease in the pressure chamber and thereby rapidly produce an increase or decrease in gas pressure with resolution limited by the resolution of measurement of gas pressure in the pressure chamber and the application of the computed change of power. The described invention is particularly advantageous at gas pressure above roughly 1000 pounds per square inch.

Abstract: A system for transporting liquefied, highly viscous waterproofing membrane from a kettle where the membrane is heated and stored to a remote location. The system comprises a pump assembly for pumping membrane out of the kettle, a pipe assembly coupled with the pump assembly for providing a passageway along which the membrane may be transported from the pump assembly to an intermediate location, and a lugger for receiving membrane discharged from the pipe assembly and for transporting the membrane to the remote location. The pipe assembly and the lugger include heating devices for maintaining the temperature of membrane being transported thereby at a selected temperature, typically in the range of 375.degree. F. to 425.degree. F.

Abstract: A high-pressure control valve (2) used in chromatography serves as a counter pressure control valve which, in a separating column, is intended to maintain a specific predeterminable pressure. The valve has a valve seat (12) with an outlet channel opening (18) located in its center and a valve body (13) that cooperates with the valve seat. The valve body (13) can be moved with the aid of a piezo transducer, actively in the opening direction and, while being monitored, actively in the closing direction. The opposed faces of the valve seat (12) and the valve body (13) are so shaped that an annular gap (16) that widens radially towards the outside starting from the opening (18) of the outlet channel is produced. When the valve is in the closed position, this results in the formation of a narrow sealing zone directly at the edge of the opening of the outlet channel.

Abstract: A modular apparatus (10) for preparing dilute chemical compositions at the point of use, e.g., a customer's plant, is disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve comprises a fluid heating device for supplying a heat energy to a fluid, a valve device for controlling a flow rate of the fluid, an electromagnetic coil for generating a magnetic field at the fluid heating device and the valve device so that the fluid heating device is heated to supply the heat energy to the fluid and the valve device is operated to control the flow rate of the fluid, and a power source for applying a voltage to the electromagnetic coil to generate the magnetic field, the power source supplying a current whose value fluctuates to the electromagnetic coil when the fluid heating device supplies the heat energy to the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously liquefying a gelled photographic material for coating on a substrate is disclosed. The material is advanced throughout the liquefaction apparatus and on to the substrate coating system as a substantially undisrupted mass. The technique is particularly useful for liquefying small amounts of material at a time, because system hold-up volume and waste is minimized.

Abstract: A drinking water warming and heating device, comprising a housing having a storage chamber inside thereof and a water circulating space set therebetween. Inside the space is a partition which divides the space into an inner and an outer water circulating space, and mounting plates connected perpendicularly on either side of the partition and extending between the housing and the chamber, the plates dividing the inner and outer water circulating spaces into vertical channels. The water circulating passage has one end connectable to the water outlet port of the engine of a motor vehicle and an opposite end connectable to the water tank of said motor vehicle permitting waste heat from engine cooling water to make heat exchange with drinking water in the water storage chamber. An electric heating element in the storage chamber is connected to the battery power supply of the motor vehicle to heat warmed-up drinking water to boil.

Abstract: A control valve includes a vertical housing having an upper float chamber, a lower valve chamber, and a valve seat support which is provided between the float chamber and the valve chamber, defines a passage communicating the float chamber and the valve chamber and has a bottom valve seat above the valve chamber. An inlet conduit extends outwardly from the housing and has an inlet and an outlet communicated with the valve chamber. An outlet conduit extends outwardly from the housing and has an inlet communicated with the passage and an outlet. A shaft is movable vertically, is provided inside the housing and has a valve block mounted on a bottom end of the shaft. An upper and a lower stop are respectively fixed on the shaft. An upper and a lower float are respectively movably sleeved around the shaft between the upper and lower stops. A perforated partition is mounted inside the housing between the upper float and the lower float.

