Abstract: A system for injecting an injection fluid into a pipeline includes an injection pump, a timer for initiating sequencing of the pump, a control valve for controlling the flow of pressurized fluid to power the injection pump, a controller for controlling operation of the control valve, and an electric motor responsive to the controller for rotating a cam on the motor shaft to open and close the control valve. The injected fluid may be methanol, so that the system automatically injects methanol into a pipeline which transmits natural gas. In one embodiment, the system includes a temperature sensor and a flow sensor for inputting signals to the controller.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a household water supply incorporating motion-sensing for determining whether a house is occupied, provides protection of structures and fixtures from water damage due to plumbing failure or other causes. The household water supply is shut-off in conformity with a determination that the household is unoccupied and thereby provides automatic protection from water damage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve assembly for use in below freezing conditions which includes a valve housing with a connection to a supply of fluid, and a primary chamber, and a secondary chamber, and a flexible diaphragm, and an equalisation port, and a safety port the valve assembly characterised in that has a safety port associated with the secondary chamber wherein the safety port is configured to have a lower flow-rate than that through the equalisation port.

Abstract: A dripper apparatus for a water spigot includes a coupler having a threaded female member for connecting to a water spigot. A generally cylindrical elongate member has a longitudinal portion in fluid communication with the female member. The longitudinal portion has an upper portion that defines a seat within the female member. A flow controller sits on the seat. A filter screen upstream the flow controller collects particles in water flowing therethrough so that the controller does not become clogged. The flow controller includes a housing that is provided with an upper inlet for receiving a first flow rate of water from a water spigot. The housing also includes a cavity therewithin and the cavity is in fluid contact with the upper inlet. A flexible membrane is housed within the cavity and floats when water enters the cavity via the upper inlet. The upper inlet is slotted at the top thereof for further filtering water flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant is provided that has an elongated inlet pipe comprised of a hollow tube. The tube is connected to a valve and fitting assembly on its inner end for connection to a source of water under pressure. On the outer end, the tube is connected to an adjusting element with an outlet port that is associated with the valve and fitting assembly to open or close the tube to fluid flow and allow for fluid flow out of the tube when the valve is in the open position. The tube is comprised of a flexible material that enlarges in diameter in an area along its length when it is subjected to trapped fluid therein under high pressure so that the tube will not rupture. The tube returns to its normal diameter after the high fluid pressure therein is abated.

Abstract: A water flushing system for a pressurized subterranean water distribution system includes an inlet conduit for receiving pressurized water from the subterranean water distribution system; an outlet fluidly connected to the inlet conduit for discharging pressurized water in the inlet conduit downwardly towards a drain; and a control valve for controlling the flow of pressurized water in the inlet conduit. The water flushing system further includes one or more of the following features: a freeze protection assembly, a detachable coupling system, a dechlorination system, and a backflow prevention system.

Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a fluid inlet end connected to a source of pressurized water, and a fluid outlet end. A check valve is placed in the bore of the valve body and is spring loaded to open only when extreme water pressure within the inlet valve lifts a spring loaded piston element to permit the highly pressurized water to move through the bore in the valve body and be relieved as it escapes rearwardly into the original source of pressurized water.

Abstract: A washer system which includes a first reservoir containing a freezable washer liquid and having a drain port therein. The drain port is in fluid communication with the freezable washer liquid when the first reservoir is in at least a full state. The washer system also includes a temperature sensor for measuring a critical temperature corresponding to approximately a freezing temperature of the freezable washer liquid, a drain plug sealingly communicating with the drain port, and an electrical control unit in operative communication with the temperature sensor and the drain plug. The electrical control unit controls the drain plug to drain the liquid from the first reservoir in response to the critical temperature.

Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a normally horizontal fluid inlet tube with an interior end and exterior end. A hollow valve fitting is rigidly secured to the interior end of the inlet tube for a connection to a source of pressurized fluid. A valve seat is located on an interior end of the valve fitting. An elongated hollow tube of a diameter less than the interior diameter of the inlet tube is positioned on the center line of the inlet tube and has inner and outer ends. A plug is rigidly secured to the inner end of the tube to close the inner end for fluid flow. A normally closed check valve is movably mounted in the tube to engage a valve seat on the plug, to open the tube for fluid therein under conditions of high fluid pressure in the inlet tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow control apparatus and method. In accordance with the present invention, the flow control apparatus comprises a thermostat that automatically actuates valve to enable water to flow through the valve when the temperature of the air or water is at or near the freezing temperature of water (32° F.). When the temperature of the air or water rises above freezing, the thermostat causes the valve to close, thereby preventing water from flowing through the valve. Therefore, when the apparatus is coupled to an end of a water conduit, such as a water spigot or hose, water is allowed to flow through the conduit when the air or water temperature is at or near freezing to prevent the conduit from bursting due to water freezing and expanding within the conduit.

Abstract: A dripper apparatus for a water spigot includes a coupler having a threaded female member for connecting to a water spigot. A generally cylindrical elongate member has a longitudinal portion in fluid communication with the female member. The longitudinal portion has an upper portion that defines a seat within the female member. A flow controller sits on the seat. A filter screen upstream the flow controller collects particles in water flowing therethrough so that the controller does not become clogged. The flow controller includes a housing that is provided with an upper inlet for receiving a first flow rate of water from a water spigot. The housing also includes a cavity therewithin and the cavity is in fluid contact with the upper inlet. A flexible membrane is housed within the cavity and floats when water enters the cavity via the upper inlet. The upper inlet is slotted at the top thereof for further filtering water flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a household water supply provides protection of structures and fixtures from water damage due to plumbing failure or other causes. The household water supply is shut-off in conformity with a determination that the household is unoccupied and thereby provides automatic protection from water damage.

Abstract: In installations with water circuits such as domestic hot water or hydronic heating circuits a circulator pump is connected with a temperature sensor which energizes the pump as soon as the temperature of the water in the system falls below a predetermined temperature close to freezing.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to prevent outer taps from being damaged by the effects of frost. To this end, the invention provides a heating device for heating a tap (1) with an electrothermal converter (2) means. Said heating device is mounted in or on the tap. The invention also relates to a valve device in which a heating means can be plugged into a corresponding socket (11), thereby effectively preventing the tap from freezing.

Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a fluid inlet end connected to a source of pressurized water, and a fluid outlet end. A check valve is placed in the bore of the valve body and is spring loaded to open only when extreme water pressure within the inlet valve lifts a spring loaded piston element to permit the highly pressurized water to move through the bore in the valve body and be relieved as it escapes rearwardly into the original source of pressurized water.

Abstract: A washer system which includes a first reservoir containing a freezable washer liquid and having a drain port therein. The drain port is in fluid communication with the freezable washer liquid when the first reservoir is in at least a full state. The washer system also includes a temperature sensor for measuring a critical temperature corresponding to approximately a freezing temperature of the freezable washer liquid, a drain plug sealingly communicating with the drain port, and an electrical control unit in operative communication with the temperature sensor and the drain plug. The electrical control unit controls the drain plug to drain the liquid from the first reservoir in response to the critical temperature.

Abstract: A novel shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator which responds to changes in ambient temperature. The actuator is capable of operating bidirectionally over a smaller temperature range than conventional SMA actuators by taking advantage of the R-phase characteristics of the SMA material. A coiled SMA spring 14 is provided with an enabled R-phase by limiting recoverable strain in the SMA material to less than about 1 percent. The force of the SMA spring 14 is counteracted by a non-SMA spring 15. The stronger of the two springs 14, 15 controls the position of an actuating element 13, with SMA spring 14 being the stronger spring while in its austenitic phase and being the weaker spring while in its R-phase. Triggering the actuator with entry into the R-phase rather than the martensitic phase during cooling reduces the hysteresis normally associated with an SMA actuator, allowing the actuator to react bidirectionally to smaller changes in ambient temperature.

