Abstract: A rainwater collection and distribution apparatus includes a tank which includes a water entry portion, a water exit portion, and a water containment portion located between the water entry portion and the water exit portion. A valve assembly is connected to the water exit portion of the tank. A flexible adaptor conduit is connected at one end to the water entry portion of the tank and is connectable at another end to a portion of a gutter down spout. A plurality of stakes are connected to a bottom portion of the water containment portion of the tank for fixing the tank to a portion of a ground surface. The water containment portion of the tank has a tank diameter and a hydrostatic-pressure-development height extending from a distal end portion of the water containment portion to the valve assembly. A ratio of the hydrostatic-pressure-development height to the tank diameter is equal to or greater than three.

Abstract: A procedure for the installation of clean room processing tools which require rough pumping equipment located in areas outside of the clean room. Instead of simultaneously installing and testing the pumping equipment and the processing tool, the pumping equipment is installed first along with its associated support services. Foreline piping, terminating in the proximity of the processing tool vacuum port is also installed and capped off at this time. Functional testing and qualification of the rough pumping equipment is done and then the processing tool is moved into place and connected to the pumping line on the clean room floor. This independent and sequential installation procedure reduces perturbations of on-going manufacturing activity in the clean room area and also minimizes the risk of costly damage to the processing tool by faulty, un-tested, pumping equipment.

Abstract: An automatic variable demand flow regulator regulates water flow into a building based on variable supply and demand pressures. The regulator is positioned between a building and a water supply meter for the building. The regulator includes a piston that moves in response to pressure at both the supply side and the demand side of the regulator, and the piston is brought to rest when equilibrium is reached and the supply side and demand side pressures are balanced. When demand is low the piston is in a closed position and flow through the regulator is minimal. When demand increases to a condition where flow through the supply side of the regulator cannot provide equal pressures on both the supply and demand sides, the piston will automatically move toward the demand side to convey additional water to the demand side until the pressures are equalized on both sides of the piston.

Abstract: A waste line stoppage detector and automatic water shutoff system is utilized to prevent the overflow of raw sewage from a plumbing fixture. Electronic shutoff valves are electronically connected to a waste line stoppage detector. One application involves using an electronic waste line stoppage detector. Another application involves using a diaphragm and switch waste line stoppage. A further application involves using a float ball and switch waste line stoppage detector.

Abstract: A retractable garden hose apparatus (10) comprising a reel assembly (12) mounted to a ceiling joist (14) within a basement (16) adjacent an exterior wall (18) of a building (20). A facility (22) is for fluidly coupling a first end of a garden hose (24) in the reel assembly (12), when the garden hose (24) is wrapped within the reel assembly (12). A funnel shaped sleeve (26) is connected between the reel assembly (12) and an aperture (28) in the exterior wall (18) of the building (20), so that the funnel shaped sleeve (26) will guide the garden hose (24) through the aperture (28) in the exterior wall (18) of the building (20). An outdoor enclosure (30) is mounted to the exterior wall (18) of the building (20) at the aperture (28). The enclosure (30) has a rear opening (32) in alignment with the aperture (28) in the exterior wall (18), so that a second free end of the garden hose (24) extending therethrough will be covered by the enclosure (30).

Abstract: A sewer relief valve (40) made out of a durable plastic material comprises: a raised head or float housing (52) that serves as a gripping means during it's removal and installation; said housing (52) has male threads (53) which circumference the lower vertical exterior of said float housing (52); said housing (52) surrounding a central passageway (58) through which a hydrostatic pressure relieving float (54) may pass unobstructed; a cap (50) attached to an upper portion of float (54) effectively sealing said central passageway (58) and cosmetically dressing up said float housing (52) of said sewer relief valve (40) to give it the appearance of a conventional raised head plug (28).

Abstract: A vacuum generating device, such as a wet/dry vacuum, is attached to a faucet by an attachment member. The attachment member includes a faucet connector, for connecting to the faucet, and a vacuum connector, for connecting to the vacuum generating device. The faucet connector and vacuum connector are fluidly connected by a conduit. The method for draining plumbing lines includes the step of shutting off the external supply of water to the plumbing lines. The vacuum generating device is then connected to a first faucet, and the valve to the first faucet is opened. The vacuum generating device is then activated and the valves to the remaining faucets are opened in order to create a pressure differential in the plumbing lines. The pressure differential causes water in the lines to flow into the vacuum generating device.

