Abstract: A system for preventing flooding caused by blockages in the drain lines of appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and the like included a sealed connection between a washing machine drain line and the sewer line drain, further including a washing machine drain line inlet attachment to a housing, the inlet line connecting to the sewer drain line and to a sealed vent pipe connected to the sewer line drain above the inlet attachment, and including a C-shaped loop in fluid communication with the sewer drain line and containing a float actuated control valve adapted to cut off power to the washing machine upon actuation; a kit containing components of the system and methods of installing the system and kit.

Abstract: A water appliance including a water flow control unit for controlling a water flow. The control unit includes a flow restrictor and a leakage stop in serial fluid communication with the flow restrictor. The leakage stop cuts off the flow when a pressure difference between an inlet and an outlet of the flow restrictor is below a predetermined value.

Abstract: An auxiliary actuator for a toilet fill valve comprises a plunger oriented under an arm of the toilet fill valve to lift the arm to close the toilet fill valve when the plunger is in a raised position. A spring or hydraulic mechanism urges the plunger into the raised position. A solenoid mechanism is normally de-energized and engages a latching mechanism of the plunger when the plunger is in a lowered position. An electronic sensing circuit has at least one sensor and a power source. The electronic sensing circuit is electrically connected with the solenoid mechanism to energize the solenoid mechanism upon detection of a fault condition based on the input of the at least one sensor. Fault conditions may include a flush valve leak, a stuck-open flush valve, a plugged toilet, and a leaking fill valve.

Abstract: An improved fill valve has a pivot valve body that is pivotally suspended immediately below a float housing and is movable between two positions. In a first position, the pivot valve body blocks the flow of water from the float housing. In a second position, the pivot body allows the flow of water from the float housing. The pivot valve body has two top compartments, each separated from the other by a wall. The first compartment retains an amount of water in it. The second compartment functions as a water flow restriction apparatus and includes an upwardly-extending member for sealing off a check valve that is disposed within the bottom of the float housing. The fill valve also includes a pressure compensating drip emitter that allows water to trickle into the float housing at a very slow rate.

Abstract: A regulator unit for regulating a flap opening of a flap arranged in a mass flow line includes: an analyzer unit which is designed for providing an analysis signal on the basis of a predefined desired pressure difference and a difference between pressures upstream and downstream from the flap; a regulator which is designed for determining a trigger signal from the analysis signal according to a regulating characteristic; and a control element-regulating unit which is designed for regulating the flap opening of the flap in the mass flow line in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: A system and method for conditionally interfering with the operation of a conventional toilet tank fill valve prevents toilet overflow and conserves water. A single self-contained apparatus, located completely within the toilet tank, detects and prevents a toilet overflow and/or conserves water by conditionally interfering with or overriding the normal operation of a toilet tank fill valve to prevent a further flush. Exemplary illustrative non-limiting steps include removing the toilet tank lid to provide access to said toilet tank fill valve within the tank, manually snapping an assembly onto said fill valve protective cap, and automatically and conditionally actuating said assembly to cause the assembly to selectively interfere with or override the operation of said toilet tank fill valve. An exemplary illustrative non-limiting device comprises an attaching structure for manual attachment to said fill valve cap, and a control mechanism supported by said attaching structure.

Abstract: A system and method for conditionally interfering with the operation of a conventional toilet tank fill valve prevents toilet overflow and conserves water. A controller connected to a water level sensor detects abnormal toilet tank water level over time and conditionally interferes with the normal operation of a toilet tank fill valve assembly, thereby preventing a further flush. The overflow and water conservation feature can be designed into a fill valve at time of manufacture and/or added later by a plumber or end user.