Abstract: A cap assembly for providing continuous drip to a faucet exposed to freezing temperatures such as a faucet located outside a house. The cap assembly includes a cap member adapted to be mounted over the end of a faucet, which cap member includes a cylindrical wall portion and a closed end portion having an opening therein. The cap assembly includes an internal annular ridge which is adapted to receive a flow disc within the ridge, which flow disc includes an opening which is non-aligned with the opening in the closed end portion of the cap in order to create a dripping action. A rubber washer is positioned in sealing engagement with the internal annular ridge and the flow disc. A filter member is located within the rubber washer such that, upon mounting of the cap assembly over the end portion of a faucet, a continuous dripping flow through the cap assembly may be provided in order to prevent water within the faucet or within piping leading to the faucet from freezing.

Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant/faucet has an inlet pipe with one end connected to a source of pressurized water, a water discharge conduit, and an elongated control rod extending through the inlet pipe to open and close a fluid valve. A bore is inserted through the fluid valve with the bore being in communication with both the source of pressurized water and the interior portion of the inlet pipe. A check valve is placed in the bore of the valve body to open only when extreme water pressure within the inlet valve moves a seated ball to permit the highly pressurized water to move through the bore in the valve body and be relieved as it escapes rearwardly into the original source of pressurized water.

Abstract: A fuel vapor control apparatus halts deterioration in operating characteristics of a fuel control valve at the time of fuel supply and prevents fuel vapor from being discharged into the atmosphere through a filler pipe. The fuel vapor control apparatus prohibits fuel vapor from flowing toward a filler pipe by closing a fuel drop passage at the time of fuel supply. A fuel vapor control valve is configured as a diaphragm valve made of a flexible material, and a diaphragm holder moving integrally with the diaphragm valve is provided at the center thereof. Furthermore, the fuel drop passage as a communication hole is formed in the diaphragm portion at a location radially outward of the diaphragm holder, which is provided with an umbrella portion for opening and closing the fuel drop passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing freezing of interior water pipes. A thermal switch is attached to a hot and/or cold water supply pipe in a remote location that is prone to freezing in cold weather. The thermal switch electrically communicates with a power source and with a solenoid-actuated valve. The solenoid-actuated valve is located in a conduit communicating the outlet of the water pipe adjacent a water usage station with the water outlet of a fixture located at the water usage station. This conduit is separate from the existing supply line communicating the outlet of the water pipe with the fixture and does not, therefore, interfere with the normal operation of the fixture.

Abstract: According to the present invention, water regulation assemblies disposed in the water supply path of conventional fixtures are modified to include a pressure relief assembly which permits release of water under elevated pressures. A normal shut-off seal included in the water regulation assembly may be modified to release water in response to elevated pressure even when the seal is placed in a shut-off position. In particular, mating components included in the seal assembly are modified to separate at the elevated pressure. The seal may also be by-passed by a pressure relief water path which opens in response to elevated pressures. These features permit relief of elevated pressure in water supply lines which might otherwise produce a burst event within the water supply lines. In sliding plate type faucets where a seal is created by pressing of two plates together, pressure relief according to the present invention is obtained by permitting separation of the plates under elevated pressure.

Abstract: According to the present invention, water regulation assemblies disposed in the water supply path of conventional fixtures are modified to include a pressure relief assembly which permits release of water under elevated pressures. A shut-off seal of a fixture is by-passed by a pressure relief water path which opens in response to elevated pressures. This permits relief of elevated pressure in water supply lines which might otherwise produce a burst event within the water supply lines. The path includes a stopper having a compressed channel that opens to release water at the elevated pressure.

Abstract: A freeze protection system for a car wash facility having a plurality of bays and having exposed water lines located in an area that is subjected to freezing temperatures. By using a temperature probe connected via a digital temperature meter to a microprocessor, the system will only operate when the temperature is lower than a pre-set value and will shut off when the temperature is higher than a pre-set value. When activated, a predetermined charge of antifreeze mist will purge the piping in each bay, leaving only a small residual of antifreeze. When a bay is used, the system is reactivated, purging only the bay that has been used. The system is easily adaptable to any number of bays or areas of piping that must be protected.

Abstract: According to the present invention, water regulation assemblies disposed in the water supply path of conventional fixtures are modified to include a pressure relief assembly which permits release of water under elevated pressures. A normal shut-off seal included in the water regulation assembly is modified to release water in response to elevated pressure even when the seal is placed in a shut-off position. This permits relief of elevated pressure in water supply lines which might otherwise produce a burst event within the water supply lines. Preferred modified shut-off seals include a washer having soft portions which deform to permit pressure relief by release of water past the shut-off seal in response to elevated pressure and a gasket including a region of reduced thickness which deforms in response to elevated water supply pressure thereby releasing water into the socket and relieving water supply line pressure.