Abstract: A downspout water conservation diversion adaptor is provided for insertion within the lower part of an upstanding downspout and is selectively operable to divert water flowing downward through the downspout laterally outwardly of the adaptor and along a building wall outwardly beyond which a roof eaves projects for irrigation of ground vegetation disposed beneath the eaves. The adaptor is constructed to automatically bypass excess water flowing downwardly to the adaptor, in excess of that water which may be laterally outwardly directed from the adaptor, in a manner such that the excess water is discharged from the bottom of the downspout.

Abstract: A waste line stoppage detector and automatic water shutoff system is utilized to prevent the overflow of raw sewage from a plumbing fixture. Electronic shutoff valves are electronically connected to a waste line stoppage detector. One application involves using an electronic waste line stoppage detector. Another application involves using a diaphragm and switch waste line stoppage. A further application involves using a float ball and switch waste line stoppage detector.

Abstract: The device comprises a branch collar suitable for fitting onto a down pipe and having an orifice coinciding with an orifice in the side of the down pipe, the orifices allowing for the insertion of an elastic scoop which, once in the pipe, will adapt to all or part of the inside of wall of the pipe. The scoop is extended by a valve body secured to the branch collar grooves and projections.

Abstract: A supply unit with a structural-tubing-type supply beam fastened to a ceiling with supply lines and with a carriage displaceable along the supply beam with a support device for medical treatment instruments. The line routing of the supply lines is extensively hidden, without the displaceability of the carriage being reduced. The supply lines are guided freely displaceably in the form of a loop within the supply beam, and they are deflected via a tube guide to the support device, and that partial lengths L.sub.1 and L .sub.2 of the supply lines within the supply beam are selected to be such that they correspond to a predetermined movement of the carriage.

Abstract: An overflow tray for use with a water containing appliance. The overflow tray comprises a base for receiving and supporting a water containing appliance. A plurality of walls extend transversely from the base to define a watertight container. One of the walls has a pair of end portions cooperating with the base to define a frame. Each end portion connects a respective one of a pair of the walls to the base. Each end portion has a length greater than the thickness of a connected wall to reinforce and strengthen the connected wall adjacent the one wall. The one wall further includes a removable gate receivable in the frame and extendable between the end portions. A groove is located in one of the removable gate and the frame. A projection is located on the other of the removable gate and the frame for receipt in the groove and engagement with an elastomeric seal to form a watertight seal in the one wall.

Abstract: A fresh water control system comprises a fresh water supply line having a plurality of spaced outlets. At least first and second fresh water manifolds are provided. Each manifold comprises an inlet in flow communication with an associated one of the outlets and at least a first remotely operable valve for selectively supplying fresh water to a remote fixture. At least first and second check valves are provided. The check valves are intermediate the supply line outlets. Each of the check valves permits fresh water to flow therebeyond in a first direction while preventing water from flowing therebeyond in an opposite second direction.

Abstract: A pressure coupling for facilitating connection of an air pump with a water faucet to expel water from water lines connected with the faucet by operation of the air pump. In a preferred embodiment the pressure coupling includes a valve stem threadably seated in a metal cap which threads on the spout of the faucet. The hose of a manual or automatic air pump is threaded on the valve stem to pump air from the air pump into the faucet and through the water pipes connected to the faucet to clear the pipes of water and prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting in freezing weather.

Abstract: A winterizing system (10) for underground sprinkler systems which can be newly installed during the sprinkler system installation, or can be utilized as a retrofit design, having a single valve means (13) and a drive shaft (19) to allow winterization completely from the exterior of building structure (50). Drive shaft (19), which may be flexible for most retrofit installations, is mounted such that it is accessible from the exterior. Upon manipulation of drive shaft (19) inlet port (14) and drain port (16), with connected drain line (24), can be opened and closed by a technician without entrance into building structure (50). Additional features include backflow prevention devices, tamper-proof drive shaft keys, and special connectors.