Abstract: A vapor isolation valve includes a first chamber in fluid communication with a fuel tank and a second chamber disposed with respect to the first chamber. A diaphragm is disposed between the first and second chambers, has an orifice allowing fluid communication therebetween, and is moveable between a diaphragm open position and a diaphragm closed position. A third chamber is disposed adjacent the first chamber, relative to the diaphragm, and is in fluid communication with an exit passage. The diaphragm open position allows fluid communication between the first and third chambers, and the diaphragm closed position substantially restricts fluid communication therebetween. A pilot valve is disposed between the second and third chambers and is selectively moveable between a pilot open position configured to allow fluid communication between the second and third chambers and a pilot closed position configured to block fluid communication therebetween.

Abstract: A cut-off valve assembly for use with a toilet tank, includes a float within the toilet tank, a water retaining float guide within the toilet tank which allows the vertical travel of the float, the water retaining float guide having weep holes below the lowest travel of the float. The weep holes slowly release the retained water when the water in the tank is below the weep holes, a magnet within the toilet tank, affixed to the bottom of the float, and a magnetically activated cut-off valve for cutting off the water flow to the toilet tank when activated by the magnet. The magnet will activate the magnetically activated cut-off valve when the float is at the lowest travel. A preferred form of the cut-off valve assembly also includes a stem affixed to the float and extending downward from the float. The magnet is affixed to the bottom of the stem, and the magnet is affixed to the float through the stem. In a preferred form, a magnet housing is affixed to the bottom of the stem.

Abstract: A system to prevent an excess flow of water to a toilet tank in the event of a failure of a primary flow control assembly including a novel secondary shut-off valve which is automatically disposed into an initialized configuration upon completion of a normal flush cycle, but which is disposed into a closed configuration in the event of a failed flush cycle.

Abstract: A toilet overflow prevention device including an overflow valve assembly, a control valve and a water level sensor. The overflow valve assembly is configured to selectively permit a flow of water through the valve assembly from the tank to the bowl of an associated toilet. The water level sensor is configured to provide a control signal in response to detecting an above-normal water level within the bowl of the toilet. The control valve is configured to actuate the overflow valve assembly in response to a control signal from the water level sensor. Preferably, the overflow valve assembly is separate from the primary flush valve of the toilet and is located between the primary flush valve and the bowl of the toilet.

Abstract: A fail-safe fluid transfer control apparatus has full redundancy in the response to various inputs such as overfill probe signals, ground detection signals, and the like. Independent microprocessor controllers independently evaluate the inputs and each output control signals to close a respective relay when the inputs indicate that fluid transfer may commence. The relays are arranged in series such that both must be closed for a fluid transfer to commence. The control signals from each controller include a static signal and an alternating signal, both of which must be properly output to close its respective relay. Each controller monitors the state of each relay, and discontinues its control signals if either relay appears to be malfunctioning. Each controller runs an different, independently written firmware program to process the detected inputs to prevent a common firmware error.

Abstract: A toilet having a water inlet valve apparatus has a flush tank with a water inlet tube connecting from a water source into the flush tank. A water cutoff is attached to the water inlet tube and has a valve seat in a floating valve element positioned in the water inlet tube to seat in the valve seat responsive to water in the water inlet tube so that the water is cut off from entering the toilet tank when the valve element is seated in the valve seat. A removably attached ballcock valve assembly is removably attached to the water cutoff valve and water inlet tube and has a valve opening member positioned to hold the floating valve element in the water cutoff valve from the valve seat when the ballcock valve is attached to the water cutoff valve. Removing the ballcock valve from the water cutoff valve closes the water cutoff valve and stops the flow of water into the tank from the water inlet tube.

Abstract: A liquid retention system is disclosed which includes a tank for receiving and retaining a liquid, and including a filling port. A dispenser supplies liquid to the tank through a nozzle which engages the filling port. A pneumatic detection system is provided for fluidly measuring the liquid level state within the tank; i.e., determining whether or not the tank is full. An optical detection system is also provided, which cooperates with the pneumatic detection system, for optically measuring the liquid level state within the tank.