Abstract: A water-activated alarm system, providing an alarm in the event of a water leak, includes a radio-frequency transmitting unit and a receiving unit and a number of safety features to ensure proper operation in the event of an emergency. The transmitting unit includes a flood detector having electrodes to be placed in a flood prone area, a tone encoder, for sending an encoded signal in the event of a flood, and means to provide visible and audible alarm indications, including a buzzer and a user-programmable digital voice circuit for identification of the area in which a flood occurs.

Abstract: For use with a watering trough fill control valve having float structure located to rise as water is filled into the trough via the valve, and to effect closing of the valve when the trough is filled to predetermined extent, the float structure located to fall as water level lowers in the trough, the float structure controlling a water inlet subject to freezing in closed position in winter, comprising an apparatus operatively connectible with the float structure for biasing the structure, so that it cannot completely close off ingress of water at the inlet as ambient temperature drops below water freezing level; the apparatus including a bimetallic control element.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve, e.g. a pressure vacuum breaker, includes a thermal expansion relief valve for protecting the control valve against damage due to freezing. The control valve has a valve body of rigid material and defines a main conduit. The thermal expansion relief valve has a relief valve body mounted to the main valve and defines a relief conduit in fluid communication with the main conduit, a valve element the moves within the relief conduit between a first sealing position in engagement with a valve seat to resist flow and a second position spaced from the valve seat to allow flow from the main conduit through the relief conduit, and a spring urging the valve element toward sealing position with a predetermined force selected to exceed normal operating pressure of the main valve and to lie below pressure damaging to the main valve. A thermal expansion valve for protecting fluid flow control valves, e.g. by retrofit, is also described.

Abstract: A fluidizing apparatus, such as a winterizing apparatus, and related method for preventing freezing of water in the water pipes of a dwelling. The apparatus includes a pump, an inlet line, an outlet line, a pressure switch, and an air compressor tank. The outlet line is connected to a faucet of the water pipes of the dwelling and the inlet line is positioned in a container of fluid, such as antifreeze. When a second faucet is opened, the pump is activated, and the pump will then cause antifreeze to flow from the container, through the inlet line, the pump, and the outlet line, and then into the faucet and through the water pipes of the dwelling. An associated air compressor tank is in fluid communication with the pressure switch and exit line, and cooperates with the pressure switch to maintain consistent pumping of the antifreeze. After antifreeze is in the pipes, a shut-off valve in the exit line is closed and/or the at least one valved water outlet is closed, which causes the pump to deactivate.

Abstract: A method to prevent freezing of water in a conduit that carries the water out of a building. The method uses a device that alternately accumulates the water in a container and then dumps it. The water is then carried to the outside of the building through a conduit. The water, being released in batches, does not have time to freeze in the conduit.

Abstract: The freezing of water pipes in a dwelling in cold climates is prevented by separating some of the cold water delivered to the dwelling and conducting that separated cold water into heat exchanging relationship with a hot water tank. The thus-warmed water is caused to flow through a cold water main of the dwelling whenever an outlet is automatically periodically opened by means of a temperature sensing valve unit connected to the outlet. The water flowing through the cold water main warms the water in branch lines and at the outlet to prevent that water from freezing.

Abstract: An electrically operated valve assembly having a plastic body with a solenoid coil attached for moving an armature valve member for effecting flow from the vale inlet to outlet. In one embodiment the armature is a pilot valve slidably movable in a guide over which the solenoid is received. A spring loaded check valve in the guide releases over pressure within the valving chamber. In another embodiment a spring loaded check valve in the body inlet passage releases over pressure to a bypass passage to the outlet. In a third embodiment a slug having a spring loaded poppet relief valve is welded over an opening in the inlet passage at generally right angles to the inlet fitting to provide direct relief of over pressure in the inlet.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to aid in the prevention of pipe freezing. This method utilizes fluid in motion to help pipes resist freezing. When initiated by the control circuit, fluid flows through the pipes to prevent freezing. The control system utilizes either a fixed duty cycle, a variable duty cycle, a duty cycle which can be selected or a temperature sensor. Other apparatus of this sort use the heat produced by electrical current to heat a pipe to prevent freezing. The method and apparatus described here utilizes fluid in motion to accomplish a similar task. This method is particularly suited for hot water circulating types of systems.