Abstract: A food and beverage serving apparatus that comprises multiple separate serving stations and a connecting superstructure all prefabricated to facilitate installation in an existing building's food service area with the serving stations spaced apart in a predetermined arrangement forming separate serving locations and the superstructure providing a means of unobtrusively routing utility connections, e.g., electricity, natural gas, water, etc., from remote utility sources to the serving stations, thereby enabling demolition or structural modification of the building area to be minimized and installation of the apparatus to be simplified.

Abstract: A winterizing system (10) for underground sprinkler systems which can be newly installed during the sprinkler system installation, or can be utilized as a retrofit design, having a single valve means (13) and a drive shaft (19) to allow winterization completely from the exterior of building structure (50). Drive shaft (19), which may be flexible for most retrofit installations, is mounted such that it is accessible from the exterior. Upon manipulation of drive shaft (19) inlet port (14) and drain port (16), with connected drain line (24), can be opened and closed by a technician without entrance into building structure (50). Additional features include backflow prevention devices, tamper-proof drive shaft keys, and special connectors.

Abstract: A device for collecting fluid accumulating above a suspended ceiling. The invention comprising a receptacle for collecting the fluid, a hose for redirecting the fluid and a connection means to couple the receptacle and hose and to operative engagement with one another. The receptacle is formed from a contiguous wall forming an interior well portion and terminating in a drain. The upper portion of the receptacle is bounded by a rim. A flange portion is associated with at least two opposing sides of the receptacle. The receptacle is installed on the grid structure of a suspended ceiling by first removing a removable ceiling tile from the grid structure and placing the inventive receptacle into operative engagement with the grid structure. The flange rests on the platform of the grid structure provided for support of the ceiling tiles.

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: An underground water storage reservoir has a molded tank of attachable upper and lower bodies, the bodies being of common geometry nestable for storage and transportation prior to installation, the installed reservoir co-acting with a precipitation receiving roof of a building, water inlet, conduits, valve and overflow, controllable pump and a sump to utilize water from the reservoir.

Abstract: A water freeze prevention device is provided and includes a mechanism that is installed between a water meter and incoming water pipes to drain the water pipes to prevent the water pipes from freezing during severe cold weather conditions.

Abstract: A waste water disposal system for a building which saves and recycles the grey waste water for lawn and plant irrigation. The system includes interconnected waste water pipes containing two separate passageways, one for reusable grey water and the other for sewer water, and three different types of T-fittings used with the two passageway waste water pipes, each T-fitting designed to interconnect two axially aligned waste water pipes and having an offset opening to one of the waste water passageways in the fitting, one type of T-fitting designed to discharge sewer water into the sewer water passageway in the fitting, the second type designed to discharge grey water into the grey water passageway of the fitting, and the third type designed to vent to the atmosphere both passageways in the fitting.

Abstract: A water and sewerage system for a construction, has at least one water consumer, at least one water supply pipe adapted to supply water from a water source to the water consumer, at least one water drainage pipe adapted to drain water from said consumer to a sewage reservoir and the like, a water level sensor cooperating with the water drainage pipe so as to sense when water reaches a predetermined level in the water drainage pipe, and at least one water supply interrupting element cooperating with the water supply pipe and connected with the water level sensor so that when water in the water drainage pipe reaches the predetermined level the sensor sends a signal to the water supply interrupting element and the water supply interrupting element interrupts water supply in the water supply pipe.

Abstract: A vent for relieving pressure in a sewage collection system for buildings characterized by a buoyant float-closure which will easily open in response to fluid pressure to permit escape of gas or liquid from the system upon the build-up in the system of minimum pressure in excess of atmospheric pressure. The float closure is mounted in a threaded plug which is adapted to replace the conventional clean-out plug on the exterior of the building.

Abstract: One or more plastic funnel sheets, attachable to any type of ceiling structure, are positioned and attached beneath each drip location. The funnel sheets each have flexible tubing networked together and fed into a special receptacle for temporary storage of the collected fluids. The receptacle has a gauge which indicates fluid depth in the receptacle.