Abstract: The automatic shut off for stuck open flush valves in toilet water tanks and water saver device depicted herein consists of a simple mechanism for installation in the water tank of a conventional water flush toilet, underneath the ball float, to provide a time delay action so that the device will not operate during normal flushing operations, but will shut off water flow into the tank when an open, mal-functioning flush valve allows the tank to empty and water flow continously to waste. The system assembly consists of two cylinders, one within the other; actuated to separate by a coil spring, ball float and spring release mechanism; to force one cylinder, with toilet tank ball float adapter, upward; shutting off the water flow into the toilet tank.

Abstract: A refilling preventing system for a toilet tank, to prevent refilling of the tank in case of a leak, comprising: a receptacle in the tank in which the buoyant float of the fill valve is placed; a water filling conduit to fill the receptacle after a flush discharge; a plug closing the overflow tube, to cause a momentary vacuum at a flush conduit of the toilet bowl connected to the discharge opening of the toilet tank after a flush discharge and when the stopper is at a closing position; and a siphon conduit, operable by a lever mechanism, which is connected to the discharge opening and to said receptacle, that allows to flush the receptacle, after a flush discharge, by a siphon effect created by the vacuum at the flush conduit of the bowl. In case of a leak emptying the tank, the receptacle will remain filled and the buoyant float will be at its closing position impeding the fill valve to refill of the tank.

Abstract: A toilet water reservoir inlet and outlet control valve utilizing a float and hydraulic activator. Both function simultaneously. Whenever the user flushes the toilet he will activate such valve, which will open to fill the reservoir with water, and the hydraulic activator will close the water inlet after a preset amount of time whether or not the reservoir is full of water. Such a valve will cut the water supply to the reservoir either by the float or by the hydraulic activator and such a valve includes a control to disable it partially in case of a bad part within it. Such a valve will enable the control the pressure to itself in order to prolong its life, and such a valve includes an adjustment that will control the cycle of closing such valve.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained, automatic flow control and venting apparatus for the automatic interruption of liquid flowing into a liquid storage receptacle during the refilling process is disclosed wherein a dual-chambered, offset valve mechanism is controlled by the movement of a float assembly. A bi-directional lever member linked to the float assembly is used to control the movement of the valve mechanism between its open and closed positions. The apparatus also provides for the automatic release of air or vapor from within the receptacle during the refilling process and for the automatic checking of liquid backflow through the valve mechanism.

Abstract: A water conserving refill valve for a reservoir connected to a pressurized water supply. The valve includes a hollow body divided by a diaphragm into a first and second chamber and a hollow plunger extending through the diaphragm between the chambers. The first chamber communicates with the reservoir through a port and the second chamber selectively communicates with the reservoir through a relief valve. The plunger closes communication between the liquid supply and the first chamber while providing communication between the supply and the second chamber in a first position. In a second position, the plunger provides communication between the supply and the first chamber. The plunger is biased to the first position by a float lever. The reservoir includes a flush valve operated by a movable lever and the relief valve is connected to the movable lever to be opened when the flush valve is opened.

Abstract: A two stage float actuated shutoff valve for use in underground fuel storage tanks having a co-axial vapor recovery system utilizes a drop tube co-axially mounted within the storage tank fill pipe. Fuel flowing into the tank is passed through the drop tube which projects downwardly into the interior of the tank to a valve housing located at the lower end of the drop tube. Tubular floats slidably mounted on the drop tube within the tank independently operate pivoted flapper valves to a closed position within the valve housing, a lower float closing one valve flapper to block a major portion of the incoming fuel flow passage when the level of fuel in the storage tank reaches a predetermined first level and a second upper float closing a second flapper to completely close the flow passage when the level of fuel rises to a predetermined level about the first level. A float actuated locking arrangement for preventing inadvertent premature closing of either valve flapper is disclosed.