Abstract: A plumbing box mounted in fluid communication with fluid pipes within wall structure is arranged to provide for threaded bores for securement of the pipes thereto, with a front wall of the box or housing structure having a plug member frictionally retained within a front wall smooth bore. Upon freezing of fluid within the box structure, the plug member is displaced relative to the box indicating pipe freezing, with the plug member arranged with its cap portion coplanar with a wall surface for visual indication of a freezing condition within the pipe structure directed into the box.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for cold transfer. According to the invention, in an intermediate loop (2) a cold-bearing fluid being in diphasic form, that is, a homogeneous mixture of water and ice, for example. This fluid is heat exchanged, on the one hand with a primary source of cold, and on the other hand with the various secondary sources of heat represented by each enclosure (1) to be cooled. the invention is adaptable to the thermal control of a vinification process.

Abstract: A solar water heater absorber with controllable freeze damage is described, the absorber having removable heat absorbing panels attached on opposite sides to each riser, each panel having a flat portion to receive the sun's rays and a folded curved portion to reside next to the horizontal pipe riser. An elongated "C" clamp compressing the curved portion of both panels to the riser provides efficient heat conduction. The risers are arranged in a serpentine fashion with manifolds attaching appropriate adjacent ends and vertical freeze expansion pipes attaching to the manifolds through bridge pipes, one freeze expansion pipe at each end of the risers. At one end of each freeze expansion pipe is a test cap. Water flow through the bridge pipe is restricted by an internal plug with orifice, a reduced diameter bridge pipe, or an opening formed in the manifold or into connected freeze expansion pipes encompassed by the bridge pipe.

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: This invention relates to an anti-freeze separator assembly connected to a piece of equipment in outdoor freezing conditions in order to take a fluid, such as water, and treat same for subsequent disposal without freezing. The anti-freeze separator assembly includes 1) a main container housing; 2) a material retainer member mounted within the main container housing to receive and hold a treatment chemical therein; 3) an enclosure cap assembly releasably mounted on the main container housing; 4) a main fluid inlet assembly connected to the main container housing to transfer a fluid to be treated therein; and 5) a main discharge assembly connected to the main container housing to transfer a treat fluid therefrom. The main discharge assembly includes a discharge pipe member connected to a transfer pipe assembly with a diaphragm valve assembly therebetween.

Abstract: According to a method of preventing freezing in water piping there is arranged a non-return valve (3) upstream of the portion (1A) of the piping (1) which is to be protected, and a safety valve (4) downstream of this portion. The safety valve opens to allow the water to flow out and prevent freezing at a pressure increase of the water entrapped downstream of the non-return valve, the pressure increase occurring when the temperature falls from +4.degree. C. towards the freezing point. The invention also relates to a piping system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A heat exchanging or circulation apparatus comprising a system of conduits connected to an inlet and an outlet for circulating water or other practically incompressible liquid through the system, heat being transferred through the conduit walls, circulation through the apparatus being periodically shut-off, whereupon continued heat transfer through the conduit walls causes freezing of the liquid to ice in the conduits.