Abstract: A storage tank having a vertical, cylindrical tank, a fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet, includes an inlet diffuser for introducing inlet cold water uniformly across a horizontal cross section of the tank bottom and thereby foil convection currents that cause mixing of hot and cold fluid so that more hot fluid is recovered at the outlet over time. The tank may comprise a hot water heater where the water stored in the tank is heated within the tank by means disposed internally or externally of the internal storage chamber. Alternately, the water may be heated externally of the tank and stored within the tank.

Abstract: A fluid tampering system for use with a standard water heater storage tank includes a heat exchanger which interposed between the outlet means for conveying heated fluid from the storage tank to a distribution system and the cold fluid inlet means, so that heat energy is transferred between heated fluid exiting and cold water entering the storage tank. Preferably, the heat exchange is complete and water exiting the heat exchanger in both the inlet and outlet conduits are of about equal temperature. In order to avoid the water exiting the water heater to the distribution system becoming too tepid, a bypass conduit either in the inlet means or in the outlet means may be provided triggered by a bypass valve located in the outlet conduit. As a safety feature, a safety shut-off valve is located in the outlet conduit before the distribution system to automatically shut-off the conduit where water exiting the system is above a desired maximum temperature.

Abstract: A system for transporting liquefield, highly viscous waterproofing membrane from a kettle where the membrane is heated and stored to a remote location. The system comprises a pump assembly for pumping membrane out of a kettle, a pipe assembly coupled with the pump assembly for providing a passageway along which the membrane may be transported from the pump assembly to an intermediate location, and a lugger for receiving membrane discharged from the pipe assembly and for transporting the membrane to the remote location. The pipe assembly and the lugger include heating devices for maintaining the temperature of membrane being transported thereby at a selected temperature, typically in the range of 375.degree. F. to 425.degree. F.

Abstract: For reducing the unwanted escape (dripping) of oil from a burner nozzle, nozzle holder, oil warmer apparatus is provided to continuously regulate the oil temperature during operation of a oil fired heating system to maintain a nearly constant oil volume in the nozzle holder, oil warmer unit. The apparatus includes a pair of oil pipes that are encapsulated and connected between the nozzle and pump connections, there being a pair of heating elements that are also encapsulated for heating the oil pipes. The first heating element is permanently energized during the operation of the heating system while the second heating element is energized only when oil is being feed to the burner nozzle.

Abstract: A unitary housing mounts a container upon a thermostatically controlled heating grid to provide low-level heat to potpourri components positioned within the container. An overlying reservoir integrally mounted to the base includes a drip feed organization to provide constant and metered flow of fluid to the container to maintain a desired moisture level within the container in use. The container is formed with rib structure to maintain convection curves within the container to enhance thorough heating of the potpourri components contained therewithin.

Abstract: A cryogenic refrigeration system has a control system that controls the operation of the refrigeration system and provides status information to the operator of the refrigeration system. The cryogenic refrigeration system includes one or more heater and at least one Joule-Thomson valve. The heaters are used to control the recondensing capacity of the refrigeration system and to heat the at least one Joule-Thomson valve and other points to melt away contaminants that may freeze at such points. The control system controls operation of the heaters. The control system also automates an initialization routine that utilizes the heaters to prevent blockage of the valves, and cools the refrigeration system down to a desired temperature. In addition, the control system shuts down the refrigeration system if the status information it monitors exceed a safe range.

Abstract: A recirculating chemical bath arrangement includes a quartz process tank, and a sump chamber disposed directly adjacent to the process tank. A trough extends about the top portion of the outer walls of the process tank, the trough being inclined to cause gravital flow toward the sump chamber. The sump chamber includes a fitting in the bottom thereof which directs liquid from the sump into a pump/filter circuit, the output of which is fed into the bottom of the process tank. The liquid is thus caused to overflow the process tank and spill into the trough, and flow into the adjacent sump chamber. A plurality of heater units are secured to the exterior surface of the process tank to heat the liquid therein to the proper process temperature. The sump chamber is unheated, so that the liquid entering the pump/filter is at the coolest temperature of the liquid flow cycle.