Abstract: A pinch valve control system for regulating the flow of water through the water distribution network of a building. Remote-controlled, fluid-operated pinch valves are spaced at various locations throughout the water distribution network of the building and may be selectively operated from a remote station to stop the flow of water in any pipe throughout the building's water distribution network. The use of pinch valves permits water flow to be increased or decreased gradually and reduces or eliminates water hammer. The pinch valve is operated by compressed fluid which enters the sleeve around the pinch valve to stop the flow of water in the pipe. To resume the water flow, the fluid in the pinch valve is released.

Abstract: Described is a preferred fluid flow diverter, such as a rainwater diverter, having an outer duct, and an inner duct within said outer duct and defining a reservoir to collect fluid. The diverter also includes a drainage duct extending from the reservoir to the exterior of the outer duct. The inner duct has a bypass opening at a height above the drainage duct. In this manner, fluid flowing into the inner duct is diverted through the drainage duct, and excess fluid unable to flow through the drainage duct (e.g. during heavy rains) accumulates in the inner duct to the height of the bypass opening and then excess fluid not retainable by the reservoir flows through the bypass opening and is exhausted through the outer duct. Also described are a rainwater diversion apparatus and method incorporating the preferred fluid flow diverter.

Abstract: A medical supply unit with a height-adjustable connection head, e.g., in the form of a ceiling-mounted supply unit or ceiling lamp, is able to receive a working device, e.g., an anesthesiological apparatus, while ensuring reliable coupling for this purpose, so that the user will be able to perform a procedure reliably, with the working device being correctly connected. This is made possible by a coupling part 34 equipped with guide faces 35, with which a receiving part 14 engages, which is provided with complementarily extending receiving jaws 15 and which actuates--in the case of correctly fitting engagement--electrical contacts 18, such that the control elements 10 provided on a control panel 9 for height adjustment of the connection head 1 and/or for supplying the working device 30 with the media needed for operation are released.

Abstract: A pinch valve control system for regulating the flow of water through the water distribution network of a building. Remote-controlled, fluid-operated pinch valves are spaced at various locations throughout the water distribution network of the building and may be selectively operated from a remote station to stop the flow of water in any pipe throughout the building's water distribution network. The use of pinch valves permits water flow to be increased or decreased gradually and reduces or eliminates water hammer. The pinch valve is operated by compressed fluid which enters the sleeve around the pinch valve to stop the flow of water in the pipe. To resume the water flow, the fluid in the pinch valve is released.

Abstract: A waste water disposal system for a building which saves and recycles the grey waste water for lawn and plant irrigation. The system includes interconnected waste water pipes containing two separate passageways, one for reusable grey water and the other for sewer water, and three different types of T-fittings used with the two passageway waste water pipes, each T-fitting designed to interconnect two axially aligned waste water pipes and having an offset opening to one of the waste water passageways in the fitting, one type of T-fitting designed to discharge sewer water into the sewer water passageway in the fitting, the second type designed to discharge grey water into the grey water passageway of the fitting, and the third type designed to vent to the atmosphere both passageways in the fitting.

Abstract: A one-way check valve is positioned in a water line leading from a building to a water supply line or main so that the water line is divided into a first portion substantially disposed within the building and a second portion substantially disposed externally of the building. The valve retains water in the first water line portion in the event of a loss of water pressure in the second water line portion as may be caused, for example, by earthquake or other earth movement.

Abstract: A vehicle wash apparatus includes a reciprocating gantry-type framework with rotating fluid dispensers along an upper extent thereof and at opposite sides thereof which are adapted to be rotated to deliver washing fluid at the vehicle as the apparatus traverses the length of the vehicle. A tilt mechanism is provided so that the rotating manifolds acan be tilted at opposite ends of the vehicle to direct the cleaning fluid at the ends of the vehicle when the apparatus is positioned adjacent the ends of the vehicle. A unique bearing seal element supports the rotating manifolds on a rotatably driven coupling from a motor so that liquid can be delivered to the rotating manifolds in a leak-free environment and over an extended life. An ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material is utilized in bearing seal members in the element which serve both as a liquid seal and a bearing surface.