Abstract: The loading installation comprises a device for introducing and distributing charge material into a shaft furnace, this device being surmounted in ascending order, and in alignment with the central axis of the furnace, by a compensator, a valve housing, a lock chamber having a weighing system and a stand-by hopper. The lock chamber and the valve housing are suspended by means of several balances on a circular or polygonal horizontal supporting beam with the stand-by hopper resting on this beam. In turn, the supporting beam is carried by several vertical pillars with the pillars being carried by the head of the furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting pipes subjected to freezing temperatures. An electric circuit is provided with a switch that senses the ambient air temperature in the vicinity of a pipe to be tested. The switch is set to activate an alarm when the water in the pipe reaches about 4.degree. C. to about 5.degree. C. The electric circuit is contained within a housing that is perforated to permit the sensing of the ambient air temperature. The housing may be provided with velcro straps to secure the housing to a pipe to be tested.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve having an external valve body substantially cylindrical, with a bore therethrough positioned atop the exterior of the pipe, an internal stem portion movable within the bore within the valve body, including a tip for extruding in through a bore in the wall of the pipe, a piston member housed within the internal movable valve body movable from a first position locking fluid flow up through the internal body and a second position allowing fluid to enter the internal body and enter a drain port, a spring member intermediate the upper portion of the valve head and the internal body for biasing the piston member in a normally closed fluid bloding position, means on the valve body for imparting force on the upper portion of the internal member for driving the lower tip portion through the wall of a particular type of fluid flow pipe, and insulation means for housing the external valve and for insulating the valve from direct contact with the fluid flow line.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a water/air pumping system comprising essentially a substantially flat primary reservoir, a header tank and a pump. At least one reciprocating piston is powered through the tank. Eccentric drive cams are directly connected to the motor driven shaft and are connected to drive the pistons to pump water or air from the reservoir into the tank. A water and or air supply connection is horizontally connected to the reservoir and is provided with a water/air control valve proximate the reservoir. A tank discharge connector is connected to a water or air service system through the side wall of the tank externally thereof, above the motor driven shaft and its direct drive connection with the pistons for lubricating the driving mechanism. An air inlet valve is situated in the external wall of the primary reservoir beneath the piston intake so that the pump may pump either air or water.

Abstract: A system, utilizing an analog pulsed signal, is for monitoring the condition of a system, by way of illustration, a multi-circuit electrically heat-traced substrate. The system senses the temperature of the substrate at the end of a heat traced circuit, converts the temperature to a pulsed signal, and drives the pulsed signal along the heat tracing to the control and distribution panel for the heat tracing in direct opposition to the AC which powers the heat tracing. A receiver converts the pulsed signal to a digital temperature read-out. Utilization of an analog pulsed signal enables the system to be used in a multi-circuit system without interference or signal mixing from adjacent circuits.

Abstract: An improved sprinkler head (2) having a hollow housing (4) has a fluid inlet (5) for admitting water into housing (2). A drain valve (40) comprises an elongated flexible nipple (34) having an open upper end (35) and a closed lower end (36) having a normally closed drain passage (42). Nipple (34) is mounted in any drain port in housing (4). Whenever fluid pressures inside housing (4) increase above a first level, nipple (34) will have its walls bowed outwardly until the drain passage (42) is opened. Preferably, drain valve (40) is part of a check valve (30) which incorporates into it the structure of nipple (34).

Abstract: In an air conditioning system having a condensate tube interconnecting a condensate pan and a trap, a vent is provided in the condensate tube for relieving any internal pressure which would otherwise cause a restriction of condensate flow within the condensate tube.

Abstract: A brush for use in a self service car wash having an applicator head containing cleaning bristles and an elongated tubular handle adapted to bring wash fluids to the head. A relief valve is positioned in the handle which is designed to open when the fluid pressure in the handle exceeds a given value. A control valve is located between the relief valve and automatic fluid dispensing equipment for delivering fluids to the brush during a wash cycle. A bypass is provided in the control valve that permits water to drain into the handle when the control valve is closed, as for example between wash cycles. Pressure thus builds up in the handle behind the relief valve whereupon the valve periodically opens to relieve the pressure.

Abstract: A system for freeze protection of pipes is provided, comprising a cold water supply line, connected to a main water supply line at one end and to at least one cold water fixture at the other end; a hot water tank having an inlet and an outlet; a hot water tank inlet line, connected at one end to the cold water supply line, and at the other end to the hot water tank inlet; a hot water supply line, connected to the hot water tank outlet at one end and to at least one hot water fixture at the other end; at least one restrictive connection, connecting between the cold water supply line and the hot water supply line; and a circulating pump, connected in-line in a circuit comprising the cold water supply line, the hot water tank inlet line, the hot water tank, the hot water supply line and the restrictive connection.

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.