Abstract: A shut off valve assembly for preventing overfilling of an underground fuel storage tank or other storage tanks where the incoming flow is not metered, utilizes a two stage valve closure, the first stage closure signaling the tank is nearly filled to capacity and the second stage closure subsequently completely stopping flow into the tank.

Abstract: An emergency shut-off for a flush tank having a liquid replenishment valve is connected to the liquid replenishment valve for moving the valve to a closed position if liquid level in the tank has not reached a predetermined height within a predetermined time after the tank has been flushed. Broadly speaking, the emergency shut-off comprises a container, a buoy, and a valve connection mechanism. The container extends downward in the tank from at least the predetermined height and includes a valve for allowing liquid in the tank to enter the container and for allowing liquid within the container to egress into the tank at a predetermined rate. The buoy in the container raises and lowers with the liquid level in the container and contacts the valve connection mechanism when the liquid in the container is at a predetermined shut-off height. The valve connection mechanism is connected to the valve for closing the valve in response to contact by the buoy.

Abstract: The toilet tank automatic water flow shut off for stuck or defective flow valves and water saver device depicted herein consists of a simple mechanism for installation in a water tank of a conventional water flush toilet, underneath the ball float, to provide time delay action, for water shut off. To provide time delay action, so the device will not operate during normal flushing operations, a small hole is provided toward the bottom of a small water tank with an open top, that is located on the top of a sealed spring bellows assembly, that is restricted in vertical movement by the weight of the water in the small water tank. An exit for the air within the bellows assembly is provided by a small tube connected to the bottom of the air pocket within the bellows at one end, and extending upwardly to the air pocket above the top level of water in the toilet water tank.

Abstract: A method for controlling a system parameter based on controlling a setpoint for a process control variable includes measuring the rate of input to and output from a vessel. The difference between the input and output rates is determined to provide an expected rate of accumulation in the vessel. The actual rate of accumulation in the vessel is measured. The difference between the expected rate of accumulation and the actual rate of accumulation is determined to provide a bias term. A value for the setpoint for the process control variable is calculated by solving one of a material or energy balance equation which includes the bias term and a term representative of a predetermined time period during which the controlled parameter is to reach a desired value. The setpoint for the process control variable is then controlled based on the calculated setpoint value. An apparatus is disclosed for carrying out the disclosed method.

Abstract: A float controlled siphon discharge valve mechanism operates to drain water from a swimming pool cover, and includes a lever arm attached at one end to a hinge and having a float on the other end so that the lever is of the second or third type. A closure control is also included to sense for the presence of water immediately adjacent to the drain opening, and includes a spring loaded control arm connected to the lever arm to force the lever arm into a drain occluding position even if the float does not move that lever arm into such a position in order to ensure that the siphon is not broken even in the event that the float operation malfunctions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a liquid level control system which can be installed within an automatic pool reservoir surface skimmer or separately within or external of the reservoir which includes a primary float valve which allows liquid to flow into a pool reservoir when the level of fluid in the reservoir falls below a first predetermined level and a secondary float valve associated with the primary flow valve which shuts off the flow of liquid into the pool reservoir when the level of the liquid exceeds a second predetermined level which is higher in elevation than the first predetermined level. The primary float valve continually operates between open and closed states. The secondary valve is normally in an open state and when caused to change to a closed state remains in a closed state until manually reset. A flow valve is included which terminates flow from the source of the liquid under pressure to the reservoir through the liquid level control system when a normally expected flow rate is exceeded.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a liquid level control system which includes a primary float valve which allows liquid to flow into a pool reservoir when the level of fluid in the reservoir is below a first predetermined level and a secondary float valve associated with the primary flow valve which shuts off the flow of fluid into the pool reservoir when the level of liquid in the pool reservoir exceeds a second predetermined level which is higher in elevation than the first predetermined level. The primary valve continually operates between open and closed states. The secondary valve is normally in an open state and when it is caused to go to a closed state it remains closed until it is manually reset.