Abstract: A method of water supply for a building construction capable of preventing the deterioration of the water quality even when the water is not extracted over an extended period of time. The method includes the steps of: receiving water externally supplied to the building construction by a receiving reservoir; reserving the water received by the receiving reservoir by an upper reservoir located above the receiving reservoir; supplying the water through the water supply pipes leading the water from the upper reservoir to individual faucets located between the receiving reservoir and the upper reservoir from which the water can be extracted; and circulating the water in the water supply pipes by returning the water back to one of the receiving reservoir and the upper reservoir. The system performing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An emergency fresh water reservoir is provided for a building for use in emergencies, such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters in which municipal water supplies are cut off or rendered impure or unpotable. The emergency water reservoir of the invention also can be used to provide a supply of water in times of man made disasters, such as war or acts of terrorism or vandalism which can render municipal water supplies suspect or unusable. The emergency water reservoir is connected between a municipal water supply line and a hot water heater for a building. Water passes through the emergency water reservoir before reaching the hot water heater. Circulation of fresh water is assured and stagnancy of water is prevented during normal operation of a municipal water supply due to flow through the emergency water reservoir to replenish water in the hot water heater, as hot water is utilized in the building. In times of emergency water can be drawn directly from the emergency water supply.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a car wash which involves prefabricating a raceway equipped with lines and hoses for delivering car wash supplies to car washing equipment. This raceway is folded and transported to the car wash location where it is unfolded and connected to car wash equipment and sources for car wash supplies with a minimum of time, effort and trained personnel.

Abstract: A water management system is disclosed including a receptacle that is mounted to the roof of a building for collecting water runoff from the roof. There is an underground reservoir and a first conduit interconnects the receptacle and the reservoir for conducting runoff from the receptacle to the reservoir for storage therein. A second conduit is connected to the reservoir forming an outlet therefrom. The stored water is pumped out of the reservoir to the second conduit and is dispensed to irrigate a predetermined region.

Abstract: A filling station structure includes a canopy for covering a vehicle refueling area. A pair of fuel storage vessels are elevated above the ground and contain separate tanks for holding fuel to be dispensed to the vehicles. The fuel storage vessels are contiguous with the canopy to form an integrated, covered filling station with above-ground, elevated tanks.

Abstract: For freeze protection of a water line, a T fitting in the line is provided with a removable threaded bushing having a plug with radially projecting balls which engage J-shaped slots in the bushing to provide a bayonet joint. The plug is released when freezing conditions threaten by retraction of the balls in response to movement of a cam inside the plug by a thermal actuator also inside the plug.A check valve in the T fitting is closed automatically when the threaded bushing is removed.Modified versions include a plug having dual actuators in series, a plug combined with a flanged bushing for use in freeze protection of a compressor head, a plug combined with a valve to provide a snap-action drain valve with a more easily replaceable actuator assembly, and a plug using a water-filled glass vial as an actuator. A building protection system and a locomotive coolant system both use freeze protection devices in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A condensate-collecting ceiling for water tower facilities and the like is made up of a plurality of supporting members such as rods, tubes, pipes or the like which extend from a central locus or axis such as a tension ring or riser pipe to a periphal wall and have a waterproof flexible membrane draped thereover to form valleys or channels therebetween for draining condensate therefrom into central or peripheral drain pipes.

Abstract: A rectangular plastic sheet member is provided with adhesive fastenings at its four corners so that it can be secured to a ceiling underlying a leak. A light flexible plastic tube passes from the center of the sheet to an out of the way location for continuously draining collected water from the sheet. The sheet member is light and easily shored. When in use, it will not obstruct the floor. It provides a "poor man's" solution for temporarily stopping leaks from damaging a room area.

Abstract: A termite control system utilizing an underground tube associated with underground or ground contacting foundation components of a building with the tube having discharge openings by which an insecticide may be discharged into ground areas adjacent the foundation of a building or the like for control of subterranean termites. In one embodiment, the tube system is associated with a posted or pier construction supporting a wood or composite floor. In a second other embodiment, the tube system encircles a pole-type foundation or support. In a third embodiment of the invention, the tube system is associated with a retaining bearing wall which has backfill dirt associated therewith. In each embodiment, the tubes are provided with radial slits to discharge insecticide therefrom with at least one end of the tube or tubes extending to a position accessible from a point above ground level to enable insecticide to be pumped into the tubes under predetermined pressure.