Abstract: A heated plastic flow control valve assembly which is intended for use in controlling the flow of molten plastic to a mold in a molding press includes a spring biased slide valve that cooperates with a valve body to shut of plastic flow unless the slide valve is displaced against the spring. This displacement is caused by engagement of a plastic injection machine nozzle with the slide valve. Two separately controllable heaters are useable to provide two heat zones in the valve assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the opening and closing of a channel for a liquid is arranged such that a liquid channel is closed by causing a controller to control one heat absorbing and generating part of a cooling/heating element to execute heat absorption and cooling a heat transmitting element to solidify the liquid in the channel. The apparatus is also arrangement such that the channel is opened first by causing the controller to control the same heat absorbing and generating part to execute heat generation and heating the heat transmitting element to melt the liquid solidified in the channel. A method of controlling the opening and closing of a channel according to the invention includes the steps of: solidifying a liquid in a channel by cooling it from the outside to close the channel; and opening the channel thus closed by melting the liquid solidified in the channel by the application of heat.

Abstract: In a gas mixing apparatus for the generation of a continuous stream of a gas mixture a carrier gas line is in communication with a collector to which a carrier gas supply line and component gas supply lines are connected of which each includes a mass flow regulator and a three-way valve with an output in communication with the collector and a first inlet connected to the respective mass flow regulator and a second input in communication with the carrier gas supply line. The second inputs to the three-way valves are always open so that carrier gas is always permitted to flow through the valves for rapid response to flow changes through the valves first inlet.

Abstract: A rotary diverter valve for use in diverting fluid wherein the fluid port intersections between the valve body and rotary element are all at a flat planar interface to provide a flat, zero clearance, metal to metal contact. Live bolting is provided to adjust the contact pressure through a spherical bearing arrangement as will tolerate axial misalignment due to nonparallel loading to eliminate any need for critical torquing and widen manufacturing tolerances and reduce costs. When utilizing a replaceable transition plate between the rotary element and the valve body, wear on costly components is eliminated, and the valve is easy to maintain and repair.

Abstract: A volume compensation device for a hot water heater composed of a water tank equipped with a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet, for heating and storing water, the device including: a bellows enclosing a variable volume chamber; a conduit connected for placing the chamber in flow communication with the interior of the tank; and a pressure or temperature controlled lifting mechanism coupled to the bellows for varying the volume of the chamber in response to a temperature related change in the volume of the water in the tank.

Abstract: An air baffle for a refrigeration apparatus is provided with means for preventing freeze up of the baffle. The baffle includes a fixed plate and a movable plate each having corresponding apertures therethrough for permitting the control of air flow to a fresh food compartment. The fixed plate is provided with a heating device molded therein which is operable to maintain the fixed plate above the freezing temperature to prevent moisture from freezing thereon. Additionally, spacer means are provided for maintaining the movable plate in spaced relation with the fixed plate, and for preventing the movable plate from coming into contact with an actuator device. The spacer means add to the prevention of freeze up problems as by minimizing moisture which might bridge and freeze up between the movable plates and the fixed plate, or the movable plate and the actuator device.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a fuel delivery conduit to the discharge opening of a diesel fuel tank includes a hollow fitting body defining a flow passage in which is located an electric heating rod for heating the fuel as it flow through the passage from the tank to the conduit to prevent waxing of the fuel at low temperatures. A passive heat transfer member, which may be a solid metal rod or an elongated cylindrical heat pipe, is thermally and mechanically coupled at one end to the heating rod and is of sufficient length and is so arranged that its other end extends into the tank through the discharge opening for directing a portion of the heat to the fuel near the discharge opening.