Abstract: Discharge water from a building, e.g., rainwater discharged from downspouts or groundwater discharged from sump pumps, is carried away from the building in an underground pipe to an aboveground discharge outlet, said discharge operating only when the pipes are full of water and under pressure from the inlet. The underground pipe extends for a substantial distance away from the building and either turns upwardly to the aboveground discharge outlet; or empties into an underground tank which bleeds water downward into the surrounding earth through a porous bottom surface, and communicates water upward through its upper surface with the aboveground outlet.

Abstract: A novel device for the control of flooding from drainage system overflow and a method of use are disclosed. The device is useful for limiting overflow from drainage structures, such as a sump well or sewer drain. The device includes at least one container segment that defines an enclosure for retaining excess flood water. The device also includes a cover and means for removably mounting the cover on the top of the container segment. Transition means are also provided to sealingly connect the container segment with an element below the container segment. In accordance with a method aspect of this invention, a flood control installation is made by attaching the device to an apron defining the opening about the well.

Abstract: A temperature actuated drain system is provided that comprises a siphon that has an inlet end for immersing in a pool of water to be drained from a roof surface and a discharge end communicating with a pressure-responsive one-way valve. A solar actuated enclosed chamber that contains a solar heat energy collector is located on the roof surface and is in open communication with the siphon by means of a tubular member that has its inlet end positioned closely adjacent the bottom of the interior of the chamber. The arrangement causes any appreciable amounts of water that accumulate within the chamber to be discharged from the chamber during the pumping action created by the heating and cooling of air within the chamber.

Abstract: An improved sewer relief valve which is vandal-proof and automatically opens responsive to a back flow of sewage and drain water within a plumbing system.

Abstract: An improved removable condensate collector for elevated water storage facilities includes a membrane attached to the walls of such elevated water storage facility and positioned to prevent condensate from falling onto structures located at or near the bottom of the facility from a water storage container located at or near the top of the facility. The membrane can be frusto-conical in shape with the apex thereof located above or below the base, or can be horizontally disposed within the facility. The membrane is strengthened to support collected water thereon, until evaporation and ventilation remove that water from the storage facility.

Abstract: Apparatus for siphoning liquid such as water which accumulates in a ponding area (16) located on a flat roof (12) to a drain (14) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first liquid conduit (21) which has one end (58) in the accumulated water and a second end (52) in drain (14). A reservoir (26) (64) accumulates a selected volume of water which is transferred from the reservoir (26) (64) by a second liquid conduit (38) to the first liquid conduit (21) such that the first liquid conduit (21) is completely filled with water suitable for initiating siphoning action of the water in ponding area (16) to drain (14). A means for controlling the flow of liquid from reservoir (26) (64) to first conduit (21) such as float valve (36) is included such that there is no transfer of liquid from reservoir 26 to first liquid conduit 21 until the selected volume of water has accumulated.

Abstract: A removable condensate collector for elevated water storage facilities includes a membrane attached to the walls of such elevated water storage facility and positioned to prevent condensate from falling onto structures located at or near the bottom of the facility from a water storage container located at or near the top of the facility. The membrane can be frusto-conical in shape with the apex thereof located above or below the base, or can be horizontally disposed within the facility.

Abstract: A dust valve for the discharge line of a dust collection system includes a removable closet with two wear surfaces and a coacting removable valve door with two wear surfaces mounted within the valve body. Once the coacting wear surfaces on the closet and the door are sufficiently worn that they need replacement, each element can be disconnected from its supporting structure, inverted, and then reconnected to the valve body so as to expose a new wear surface. The useful lives of these elements is thus doubled over conventional single wear surface closets and doors.

Abstract: An improved sewer relief valve which is vandal-proof and automatically opens responsive to a back flow of sewage and drain water within a plumbing system.