Abstract: In a freeze protection-valve, a wax actuator is situated in a heat-conductive housing to which heat is conducted from the liquid system being protected. The housing prevents the actuator from triggering the valve to its opened condition while the liquid system is hot, but permits a rapid response when the liquid system is cool. In a snap-action freeze protection valve, the actuator is carried by the valve stem, and heat is conducted from the valve body to the valve stem through a sleeve through which the valve stem slides. The actuator moves a cam within the valve stem which operates a ball-type latch. The latch holds the valve in the closed position until the actuator releases the latch. Also disclosed is a remote-controlled valve operating mechanism which uses an electrically heated wax actuator to effect valve closure.

Abstract: An electrically heated hose for providing heat only to the section of hose which contains an electrically conductive liquid therein includes a plurality of resistance heating elements positioned between inner and outer layers of electrically insulative material defining the hose wall and arranged to sectionalize the hose into individual independently heatable sections. Each heating element has a first terminal connected to a power source and a second terminal connected to at least one of a plurality of spaced electrically conductive members disposed on the inner layer and exposed to any electrically conductive liquid conveyed by the hose. A continuous electrical conductor exposed to any liquid in the hose extends along the entire length thereof in spaced relation to the plurality of conductive members and is connected the power source.

Abstract: Two heat exchangers are arranged in a fixture body of a water dispenser. A Peltier arrangement is provided between the two heat exchangers. Valves arranged downstream of the two heat exchangers with respect to the direction of water flow control the flow of hot and cold water through the water dispenser. The Peltier arrangement senses and responds to the temperature difference prevailing between the two heat exchangers through which respectively flows hot water and cold water. This Peltier arrangement converts the sensed temperature difference into an electrical potential or voltage which is used to power an electronic control. This electronic control, among other things, influences opening and closing of the valves.

Abstract: Automatic hot water recovery apparatus is provided for conserving the energy in a pressurized plumbing system and water heater apparatus by recovering hot water from hot water lines extending to plumbing fixtures remotely disposed from the water heater. A piston is provided within the water heater to enable the displacement of water therein and to act as an indicator of system operation.

Abstract: A method of enhancing residual compressive stress in a horizontal double metallic pipe which includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe fitted into the outer pipe. Cooling water is introduced into both the inner pipe and an annular space defined between the inner pipe and the outer pipe. Further, cooling water is injected into the annular space to form a partial cooling water flow through the cooling water in the annular space. During the injection of cooling water, the outer pipe is heated from the outside thereof to generate a temperature difference between inner and outer faces of the outer pipe to such a degree that thermal stress larger than a yield point is produced in the outer pipe. Then, the heating of the outer pipe is stopped to allow the outer pipe to stand, whereby residual compressive stress is provided to a radially inner portion of the outer pipe.

Abstract: A faucet mixing battery including a casing adapted to be fixed to a surface having hot and cold water outlets; first and second coupling ports carried by the casing, adapted to be coupled respectively to the outlets; a mixing spout extending from the casing; an electric water heating unit located in the casing and having a unit inlet coupled to at least the first coupling port and having a unit outlet coupled to the mixing spout; manual control means mounted on the casing for controlling the flow from the coupling ports to the mixing spout.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for forming cocks closable by freezing, belonging to a liquid batch handling unit, and a liquid handling unit set up in accordance with the procedure. The unit consists of two bodies (1,2) placed against each other, the cocks being located between their faces and one of them (2) comprising the flow passages leading to the cock points and the other body (1), which is connected to a refrigerator, being provided with electric heaters located at the cock points and with the aid of which the cocks can be opened and closed.

Abstract: A heated, insulated cover for a portion of a pipeline with valve and backflow preventer components exposed to the atmosphere, the cover being sectionalized so as to be asemblable around the valve components, with hand manipulated clamps to hold the cover together, an electric heating element inside the cover to keep it above freezing temperature, drain openings in the cover at ground level to let any water drain out of the cover, doors in the cover to permit inspection and testing of the components when the cover is in place.